PR1 Motorsports

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’ Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Testing Report

pr1motorsports — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:43:27 +0000

Dobson and Leitzinger go P2 in Monterey.

May 10, 2012

Monterey, CA -

Ken Dobson and Butch Leitzinger piloted the #52 Quest Software/ Aviation Gin Oreca FLM09 around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s roller coaster 11-turn, 2.238-mile layout during a two-hour test session before this weekend’s American Le Mans Monterey Presented by Patrón six-hour endurance race. After logging 40 laps, the #52 was scored P2 in the LMPC American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón class, a mere 0.85 seconds behind the eventual P1 car. While not a part of the official race weekend, today’s test was crucial for the Fresno, CA based team as track and weather conditions were a near perfect match to Saturday’s forecast.

Dobson, a former Monterey resident and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca driving school instructor, is always thrilled to compete at his home track.

“Taking a win in a professional race at Laguna has always been a dream of mine,” Dobson said. “We got into some trouble early in the race here last year that kept us out of contention, but we still learned a lot and I think that it shows now that we’re back and are running so well. We’re one of the few cars that will only use two drivers, however, so I’ve been training everyday, really hitting the gym hard to be ready for when the team needs me to stay out for those grueling double, possibly triple stints. But it’ll be worth it, especially now that we have Quest Software on the car as the primary sponsor with an all new livery. Everyone is really motivated to give those guys the extra effort they deserve and I’m looking to put in the drive of my life this Saturday for them.”

For Leitzinger, today’s dusty track conditions were yet another tricky variable the team will have to overcome to stand on the top step of the podium this Saturday.

“Laguna used to have these tall curbs that kept the cars in the track, but ever since they knocked those down to accommodate the motorcycles, every half-dropped wheel kicks up sand into the racing line,” Leitzinger explained. “It makes it a bit slippery out there, but it’s nothing we can’t handle, just something to be mindful of. Really, this track is so great, its just an amazing layout that truly rewards you when you can put a good lap together. And with just the two of us in the car this weekend, we’ll have to put a lot of good laps in to stay competitive here. There are plenty of fast cars out there, but as today’s test shows, we can run with any of them so I’m expecting another fantastic race with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.”

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, is cautiously optimistic after today’s successful test.

“Today’s test is giving us a lot to look forward to as the top three cars were all really close to each other,” Oergel said. “I think we’re going to see a real slugfest out there with all the top teams swapping fast laps in practice and really digging in for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Obviously it’s great to lead those and we’ll definitely be racing for the top spot, but Saturday is a six-hour endurance event on one of the world’s most physical tracks. Add in the fact that the race starts during the middle of the day and goes into the darkness without a lot of track lighting and the precarious situations really start to add up. So although we’ll be pushing as hard as we can to get an edge on the competition, we also realize that Laguna is a chess match and that you need to save your best moves for the end.”

Coverage of round three of the 2012 ALMS season, the American Le Mans Monterey Presented by Patrón, begins on Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 4:15pm EDT on ESPN 3.

Potential partners interested in the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC program can contact the team directly at pr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

About Quest Software:

Quest creates simple-to-use IT management software that saves time and money across virtual, physical, and cloud environments. Their award-winning products and timesaving services ease the toughest IT challenges for more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Customers need simpler ways to do powerful things. That’s what Quest has delivered since 1987.

The company is focused on technology innovation that delivers real value and cost savings, fast. Customers can rely on Quest to meet just about any IT management need with their breadth of smart, award-winning products and timesaving services. Whether customers are working with Windows, databases and applications, or in physical, virtual or cloud environments — customers are covered. Customers will be amazed how their innovative yet practical solutions will transform IT operations and boost staff productivity higher than ever imagined – and all from a solid company that’s been helping organizations large and small since 1987.

www.quest.com

About Aviation Gin:

Born in the fresh and pristine environs of Portland, Oregon, Aviation New Western Dry Gin, represents a unique partnership between craft distilled spirit pioneer House Spirits Distilling and internationally acclaimed bartender Ryan Magarian. With its full and weighty mouth feel, regionally inspired flavors of earth and spice, and a uniquely cool finish, Aviation is a rare expression of dry gin that shines both on it’s own and in one of a large number of resurrected and modern culinary cocktails colliding with ice and tin on the insides of Boston Shakers at discerning cocktail bars around the world.

www.aviationgin.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec and professional sports cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, also enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

Photo Credit: John Dagys

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PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Carries Momentum To Long Beach

pr1motorsports — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:57:44 +0000

Junco and Leitzinger are ready for a street fight in downtown Long Beach.

April 11, 2012

Long Beach, CA -

Fresh off of the team’s podium finish at the brutal Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports returns to their home state of California to contest the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach this Saturday. At only two hours long, the 11 turn 1.968 mile-based street circuit sprint race is in stark contrast to the twelve hour endurance event that it follows on the schedule. Drivers will have to contend with another full field as 33 cars will cram their way into the narrow So-Cal street course located just 40 minutes from glamorous Beverly Hills. One of eight LMPC class entries, the #52 Aviation Gin/ Quest Software Oreca FLM09 will retain 2/3 of its Sebring lineup with Rudy Junco, of Monterrey, Mexico, and Butch Leitzinger, of Rebersburg, PA. Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, will be returning to the driving lineup during the third race of the season in Monterey, CA in May.

