BMW SPEED Touring Car team brings consistent driver lineup and optimized E90 race cars into 2009 World Challenge season.

Building on the success of 2008 has been the focus of Dublin, Virginia’s BimmerWorld / GearWrench Racing while preparing for the 2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car championship.

The BMW E90 team sees all three drivers returning for another attack on the Touring Car championship, with team owner/driver James Clay joined again by series veterans Seth Thomas and Nick Esayian.

“Continuity is critical, especially when you have the right team in place,” said Clay. “Seth has been a key factor in our advancement through the racing ranks for the last 5 years, and Nick’s technical contributions last year, in addition to being a plenty capable driver, have been huge. We are able to pick up in 2009 right where we left off instead of working to build a new rapport. That pays dividends.”

Esayian’s Debt Cures-sponsored BMW will be on the move to the front of the pack if he has his say. “2008 was rough at times…I got knocked around a lot on track, but I’m confident in my crew, teammates, the cars, and my abilities for the new season. I got back on track in the last few races of ’08 and was zeroing in on a top-five finish, so I expect that momentum to carry through to 2009. We’re going to get results.”

Seth Thomas put on the fight of the season at VIR last year, nearly claiming his first win on the twisting track. After watching James Clay score his first win later in the year at Elkhart Lake, Thomas is more dedicated than ever to earn his place in victory lane.

“My focus hasn’t changed for 2009 – I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got to bring home wins for me and my team. James is driving better than ever, Nick is like a caged animal waiting to be released, and I can hardly wait to get the season underway. The hunger inside the team to succeed is just incredible. Between the three of us, I think the BimmerWorld / GearWrench team is ready to take that final step and earn a championship.”

BimmerWorld can also boast a rarity in these economically-challenged times: the return of all their 2008 sponsors, and an increase in the partnership between the team and hand tool maker GearWrench. “It’s tough for everyone this year, but we’re incredibly thankful for the continued support from all of our partners. When other teams are seeing their sponsors stepping back, GearWrench is stepping up to take an expanded role with the team after coming on board last season. Our aim is to deliver the results they and the rest of our partners deserve.”

Clay’s dedicated crew of technicians have spent the past five months perfecting their trio of 4-door E90s, and knows the team stands their best chance at success in 2009. “Our crew chief Jason Marks and the boys have poured over every inch of this car looking for ways to make it even faster and with the support and components from our performance partners, I know we’ll be ready to charge when the championship kicks off at Sebring.”

After a brief hiatus, BMW of North America returns to the World Challenge series as an official supporter. Clay knows this commitment from BMW will only help the team’s efforts to secure a manufacturers championship. “It is great that BMW is stepping up their involvement this year to support us in the manufacturers’ championship. It is kind of a pat on the back for all the effort we have put in, and validation of our results. As we battle throughout the 2009 season, their support will help us tackle the non-BMW teams that receive factory support.”

Stopping short of making any predictions, Clay is ready to stand on the hard work and potential the BimmerWorld / GearWrench team has to offer. “Racing is about the people and the work they do to deliver success. I’m confident that we have the drivers, crew, and sponsors to get the job done.”

BimmerWorld is proudly supported by: GearWrench, aFe, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, DiffsOnline, JB Racing, Moton, Performance Friction, Powerflex, Red Line Oil, Rogue Engineering, and BMW.

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Courtesy: BimmerWorld Media Services
[email protected]

More information about the team, cars, and drivers can be found at www.bimmerworldracing.com
Information on BimmerWorld’s Customer Car Services can be found at www.bimmerworld.com
Details on PowerFlex Suspension Bushings can be found at www.powerflexusa.com