http://www.theracersgroup.comProfessional Road Racing, Porsche Club Racing, Performance & Safety PartsThis file is an RSS 2.0 file, please see: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss for more info.Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:14:15 -0700en-usLakeville, Connecticut (July 24, 2010)- Continuing a streak that has run since May, TRG took their fourth win in five starts in professional sportscar racing at this weekend’s Northeastern Grand Prix, the fifth round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron. This marked the third victory for TRG in the ALMS, the first since returning to the series in 2010, and the first for freshman driver Henri Richard. Starting in the second position in the no. 63 Freescale Semiconductor/Future Electronics/Green Hills Software/LifeStudio by Hitachi Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, drivers Henri Richard and Andy Lally came in to the weekend as one of the favorites for victory in the GTC category. Having finished on the podium in the last two races, the team was ready for it’s first ALMS victory, and many felt the tight confines of the historic Lime Rock Park would fit in to TRG’s well known ability with great pit strategy and of course a fantastic driver lineup. Following a completely wet first day of practice and qualifying, Henri Richard started the race having only had 10 minutes of dry practice on a track he’d never been too. Using restraint as the better part of valor, Richard drove a cautious yet very competitive opening stint, with careful attention to tire preservation. Taking advantage of an early series of yellows, the team took an unconventional strategy, pitting Richard for fuel and tires with the anticipation that on the next stop, they would do a driver change but leave the same set of tires on the car to minimize time in the pits. For Richard, this meant he had to be extremely careful with his tires in order to hand over a perfect car to veteran Andy Lally. Richard was flawless, and managed to not only hand a perfect car over, but take the lead in the process. “The guys called me in to top up and change tires, and I instantly knew that the tires I had were going to be Andy’s tires as well,” stated the Frenchman. “I have never driven this track before so I just wanted to drive well within my limits and hand over a perfect car to Andy. This team was absolutely flawless this weekend. Perfect car preparation, perfect pit stops, perfect strategy, and the whole event happened in front of over 100 guests on-hand from our partners at Freescale, Future Electronics, Green Hills Software, and Hitachi. To lead my first laps, as well as win my first ALMS race like this is something I’ll enjoy for a long, long time.” With the reigns now in Andy Lally’s hands, the theme moved to gaining positions both on the track and in the pits. Making good use of passing opportunities and hard driving, Lally carved through the field quickly, and before halfway in the race had actually taken the lead thanks to opportune pit strategy. Dueling hard with the no. 54 Black Swan Racing entry of Jeroen Bleekemolen, Lally and Bleekemolen would push each other hard throughout the next hour, even making contact and spinning at one point as they battled the endless rounds of traffic passing through. Finally, with 70 minutes to go, Bleekemolen slowed with a fading set of tires, followed by a broken splitter which essentially sealed the race for Lally. The victory was the first for Richard, as well as the first since the team’s return to ALMS competition, and equally important means that Richard and Lally have assumed the GTC series points lead. For Lally, who won the race on tires that lasted nearly 120 laps, Saturday’s race was a perfect combination of fast but patient driving, combined with a perfect team effort. “With all the traffic out there, chasing Jeroen and preserving the tires at the same time made for a really challenging race,” stated Lally. “These guys called a perfect race today, and Henri was absolutely fantastic out there. For his first season in the series he’s driving like an absolute professional, and I’m very proud to be part of his first professional victory.” For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, present in spirit for the race weekend, winning at Lime Rock was a long awaited victory. “We’ve been so close to winning in the ALMS all year, I’m so proud of the guys for getting it done,” stated Buckler. “Henri was flawless and really delivered exactly when he needed to, and of course Andy did what he needed to in order to deliver the victory. Perfect strategy and perfect pit stops are a big part of these wins, and the guys all delivered. It’s been a long and brutal schedule for a lot of our guys, so I’m happy they could end their travels with a big win like this.”Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=478http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=478Petaluma, CA (July 19, 2010)- Following two consecutive podiums in the GTC category of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron, TRG heads in to this weekend's Northeast Grand Prix as the "active" points leaders in the championship.Driving the no. 63 Freescale Semiconductor/Future Electronics/LifeStudio by Hitachi/Green Hills Software Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, drivers Henri Richard and Andy Lally head to this weekend's race in pursuit of their first win.New to the tight confines of the historic Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, Frenchman Henri Richard looks forward to his circuit debut."Lime Rock Park is said to be a really tricky course because it is so narrow and fast," stated Richard. "I've spent time on the simulator in anticipation, and I'll just head in to the circuit with eyes ahead and behind. Andy is incredibly fast here and with our points position I know a clean race is critical.Growing up just a few hours away in nearby Long Island, Lime Rock has always served as a bit of a home race for Andy Lally."Driving in the GTC category at Lime Rock will be wild, as the prototypes will be coming up with a huge rate of speed," stated Lally. "We'll have to be very heads up out there this weekend, but if we can stay clean I'm confident the guys can give us a car capable of moving to the front."For TRG Team Owner Kevin Buckler, the key to the race will be survival."Lime Rock is the road racing version of a short track race," stated Buckler. "If we can just stay clean and play the pit stops right, this could definitely be our day to finally get a win. The guys have been on the road non-stop between our various sportscar programs, and they really deserve a top result this weekend."Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=477http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=477Millville, NJ, (July 18, 2010) - TRG's RJ Valentine and Andy Lally drove to a ninth place finish in today's running of the Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Cask No.16 New Jersey Motorsports Park 250.  Teammates Steve Bertheau and Spencer Pumpelly endured to a 15th place finish.Under sunny skies and temperatures exceeding 95-degrees, with near 100% humidity, RJ Valentine took the green in the No. 66 Advanced Aerosol Acquisitions/CRG/TRG/Porsche for the 1:00 p.m. start.  Valentine raced through slippery track conditions to turn the car over to Lally on lap 29.  Lally took the wheel and began his run to the front.  With strategy falling into place, and Lally running fast times, the 66 was able to make up almost two laps.  The team needed one more mid-race yellow to get back in sync with the rest of the field and be a factor at the end.  The yellow never came.  "It was inordinately hot today," Valentine said.  "The car felt squirrely to me.  I had a good start and pedaled the thing hard.  We just didn't get that break we needed.  Andy did a great job.  He drove the wheels off of it and on any other day that would have been a podium run.  Some days you're the mosquito and some days you are the windshield, today we were the mosquito.""We could have used a yellow two laps earlier than when it came," Lally said.  "We were able to make-up a lap-and-a-half.  That is a testament to the TRG crew and their car preparation.  I abused the tires and blistered them at the end, but we were able to drive through.  We were still coming when I got held up by a DP car and then the yellow came out and that set us back.  I then had an angry little Dutch dude try to run me off the road twice and he finally finished me off the third time.  Then I had to pay it back a little bit."Steve Bertheau had the controls of the No. 67 Sargent & Lundy/TRG/Porsche for the steamy start.  Bertheau took the green and was immediately embroiled in a battle with a Mazda.  Some car contact ensued and set the 67 back.  Pumpelly took over and proceeded to set fast lap times passing cars on his way up the timing screen.  Again, cautions at the wrong time and a possible fuel pick-up problem thwarted the run to the front.  Bertheau got back in for the last hour, bringing the 67 home in 15th place."It was pretty hot out there today," Bertheau said.  "I had a tough start.  I got tangled with one of the Mazda cars and that put us back a little.  Spencer did a great job to move us up and then I got back in for the finish.  It was my first time running with the Prototypes in race conditions.  When I went back out I was doing good laps and I am smiling.  Although we didn't get the finish we wanted, it was a fun weekend.""We had a really good car today," Pumpelly said.  "We got a little behind early and the yellows didn't go our way to help us get back up the order.  Steve did a great job to come back at the end and got some good seat time.  I am happy with the car and the way the TRG guys had the Porsche running all weekend.  We just didn't have the opportunity to show our stuff today."Team owner, Kevin Buckler, had his TRG East fan base in full effect for today's race.  With a packed hospitality area, the team made a good showing. "I am proud of Steve and RJ," Buckler said.  "The conditions out there were tough today.  I think about a dozen guys went to medical.  For Steve it was his first time on the track with Daytona Prototype traffic, he did a good job and turned some solid laps.  RJ is a warrior.  He is in excellent shape and that helps his focus on days like today.  Andy got in and began to rage to the front, but we just needed that little break that never came.  Spencer the same, he was awesome!  We just needed a little help with a caution and we would have been right back in it.  Also, a big call out to the entire team, it was a very challenging week and everyone really put their heads down and did their jobs well.  We are looking forward to going to Watkins Glen to try and get our second win is many months at that great track."Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=476http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=476Petaluma, CA, (July 13, 2010) - TRG is heading to New Jersey Motorsports Park on the wave of a three race win streak.  The team will run two Porsche GT3 Cup cars at this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Cask No.16 race at the Jersey track.   With the recent installment of TRG East, a New Jersey Motrosports Park based team affiliate, this is very much a home event.  The team is hoping to take the momentum from wins at Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and make it four on Sunday.  RJ Valentine is teamed with Andy Lally in the No. 66 Advanced Aerosol Acquisitions/CRG/TRG/Porsche.  Lally is currently second in driver's points, just nine out of the lead in GT.  In the No. 67 Sargent & Lundy/TRG/Porsche Steve Bertheau will run with Spencer Pumpelly.  Valentine, an ownership partner in the New Jersey Motorsports Park facility, will be looking for his second win in as many races with Lally.  The duo had a convincing victory at Daytona just two weeks ago.  Lally has bigger goals - the GT championship. "I have become an owner at New Jersey Motorsports Park," Valentine said.  "I like the track, although I love Watkins Glen, and of course Daytona.   I love the ambience of the New Jersey track and the surrounding country side.  I am a huge bike rider and I enjoy riding for up to 50 miles around the great roads in and around the track. I am also a fan of the best tomatoes in the world, Jim Dooleys and the fabulous NJ Corn.  I have a few track secrets, but I don't share them.  To win this weekend it will take staying on key and keeping fast consistent laps, then delivering the car in one piece to Andy who I consider the best road racer in the world - smart, calculating, and, precise." "The competition is really stiff in the Rolex Series and we will have to be on our game," Lally said.  "The drivers, pit stops and strategy have to be right on.  The teams we are going up against are tough and we are getting to the end of the season and everyone is pulling out their best stuff for the run to the championship.  We need to do the same and see if we can take the points lead.  New Jersey is RJ's home track and he has done well there in the past.  This will be the first time that we will race together at his track.  I am looking forward to it this weekend."Bertheau and Pumpelly are looking to carry the momentum from their Grand-Am Continental Tire Series win from Mid-Ohio over to New Jersey this weekend."Our win at Mid-Ohio will really give our team a boost moving into New Jersey," Bertheau said.  "It'll be my first time on that track, but the fact that Spencer and I are running in both GT and GS classes should get us enough seat time to put on a show. It is always tough to predict outcomes, but the hard work and long hours of preparation by the TRG crews should put us in a sound position.""The last time I raced at New Jersey was last year in a TRG Motorsports ARCA car," Pumpelly said.  The key to being successful in New Jersey is a good handling car, it's more of a grip track than HP track.  There are fast corners that make-up most of a lap.  I have a lot of good memories of New Jersey in the short time that the track has been around - like winning the GS race last year and being on the podium in ARCA and GT."  Kevin Buckler, team owner, is revving up TRG East and wants to do it with a win.  "We have become very active with our programs at New Jersey Motorsports Park," Buckler said.  "Operating out of our new temporary facility, we had a great driver development day last month.  We also have a strong history of performance at New Jersey.  We won there in GS last year and were on the podium in GT.  We also had Spencer on the podium in ARCA.  We have a lot of forward motion to our season right now, winning the last three races we have entered along with the Continental win at Mid-Ohio.  Andy is in the hunt for the championship and Spencer and Steve have wins this season as well with Steve really starting to shine.  RJ has a new spring in his step coming off of the win at Daytona, so nothing but positive vibes heading to Jersey this weekend."Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=475http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=475Petaluma, CA, (July 13, 2010) - TRG is headed to New Jersey Motorsports Park looking for their second win in a row at this weekend's running of the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series race will take the green flag, Saturday, July 17.At the last event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Spencer Pumpelly and Steve Bertheau took advantage of a late race wreck and drove to a win in their No. 41 Sargent & Lundy/TRG/Porsche 997.  The duo will be looking for a repeat performance on Saturday.  In the No. 63 Dietz and Watson Quality Meats/TRG/Porsche 997 Peter Ludwig and Andy Lally will also be looking for some New Jersey glory.Partnering in both the Continental Tire Series race and the Rolex race, Pumpelly and Bertheau hope to parlay maximum track time into another win."It was great to get the win at Mid-Ohio," Bertheau said.  "Although it will be my first time racing on the New Jersey track, the track time in both series along with Spencer will help me get up to speed quickly.  As we found out at Mid-Ohio, until the last lap, it is always tough to predict outcomes, but the hard work and the data that TRG has on the track will put us in a position to be successful.""With TRG East we do a lot of track days at New Jersey," Pumpelly said.  "I have to believe that we have more data logged on the track than any other team.  That includes running the ARCA and Sprint Cup Series cars here as well.  I would like to post another win in GS this year and carry that over to the GT race as well on Sunday." Ludwig makes his return to TRG and will run with Lally who will be pulling double duty in the ST and GS races. "New Jersey takes a good handling car that gets off the corners well," Ludwig said.  "I think the Porsche has a great chance to podium this event.  I raced at New Jersey last year and finished third, even after an unexpected third pit stop due to unavoidable contact which took off a valve stem.  My success in Porsches in past years has been pretty good. My goal for this event is pretty straight forward, to win this race. I think the 911, in its current trim, is ultra competitive. I'll stay focused and do my job for the first stint and work to hand Andy our car in a good position to take it home." "Peter is as solid as it gets in a Porsche," Lally said.  "New Jersey is a good track for TRG.  We have logged a lot of laps there doing driver development and marketing events.  That should give us a small advantage, especially with initial set-up on the cars.  The nimble TRG Porsche together with our data should be a potent combination for Saturday.  I will be starting in the Kia in ST and transition to the GS car - it will be a long day." Team owner, Kevin Buckler, has his teams on a roll in Grand-Am. "We have had an incredible past couple of months with everything we've raced with TRG on it," Buckler said.  "We have won three races in the GT series, won Mid-Ohio in Continental GS and scored a top ten at Daytona with our Sprint Cup Series car.  The GS series is very competitive.  Everything has to be right on to get a win.  We have great cars, an excellent crew and the drivers to get it done.  Peter and Steve are both super quick and have a lot of laps in our Porsches and Andy and Spencer know how to close the deal - a great combination."Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=474http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=474July 12, 2010 (Tooele, UT)- Continuing the team’s impressive run of being on the podium of every professional sportscar race they’ve run since May, TRG’s streak continued with a second place finish during Sunday’s Larry H Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix. Following the team’s second place finish, combined with the race disqualification of the no. 81, drivers’ Henri Richard and Andy Lally have assumed second-place in the driver’s championship of the GTC category in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron. Following a fifth place qualifying effort for the no. 63 Freescale Semiconductor/Future Electronics/Green Hills Software/LifeStudio by Hitachi Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, the blazing July sun of the Utah desert was a key factor in the weekend, with changing track temperatures playing a major effect on car handling and car performance. Following a late night as the crew made a number of pre-race performance adjustments, the team came in to the race with high hopes for the day’s sprint race. Continuing his rookie season in the American Le Mans Series, Henri Richard started the race in fifth, and quickly came up to speed, laying down competitive and consistent laps throughout his stint. With high speed corners and long straights, the Miller Motorsports Park circuit is known for high speed passes and resulting accidents, and this race was no different. The Frenchman drove a solid stint moving up as high as third position and even