Making his Long Beach ALMS series debut, Junco will not be entirely unfamiliar with the track having contested two Firestone Indy Lights races there in 2000-2001.

“It’s been over ten years since I’ve driven at Long Beach, so in a lot of ways, the track will be nearly all-new to me,” Junco explained. “However, I have a lot of time in the LMPC car, I’m very familiar with the chassis and engine package, and PR1/Mathiasen always builds and sets up the fastest car in the class. Butch has a lot of experience here as well, so I know that we’ll have everything we’ll need to get up to speed quickly and position ourselves to fight for the victory. Being so close to Mexico, this is a bit of a home race for me, so I’m looking forward to competing again in front of all of the great fans that attend this historical race.”

The Long Beach street circuit is one of Leitzinger’s favorite courses on the calendar.

“Just like Sebring, Long Beach is another one of those classic races that have so much history and legend behind them,” Leitzinger said. “It’s also an amazing track, a real street circuit located right in the middle of an exciting city’s downtown. I really enjoy that there is an interesting mix of corners as well. It’s not just a collection of gas – mash the brake – turn 90 degrees and repeat, like so many other street courses. The short format really puts a premium on qualifying, which in turn puts a premium on Fridays two-hour practice session, the only session we get before qualifying. When you add all these factors up, it makes for a great sprint race with everyone pushing as hard as they can as soon as the green flag flies.”

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, will be looking to maximize the team’s on-track program on Friday leading up to Saturday’s main event.

“Track time at Long Beach is a scarce commodity,” Oergel said. “This forces the drivers, crew, and engineers to be on their game as quickly as possible. Then you add in Long Beach’s prestige, all the fans in the stands, the congested paddock, and the two-hour sprint format, the whole weekend can get pretty intense even before the race starts. The key to performing in these high-pressure environments is to shut out all unnecessary distractions and to focus on doing your job the same way you would do it anywhere else. We’ve had a fast car the past two years here, but we’ve yet to get the finishes that the team deserves. With Rudy and Butch in the car, and with the team fired up over our podium finish at Sebring, I feel that we’ll finally get the luck we’ve been looking for in Long Beach.”

Coverage of round two of the 2012 ALMS season, the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach, begins on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 7:15pm ET on ESPN 3 and 7:30pm ET on ESPN 2.

About Aviation Gin:

www.aviationgin.com

About Quest Software:

www.quest.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

Photo Credit: John Dagys

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PR1 Enters 3 Cars In The Pacific Series

pr1motorsports — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:52:11 +0000

PR1 Motorsports Enters Three Cars In The Pacific Formula 2000/Formula F Super Series

March 31, 2012

Rosamond, CA -

PR1 Motorsports has announced that the Fresno, CA based team will field three entries for the entire 2012 Pacific Formula 2000/Formula F Super Series Presented by Corsa Car Care, with a fourth car scheduled for select events throughout the twelve round series. Qualifying for round 1 begins at 8:50am PT today at Willow Springs International Raceway with the race to follow at 2:55pm PT. Round 2 qualifying and race will be held on Sunday, April 1 at 9:20am PT and 12:05pm PT respectively.

After an extensive early career in karting and select Formula Ford races, Camren Kaminsky, from Phoenix, Arizona, will be piloting the #34 PR1 Motorsports Zetec F2000 in his series debut.

“The F2000′s speed, performance, and reliability is very impressive in many ways,” Kaminsky said. “Working with PR1 Motorsports has already exceeded our expectations as well. They are extremely knowledgeable and patient with me as a new driver and they are very professional and meticulous about everything they do from the garage to the track. The data they have to help me become a better driver is amazing.”

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada resident, Colin Wall, will also be making his series debut with PR1 Motorsports having recently raced in the Skip Barber Winter Series.

“The #4 PR1 Motorsports Zetec F2000 is coming along really well,” Wall said. “Willow Springs is an all-new track for me, so there’s a lot to take in this weekend. But with PR1′s help, I’m hoping to be able to pull it together for the race today.”

In 2011, Conner Ford, of Carson City, NV, obtained six race victories, nine pole positions, one third place finish, two second place finishes, eight fastest laps and ten top-five results to be crowned the 2011 Pacific F2000 Championship Presented by Corsa Car Care Series Champion. He returns to PR1 Motorsports this year to contest the Pacific Formula F Super Series championship utilizing the team’s factory chassis support from Mygale and factory engine support from Honda Performance Division (HPD).

“The new #77 PR1 Motorsports Mygale-Honda is great and we got some valuable driving time in this weekend,” Ford explained. “It’s a lot different than the F2000, but it’s still very fun to drive and I like it a lot. The competition in the new class looks great also. There are a few different guys here that are going to be difficult to go up against for the first race. But I’m extremely excited that I have my first race of the season this weekend at Willow Springs. This is going to be the start of another good year with PR1!”

Peter Thomas, a native of Scotland now living in San Juan Capistrano, CA scored two top-five results in his rookie season with PR1 Motorsports in 2011 and will be joining the team in a third Zetec F2000 car at select races this year.

PR1 Motorsports Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, is looking forward to another great year in the Pacific Formula 2000/Formula F Super Series.

