Peter Dempsey joins AIM Autosport Star Mazda squad at Sebring
Woodbridge, Ontario (March 05, 2009) AIM Autosport is pleased to announce that Peter Dempsey will join the team to contest the 2009 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Dempsey, a native of Ashbourne, Ireland, is slated to run in a third car for AIM starting with the first race of the season at Sebring, Florida in a few weeks. The twenty-year-old who was selected the Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year, is returning to the series following a strong run in 2008.
Over fourteen races last season, Dempsey recorded seven podium results including four victories and he started from pole three times. He would finish the season third overall in the championship but is hoping the move to AIM Autosport, which brought home the 2008 championship, will provide the opportunity to be on the top step this year.
"I am really looking forward to the challenge this year with a new team" commented Dempsey. "I feel I am with the right team to try and make amends for last years disappointments. Hopefully with the support from Motorsport Ireland and my sponsors that are to come on board we can we can get of to a good start at Sebring and stay in the title hunt for the whole year. I would like to thank Keith at AIM Autosport for being so patient as we put this deal together and I feel like the whole team package is right for 2009."
There are some challenges ahead for teams and drivers this year as there have been some updates to the car. Peter had this to say about the changes.
"The Star Mazda car has changed from last year with new aero and suspension upgrades which will help. It is a extremely competitive championship so it is going to take a lot of hard work to make sure we are fighting for wins every weekend. I am really up for it this year after learning so much in my first season of slicks and wings last year."
On finalizing the deal AIM Autosport's Star Mazda team manager Keith Willis said "It is great to have a driver with Peter's skill and determination on the team. He was among our toughest competitors last season and we now hope to bring him the championship in 2009." Willis continued, "Peter will also be a solid addition to the AIM team in terms of technical feedback and car setup that will help his younger team mates to develop the skills necessary to become championship contenders in the future."
Dempsey and the AIM Autosport crew will get their first chance to test the new car setup in the days leading up to the race at Sebring after weather conditions forced the team to change plans for a scheduled test. "Peter has his work cut out for him at Sebring, but we know he will be up to the task" commented Willis.
The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear has a long tradition of drivers moving up the motorsport ranks across North America and around the world. The series regularly competes on the under-card at major motor racing events including the Rolex Grand Am Series and American Le Mans. This presents unique opportunities for the drivers to display their talent in front of leading international race teams. The series also enjoys television broadcast nationally on SPEED TV.
The first event of the 2009 calendar for the Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear takes place March 20 in Sebring, Florida.
AIM Autosport Facts: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. In addition to the Star Mazda team, AIM fields the No. 61 Ford Riley with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle and the No. 51 Ford Riley with drivers John Farano and Alex Figge in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16
From Chris Jameson / Level Ten Communications
No comments:
Post a Comment