Guy Cosmo Petit Le Mans Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: johnt@c2group.com Guy Cosmo And B-K Motorsport Mazda Almost Flawless at Petit Le Mans Making their re-entry into the American Le Mans Series at the 9th running of the Petit Le Mans 1000 mile event at Road Atlanta, B-K Motorsports had everything right but for a pesky alternator belt that didn't want to cooperate. Running as high as third in class throughout the 10 hour event, Cosmo and company had high hopes for the #8 Road & Track / Kumho Tire Mazda. "Our Road & Track Mazda had a nearly flawless run going this week," noted Guy Cosmo. "B-K Motorsports did an incredible job repairing this car from the damage it suffered at Lime Rock earlier this season. The car really ran like a champ today. Petit Le Man is one of three extended endurance races in the American Le Mans and is considered the crown jewel along side the 12 Hours of Sebring and the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 10 hour Petit Le Mans is true test of driver and machine. "It felt great to be back in the mix of American Le Mans Series competition this week," added Cosmo. "The start of the race was exciting, but quickly tamed down to run our planned pace for the distance. My first stint was a double, and then the same for both Elliott Forbes- Robinson and Jamie." "Just after I hopped in for my 2nd double-stint around the 6-hour mark," Guy continued, "we threw an alternator belt and began to lose power. I immediately brought the car into the pits and back to our trailer for repairs. Just 10 minutes later the team had me back out on track and back up to speed." Giving credit where credit is due, Guy acknowledged the performance of his team and the B-K Motorsports crew. "Our pit stops were fantastic," said Guy. "I think it's evident how far along this team has come since this program's inception early last year. This only our second Petit Le Mans and it looked as though we were headed for another successful finish." Having missed three events of the 10-race American Le Mans Series schedule to repair the crash damage suffered in the July race at Lime Rock Park, the thorough work performed by the team was apparent in the performance of the car. "I can tell you that double stint I ran in the closing hours of daylight was one of the most enjoyable times I've ever spent in the Mazda," said Cosmo praising his team's performance. "The car was running like clock-work, just sweet as ever. The Kumho tires were fantastic, the chassis was completely hooked up and our Mazda 3-rotor was just singing along. When people talk about a driver becoming one with his car and compare race-driving to an art form - tonight was the perfect example during that run." As an acknowledgment to the team's return to the Series, Guy Cosmo fans were treated to a special 2007 Calendar done in a large poster format featuring Cosmo piloting the #8 B-K Motorsport Mazda. Fans attending the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca need to be sure to attend the driver autograph session as the calendar give-away will continue there. The 10th and final round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series will be held on October 21st at Laguna Seca Raceway, in Monterey, Calif. Speed Channel will televise the race, tape-delayed, beginning at 11 p.m. ET. Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top- level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com. The American Le Mans Series is the premium brand of motorsport in North America, featuring high-tech sports cars from the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the world. Its unique four classes of competition showcase exotic, open-top prototypes and sophisticated production-based GT cars, all competing on the track at the same time. The American Le Mans Series competes at the premier road racing tracks across North America and at selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets. With a television package that includes five network broadcasts on CBS and NBC as seven telecasts on SPEED, plus live broadcasts across Europe, the Series delivers a global marketing platform that is unmatched in motorsports. The Series, founded in 1999 by Georgia entrepreneur Don Panoz, represents a mirror image to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's most famous and authentic automobile race. The American Le Mans Series features elite marques such as Audi, Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Aston Martin, Lexus and Panoz, and premium brands such as Michelin, Pirelli, JeanRichard Swiss Watches, Sunoco, Shell and many others.  ________________________________________________________________________ John Thawley ~ Creative Communications Group @ www.c2group.com ~ 248.356.5699