LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 13, 2014) – TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America (TRG-AMR) took to the streets of Long Beach Friday and Saturday in preparation for the “Roar at the Shore presented by Kia” race, Sunday, April 13. The TRG-AMR team brings an impressive lineup of four Aston Martin Vantage car entries to the largest spectator event in Southern California. The entries include the inaugural outing of the V-12 Vantage GT3 in the GT class and three GT4s in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship GTS class.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach (GPLB) brings together a full weekend slate of races including the Pirelli World Challenge, IMSA TUDOR SportsCar Championship, IndyCar, Indy Lights, Pro Celebrity and Super Drift. The Long Beach Grand Prix, which is celebrating its 40th year this weekend, draws fans from all over the world to attend the renowned event. The GPLB’s huge Lifestyle Expo Center and Family Fun Zone is a legendary part of the fan experience and has something for everyone.
The Pirelli World Challenge Series at LBGP featured 41 cars for Saturday’s qualifying. TRG-AMR drivers include Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, Calif., No. 15 “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” V12 TRG Aston Martin GT3, who qualified 19th in GT class; Drew Regitz, No. 02 TRG-AMR North America Aston Martin GT4, who qualified 10th in GTS class; Nick Esayian, No. 34 Natural Cures TRG-AMR North America Aston Martin GT4 who qualified 19th in GTS class; Jorge De La Torre, No. 04 TRG-AMR North America Aston Martin GT4 who qualified 20th in GTS class.
WINNINGEST TRG INTRODUCES ASTON MARTIN IN FIRST-EVER GT CLASS ENTRY
The Racer’s Group (TRG), who has celebrated 58 professional race victories and 165 podium finishes, has brought an Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 to the Pirelli World Challenge Championship for the first time ever.
TRG-AMR PRE-RACE EVENTS
TRG-AMR hosted an invitation-only car and wine gala at the Beverly Hills Aston Martin dealership on Wednesday, April 9. Guests were treated to a special wine tasting from one of the hottest boutique wineries in Northern California, Adobe Road Winery. The winery is a sister company of TRG-AMR and features hand-crafted small lot wines produced from some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma and Napa counties.
THUNDER ON PINE
On Thursday, April 10th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. PDT fans were able to attend a free event on Pine Street in downtown Long Beach to witness pit stop demonstrations, freestyle motocross, and the 2014 Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach pageant on the outdoor stage and much more. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” Aston Martin Vantage GT3 was on display in front of thousands of fans and was a huge hit.
SPIDER-MAN 2 HITS THE STREETS OF LONG BEACH
The No. 15 Aston Martin Vantage of local Hollywood, Calif. Driver Tomy Drissi, is sporting a spectacular livery this weekend. He partnered with Sony Pictures’ “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” movie to promote the May 2 release in the U.S.
“I can’t believe the response we’ve gotten for the Spider-Man 2 car,” said Drissi. “The movie opens May 2. It’s been unbelievable. The TRG Aston Martin team has been great and all have been really working hard. We have to find a little more in the car, as it’s the first time we’ve been out here. The most fun are the fans. The fans love Spiderman. Spiderman is for people of all ages, and the movie is really the comic book come to life. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s race with the Spider-Man 2 car and I hope everyone is having fun here at Long Beach.”
DREW REGITZ GIVES IMPRESSIONS ON FIRST VISIT TO LONG BEACH CIRCUIT
“The track is a street course, which is always intimidating. It’s a lot of fun but there are a several challenges. There are many areas where we can really push the envelope, which is what I’ve been doing. I took another second off my time and am looking to continue doing that tomorrow. I’m hoping to break into the top six or seven for the race.”
DRIVER NICK ESAYIAN HOSTS SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION FAMILIES
TRG-AMR driver Nick Esayian invited family members of the Special Forces Operation Warrior Foundation (www.specialops.org) to the Grand Prix of Long Beach race activities. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is a top-rated nonprofit organization that supports the military’s special operations forces and their families through three programs, including college scholarships, family services and financial support.
JORGE DE LA TORRE ENJOYING COACHING EXPERIENCE AND RACE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
“I’m really enjoying having all the fans in the paddock here at Long Beach. It’s much more exciting than St. Pete. My mom and dad are here at the track with me and are enjoying all the race weekend has to offer, including the racer’s premier party tonight. I just love being out on the track and get along great with the whole TRG crew, who are always talking and strategizing to prepare for the race.”
The Long Beach Pirelli World Challenge race will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m. PDT/7:00 p.m. EDT at www.world-challengetv.com. Additionally, NBC Sports Network will broadcast the race tape delay at 2:30 p.m. PDT/5:30 p.m. EDT on April 20.
RACE FACTS
“The Roar By the Shore Presented by Kia” race is Round 3 of the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Championship season, sanctioned by SCCA and part of the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Track: Long Beach Street Circuit in Long Beach, Calif., 1.968 miles, 11-turn street course
GTS Class: 21 Entries
GT/GTA Class: 20 Entries
Date/Time: Sunday April 13th, 4:30pm PDT; Warm-up at 8:00-8:15 a.m. PDT