“2012 looks to be another great year as we’re fortunate once again to get to work with so many talented young drivers,” Oergel said. “The Pacific Formula 2000/Formula F Super Series is an excellent series for these guys to learn the skills that they’ll need as they move on to more advanced machinery, and it is always a pleasure to help them along the way. Colin, Camern, and Conner have been doing a great job all week learning their new cars, really showing their dedication to their on and and off-track development. Our entire engineering and support staff are here as always, and we’ll be working non-stop to ensure that these guys have everything they need to fight for victories and championships this year!”

Drivers and partners interested in the PR1 Motorsports development program can contact the team directly at pr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec, GRAND-AM Rolex Series, and American Le Mans Series race cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

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PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Second At Sebring

pr1motorsports — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:19:46 +0000

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports begins the season with a well-deserved podium at the 12 Hours of Sebring

March 18, 2012

Sebring, FL -

Sixty-four cars started the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida, but after twelve arduous hours of competition, only two cars remained in contention for the LMPC class victory. The #52 Aviation Gin/ Quest Software Oreca FLM09 ultimately came up one position shy of the top step of the podium, however, as a necessary late pit stop for fuel, and a severe gearbox failure at the very end of the race kept the team from seriously challenging for the win.

After a shortened qualifying session, the #52 started the race in P7 with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports driver, Butch Leitzinger, of Rebersburg, PA, making a clean start despite the numerous early full course cautions that would eventually plague the majority of the race. Leitzinger would go on to complete a double stint while meticulously climbing the leader board, eventually handing the wheel of the #52 over to Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, at the two hour mark from the lead. Dobson’s first two hour stint directly mirrored his teammate’s as he consistently fought for the lead while staying clear of the trouble that hampered so many of his competitors throughout the race.

By the sixth hour, however, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports experienced the bad luck that had affected so many other cars when tire rubber pickup from the track damaged the #52′s front wheel bodywork louvers. The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón rulebook mandated that the team make an unscheduled pit stop to replace the damaged parts. This forced the crew to swap out the entire front nose section to remedy the situation, causing the team to go one lap down. Despite this misfortune, Rudy Junco, of Monterrey, Mexico, who had taken over for Dobson at the four hour mark, fought to keep the #52 in the top-three for his two hour term behind the wheel.

Two hours later, Dobson would retake the wheel after a pit stop during a full course caution, lining up to take some of the event’s most harrowing restarts.

“The restarts were absolutely crazy,” Dobson explained. “We had four classes of cars out there taking the green together, running four-wide through some of Sebring’s bumpiest sections. With all those cars bunched up like that, I will remember those restarts for quite a while! Overall, it was an amazing experience, so much better than last year, and I’m really excited to be working with PR1/Mathiasen again this season.”

After seven and a half hours of racing, Dobson pitted the #52 and handed the wheel back to Leitzinger who rejoined Sebring’s famously harsh 17-turn, 3.7 mile layout in P3, still one lap down to the leaders. Fortunately, another full course caution gave the #52 an opportunity to take advantage of a wave-by, placing Leitzinger back on the lead lap ready to challenge for the LMPC class lead. At the end of the ninth hour, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports took the class lead and went on to build a nearly 40 second gap to the second place car.

With just under two hours remaining, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports performed their final driver swap of the night and sent Junco back out in P2 to finish the race. Despite closing to within striking distance of the class leading car in the tenth hour, a required fuel stop in the eleventh hour placed Junco an additional 30 seconds back from the lead. With less than half an hour remaining, the gearbox in the #52 suffered severe internal damage, limiting Junco’s ability to downshift below fifth gear for the remainder of the race.

With only fifth and sixth gears available to him, Junco’s lap times rose considerably and the #52 limped to the finish to the relief of the entire PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team that had grown concerned that any finish, let alone a second step podium result, might have been made impossible by the ailing gearbox.

“I felt the gearbox break up and I was relieved when I found fifth then sixth gear,” Junco said. “It’s funny how fast you go from being disappointed about not being able to challenge for the win to just hoping to hold on to your podium finish. All in all, it was a great experience to be back with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. We showed tremendous potential today and I think we showed what we’re capable of this year.”

Leitzinger was also simultaneous relieved and optimistic.

“We had a few setbacks out there today that certainly cost us the victory tonight,” Leitzinger explained. “But PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports performed flawlessly giving us perfect stops and a quick car all weekend. We didn’t get the win, but we did earn and incredibly hard fought second place podium tonight, and I think that speaks volumes about what we should be able to accomplish throughout the season this year.”

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, would have liked to have stood one step higher on Sebring’s podium, but he is still inspired by his team’s performance during the twelve hour classic.

“In terms of pure execution, the crew performed flawlessly all week,” Oergel exclaimed. “I really couldn’t be more proud of them. We’re all true racers on this team, so we’re obviously not thrilled that we didn’t win tonight. But we are eagerly anticipating running for the team championship this year and championships are won when you make a bad race exceptional, and that’s exactly what we accomplished tonight. Rudy, Ken, Butch, and the guys took a car with a busted nose and only two gears and nearly won the 12 Hours of Sebring with it. That’s the type of team that can challenge for wins and the championship, and that’s why our heads are held up high tonight.”

Coverage of round two of the 2012 ALMS season, the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach, begins on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 7:15pm ET on ESPN 3.

About Aviation Gin:

www.aviationgin.com

About Quest Software:

www.quest.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

Photo Credit: John Dagys

###

Two New Sponsors for 2012

pr1motorsports — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:44:57 +0000

Aviation Gin and Quest Software to sponsor PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports for the 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season.

