The race outing marked the first exposure to the new Kia Koup for the 2007 Champions Burrows and Hopwood, and after quickly getting familiar with some new faces at Kinetic Motorsports as part of the teams expanded program to support the Kia effort, the new machine, and the new Continental Tire, the two were back in typical fast form in practice and qualifying on Thursday ahead of Friday’s 2.5-hour race event.

The No. 12 Infinity Audio Kia Koup and the sister No. 10 machine sport a 2.4-liter four cylinder motor that powers the front wheels. The Koup is the latest product offering from rapidly growing Kia Motors America.

The Fresh From Florida 200, which boasted nearly 80 entries on the combined-class grid, was once again a competitive affair. With the Kinetic Motorsports ST program making the very first laps in official competition on Friday, the debut running for the Koup targeted a run to the checkered flag, and all the data to go with it as the program for the machine looks to pick up speed in the coming races.

Those goals were met when the No. 12 scored a 19th place finish in the ST Class as the Koup crossed the start finish line under the waving checkered flag for the first time.

“This was a great weekend for us,” said Hopwood, who started the race from behind the wheel and had to use some lighting quick decision making to avoid a spinning car in his path during his stint. “We were really impressed with the car and the potential that it has.  Everybody in the paddock wanted to see it and with good reason-it looks fantastic and the attention to detail is second to none.  I can’t wait to drive it again!”

“Our goals this weekend were to just get as much time in the car as we could and the race was a perfect success to that end,” said Burrows. “You can feel the excitement around this car and the Kia program all through the paddock. The car did exactly what we asked it to do all weekend long and we didn’t miss a moment of track time with any problems, which is an amazing feat for a car’s first ever weekend. I was very proud to drive the Koup across the finish line today for the team and everyone at Kia that is so suportive of this program. We are all looking forward to building on this great start.”

The Fresh From Florida 200 will be broadcast on February 13 at 7:00 PM ET on Speed Channel.
PR inquiries about Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood should be directed to Matt Cleary at Sunday Group Management; 317.908.2975 (mobile) or media@ sundaymanagement.com

 For additional information:
  
 www.trevorhopwood.com <http://www.trevorhopwood.com> www.konichamps.wordpress.com <http://www.konichamps.wordpress.com>
www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com <http://www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com

The duo, who took the 2007 Street Tuner (ST) class Championship in their rookie season (2007) and made a run to second in the 2008 championship standings to follow up that effort, have been signed to race the Kia Forte Koup for Kinetic Motorsports as the Buford, Georgia-based organization has been tapped to campaign the factory effort for the Korean automaker.

The Kia  Koup is a two-door compact sedan, utilizing a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant with front-wheel drive.  Burrows and Hopwood, who scored their championship utilizing a rear wheel drive platform, and now have two seasons of front-wheel drive racing experience under their belts, are eager to get down to Daytona and experience the new Koup as the Kinetic Motorsports program kicks off in earnest.

“This winter is getting old!” said Hopwood as he prepared for the trip to Daytona. “I’m just really excited about getting down there and getting back into a race car. Being invited to represent a company that is growing like Kia Motors America is very exciting, and  I am really looking forward to this season.  We know that this is a new program and that we have a lot to learn with the car yet, so our main focus early on will be to just get as many racing miles in as we can, and get a baseline to improve on all season long. Hopefully we can get that process started on the right foot this weekend.”

The two raced with the team in 2008 as they impressed in a Grand Sports (GS)-class debut at Lime Rock Park,  and are looking forward to being reunited with the Kinetic team. The duo have taken top-ten finishes in two of of their last three races at Daytona (mechanical DNF while in top-ten/2009), and hope to start the year with a run to the finish line in 2010.

“We had a great experience when we ran with Kinetic in 2008, and are looking forward to building on that chemistry this season,”  said Burrows.  “I’m eager to get some laps in the car, get a feel for what it likes, and see where we can improve. Kinetic has done a remarkable job to build this program as quickly as they have, strengthening the engineering staff and expanding to be ready for this  campaign. It’s a real testament to the depth of talent at Kinetic. Our expectations for this first race are modest, as we know this is just the starting point for the season, but that doesn’t make us any less eager to get down there and get going!”

