ESM Patrón Ferrari Team eager for inaugural ALMS race at VIR

Stuart, FL – Confidently entering the ninth round of American Le Mans Series (ALMS) presented by Tequila Patrón, Extreme Speed Motorsports (ESM) is looking to leverage the success from the previous two rounds of competition where the No. 01 Tequila Patrón Ferrari 458 Italia captured back-to-back podium finishes.

This is the first season that Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is on the ALMS calendar. The 3.27-mile, 17-turn track with high speed straights, challenging turns and numerous elevation changes, will set the stage for an action-packed four-hour American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón VIR 240 race.

#01 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari F458: Scott Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek

Photo by: Richard Sloop

In June, ESM participated in an ALMS-sanctioned test at the Alton, VA, circuit.

The test proved successful and informative for both the VIR race and ESM’s season.

Since that June test, ESM has earned the team’s first win (Mosport) and two podiums (Road America and Baltimore).

Thanks to the performance growth from their time at VIR, the team expects a solid performance from their drivers and Ferraris this weekend.

Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek, co-drivers of the No. 01 Ferrari, rank fifth in driver points with two races remaining in the season. Their four podium finishes this season have occurred at both street circuits and permanent road courses. The No. 01 driving duo looks to return to the top of the podium and score a second win of the 2012 season.

Ed Brown and Guy Cosmo, co-drivers of the No. 02 Ferrari, have varied experiences at VIR. The weekend’s race will be the first competitive event at VIR for Brown, while Cosmo has raced there throughout his career. Cosmo was the primary driver for ESM during June’s test and will be instrumental in setting the pace for the No. 02 team on track.

The four-hour event is one of two events of that duration – a combination of sprint and endurance – joining Road America. With variable unknowns heading into VIR, the highly-competitive GT class should prove to be the class to watch during the race.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón VIR 240 is a two-day event. The team will take to the track for two practice sessions on Friday, September 14, followed by qualifying at 3:30 p.m. (ET). Green flag for the race is on Saturday, September 15, at 2:30 p.m. (ET).

Source: Extreme Speed Motorsports