March 13, 2012

Sebring, FL -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports is excited to announce that Aviation Gin, www.aviationgin.com, and Quest Software, www.quest.com, will be partnering with the California-based team for the 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season. While Aviation Gin will be making their inaugural appearance at the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida, Quest Software will be starting their second season with PR1/Mathiasen having been featured on the #52 Oreca FLM09 several times in 2011, including the team’s Petit Le Mans victory last fall.

Aviation Gin Co-Owner and CEO, Thomas Mooney will be using the ALMS races to introduce fans to the brand’s rare expression of dry gin.

“Aviation Gin is crafted with an intense, passionate, near-obsessive pursuit of quality, one batch at a time, using 100% American grain and exotic spices from around the world,” Mooney said. “We often refer to this as ‘Old World philosophy for the New World palate.’ We see a great deal in common between Aviation Gin and the American Le Mans Series, and we’re proud of our association with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. They truly share our commitment to winning through superior knowledge, dedication, and skill. We plan to be active at every ALMS race this season, and we will introduce Aviation Gin fans nationwide to the spectacular world of the American Le Mans Series.”

Alan Fudge, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales & Marketing, is looking forward to working, and winning, with PR1/Mathiasen again this year.

“2011 was an exciting year for Quest at the track,” Fudge said. “We utilized our involvement with motorsports and PR1/Mathiasen to energize our workforce, galvanize existing relationships, form all new contacts, and really capture our stakeholder’s interest and energy at every track we visited. Quest uses state-of-the-art technology and an uncompromising work ethic to get the job done, so PR1/Mathiasen perfectly represents what we stand for. Naturally, our victory at the 2011 Petit Le Mans was the highlight of the year, but the whole experience was a tremendous success for Quest Software and we could not be more excited about being back with the team this year fighting for victory once again!”

PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, has the team and drivers Butch Leitzinger, of Rebersburg, PA, Rudy Junco, of Monterrey, Mexico, and Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, ready to perform for their new partners.

“The whole team is pretty motivated this year after receiving so much support and encouragement from Aviation Gin and Quest Software,” Oergel stated. “We had an outstanding test earlier this year at Sebring and Ken, Rudy, and Butch have everything they need to run up front. We were able to get Quest a win last year at Road Atlanta during the 2011 Petit Le Mans and we’ll be working hard to get them, and Aviation Gin, a Tweleve Hours of Sebring win this Saturday night!”

For Ray Mathiasen, of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, the team’s third year in the series looks to be their most competitive.

“We are entering our third season in LMPC and we’re in the best position that we’ve been in since we joined the series,” Mathiasen explained. “Bobby and the crew are prepared to compete for the whole season with an impressive driver lineup and a solid group of sponsors in Aviation Gin and Quest Software. The LMPC class is extremely competitive this year, but we are well prepared for the task at hand. We can’t wait for Sebring to start!”

The 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season begins with the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:30am ET.

About Aviation Gin:

www.aviationgin.com

About Quest Software:

www.quest.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

Photo Credit: John Dagys

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PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Sebring Test Report

pr1motorsports — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:11:41 +0000

With a successful test behind them, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Focuses on Race-Prep.

February 15, 2012

Fresno, CA -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ended the off-season in fine fashion during the official test session for the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida, topping the time sheets during first day of the two-day test event. PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports drivers Butch Leitzinger, of Rebersburg, PA, Rudy Junco, of Monterrey, Mexico, and Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, took turns piloting the #52 Aviation Gin/ Quest Software Oreca FLM09 around Sebring International Raceway’s notoriously brutal 17 turn, 3.7 mile layout.

For Junco, the two day test was an excellent opportunity to re-acclimate himself behind the wheel.

“It felt great to be back in the car,” Junco said. “I didn’t do any testing over the winter! Sometimes its good to just relax and take your mind off of things to really be refreshed once you get back in the car. That did leave me wondering how much the time off would affect my ability to get back and get used to the car and the track again, but I was able to get comfortable pretty quickly. I feel that we gathered a lot of data that will not only help us in this race, but in the other races as well. As always, the PR1/Mathiasen machine was quick right out of the gate and my teammates did a great job in their stints as well. The crew did an outstanding job preparing a great car for us and I know that we are ready for the long race next month.”

Dobson used the test to further refine an all-new driving style for the LMPC machine.

“I tested a Star Mazda extensively over the off-season and I used that opportunity to improve my left foot braking technique,” Dobson said. “Working with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports engineer John Hayes in 2011, I saw that the on-board data showed there was an opportunity to gain ground under heavy braking, so I committed myself to making the switch from right-foot to left-foot braking. I’ve seen and immediate positive affect on my lap times already. Even under the somewhat cold and damp conditions we saw during the test, I was still improving over my times here over last year when the weather was optimal. Both Butch and Rudy were quick as well and the whole PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team performed at class leading levels as always, so my confidence for the race is at an all time high.”

Leitzinger was impressed with the amount of testing procedures PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports was able to accomplish at Sebring.