avoiding a three car incident right in front of him. Pitting under a timely caution one hour in to the race, Richard handed the car over to Andy Lally, who immediately made work of the field in an effort to catch the leaders. Pulling off a number of quick laps, Lally slowly began to catch the lead cars, eventually leading to a shootout in the pits. Pitting much later than everyone else, the team decided to minimize the time in the pits by not changing tires and filling with a minimal amount of gas. The strategy appeared to work well, with the no. 63 returning to the track in second, however a slight miscue in the pits during the stop led to the team receiving a “drive through” pit penalty. American Le Mans Series rules require the car’s engine to be shut off during refueling, which is different from the GRAND-AM Rolex Series, which does not require this, and the team simply made a mistake and left the engine running. Once serving the penalty, the car fell back to fourth, with Lally fighting hard to get back up to third before the checkered flag fell. Following the race, post-race inspection determined the second-place no. 81 to be too low, causing disqualification of the team and moving the no. 63 to second in the race, as well as second in the points championship. For driver Henri Richard, a second straight ALMS podium is encouraging news, and a great sign of the quality of the team. “I’m very pleased with this podium finish” stated Richard. “The guys did their best all weekend to perfect the set-up, and they did a great job of improving the car every time I got in. I had the pace to deliver best race lap times during my stint and took advantage of every exciting moment during the race to improve our position. Short of a small hiccup in Turn 12, I did my job and delivered an unscathed car to Andy, who did a great job fighting through the field as always. This team is the best in the business and I appreciate the guys putting in such a late night on Saturday to make sure the car was perfect for the race.” For Andy Lally, a solid result is the result of a strong team effort. “This isn’t the way we like to take a second, but it’s a strong result and we’re hoping to get a win very soon,” stated Lally. “The guys worked hard all weekend to get the car right, and I’m pretty pleased with how it came along. Henri drove a great opening stint, which is exactly what we needed. It’s great to have a teammate who shows up this prepared and motivated, and I’m glad he’s seeing the reward in it. Unfortunately, we made a simple mistake in the pits and it cost us. Every series we run in has different rules during pit stops, and we made a mistake. Ultimately second was about all we could have asked for, but we’ll show up to Lime Rock eager for a win.” Finally, for Team Owner Kevin Buckler, the team’s move in the championship is a great jump forward. “TRG’s sportscar program has had a great run the last few months, and this weekend continues the streak,” stated Buckler. “Henri drove a fantastic stint, and ran super-quick lap times especially having not even seen this race track two days prior. His professionalism and enthusiasm to be competitive makes him a great partner to our team, and we’re glad we were able to bring him another podium. When Andy got in the car, we tried to take a different approach with race strategy, and it would have worked out really well if we didn’t have our pit penalty. These things happen, and we’ll take our points and move on to Lime Rock. The guys did a great job as always, and I look forward to going for the win at Lime Rock!”Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=473http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=473Petaluma, CA (July 7, 2010)- Fresh off the heels of winning the last four professional sportscar races they’ve entered, and returning to the track that saw TRG take Team, Drivers, and Manufacturers Championships in 2006, TRG has recently begun a huge wave of momentum that they hope to carry into this weekend’s Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix, the fourth round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron.Returning to the fold will be Henri Richard and Andy Lally in the no. 63 Freescale Semiconductor/Future Electronics/Greenhills Software/LifeStudio by Hitachi Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. Having won the pole at the prestigious Grand Prix of Long Beach, followed by a runner-up finish at the most recent round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the team is ready to return to the ALMS podium.For Richard, a long hiatus since the most recent ALMS round has given him ample time to prepare for a track which he’s never seen.“This will be my first time at Miller Motorsports Park, but I feel as prepared as one can be, as I practiced extensively on the simulator” stated Richard. “It’s been a long hiatus since our last race, but we left on a high note with our first podium, and I’m very excited to continue this streak. The real season begins now for the crew, Andy and I, we really have high expectations.”For Lally, fresh off a win this weekend at both the most recent GRAND-AM round at Daytona, as well as Street Luge victories the same weekend in Maryhill, Washington, all focus turns to Miller Motorsports Park. Lally is no stranger to victory at this circuit, having won the inaugural race in 2006 to secure a GRAND-AM GT Championship for both himself and TRG.“The ALMS race at Miller should be a really exciting one,” claimed Lally. “With long straights and really fast corners, the speed differentials between our GTC cars and the prototypes will be really high. We’ll have to really keep our eyes up ahead and behind us.”For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, the recent wave of momentum is exactly what his organization has needed.“I’m just so proud to be part of this program right now as we can all feel the winning buzz,” stated Buckler. “Henri and Andy are a great pairing, and we know this track well with all of the races we’ve run & won in other series. Henri has never been here before but he’s been very good at getting up to speed quickly, and this weekend should be no different. Andy has proven time and time again what a champion he is, and I have a really good feeling we can all take the next step of the podium together. This is a great team with a great group of guys and gals, and our recent success is a tribute to that. This team and these 2 drivers are a lethal combo and look for them to be a threat to win every time they are on the track.”Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=472http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=472Daytona Beach, FL, (July 3, 2010) - TRG's RJ Valentine and Andy Lally won this morning's running of the Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Cask No.16 Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway.  The win represents the third in as many races for TRG.  Valentine started the No. 66 Advanced Aerosol Acquisitions/TRG/Porsche and put in a strong first stint.  Turning the car over to Lally, the Dacula, Georgia resident, proceeded to make his way to the front of the field, taking the lead on lap 40. Ten laps later Lally reported a vibration.  With the possibility of rain looming, team owner, Kevin Buckler called Lally to pit lane to change tires and get fuel, giving up the lead to the No. 94 BMW. Lally returned to the action some eight seconds down.  He proceeded to take time off of the lead and got to the bumper of the yellow M6 on lap 74. The pair went side-by-side for two laps until he passed for the lead on lap 76 and cruised home to the checker seven laps later."It was a typical hot, greasy day at Daytona," Lally said.  "We made a change on the car after RJs qualifying run and that it made it better. On that last pit stop we took four tires, the BMW took two and that helped me to charge and catch them toward the end for the win.  I always have a good clean battle with Joey (Hand, BMW driver) on the track, it is fun.  I also think he hit some traffic at some unfortunate spots on the track.  When I caught Joey my tires were gone.  We had a good battle.  RJ took a year-and-a-half off and he jumped back in and drove some incredible laps.  The team did a great job with the car and pit stops all day.  It was a good points weekend.""Kevin called me three weeks ago and asked if I wanted to do Daytona," Valentine said.  "It has been a year-and-a-half since I have been in the car.  Should I do this?  One of my partners walked in and said go do it.  I think I turned the fastest times I have ever run here.  The car was really good and Andy does a great job to coach me around here.  TRG always has a well prepared car and they really know their way around this track." In the No. 67 Fisher Industrial/TRG/Porsche Peter Bassett and Spencer Pumpelly had a tough start to the day.  In the early morning 15-minute warm-up, Pumpelly reported some shifting problems with the transmission.  A rubbing tire forced a pit stop under green setting them back in the order eventually settling for a 13th place finish.  The duo showed good speed all weekend shadowing the speeds of the 66 car, but ended up having a tough race."It was a great day for TRG with Andy and RJ winning," Bassett said.  "In the warm-up Spencer was not happy with the transmission.  The TRG guys took the car back to the trailer and changed the transmission in less than 50-minutes.  Their hard work allowed me to take the green flag from pit lane and join the field. We really didn't miss a beat before the race.  I had a great first experience.""I went out for the warm-up and the transmission was difficult to engage, which usually means that it is going," Pumpelly said.  "The guys did a great job to get the car to the grid so Peter could take the start without being down.  When Peter came in and turned the car over we were looking good. I smelled some rubber in the car, I think we had a rub on one of the rear tires.  So I had to pit and change tires, that put us back in the running order. As it turned out we had something rubbing, so we made the right choice."Team owner Kevin Buckler celebrated yet another TRG win at Daytona.  "It is always exciting to win at Daytona," Buckler said. "We brought RJ back and he proved he was more than up for the challenge.  He went out, after being gone for 18-months, and turned some of the fastest times he has ever run here.  Andy did a great job to get the lead and then go back out and get it again.  The car ran flawlessly and the guys really put together some strong pit stops.  The 67 car had a tough morning.  But once again the crew stepped-up, dug in and did a transmission change in about 45-minutes.  Peter was able to take the green with the other cars from pit lane and he ran a really strong first stint.  I was proud of him jumping in here and competing in his first professional race. He did a great job!  Spencer had the pace all weekend, but we just couldn't put in a position to win today.  We had a slight tire rub on the 67 with Spencer that put us out of sequence with the pit stops with those guys.  It is too bad.  I think we could have had them on the podium as well."Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=471http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=471Daytona Beach, FL, (July 2, 2010) - TRG's RJ Valentine and Peter Bassett qualified their Porsche 911 GT3 racers on the sixth and eighth row respectively for tomorrow morning's running of the Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Cask No.16 Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway.  TRG is looking for their third win in as many race entries in the GT series.  The team has won at Virginia International Raceway and Watkins Glen so far this season.Andy Lally, teamed with Valentine, put the No. 66 Advanced Aerosol Acquisitions/TRG/Porsche through its paces in the early part of practice this morning.  Lally, a two time Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona winner, ran in lock-step with teammate Spencer Pumpelly, in the No. 67 Fisher Industrial/TRG/Porsche.  The pair of sports car aces put the TRG 911s through set-up changes in the wet and dry during their stints.  The duo was at the top of the time sheet in the early running. Valentine, one of TRG's drivers in the 2009 Rolex Series GT winning car, makes a pride filled return to the hallowed ground of sports car racing."For me Daytona is like going to the Vatican," Valentine said.  "Coming back to Daytona with TRG and Andy is a great deal for me.  It is a great car, it is really handling well, I am on my game and ready for tomorrow.  We have an excellent chance of winning this thing.  The changing conditions today didn't phase me.  I was taking bits and pieces in the rain.  You take your braking points a little deeper each time until you reach the limit and adjust from there.  Andy did a great job to coach me.  If an old horse like me can do the times I am doing, I am happy with that performance.""RJ had an excellent Truman Akin session and a great qualifying run," Lally said.  "He did a great job in tough conditions coming back from a long layoff.  With how good RJ is running I am looking for a great race tomorrow.  I would like a dry track for the race, but we are also ready if it rains."In qualifying Bassett posted a competitive time and is pleased with his first laps at the pro level."I put my first laps in the wet at Daytona this morning," Bassett said.  "I have been here in January and ran in 17-degree weather, but never rain until today.  When we got back on slicks later in the session it was really a blast.  The car is fast around the banking.  I was able to get my lap times down and I am happy with my qualifying effort.  In the race I am looking to drop my lap times even more and give Spencer the car with a lot left.""It was tough conditions this morning," Pumpelly said.  "We didn't have a very good wet set-up on the car, so we spent a lot of the morning working on that aspect.  That will pay off tomorrow if it rains.  We know we have a good dry setup here, so we are prepared for every scenario.  Peter is doing a great job and we are looking to have a very good day tomorrow."Team owner Kevin Buckler will have his car and team in their usual Daytona full-press for tomorrow's race."It was tricky conditions this morning," Buckler said.  "We went out in the rain to start and worked through the drying conditions.  The guys did a great job to adjust the cars and we have a great handle on the environment we maybe racing in tomorrow morning.  RJ and Peter are very steady and didn't put a wheel wrong.  I am very proud of them both.  Andy and Spencer have the cars dialed in - we are ready and prepared for all scenarios!" Lally is on a bi-coastal racing adventure this weekend.  He is also competing in the Maryhill Festival of Speed streetluge race in Washington state.  He is commuting back-and-forth.Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=470http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=470Millville, New Jersey (June 26, 2010)- Just weeks after announcing move-in for their new temporary facility, TRG East held a successful debut Track Immersion experience for local racers. Featuring professional drivers such as multi-time GRAND-AM champion Andy Lally, Rolex 24 at Daytona winner Spencer Pumpelly, as well as Team Owner Kevin Buckler, the team brought a full staff of technicians, data acquisition specialists, as well as premier hospitality to give a great experience to club racers and enthusiasts alike. With over two-dozen locals taking part in the event by either bringing their own vehicles or renting one of the teams, participants got the opportunity to sample the track at New Jersey, meet star drivers, and receive coaching, data analysis and performance tips. For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, the opportunity to showcase what TRG can do for the East Coast was a welcome experience. “What a great day we had,” stated Buckler. “TRG was built on a foundation of building premier arrive and drive services for racers at all levels, and expanding to the East Coast market is a perfect opportunity. We have a great partnership with everyone at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and we’re very thankful for everyone who came out.” With a new temporary facility already in place for clients to house their track car, performance car, or exotic, TRG’s team of technicians and experienced staff is excited to bring their core business to the East Coast. With their premium facility currently in development, the organization will literally look to create a country club atmosphere for motorsports, providing not only top level service and driver development, but also a number of premier amenities including car condominiums and storage opportunities, a media room and simulators, and even premier locker rooms, refreshing facilities and a wine bar. Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=468http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=468Petaluma, Calif., (June 28, 2010) - TRG has won the last two races they have run in the Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve.  The wins came at Virginia International Raceway and the Watkins Glen Six Hour.  Andy Lally and RJ Valentine in the No. 66 Advanced Aerosol Acquisitions/TRG/Porsche and Peter Bassett and Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 67 Fisher Industrial/TRG/Porsche will be looking to add that third victory at the Brumos Porsche 250 to be run at Daytona International Raceway this Saturday, July 3. TRG has a great history at the World Center of Racing.  Team owner Kevin Buckler has won the Rolex 24 Hour, as a driver twice, in 2002 and overall in 2003.  He also won it last year as an owner.  Andy Lally has two wins in the Rolex 24 and Spencer Pumpelly has a Rolex Daytona watch as does RJ Valentine.  Peter Bassett will race his first pro event at Daytona."I have run three Porsche Club of America track days and have done the tire test before the 24 Hour in 2009 and 2010, but this will be my first pro race at Daytona," Bassett said.  "The layout is challenging and I love it.  It is a big weekend with the NASCAR race running on the same day.  TRG has a great history there and they know how to win.  Our goal is to definitely win on Saturday."Bassett's teammate Spencer Pumpelly is the 2006 Rolex 24 Hour GT winner."I think we have a car that will finally be able to keep up with the Mazda on the banking," Pumpelly said.  "The keys to the race for us will be to keep the tires and the drivers cool in the heat.  The last two races we have won, TRG has had great strategy, great pit work and the ability to save the car during the race for the last segment sprint to the finish.  We will need all of that to be successful this weekend."RJ Valentine will be back at Daytona looking for another win around the 3.56-mile modified oval road course.  He was one of the winning drivers in TRG's 2009 Rolex 24 Hour win."After taking some time off, I am looking forward to going back to Daytona, one of my favorite tracks," Valentine said.  "Especially with TRG, who I have a long history with and my great friend Andy Lally.  I also like the heat, I prepare for it by riding my 18-speed bike in humid hot weather. Racing at Daytona in July is something I have always looked forward too."Andy Lally returns to Daytona looking for some redemption from the Rolex 24 Hour in February. The team led a lot of laps until the car had limp an agonizing lap as it was running low on fuel, giving up the lead and the win."In order to have a successful July Daytona we need to really work on tire management," Lally said.  "The pavement temperatures in July compared to when we raced there in January in the 24 Hour go up a lot. We will most likely see the hottest track temps of the year.  This year will be even worse because we will be racing in the middle of the day. These GT cars can really abuse tires and we will be focusing on trying to put a set-up on the car that might not be super fast over one lap, but one that will take care of the tires over a long run.  