KONI Challenge Champions Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood to Join Kinetic
Motorsports Factory Kia Effort
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 3, 2009) -- The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup's
motto -- "One Hot Ride" -- took on a new meaning
today as Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled its U.S. motorsports program
at the 2009 SEMA Show. KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and
campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge
Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.
"The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand
transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports
arena was an easy one to make," said Michael Sprague, vice
president of marketing, KMA. "The Forte Koup's
performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a
natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM's KONI
Challenge series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base
of automotive enthusiasts."
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."
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 Jonsson 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 Jonsson 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."
-credit: sgm