“A lot of time, a significant portion of the first test of the year can be wasted introducing the new drivers to the organization, getting seats fitted, and learning the car’s cockpit not to mention everyone’s name,” Leitzinger explained. “But there weren’t any new faces this year and everyone’s seat from last year still fit, so we were able to get right to work which was fantastic. We got a lot of quick laps under our belt, and we worked through a seemingly endless list of scenarios and setups, really filling our notebook that we’ll be using for the 12-hour and for the rest of the year. I tell you, it was a long off-season for me, I couldn’t wait to get in the car after learning so early that we’d be back with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports for the whole year. Now that we had such a great test and look so strong for the race, I feel like the next 30 days until we come back will feel even longer than the last four months did!”

The increased competition level in the LMPC class was noticeable to PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, during the test.

“It certainly seems as though this will be the toughest LMPC field the series as seen so far,” Oergel said. “There are a lot of strong cars and drivers out there, and even though we tried to focus on our own program last week, it was difficult not to notice the numbers the other guys were putting up. There’s always been great competition in the class, however, so we didn’t take notice for too long. We had a phenomenal two days on the track ourselves. All three drivers shot through an enormous testing program that had us work through nearly every conceivable scenario and setup that we could imagine. So while other teams may have one or two pieces figured out, I’m positive that we have the completed puzzle sorted by next month.”

About Aviation Gin:

www.aviationgin.com

About Quest Software:

www.quest.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1 Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

For more information please contact Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

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Ken Dobson Completes PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’ Sebring Lineup

pr1motorsports — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:46:23 +0000

Dobson joins Rudy Junco and Butch Leitzinger for the 12-Hour Classic

February 8, 2012

Fresno, CA -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has confirmed their driver lineup for the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida. Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA will join season-long driver Butch Leitzinger and Rudy Junco in the #52 Aviation Gin/ Quest Software Oreca FLM09. All three drivers drove to victory for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in 2011 with Junco and Leitzinger taking the team to their first win at Road America and Dobson helping to secure the team’s dramatic Petit Le Mans victory last fall.

“The competition in LMPC has increased considerably this year, there’s no doubt about that,” Dobson said. “I’m not that concerned though. Looking up and down the field, I believe that we have the strongest driver lineup in the paddock, we’ve all won with PR1/Mathiasen last year, so I’m feeling very confident that we’ll be able to compete for wins again this year.”

Despite the team’s multiple victories last year, there’s still one race that Dobson and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports would like to do over again.

“Sebring was coming to us last year, we were a lock for the podium and we were in an excellent position to win as well,” Dobson explained. “Then right after the halfway mark, we lost the engine and my heart sank in my chest. It was devastating to the whole team, really. That is why I’m so thrilled to be returning this year. We get another shot at it and my motivation is at an all time high to help this team and our supporters get the Sebring victory that we got so close to last year.”

PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, is confident of his team’s chances at Sebring this year.

“Our Petit Le Mans victory with Ken at the end of last year gave us a lot of momentum through the off-season, so we’re all very excited to have him back on board with us,” Oergel said. “A lot of times, a team can get into a lull through the winter months, but we have all been itching to get back racing. We’ve been working through one of the most aggressive testing programs we’ve ever utilized throughout the off-season, really pushing ourselves and the equipment to the limit to ensure that there are no mistakes at Sebring this year. All of our drivers have won with us, the team is comprised of seasoned veterans, and despite the increased competition in LMPC, PR1/Mathiasen has what I feel to be the optimal mix of experience, talent, desire, and outright speed in this class. Add that all up, and I know that we’ll be a force once again this year.”

About Aviation Gin:

www.aviationgin.com

About Quest Software:

www.quest.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1 Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

For more information please contact Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

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PR1 Motorsports Pacific F2000 Season Review

pr1motorsports — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:04:08 +0000

PR1 Motorsports dominates twelve round season.

December 14, 2011

Fresno, CA -

The 2011 Pacific F2000 Championship Presented by Corsa Car Care Series season once again highlighted the quality and depth of the PR1 Motorsports driver development program. At the end of the twelve round, seven month long season, PR1 Motorsports’ drivers finished first, second, and eighth in the driver championship points while earning ten wins, eleven pole positions, eighteen podium finishes and ten fastest race laps in a season that saw tremendous competition throughout the field.

Statistically, PR1 Motorsports team drivers Conner Ford of Carson City, NV, David Cheng, of Sammamish, WA, and Peter Thomas, a native of Scotland now living in San Juan Capistrano, CA:

- Qualified on pole for 92% of the races.
- Won 83% of the races.
- Earned 83% of the fastest laps.
- Scored 50% of the total podiums.

Conner Ford: Six race victories, nine pole positions, one third place finish, two second place finishes, eight fastest laps and ten top-five results. At only fifteen years old, Ford had to miss rounds nine and ten at Infineon Raceway for being too young to compete at the sinuous wine country road course. Despite this setback, Ford had still amassed 303 points to be crowned the 2011 Pacific F2000 Championship Presented by Corsa Car Care Series Champion.

“In the final race, I only had to finish more than half of the laps to secure the Championship,” Ford explained. “Once I saw the crossed flags indicating that we’d reached the half way point, it really hit home to me. Up until that point, I hadn’t thought of it that much, but looking back now, it was an incredible season and I’m extremely proud of what we were able to accomplish with PR1 Motorsports this year.”

David Cheng: Two pole positions, two fastest race laps, two second place finishes, three third place finishes, four victories (all consecutive, rounds nine through twelve), and eleven top-five results. Finished second in the driver championship standings with 278 points. For 2012, Cheng will be utilizing the skills he learned racing with PR1 Motorsports in the Asia F3 Championship, the China VW Sirocco Cup, and GRAND-AM’s Continental Tire Challenge Series.

