Chip Herr to Drive DP7 Racing Lamborghini Gallardo in World Challenge GT

HOUSTON, Texas April 2, 2009: Dan Pastorini, former NFL star quarterback for the Houston Oilers and DP7 Racing announced today the addition of the youthful and appealing racecar driver Chip Herr to drive their Lamborghini Gallardo GTR.

“Chip brings a series of wins, rock star good looks and eleven years of experience – a perfect driver for our Lamborghini Gallardo GTR,” Pastorini said. “We already have a group of racing professionals from Formula 1 to Indy Cars and with Chip at the wheel, DP7 Racing is destined to make its mark this season.

After Sebring, I felt we needed someone with experience that can give the necessary information to the crew in order to maximize the performance of the DP7 Gallardo GTR. I had a chance to visit with many drivers, but Chip is a special individual with all the ingredients to accomplish what team owner Betty Johnston and I wanted and that’s to make this program successful.”

In 2008, Herr was featured in Grass Roots Magazine as “One of the Dynamic Dozen in North America,” as well as one of the “Young Guns to watch in coming years”. In addition, he was featured as an up-and-coming driver on SPEEDtv.com and National Speed Sport News and was host of the TV show Sports Car Revolution from 2005-2006 on the SPEED Channel. In 2004 he was Sports Car Revolution’s Co-Host / Test Driver.

Herr won his first-ever auto race at sixteen years of age, literally days after being awarded his driver's license. On hand for that first win was Todd Rucci a standout Patriot Offensive Lineman and the best man at Drew Bledsoe's wedding. "NFL Football has been a huge part of my life," Herr said. "But I weigh 135 pounds and I'm 5'5". I was going to have to find another sport to try and become a professional.”

He’s has earned six poles and six wins in the ultra-competitive SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Series and has been a Championship contender the last two years. "To be asked to work with Dan Pastorini and the DP7 crew is a dream come true for me. Yes, DP7 is an excellent organization and the Lamborghini is a great car, but holy smoke, Dan Pastorini wants ME to drive HIS car!"

The Lititz, Pa. driver was the Miata Cup Pacific Tour Champion in 2003, but in the past few years he’s driven for Ford Racing, STaSIS Audi and for the past two seasons with the sensational Tindol Motorsports, a Mazda Factory Team running MAZDA6s in the SPEED World Challenge Touring Championship. Both Todd Rucci and Drew Bledsoe are still avid supporters of Herr's racing career.

“Nothing looks better on the track or generates more interest and excitement than our Gallardo GTR, which was evidenced at Sebring” Pastorini said. “We have all the ingredients of a winning team and the addition of Chip will only make our presence stronger when we come to Long Beach.

“There is one driving force behind any race team and that’s sponsorship, without it you simply cannot succeed. We have no factory support from Lamborghini, but our privateer team has shown what vision, courage, dedication and talent can accomplish. The addition of Chip will allow me more time to focus on securing the necessary sponsorship for our program.”