PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Rapidly Preparing for Long Beach

Alex Figge returns to PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports alongside seventeen-year-old Miles Maroney.

April 12, 2011 FRESNO, CA -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports returns to the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach this weekend, contesting the 2-hour race across Southern California's 11 turn 1.968 mile street circuit. Having made their series debut at this event in 2010, Saturday's race marks the one year anniversary of American Le Mans Series LMPC Class competition for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. In the team's first twelve months, they have earned 4 top qualifying positions in the LMPC class, with 5 podium results, including a podium finish at the 2010 Petit Le Mans.

Once again this year, the Long Beach street circuit will host another first for the team as Miles Maroney, of Topanga, CA, will be making his American Le Mans Series debut for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in the #52 Corsa Car Care/ Autosport Design Oreca FLM09 driving alongside Alex Figge of Boulder, CO. Maroney's debut ALMS race for the team comes on the heels of a successful 2010 Pacific F2000 season with PR1 Motorsports that saw the seventeen-year-old driver take multiple victories and podiums en route to being selected for the Team USA Scholarship Shootout.
Barely out of karts, Maroney's first formula car win occurred in only his sixth race. In fact, Maroney was still in karting just two short years ago.

"I was in karting in 2009, Pacific F2000 in 2010, and now the ALMS in 2011," Maroney explained. "Big steps, but the opportunities were there and I couldn't fathom turning them down."
"This weekend will be a challenge for me, there's no denying that," Maroney continued. "Learning how to be consistent and precise in such a big car will be the most important aspect early on. Fortunately, I have a test in the car before Long Beach, and I've spent hours talking with Alex about what to expect and what to look out for. He told me the basics of the gearbox, how the car reacts under load, how the power steering affects your ability to feel the front end of the car, and the list goes on and on. Of course, no amount of discussion or video watching can fully prepare you until you actually drive the car, but it's been a big help nonetheless."

Like most young drivers, Maroney's success has been aided by a long list of encouraging supporters.
"I'm so thankful to be a part of the PR1 organization over the past year and a half," Maroney exclaimed. "They've become like family to me and I can't say enough about how professional they all are and how they go about business at and away from the track. I also have to thank the Maroney Company for their continued support, as well as Walsh Carter Insurance. I also must thank Alpinestars for their support throughout the numerous years they've been behind me, as well as Corsa Car Care and Merchant Services LTD. These organizations and people have made my goals seem far more realistic than distant dreams. Of course, with everything going smoothly this weekend my new goal is a good, strong finish for all of them."

In 2010, Alex Figge competed for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in two ALMS events, helping the team score their first professional sports car podium finish with a third place result at Miller Motorsport Park. Figge then went on to help score a consecutive podium for the team with a second place finish at Lime Rock Park.
"I've been speaking with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports throughout the winter, trying to get a program together that was timed right for everyone, and I'm really happy that everything has come together for us this weekend," Figge said. "I thoroughly enjoy Long Beach and I have a lot of great memories racing here in Champ Car and the ALMS GT Class as well. I didn't always have mechanical luck on my side, but we had some great runs here as well."
"It'll be fun to drive with Miles who will be experiencing Long Beach for the first time on Friday," Figge continued. "I've been talking with him about what to expect and providing some insight, but once he gets in the car for the first time, he'll be fine. It's a really nice car to drive and I know that we'll be strong this weekend. Overall, it's one of my favorite tracks to race at and if you look at PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports' pace here last year, I know that we'll have another fast car to challenge for the podium. I have to thank Autosport Design, Kpax Racing and Volvo North America for all of their help and support."

PR1/Mathiasen Team Principal, Bobby Oergel, is looking forward to seeing the #52 return to Long Beach.
"Last year, we had a lot to prove as the new team in the paddock," Oergel said. "I know that we turned some heads throughout the year, but Long Beach is one of the tracks we left wanting more. Alex helped get the team's first two podiums last year, so he'll be our good luck charm on Saturday. It'll also be thrilling to watch Miles climb up another step on the ladder. We've been fortunate to watch his career develop and it's always an honor to help young racers reach their goals. We unloaded with a quick car here last year, and everyone at the shop has the car looking new after Sebring, so we're ready to take the fight to the field and get the Long Beach result we deserve."
Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach qualifying will begin on Friday, April 15th at 5:00pm PT with the two hour main event starting at 4:30pm PT on Saturday, April 16th. Live coverage will once again be shown on www.ESPN3.com beginning at 4:15pm PT.

Potential partners interested in the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC program can contact the team directly atpr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

About Autosport Designs Inc.:
Autosport Designs Inc. 30,000 sq. ft. facility performs all mechanical services from basic maintenance and repairs to performance upgrades, modern improvements, mechanical rebuilds and restorations. Our in house body shop performs panel, sheet metal fabrication, chassis, collision and dent repairs plus partial and complete repaints and insurance repairs. We also perform all interior and trim work including leather and wood repairs, interior upgrades to complete interior re-upholstery. From start to finish, all work is performed under one roof. As a Registered Importer, Autosport Designs can import and conform (whether for Full Importation or Show and Display) unusual cars for USA compliance. Our storage facility offers secure & maintained storage for your vehicle. For more information, search outwww.autosportdesigns.com or give us a call at (631) 425-1555.

About Corsa Car Care:
Corsa Car Care manufactures professional grade automotive detailing products including cleaners, polishes and protective sealants for exterior finishes, interior leathers & textiles, glass, vinyl and rubber applications. As a division of Miracle Sealants Company, Corsa Car Care draws on over 25 years of knowledge and experience in advanced polymer chemistry. For more details, visit corsacarcare.com.

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
For more information please contact PR1 Motorsports at (559) 277-1300 orpr1motorsports@aol.com
Photo Credit: Daniel Gulickson