“Winning four races in a row was an incredible way to finish the season,” Cheng said. “We had a bit of a rough start that kept us from truly challenging for the Championship, but we kept working on making our program better and better at every race and I’m glad to see that we were able to start getting the results that we worked so hard for as a team.”

Peter Thomas: Two top-five results in his rookie season with PR1 Motorsports. Despite being forced to miss several events to recover from a series of unfortunate accidents away from the track, Thomas finished the season in eighth place with 132 championship points.

“I was just thrilled to be back with PR1 Motorsports for the final two races of the year,” Thomas explained. “It took a bit of getting used to being back in the car again, but once it was up to speed, it was though I had never left. It’s just a shame that the season is over already, I can’t wait to get back out there with PR1 Motorsports.

PR1 Motorsports Team Principal Bobby Oergel is proud of his team’s accomplishments this season and is looking to built upon their successes in 2012.

“2011 was a phenomenal season,” Oergel said. “PR1 Motorsports prides itself on helping young talent reach their potential and this year was an excellent example of our dedication to that goal. In the past, we’ve worked with JR Hildebrand and Charlie Kimball before they were Indy Car Series drivers, helped Jonathan Bomarito and Mike Forest in Atlantics before their GRAND-AM careers began, and Conner’s Championship and David’s comeback season this year are just the latest chapters in our team’s driver development success log book. It gets a little tougher every year, but we have continued to use the same core group of engineers and driver coaches, the same technicians who always do a great job for us, and we’ve always striven to continuously refine our program. We’re extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we keep our eye on the future to make sure our trophy collection continues to grow and that our younger drivers continue to successfully climb the motorsports ladder.”

Drivers and partners interested in the PR1 Motorsports development program can contact the team directly at pr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec, GRAND-AM Rolex Series, and American Le Mans Series race cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com.

Photo Credit: Daniel Gulickson

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PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Victorious at Petit Le Mans

pr1motorsports — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:02:37 +0000

Henri Richard, Ken Dobson, and Ryan Lewis take a dramatic victory at Road Atlanta

October 1, 2011

Braselton, GA -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports scored their second American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC class victory last Saturday at the 14th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA, the season ending 1000 miles/ 10-hour fall classic at Road Atlanta. Henri Richard, Ken Dobson, and Ryan Lewis drove the #52 Future Electronics/ Quest Software/ MOBOTIX/ Freescale Semiconductor/ Hewlett-Packard Company/ Synnex/ Silicon Tech Racing Oreca FLM09 to victory by a scant 0.172 margin over the the second place finisher after a 9.5 hour chess match on the picturesque 12 turn, 2.54 mile road course.

The race was marked with drama even before the green flag fell. Despite having qualified in the third position, Lewis, of Royston, Hertfordshire, England, was promoted to the first place qualifying position after technical infractions demoted the LMPC class top qualifier and race entry limitations for non-full season entrants excluded the second place qualifier from the event. Leading the LMPC class field to the green, Lewis made a clean start and would go on to fight the #05, #06, and #63 cars for the top position before pitting for fuel after his first stint in the car. Rejoining the race in P3, Lewis’ second stint was mired in full course cautions and an unfortunate uncharacteristic mistake in pit lane.

“Coming in to pit, I just couldn’t get the car stopped, so I slid right through our pit box into the one in front of us,” Lewis explained. “Luckily it was empty, otherwise we would have been done for the day. I just misjudged the tire temperature and grip levels, so they had to push me back.”

Lewis would eventually get back out on track to start his third consecutive stint on the same set of tires that he started the race on. Rising to the challenge, Lewis was able to claw his way back to the lead, and by the time he completed his three-hour tour of duty, he had managed to put the entire LMPC field nearly one lap down.

“The race was coming to us and the car was handling beautifully, really. The only time it was a bit exciting was after the second stop when the car was heavy with fuel on old tires. It was sliding around in the fast corners, exciting, but not uncontrollable. For the most part, putting in three hours early on wasn’t that difficult, but it did build up an appetite. I didn’t eat that much before the race and was starving after I got out of the car!”

Comparatively well-nourished, Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, was called in for service and rejoined the race for PR1/Mathiasen in P4 with four fresh tires and a full tank of fuel with the top three LMPC cars still needing to make their scheduled pit stops. While running a smooth and consistent pace, Dobson’s fellow competitors began to feel the strain endurance racing places on man and machinery as unnecessary risks and bad luck began to plague several fellow competitors. An assortment of pit lane penalties and power steering failures knocked several LMPC cars off of the lead lap while the #52 soldiered on, continuing to challenge for the lead.

“I drove from the third to the fifth hour of the race, right in the middle,” Dobson said. “During my stint, you could see that a lot of guys were beginning to get a little impatient with each other, taking more risks than they needed to. I just focused on hitting the marks that our engineer set for us, just keep everything clean and out of the sand out there. We still had a lot of race left, so I didn’t want to dig us in a hole that we’d have to spend the rest of the night trying to get out of.”

With his double stint completed, Dobson pitted the #52 and handed the wheel over to Henri Richard, a native of France now living in Los Altos Hills, CA, who rejoined the race in P3 and would go on to pass for the lead before being hit from behind by the #89 car.

