GMG Seeks Renewed Form at Mid-Ohio‏ Honda Indy 200

Following a relatively quiet few rounds of the Pirelli World Challenge, Global Motorsports Group (GMG) will head to the historic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in search of renewed form. Continuing another four-car line up in to this weekend’s Honda Indy 200, the team looks forward to returning to another permanent road course, where the Audi fleet has shown relative strength.“We’re really hoping to turn things around this weekend,” stated GMG team owner James Sofronas. “This should be a good track for us, and in that I’m confident Andrew will shine through again, as will Bill. Alex is back with us as well, and he will be a welcome addition, having run some really big events at the beginning of the year. We’re really looking to rebound this weekend, and I’m confident we can.”Driving the No. 21 Spyder / The Thermal Club Audi R8 LMS ultra, 20-year old Andrew Palmer comes in to the event as the top ranked contender for the team. Arriving at yet another circuit where he’s had no experience, having only driven in his first proper car race 10 months ago, Palmer is excited about the prospect of competing at a permanent road course. With the twisty nature of the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course being the closest configuration to where the Pomona College student took his first win at Barber Motorsports Park just three months ago, anticipation is high for this weekend’s double-header.“Mid Ohio is definitely a track where we’re hoping for good things,” stated Palmer. “The last few races have gotten away from us, but this weekend we all feel we can get it turned around. The guys have been working hard to find some new areas in the car that can help us run a little faster, and I’ve been studying everything I can to gain speed here, so hopefully we’re in good shape.”In the No. 14 Mobil 1 / The Thermal Club / Spyder Audi R8 LMS ultra, James Sofronas arrives looking for renewed form after a fairly quiet few weeks. With hopes that the team’s return to a familiar venue may help in their preparation, the Villa Park, California resident is aiming at podium results.“It would be great to finally come home with some hardware,” stated Sofronas. “We had such an amazing year in 2013 that we knew this year would be tough. It’s such a strong field, and only getting more competitive, so we’re doing everything we can to raise our game and compete.”Continuing on in the No. 95 Swisher Racing machine, Bill Ziegler looks forward to returning to a permanent road course. Just six weeks ago at Road America, another permanent road course, the Florida native took his first series podium.“Traffic at Mid Ohio is always at a premium,” stated Ziegler. “Coming in to this weekend we know that we’ll have to navigate the traffic very carefully, as it’s really tough to pass. If we can manage that and stay out of trouble, I know we’ll have another shot at a podium.”Finally, returning to the fray for his first run in the all-new GT-A category, Alex Welch looks forward to stepping in to the No. 76 / GMG / Prestige Imports / Morgan Adams Foundation machine. Having missed the first half of the year to take part in such events as The Rolex 24 at Daytona as well as The 12 Hours of Sebring, Welch returns to the series with a wealth of experience, and should be an instant contender.“Mid-Ohio is an excellent course to return to, and I think we can deliver a good result,” stated Welch. “A track with this many medium-speed corners should hopefully play in to our hands, and looking at the strength of the GT-A field I think we should be able to mix right in. It will be great to get back behind the wheel, and it’s great to rejoin the team.”Official practice for the event begins today, August 1, at 3PM. Live race coverage will once again be featured on world-challengetv.com the following day at 11:50AM, followed by Race Two on Sunday, August 3, at 1:30PM.


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