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    Potter, Rodriquez and Holden are the Pirelli Drivers Cup USA champions

    Nov. 13, 2009

    Infineon Raceway played host to a great season finale for Pirelli Drivers Cup USA – the premier focal point of Porsche Club racing in the United States exclusively sponsored by Pirelli Motorsport and featuring Porsche 997 and 996 GT3 Cup Cars with drivers from the Porsche Owner’s Club (POC), Porsche Club of America (PCA), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Historic Sportscar Racing, Ltd. (HSR) and the National Auto Sport Association (NASA).   With the final practice sessions and races - No.’s 9 and 10 - in the record books, Pirelli is proud to present the 2009 Pirelli Drivers Cup USA Champions:

     Brooks Potter             (Group A – 2000-2005 996 GT3 Cup)

    Bob Rodriguez           (Group B – 2006-2007 997 GT3 Cup)

    Brent Holden (Group C – 2008-2009 997 GT3 Cup)

    In its inaugural season as title and tire sponsor, PTNA Motorsport supplied drivers in the series with P Zero Racing Slicks and P Zero Racing Rain tires.  The tires for the series were manufactured at Pirelli’s new Motorsport manufacturing facility in Turkey.

    “Pirelli Drivers Cup USA had a great first season,” said Rafael Navarro, Pirelli Tire North America’s director of motorsport and media relations.  “As we look to our sophomore season in 2010, we are hoping to see sustainable growth across all three groups in the series.  This is exactly the type of grassroots motorsport that Pirelli is focusing on as we lead the motorsport industry in innovation and product quality.”

    The Drivers Cup USA series was founded by Competent Motorsport, LLC, creating an environment where participant drivers can take part in one, some or all of each three-day racing/education program(s) at racetracks throughout the US.  The events offer drivers coaching and racing strategy sessions, ample practice time and sprint races. Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) works with Competent Motorsport to provide mentoring, parts support and technical support to the series, something not available at any other Porsche Club-level event.  The series provides a transitional opportunity to both the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car GT Series.

     “Pirelli Tire North America is proud to be the exclusive tire supplier for the newly-named Pirelli Drivers Cup USA,” said continued Navarro, “Pirelli Drivers Cup USA gives drivers the opportunity to receive professional instruction in Motorsport racing and to use those skills competitively on the track. At the same time, it helps drivers, teams and fans develop a strong, positive relationship with the Pirelli brand.  This is an exciting time for PTNA Motorsport, as we continue our strategy of sustainable growth and development.”