“I was having a great battle up front, but when I passed the #89 car, I wasn’t aware that it was for the lead,” Richard said. “Had I known, I would have pushed harder to build up a gap and Tomy Drissi, who was in the #89 at the time, wouldn’t have been close enough to hit me. He apologized later though, no big deal, but it did cost us the lead and a lot of time on track. Despite going nearly a lap down, the #52 was still eight laps ahead of the P3 car after six and a half hours, so I still liked our chances in what was now a two-car race.”

With Lewis getting back in the car for the remainder of the race, PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, had his team focus on strategy and their pit work.

“The guys were awesome all night, which is crucial during green flag stops,” Oergel siad. “Ryan got back to the lead and nearly put the field a lap down again before a caution got the #89 back behind us. We were locked in a battle with them for quite a while with both of us passing and re-passing each other for the lead. We kept together with the #89 until we had an ignition issue and coasted back to pit lane a few laps after our stop on lap 323. We lost a lap, but we were good to go on fuel at that point and were hoping that the #89 was going to need to stop again. But we still needed to get back on the lead lap even if they didn’t have to stop, so we worked to position ourselves to be able to capitalize on full course cautions, looking to get that wave around.”

A late race incident between a Dyson Racing LMP1 car and a CORE Autosport LMPC competitor created the full course caution needed to get Lewis back into contention. After cleaning up the track, the green flag fell for the last time with only a few laps remaining in the season.

“After racing Marcelli in the #89 all day, I knew where they were strong, and where I could pass,” Lewis explained. “The Intersport car was extremely fast in a straight line, but I was able to out brake them, especially in turn 10. On the second to last lap I stayed right behind him, setting the pass up as early as turn six, riding the brake a bit to keep from running over him and looked briefly to the outside to see if he’d defend the inside line. Once I could see that he thought I was looking to his right, I moved to the left on the inside and stayed with him, fully committed until the pass stuck heading towards the white flag. From then, I made sure to push as hard as possible to keep him behind me. He got a few good runs on me, had a few looks, but couldn’t mount a real challenge. When we crossed the line, I could still see him in my mirrors.”

“Once I took the checkered flag, I felt an immediate sense of relief. I knew that we were capable of this result for so long and it was extremely relieving to prove that to everyone today. It was an incredible victory, one that we will celebrate for a long, long time.”

The 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season, will begin the 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:30am ET.

About Quest Software:

Quest creates simple-to-use IT management software that saves time and money across virtual, physical, and cloud environments. Their award-winning products and time-saving services ease the toughest IT challenges for more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Customers need simpler ways to do powerful things. That’s what Quest has delivered since 1987.

The company is focused on technology innovation that delivers real value and cost savings, fast. Customers can rely on Quest to meet just about any IT management need with their breadth of smart, award-winning products and time-saving services. Whether customers are working with Windows, databases and applications, or in physical, virtual or cloud environments — customers are covered. Customers will be amazed how their innovative yet practical solutions will transform IT operations and boost staff productivity higher than ever imagined – and all from a solid company that’s been helping organizations large and small since 1987.

www.quest.com

About Future Electronics:

Future Electronics is a global leader in electronic components distribution, recognized as one of the most respected and innovative companies in the industry. Headquartered in Montreal, and operating in 41 countries, Future Elecronics has earned an impressive reputation for the strength of its commercial and technical competencies, through all stages of the design production cycle, and for developing efficient, comprehensive global supply chain solutions. Globally integrated, Future Electronics has one worlwide IT infrastructure providing real time inventory availability and access, while enabling all integrations of operations, sales and marketing worlwide.

Future Electronics is pleased to introduce the most comprehensive, user friendly and informative web site in the industry. Visit FutureElectronics.com and enjoy shopping for all your component needs 24/7; American orders placed by midnight can be delivered the next morning. Future Electronics is ushering in a new era in online component selection at FutureElectronics.com, empowering engineers by providing domain expert information and advice, combined with vivid imagery and an extensive library of reference material. FutureElectronics.com boasts the most intuitive navigation engine built on top of the richest, most relevant product information in the industry today.

Offering the highest level of service, the most advanced engineering/design capabilities and technical solutions, and the largest available-to-sell inventory in the world, the company’s mission is always to Delight the Customer.

About MOBOTIX:

When MOBOTIX developed the first weatherproof web cam with digital image sensors and an integrated PC back in 1999, no one could ever have imagined the impact this would have on the future of video surveillance. The transmission of video streams over computer networks finally enabled video technology to depart from the restrictions of a TV standard which had applied for 60 years, bringing it in line with the megapixel image quality of modern-day digital cameras. MOBOTIX is the only network camera manufacturer to date that is capable of storing smooth high-resolution video streams with 1536 lines instead of the usual 288, including sound. The new technology isn’t just more powerful in all areas, it also has two decisive advantages: it is more cost-effective than traditional CCTV video technology and more multi-functional thanks to its integrated computer and network connection. Visit www.mobotix.com for more information.

About Freescale Semiconductor:

Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale is one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies with 2007 sales of $5.7 billion (USD).

