TRG ready for Sebring and 2012 title chase

TRG - READY FOR SEBRING AND THE 2012 ALMS SEASON

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Atherton, Kevin Buckler

Photo by: Richard Sloop

Petaluma, CA (March 3, 2012) – The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring kicks of the American Le Mans Series season for The Racer's Group (TRG), and team owner Kevin Buckler has his sites set on two that got away last year.

First on the agenda is a win at Sebring. It is the only major sports car race that has eluded Buckler in his 20 years of racing, and he is focused on adding that trophy to his 150-plus race trophy display case. Second, is an American Le Mans Series championship, another feat that has eluded TRG.

A year ago, TRG went into the season finale at Petit Le Mans with a chance to pull that off, needing a win and a little misfortune to eventual champion Black Swan to claim the Series crown. Having won the previous years Petit as well as the Rolex 24, TRG was also going for the never been done before..."Trifecta" of winning the 3 big endurance races in North America back to back. TRG had turned in an incredible season to date, with four victories, including one-two finishes at Mid-Ohio and Lime Rock as well as a second place finish at Sebring. A third place finish at Petit Le Mans placed the Buckler group second for the ALMS Series GTC class crown, but left the team more determined than ever to change all that in 2012.

While every race is important, 2012 marks the 60th running of America's oldest endurance classic. There is certainly extra incentive to win, and Buckler is playing his cards close to the vest this year, waiting until next week to announce TRG's driver line-up for 2012.

"We are all so excited to be returning to Sebring again this year" stated Buckler. "We have a strong line-up to announce and we are going for it in 2012. All of our programs are solid and we are back in a big way....stay tuned...."

The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will also be the first of the FIA's World Endurance Classic which means that top sports car teams from all over the world will fill an anticipated 64-car, six-class field.

"The competition will be amazing," continued Buckler. "The Sebring course is legendary for being a rough ride. A really fast lap here is a violent experience. Not only does that take its toll on the car and drivers, but having a great sense of all the other cars at varying speeds that are around you is crucial. You have to be cautious, patient AND Aggressive–all at the same time because it has become a 12-hour sprint race despite the fact that it is an endurance classic."

The 12-hour race with its 10:30 a.m. green flag will be seen live on ESPN3.com along with special feature coverage from ABC on Sunday, March 18 beginning at 12:00 noon.