Magnus Racing, Magnus Ridge Winery to Partner at Watkins Glen
Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 01:11PM 
Watkins Glen, NY (August 9, 2012)- Just two weeks after being crowned as the inaugural North American Endurance Championship GT Champions, Magnus Racing has continued a season built on quality by partnering with a premium, boutique winery unmatched anywhere in sportscar racing.
Sharing a namesake, Magnus Racing is pleased to partner with Magnus Ridge Winery, literally located just a couple miles up State Route 14 from this weekend’s Continental Tire 200 at Watkins Glen International Raceway.
“Wineries and sportscar racing have a rich history together,” stated Magnus Racing Team Owner John Potter. “What separates Magnus Ridge Winery from so many others is their true attention to a quality product. After our race ended early during the six-hour last month, a few of the crew had a chance to sample some of the varietals, and it is definitely some of the best wine they’ve ever had in the paddock.”
With a number of varietals grown right in the finger lakes region of upstate New York, Magnus Ridge offers everything from a Chardonnay, to Riesling, Pinot Noir, and many more. More information can be found at www.magnusridge.com, or if visiting Watkins Glen this weekend, simply drive up the road to 6148 State Route 14 in nearby Rock Stream.
For Magnus Ridge Winery Owner Sandy Downey, the opportunity to team with this year’s most successful Porsche GT team is a welcome one.
“When linking our wine with a successful Porsche team in the Rolex Series, Magnus Racing seemed the perfect fit,” stated Downey. “Winning the two signature races of the series shows their attention to performance, but it is also an extremely fun and dedicated group, and we really appreciate the opportunity to work together.”
With four races remaining on the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series calendar, the entire team looks forward to this Saturday’s event. Running in concert with NASCAR on the famed “short course,” the no. 44 Porsche GT3 Cup is seeking redemption after visiting the track just six weeks ago, retiring 30-minutes in after an electrical short caused a massive cockpit fire.
With drivers Andy Lally and John Potter returning to Lally’s home track, the team is content to spend the rest of the season on just one focus: winning.
“With our win at Indy and the North American Endurance Championship, a lot of the pressure is off for the final races,” stated Lally, who grew up just a few hours away in Northport, New York. “We’re still fighting for the Rolex Series championship, but it’s definitely going to be difficult, so we’re just going to have to aim at winning every race from here on out.”
Practice for The Continental Tire 200 begins tomorrow, August 10, with live race coverage on SPEED at 6PM ET.