Freescale is the world’s No. 1 supplier of automotive semiconductors, with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Freescale’s sensors, analog products and 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCU families provide intelligence and connectivity for advanced safety, body electronics, chassis, engine control, powertrain, driver information and telematics.

www.freescale.com

About HP:

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HPQ), commonly referred to as HP, is an American multinational information technology corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA. The company was founded in a one-car garage in Palo Alto by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, and is now one of the world’s largest information technology companies, operating in nearly every country. HP specializes in developing and manufacturing computing, data storage, and networking hardware, designing software and delivering services. Major product lines include personal computing devices, enterprise servers, related storage devices, as well as a diverse range of printers and other imaging products. HP markets its products to households, small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprises directly as well as via online distribution, consumer-electronics and office-supply retailers, software partners and major technology vendors.

www.hp.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1 Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

For more information please contact Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

Photo Credit: Andrew Henderson

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PR1/Mathiasen Ready for Petit

pr1motorsports — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:34:19 +0000

Henri Richard, Ken Dobson, and Ryan Lewis complete Petit Le Mans driver lineup.

September 28, 2011

Braselton, GA -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will join 57 other teams entered in the 2011 14th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA for the 10-hour classic at Road Atlanta this weekend, the final race of the 2011 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season. In 2010, PR1/Mathiasen scored the LMPC class pole position at the fall classic before rallying back from a mechanically plagued race to finish on the final step of the podium. Once again, Henri Richard, Ken Dobson, and Ryan Lewis will be driving the #52 Future Electronics/ Quest Software/ MOBOTIX/ Freescale Semiconductor/ Hewlett-Packard Company/ Synnex/ Silicon Tech Racing Oreca FLM09 for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, having last competed together at the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring earlier this year.

Richard, a native of France now living in Los Altos Hills, CA, won the Petit Le Mans last year in the GTC class while Lewis, of Royston, Hertfordshire, England, was a member of PR1/Mathiasen’s podium finishing driver lineup in the same event. Lewis will be looking to make up for some difficult recent races this weekend in his third ALMS start this season.

“We have had some rotten luck this year,” Lewis said. “We had mechanical issues at Sebring and again at Baltimore that ended our day early. Unfortunately that is something that is not in your control. From my own perspective, I think I have shown that we have the speed to be in contention at the front. 2010 was a tough race and it was a testament to everyone on the team, the drivers and the crew, that we came back to finish so strong.”

“The number of cars on track throughout the whole race is going to make things very interesting,” Lewis continued. “It is going to be very busy. The GT cars have found a fair amount of speed compared to us since last season & the GTC cars are really quick in a straight line. For the race, being able to manage traffic properly is going to be even more crucial. At the end of the day it is about survival, not necessarily about banging in pole laps for your whole stint. I’ve had some setbacks this year in some races, but I’m not dwelling on them. It has just made me want to win even more.”

Richard is looking forward to competing at Road Atlanta in the LMPC class for the first time.

“I love this track and I’ve always done well here,” Richard explained. “I’ve raced in the Ferrari Challenge here, but nothing compares to last year’s victory in the GTC class so far. But I know that neither of those machines will compare to the LMPC car with all of its downforce and grip. With so many cars on the grid, 58 throughout the weekend, 53 in the race, traffic will be the key challenge for us. I’m confident though as PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports always prepares the fastest FLM09 in the paddock and Ken and Ryan are superb co-drivers. The three of us were in play as a team in Sebrng before our engine issue, and these guys ran up front here last year, so I’m excited about our chances together this weekend.”

Dobson, of Sonoma, CA, will be making his Petit Le Mans debut this weekend during his forth ALMS race of the season.

“It’s been an incredible year so far, and we’re all pushing hard to finish the season on a high note,” Dobson said. “We’ve been able to run up front several times throughout the year together, just haven’t had the luck that we’ve needed to finish were we deserve. Speaking with Ryan about how Petit went for the team last year, how fast the car was, how hard the guys worked to get that podium, it’s very motivating. We have one more shot to deliver for our supporters this year, so it doesn’t matter what happened in the past, it only matters that we’re up front at the end of those 10 hours this Saturday.”

PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, has his team prepared for the unique challenges of Petit Le Mans.

“Just like Sebring, we’ll have the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup entries here with us this weekend,” Oergel said. “It’s the penultimate round of their championship, and it’s a lot of guys that we’re not used to running with. That means that pit lane and race traffic is that much more difficult to anticipate, and it adds another variable in a race that is already extremely difficult to manage. We had some success here last year under similar conditions though, so it’s nothing that we haven’t been able to prepare for. Much like this season, last year’s event was a bit of an up and down race for us, and again, just like this year, we never gave up. My crew and our drivers are prepared for Saturday’s race and we are all eager to get back on track one more time this season. I believe that we’ll have what it takes to drink champagne in Georgia again.”

The final round of the 2011 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season, the ten-hour 14th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA at the legendary Road Atlanta, will begin on October 1, 2011 at 11:30am ET with live coverage on ESPN3.com beginning at 11:15am ET.

About Quest Software:

The company is focused on technology innovation that delivers real value and cost savings, fast. Customers can rely on Quest to meet just about any IT management need with their breadth of smart, award-winning products and time-saving services. Whether customers are working with Windows, databases and applications, or in physical, virtual or cloud environments — customers are covered. Customers will be amazed how their innovative yet practical solutions will transform IT operations and boost staff productivity higher than ever imagined – and all from a solid company that’s been helping organizations large and small since 1987.

www.quest.com

About Future Electronics:

About MOBOTIX:

About Freescale Semiconductor:

www.freescale.com

About HP:

www.hp.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

Press contact: Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or ericwildt01@mac.com

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