The Fresh From Florida 200 is slated for a 1:45 PM ET green flag, and the 2.5-hour event will be carried on a tape-delayed basis on SPEED Channel.
PR inquiries about Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood should be directed to Matt Cleary at Sunday Group Management; 317.908.2975 (mobile) or media@ sundaymanagement.com

 For additional information:
  
 www.trevorhopwood.com <http://www.trevorhopwood.com> www.konichamps.wordpress.com <http://www.konichamps.wordpress.com>
www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com <http://www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com

Everyone’s favorite, Autoblog.com covers it here…

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge ST class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

“We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit,” said Sprague. “In addition to working with the Kinetic Group, we are also proud that Infinity Audio, whose high-end audio systems are offered in several Kia vehicles, will join us as the Official Sponsor of the No. 10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup Race Car during our inaugural motorsports season.”

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As part of its motorsports team development, KMA identified and partnered with the Kinetic Group to develop, build and campaign two Forte Koup KONI Challenge spec cars. Based outside of Atlanta, Kinetic provides a comprehensive array of in-house services, including fabrication, composites, paint and body, engine, and electronics departments. Kinetic’s staff of engineers, mechanics and crew have extensive race experience in many series, including NASCAR, Indy Racing League, the American Le Mans Series and the GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge.
Completing the team, decorated drivers Nic Jönsson and Andy Lally have been secured to drive the No. 10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup entry in the GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge in 2010. Joining Jönsson and Lally are Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood, past KONI ST champions to pilot the second team race car.
“We expect the Forte Koup to be a strong competitor in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge series starting with the first race in Daytona, and the fact that drivers of Nic and Andy’s caliber along with Adam and Trevor have joined the team reinforces that expectation,” said Sprague. “Building on our involvement in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge series and in an effort to introduce the Kia brand to even more racing fans, apparel maker GoGoGear.com has created a highly modified version of the popular Soul urban passenger vehicle which will serve as the official pace car at several races throughout the 2010 US Touring Car Championship (USTCC) season.”
About the Drivers
Nic Jönsson made his first professional start in 1989 and was the Scandinavian Formula 3 champion in 1990 and 1991. In 1992 he won the Scandinavian Touring Car title and finished second in the European Formula 3 cup. Jönsson has raced touring cars, sports cars and Indy cars all over the world and has competed in the American Le Mans Series as well as the SPEED World Challenge Touring car series. Jönsson, who is a highly sought-after test and development driver, scored his first GRAND-AM victory in 2005 at the Six Hours at The Glen. Outside of sports car racing, Jönsson has trained the Swedish royal family and secret-service agents in high-performance and self-defense driving. A native of Sweden, Jönsson is the co-founder and owner of Kinetic Speed Shop.

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In the last seven years, driver Andy Lally has three professional championships – 2006, 2004 and 2001 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series – and recently won the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona in the GT class. In addition to three Championships and two Rolex 24 wins, Lally currently holds the record for most top 3 and top 5 finishes in GRAND-AM Rolex Series history as well as the record for most podium finishes in a single season. He is third on the all time win list and the only three-time Rolex Series Champion. Lally also has stock car racing experience, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, ARCA and Goodies Dash.
A past KONI ST champion, Adam Burrows had years of Spec Racer competition under his belt before deciding to move up to the highly competitive Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge, winning the ST Class Championship in his rookie season.
Trevor Hopwood had racing in his blood after earning his stripes as a winner in Spec Racers. Hopwood moved up to run in GT-1 before taking on the endurance format of KONI Challenge. The New Hampshire resident won the championship in his rookie year, and backed that up with two wins and another strong result in the championship the next season, his first year of racing a front-wheel drive machine.

About Kinetic Group
Kinetic is an automotive group that includes Kinetic Motorsports, Kinetic-Sunbelt Engines, and Kinetic Speed Shop. Kinetic Motorsports taps into every aspect of professional and amateur racing, from car builds to prep and trackside support. Every resource needed to develop, manage and run a professional race team in any series is located on-site. Kinetic-Sunbelt Engines have powered amateur and professional racers to numerous championships in North America. Kinetic Speed Shop caters to aftermarket street performance. Kinetic’s 42,000 square foot, state-of-the-art showroom and race complex is located in Buford, Ga., just 15 minutes from Road Atlanta. More information can be found online at www.kssmotorsports.com.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 650 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”
Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

# # #

(10 September 2009)—As the scores of trophies in his collection can attest, Adam Burrows is a pretty competitive guy out on the race track.