I think we have a good shot here. We had a very good handling car at the 24, which doesn't always translate to the July event, but we have an idea of where to start. I'm thrilled to be back with RJ, the last time we were teamed up here we won, so maybe we can do it again!"Team owner Kevin Buckler will bring his Daytona magic this weekend."Daytona has always been a great place for us," Buckler said.  "We've always been strong there.  I've won the race twice as a driver and again as an owner.  The team and drivers always seem to come to this track with a little extra motivation.  We have three previous 24 Hour winners in our cars this weekend and we will also be looking to get Peter into the winners circle as well.  Our team also comes in as winners of the last two races we have run, three including the Continental race at Mid-Ohio, so we are really on a roll.  We also have David Gilliland back in the No. 71 Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, so it is a full weekend for us."Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=469http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=469Lexington, OH (June 19, 2010)- Continuing their recent run of success, TRG took their first victory of the year in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and their third GRAND-AM victory of the year at this weekend’s EMCO Gears Classic at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Driving the no. 41 Sargent & Lundy Porsche 911 GT3, Steve Bertheau and Spencer Pumpelly took a surprise victory in the closing minutes of the race. Driving a steady opening stint, and in only his second-ever professional race, Illinois-resident Steve Bertheau kept the car on pace and in good condition as he handed over to Pumpelly early on in the race. Once behind the wheel, Spencer Pumpelly climbed up steadily through the race, with his TRG crew calling excellent pit strategy and making superb pit stops. In third place with less than five minutes remaining, race leaders Billy Johnson and Joey Hand tangled heading in to turn four, handing Pumpelly the victory and continuing TRG’s impressive tally of first-time winners. Steve Bertheau is now TRG’s fifth driver to win his first professional race with the team, adding his name to the likes of John Potter (who finished second), Duncan Ende (who finished fifth), Scott Schroeder and Ted Ballou. For Bertheau, today’s victory is a great testament to the team and what everyone has worked for. “Today exceeded my wildest expectations, I’m just overwhelmed” stated Bertheau. “I’ve known Kevin and everyone at TRG for a while, but I’ve only recently begun to take advantage of their development program, and it’s just phenomenal. To win in only our second race together is amazing, and I give full thanks to Spencer, Kevin, Tucker, and all the guys.” For Spencer Pumpelly, another career victory with TRG just adds to the tally. “I’m really proud of Steve and all the guys today,” stated Pumpelly. “TRG’s GS program is truly first rate, and I’m glad we’ve finally started getting the breaks to show it.” For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, currently at Infineon Raceway to call the shots at this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the team’s third GRAND-AM victory in a matter of weeks is a sure sign that TRG is back on top. “Today’s victory is a huge testament to Tucker Merten and all my guys who put this program together,” stated Buckler. “The guys all really stepped up this weekend to make the race a reality, and I’m glad they got to enjoy the spoils. To deliver Steve his first career victory is absolutely amazing, and he deserves a lot of the credit as he drove flawlessly. Spencer was perfect as always, and he’s instrumental in TRG’s development program. This is a great weekend for the team, and it’s great to know we’re back on top!”Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=467http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=467Petaluma, CA (June 14, 2010)- Off the heels of their debut race together in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in which they finished sixth, Steve Bertheau and Spencer Pumpelly are together again for this weekend’s EMCO Gears Classic at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. At the previous round at Watkins Glen International, Steve Bertheau made his professional racing debut in TRG’s no. 41 Sargent & Lundy Porsche 911 GT3, qualifying strong and running a solid pace before handing over to Spencer Pumpelly, who drove his usual strong race to give the duo such a strong finish. Bertheau, who has multiple class victories and podiums in Porsche Club of America competition, looks forward to continuing the good results. “At the previous race, everyone at TRG did a solid job of making this program work on such short notice,” stated Bertheau. “I’m really excited to come in to Mid-Ohio this weekend. The group here is solid and has been excellent at taking care of me, and I learned a lot with Spencer as my teammate. It’s going to be tough to improve on our last result, but we’re all hoping for the best!” For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, TRG’s return to Mid-Ohio is met with great optimism. “We gave Duncan Ende and John Potter their first professional wins with TRG’s GS program last year,” stated Buckler. “Steve did a great job in his first ever race at this level, and there’s no reason he can’t be another shining example of our development program. He is fit, fast and committed to improving with every outing——our kinda guy. With Spencer as a teammate, we have all the ingredients to win, I look forward to seeing the outcome.”Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=466http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=466Watkins Glen, NY (June 6, 2010)- After a month away from the series, TRG made their return to GRAND-AM known at this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen by taking a convincing victory in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Cask no. 16. Having won their most recent entry at Virginia International Raceway, the team is on a recent hot streak having won the last two races it entered in the series.With the decision to race being made only hours before the first practice session, drivers Bob Doyle, Andy Lally, and Spencer Pumpelly had a spectacular weekend, running fastest in their first practice, and consistently looking on pace. As a circuit featuring fast corners and high top speeds, the layout at Watkins Glen provided a unique opportunity to show the true potential of the TRG/Adobe Road Winery no. 66 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, and the team took full advantage.When the green flag fell during Saturday’s race, driver Bob Doyle drove a strong, heads-up stint in his first ever professional start, achieving his objective of running clean and turning it over to his co-drivers.