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Formula One: Porsche Pirelli Supercup to compete at US Grand Prix

29 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS- The Porsche Pirelli Supercup, the worlds fastest international single-marque sports car series, will compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a support event during the inaugural SAP United States Grand Prix in September.

The 11th and final round of the Porsche Pirelli Supercup season will take place on the 2.606-mile (4.193-km) road course at Indianapolis. The time and date of the race will be announced in the future. The SAP United States Grand Prix takes place from Sept. 22-24.

"Were pleased that the Porsche Pirelli Supercup series will compete at the Speedway during the inaugural United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis," said Tony George, president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The close, high-speed competition provided by this elite sports car series will thrill fans and will enhance the traditions that we are building with this new event."

The Porsche Pirelli Supercup, now in its eighth season, is the only GT racing series to run exclusively as a support series to the Formula 1 World Championship. Drivers compete in technically identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup sports cars in sprint races of approximately 43.5 miles (70 km).

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars have 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engines that produce 370 horsepower and propel the cars from 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 4.2 seconds. The cars have an adjustable rear wing, front spoilers and side sills. Pirelli provides every vehicle with two sets of identical racing tires per event.

This formula ensures close competition that places a premium on driving skill.

"The United States of America is one of the most important markets for Porsche AG," said Horst Marchart, director of the board for research and development at Porsche. "For us, the Porsche Pirelli Supercup is an important marketing instrument. Running our near-standard racing sports car, the 911 GT3 Cup, in the worlds fastest international makes cup proves our competence, our orientation to competition and above all, that every Porsche sports car is a racing car at its core."

Patrick Huisman of the Netherlands has won the last three season titles in the Porsche Pirelli Supercup, an unprecedented feat. Huisman leads the point standings this season after five races.

Other drivers in the Porsche Pirelli Supercup this year include former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Stephane Ortelli, winner of the most recent round at Monaco, and two-time Indianapolis 500 starter Alessandro Zampedri.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.