So it comes as little surprise that he’s bringing that same competitive mindset to his next challenge—the 300-mile Brita Climate Ride from New York City to Washington DC.

The bicycle ride is focused on raising money and awareness for meaningful climate change and renewable energy legislation, as well as to support essential climate and bicycling advocacy projects at three beneficiary organizations: Focus the Nation, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and Clean Air – Cool Plane, will see Burrows pedaling through four states over five days.

Burrows, who rides his bike daily as part of an extensive training regimen, will start in New York’s Central Park and travel to the Capitol building in Washington DC as he makes a debut run in the event.

And as just as he is stepping up to the challenge on the bike, he is also challenging his friends and family to step it up themselves and commit to the fundraising side of the effort.  With just one week to go in the fundraising calendar, Burrows currently sits second in terms of pledged commitments, and would like nothing more than to lead this effort as well.

“I’ve been really impressed with the support that people have already committed and can’t thank them enough for getting behind me for this event,” said the 2007 KONI Challenge Champion. “I’d never really thought about fundraising as being competitive but, with nearly 200 people registered for this ride, it feels great to be at the sharp end of the stick, but I’m still working hard to reach the number one spot.  I’ve had a couple of pledges that have created some serious momentum and hopefully we can keep that going and meet my goal.”

Please make your pledge here:  http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=681771&LangPref=en-CA

Some familiar names, like his co-driver Trevor Hopwood to former teammate and recent winner at Trois Rivieres, Don Salama, have already signed on to support the Maryland native.

The trip, which at 300 miles marks roughly half the distance from his home in Connecticut to the season-finale event at Virginia International Raceway, will also serve a dual purpose for Burrows as he seeks a third-consecutive podium finish in the event. By making nearly half the trip under his own power, Burrows will arrive to the four-hour enduro well and truly fit for duty behind the wheel of the No. 198 RSR Motorsports -prepared Fischer Skis MINI with co-driver Trevor Hopwood and a third co-pilot, to be named in the coming days.

Burrows will return to race action on September 18-19 at Miller Motorsports Park for the penultimate round of the 2009 KONI Challenge season.

PR inquiries about Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood should be directed to Matt Cleary at Sunday Group Management; 317.908.2975 (mobile) or media@ sundaymanagement.com

For additional information:

www.trevorhopwood.com <http://www.trevorhopwood.com> www.konichamps.wordpress.com <http://www.konichamps.wordpress.com>
www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com <http://www.sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com

###

And after winning the 2008 event on their way to taking second place in the KONI Challenge Championship, the two were looking forward to round nine of the 2009 Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge and the Grand Prix du Trois Rivieres in Quebec.

Having qualified the No. 198 RSR Motorsports -prepared Fischer Skis MINI Cooper fifth on the ST Class grid, Burrows took the green flag from behind the wheel for a quick opening stint before turning the controls over to Hopwood, who returned to the track in 15th position.

The New Hampshire resident was making steady forward progress through the field as he moved up into the top ten and was looking for even more. But that move to the front was halted as a tire deflated at speed, sending Hopwood into the wall and cruelly ending the day for the Mini on the penultimate lap.

“I turned into the corner, and just as I went back to power I heard a big ‘pop!’ and the car went right into the wall,” said Hopwood. “Unfortunately it happened right after the tire barrier there so the car went right into the concrete and it had a lot of damage. It was a hard hit, but I’m ok. It is frustrating because I’d been just saving my brakes for a charge at the finish and had started to just click off (laps in the one-minute) sixteens to do that.”

The late-race incident put a damper on what had otherwise been a strong day for RSR Motorsports, as the sister team entry qualified on pole and convincingly led the opening stages of the race. But despite the contact, the No. 198 garnered a the fourth top-ten from the last five races as the machine was classified 8th at the checkered flag.