“With drivers like Spencer and Andy in the car, I knew I just had to drive clean and keep with the pack,” stated Doyle. “I had two of the best Porsche drivers in the world with me, and watching them race for the next five hours was spectacular. I’m still in shock about how this race turned out, this went better than my wildest expectations, what an impressive team!”With Lally and Pumpelly at the controls for the remainder of the race, the team knew that a combination of consistent speed and perfect strategy would get them to the front, which is exactly what happened. Sitting on the pit-box and methodically working the car through the field with the wave-by’s and yellows, Team Owner Kevin Buckler made several last second calls when the opportunity presented itself, allowing the team to take advantage of every opportunity perfectly and put the car within striking distance for the drivers.Pumpelly drove an absolutely brilliant double stint and turned the car over to Lally who had 2 hours to finish the race. Lally put the car in the lead and then maintained it, fending off multiple hard chargers. The team would take their third victory at the famed six-hour event, and fifth victory at Watkins Glen.For Kevin Buckler, the decision to race this weekend couldn’t have been a better choice.“We weren’t sure if we were even going to be here this weekend and worked on it right up until the last minute,” stated Buckler. “With the rules the way they’ve been up to now, it’s been tough for our TRG Porsches to show any speed, but I knew the Glen could be a good track. The guys were solid all race, and when the right moment came, we were there. I’m so proud of all these guys, it was a monumental effort for the entire team to make it happen this weekend, and it’s a real tribute to how hard they all work to get here. Bob drove a smart opening stint, and I’m so happy that he could join us. We had a great time with him at Daytona, and I’m so happy that we were able to deliver his first win in GRAND-AM. We could not have done it without him. Andy and Spencer drove their usual perfect stints, the team performed flawlessly in the pits, our strategy was “right-on”, and grabbing the checkered flag was the result. It’s really great to be back with GRAND-AM. They put on a fantastic show here. This is a great moment for all of TRG, I’m just so proud to be part of it.”Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=465http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=465Watkins Glen, NY (June 4, 2010)- Returning to Watkins Glen International Raceway, the site of numerous successes over the years in GRAND-AM, TRG returns to both the Rolex Sports Car Series Series presented by Crown Royal Cask no. 16, as well as the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.Driving the historic no. 66 TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in the Rolex Series event, Bob Doyle will be returning to the fold alongside team regulars Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly. Doyle, a former star of AMA motorcycle racing, has unfinished business with TRG and GRAND-AM, having made his series debut during this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona before retiring during the night.Rejoining the team with his personal sponsor r u focused? sportswear, Doyle is looking forward to Saturday’s event.“I really enjoyed my experience with TRG during the Rolex 24, and this weekend’s race should be really fun,” stated Doyle. “This whole program has come together in a very short amount of time, but everyone on the team has been great about jumping in to it. I have two of the best Porsche drivers in the world to share information with, so I’m looking forward to a great race.”Known for its high speed corners and high top speeds, a recent set of rule changes for Porsches in the GT ranks should make Saturday’s Six Hours at the Glen a more competitive one for the team. TRG won their last Rolex Series race they entered during last month’s event at Virginia International Raceway, and most recently won the Six Hours at the Glen in 2007.Meanwhile, returning to the series after a month away, the team will also return to the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge in the Sargent & Lundy Porsche 911 GT3, where the team’s regular driver Spencer Pumpelly will be joined by GRAND-AM debutante Steven Bertheau. Hailing from Illinois, Steven joins the team as an experienced Porsche racer, having driven in a number of Porsche Club of America events over the last three years.Running in his first professional race, Bertheau looks forward to a great experience.“In my first experience with the team, I’ve been very impressed by the organization and professionalism of TRG,” stated Bertheau. “Spencer will be a great teammate, not only is he fast but he gives great advice and is a valuable asset in running my first race at this level.”Of course using the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge as a ground for delivering winning results is a common trait for TRG. In 2008, TRG’s Scott Schroeder won his first professional race at Iowa Speedway, followed last year by series regular John Potter at Watkins Glen, as well as TRG team driver Duncan Ende, who was also teamed with Pumpelly for his victory. Ende is an especially strong example of TRG’s development program, now driving full-time as leader driver in both the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, but also as a TRG driver in the American Le Mans Series.For Team Owner Kevin Buckler, hopes are high for the team’s return to the Glen.“We’re absolutely thrilled to return to GRAND-AM with entries in both series,” stated Buckler. “Bob showed very well with us at Daytona, and he’s just a stand up guy. It’s rare to find someone with his business background who’s also as solid and fast, and with his additional motorcycle racing background, we’re fortunate to have him on board. With Bob, Spencer, and Andy in the car for six-hours, it should be a great race. In GS, I’m thrilled that Steven could join us for this race. He’s had a great run with PCA for the last few years and has the distinction of owning and driving our very first TRG professional racecar! That car was very special to me and we are glad to see it in good hands. I look forward to seeing how he develops throughout the next few days and am glad to have him on board with us.”Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=464http://www.theracersgroup.com/news/show.php?id=464