RACING BUSINESS (DAYTONA) - OMP To Become Official Safety Equipment of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and KONI Challenge Series

Roberto Percivale, founder and President of OMP Racing and Grand-Am President Roger Edmondson announced today the leading Italian manufacturer of racing safety equipment and tuning accessories will be the “Official Safety Equipment” of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series commencing in 2008.

“A year ago at the PRI Show we announced OMP’s renewed commitment to the US market, and the results obtained since then are very positive and incredibly encouraging,” Percivale said. “Today’s announcement is a further and significant step toward our final objective to have a strong presence in this country with which we share the same passion and determination.”

As part of the partnership, OMP will supply Grand-Am officials with fire suits and other safety equipment for use on pit lane and around the racing facilities that the series visits each season. The announcement comes as the Italian company expands their presence at motorsports events throughout North America.

“We will also provide trackside support at as many events as possible through our dealer CDOC, and we won’t take this task lightly as we know that many of the series teams will count on us for a fast and reliable service,” added OMP America Managing Director Gabriele Pedone.

The racing spirit has been part of the Percivale family since 1973 when, in a small town near Genoa, Italy, Roberto, Claudio and Piergiorgio Percivale began manufacturing roll cages and racing accessories for their racecars in order to gain a competitive edge over fellow competitors. A passion for motorsports was the driving force behind the creation of OMP. Now in its 34th year of existence under the same ownership, the unprecedented run further demonstrates OMP’s commitment to the auto racing industry.

“We’re proud to welcome OMP into our paddock as a partner,” Edmondson said. “In motorsports, safety is the top priority. Grand-Am’s association with OMP, a company not only concerned with safety but made up of racers as well, is a natural fit.”

Today OMP Racing is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of racing safety equipment and tuning accessories with a catalog of over 4,500 different items. Operating from a technologically advanced 80,000 square foot facility in Italy, OMP products are renowned for its quality, the meticulous attention to details that is constantly challenged by setting higher standards. Learn more at www.ompamerica.com.

The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2008 Rolex Series and the 11-race KONI Challenge Series calendars deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America in addition to being televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.