“It’s great that Trevor is ok but this was certainly not how we wanted the day to end,” said Burrows. “We were really hoping that this was going to be the weekend to get this Mini up on the podium for the RSR guys, especially since Frank was back with us this weekend after missing a few races. So it was a disappointing outcome given how much promise we felt like the race held. But now we’ll focus on a strong close to the season at Miller and VIR.”

Birmingham, AL (18 July 09)—Adam Burrows set a fast lap time of 1:42.709 in the No. 198 RSR Motorsports -prepared Fischer Skis MINI Cooper to score fourth on the grid for Saturday’s  Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Legacy Credit Union 200 at Barber Motorsports Park.

The result was a welcome one for the team, which made full use of the promoter test day on Thursday, as well as some of the track expertise from teammate Owen Trinkler (who coaches at the track’s Porsche Driving School) to work through a range of set-up options for the three-car team campaign.

While the Alabama weekend has proven milder than it has historically been during the July event, temperatures are still in the upper 80’s, contributing to a slick racing surface that put grip at a premium.

The conditions meant that it was go-time right from the drop of the green flag, as once the early times were set, the track slowed considerably through the 15-minute session.

“I knew I had pretty much just one magic lap to get the best time out of the car,” said Burrows as he received congratulations from team owner Randy Smalley after the session. “I tucked in behind one of the turbo VW’s and just laid a quick one down.  I think the race is going to be interesting and tire wear will likely turn out to be a big factor so we will see how it plays out. We’ve tried a lot of things on this MINI and learned a lot, but it’s been a lot of work for the RSR guys, so a big thanks goes to them and hopefully we can go one spot better in the race.”

The two-and-a-half hour ST race is scheduled for a 2:50 PM start time on Saturday.

Birmingham, AL (15 July 09)—While everyone is busy growing their list of friends on Facebook, Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood will look to get familiar with 17 of their old friends this weekend as the two take on the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Legacy Credit Union 200 at Barber Motorsports Park in the No. 198 RSR Motorsports -prepared Fischer Skis MINI Cooper.

The 2.3-mile circuit outside of Birmingham is a busy one for the drivers, with 17 corners occupying each lap, which clock in around the 1:40-seconds range.

And with a car that might not be the first choice for a drag strip run or a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats, those 17 corners will be good friends for the 2007 KONI Champs as they look to make the most of the MINI’s strong braking and handling characteristics. The duo will target progress on that speedy set-up with a promoter test day on Thursday before the race weekend officially kicks off with practice on Friday.

“We’d like to think that this track will be one where we are strong and suits the MINI, but every time we say that, we have a bad-luck race, so we want to just keep our expectations in check and see how the race plays out,” said Hopwood, who will look to impress his bride-to-be with a strong run in advance of his upcoming nuptials. “Everything has been crazy with getting ready for the wedding, but I’m really excited to get back in the car again this weekend.”

Hopwood has been whetting his appetite for his return to race action by making the most of his summer break to score as many iRacing laps around the track as he can squeeze in.

While it might not be characterized as a friend, the anticipated Alabama heat will at least be no stranger for the duo, who scored a front row starting spot as well as a podium result the last time they raced at Barber Motorsports Park as the moved to the points lead at the track on their way to the championship in 2007.

“I’ve been on my bike every day, and feel like even though it’s going to be a hot one this weekend, I’m as fit as I’ve been all season,” said Burrows. “I’m really looking forward to the weekend and particularly with working through the test program that the RSR Motorsports guys have planned for Thursday. Hopefully we can keep this development curve moving forward and hustle this MINI around to a podium this weekend and send Trevor off to married life with a little bit of champagne spray.”

Practice begins Thursday morning with a track practice day, followed by practice Friday afternoon and qualifying Saturday morning. The two-and-a-half hour ST race is scheduled for 2:50 PM on Saturday

Most of the new dealerships will be located in cities or areas that will be new markets for the brand.

“Starting in 2011, our aim is to raise Mini sales by a ‘double-digit’ percentage compared with last year’s total of 54,077 cars delivered, and this will correspond with a substantial expansion of our network coverage,” said company vice president Jim McDowell.

The first of the new dealers this year will be Mini of Birmingham, Ala., followed by Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Industry sales in the US this year have recorded a 37 percent decline through May, but Mini continues to outperform its competition and its market share continues to increase despite a sales decline compared with 2008.