AutoWeek and Débaufré Watches to Take Part in 2009 World Challenge Season

TOPEKA, Kan. January 28, 2009: As the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Toyo Tires season opener at Sebring approaches, WC Vision is pleased to announce two new partnerships with AutoWeek and Débaufré Watches.

What has become a staple in many SPEED World Challenge fans’ mailbox, AutoWeek is the source for the latest automotive and motorsports news both in print and online at autoweek.com. A long-time supporter of the series, the fortnightly publication will become the SPEED World Challenge number board sponsor for the 2009 season. Additionally, AutoWeek will present an award at each event, in each class, for the best pass of the race.

"We are excited to partner with the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge for the 2009 racing season,” AutoWeek VP-Publisher KC Crain said. “The World Challenge represents speed, style, competition and precision-- all of which define AutoWeek and its readers.”

Who better to sponsor the fastest lap of the race award than Débaufré, a U.S.-based, family-owned Swiss watch company and the Official Watch of SPEED World Challenge. Producer of quality Swiss timepieces, Débaufré (pronounced Day-boh-fray) offers high-end luxury and style at a price that’s within reach. As the Fastest Lap of The Race sponsor, Débaufré watches will award a handsome watch to the GT and Touring Car driver with the fastest race lap at each round. To cap off the season, Débaufré watches will award each 2009 Drivers’ Champion with a custom-designed watch.

“We are excited to work with SPEED World Challenge in 2009, to unite the passion and precision of racing with Swiss time-keeping,” Débaufré Watches President Alldaron Knewitz said. “The partnership is a perfect match.”

“It feels great to have this kind of support for the 2009 season,” WC Vision Co-Chair Peter Cunningham said. “Obviously AutoWeek and Débaufré recognize the value in SPEED World Challenge.

“We thank them for what they’ll each bring to the season and what it allows us to give back to our fans. There’ll be plenty to race for in 2009 and I would expect several more announcements about new partnerships as our season unfolds.”

The 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge season will begin at Sebring International Raceway with the Toyo Tires season opener, March 18 – 20, as part of the 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Presented by Fresh From Florida.