Texas-based team Mundill, entering their third year in the Star Mazda Championship, is pleased to announce it will expand its team with the recent acquisition of a Pescarolo/Judd LMP1 car from Rollcentre Racing. The Texas-based team is confident that an American Le Mans Series program will compliment the team’s effort in Star Mazda, creating an opportunity for drivers, engineers and mechanics to develop their craft and move up under the same roof.
“My main focus this season will be on the Star Mazda Championship," said Anders Krohn, who will drive one of Mundill's Star Mazda Championship entries in the 2009 season. "But being able to help develop Mundill’s American Le Mans Series program provides me with the ideal situation of moving up inside the same team and working with the same great people. The American Le Mans Series would also allow my sponsors to gain improved exposure.”
The Star Mazda championship, now entering its 19th year as one of the most prolific and successful 'gateway' driver development series, is sanctioned by ALMS and will race as a support event at ALMS, Grand-Am, NASCAR and ARCA events in 2009. But Mundill team co-owners David Mundy and Jeff Hill have always had a particular affinity for the high-tech Le Mans prototypes.
“From the first time we went to an ALMS race, Jeff and I wanted to explore racing one of the prototypes," said Mundy. "Recently we agreed with Rollcentre Racing to acquire their Pescarolo/Judd car, and they have been wonderful to deal with. Martin Short has been straightforward and a gentleman.”
A combination of factors, to include the car's design and history of finishing races, led Mundill to choose Pescarolo. The car has a proven history of being competitive and reliable with both private teams and factory efforts. The same can be said about Judd engines; the company has been very supportive and is keen to have a Judd-powered car competing in the ALMS.
“I wish we could help them be on track sooner than we will be able to," says Mundy. "Our expectation is to enter races towards the end of the 2009 season, and plan on running the full 2010 season. We remain committed to the Star Mazda Championship for 2009 and beyond, but are certainly looking forward to the challenges of prototype racing. This is an addition to our team, not a move away from our current efforts.”
