Magnus Racing Maintains Point Lead with Brickyard Grand Prix Podium

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (July 27, 2013)- Following another strategy-led race, Magnus Racing continues to hold on to the Rolex Sports Car Series GT championship lead following a third place in yesterday’s Brickyard Grand Prix.

“Overall I’m happy with today’s result,” stated Magnus Racing team owner John Potter. “We had several guests from Flex-Box and The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank, and we really wanted to show well for them. As it has been all year, the Porsche’s struggled on pace, but everyone did a great job to keep the car in contention for the whole race. The fact that we’re still leading the series is a testament to the team.”

Starting the No. 44 Flex-Box / Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank Porsche from the sixth row, John Potter and the entire Magnus team had extra incentive to perform during the day’s event. Not only were they the defending winners of the Indianapolis race, but additionally played host to over 25 guests from sponsors Flex-Box and The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank. Following an activity-filled day for all of their guests and VIP’s, it was time for the team’s attention to turn to the track.

Knowing the race would last slightly longer than a “traditional” sprint race, the team came in to the event with the understanding that strategy and fuel mileage would play a large factor. Knowing his job was to maintain with the leaders and deliver a clean car, John Potter took the green flag and kept to his usual steady pace.

With two hours remaining, Potter handed the reigns to teammate Andy Lally, with an immediate aim of extending fuel mileage as far as possible. Driving with his usual mix of aggression balanced with patience, Lally made several impressive passes during his stint, including a four-wide pass during a re-start, managing to work his way toward the top-five.

As the race began to take shape, a constant series of yellow flags gave the team the opportunity to complete the race on one more stop, advancing ahead of their competitors as every other team elected to make additional pit stops during the middle-portion of the race.

Leading for a sizeable portion of the race, a spirited battle between Lally and the No. 73 Porsche of Patrick Long would highlight the team’s day, with the Magnus No. 44 holding the car off for several laps despite older tires and managing fuel.

With 50 minutes to go and the No. 44 in the fuel window to make one last stop, the team brought the car in for its final round of tires and fuel. Unfortunately, a majority of the GT leaders came in at the same time, and having made pit stops during the middle of the race, the other cars were able to top off their fuel tanks quicker than the No. 44 which was virtually empty.

Setting Lally on his way for a final run to the checkered flag, a pass on the No. 69 Ferrari was all he could muster throughout his stint, settling in to third place as the final laps cycled through.

Friday’s run would serve as the team’s third consecutive podium finish, their fourth of the season. The result would also classify the team as fourth in the North American Endurance Championship, the highest finishing Porsche.

While the team still leads in the Rolex GT championship by four points, and has now held top Porsche honors in seven of the series’ eight races, the need to earn victories is evident.

“It’s going to be tough to win the championship without a couple wins,” stated Andy Lally. “The Camaros and Ferraris are definitely showing some strong pace, and if they can have a consistent series of runs in the next four races it’s going to be tough for us. I’m really proud of the guys for giving us such a great car and having flawless stops, we just need to have things go our way now for a victory.”

With four races to go and a very tight battle for the Rolex GT point lead, the series will return to action in two weeks’ time, with the VisitFlorida.com Sports Car 250 at the scenic Road America Circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Live coverage can be found on Saturday, August 10, at 5PM ET on SPEED.

Magnus Racing to Partner with The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank at the Brickyard Grand Prix

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (July 19, 2013)- As a team known for its dedication to fan involvement and guest interaction, Magnus Racing is proud to announce a new partnership with The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank.

Running a three-race program together in the 2013 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Magnus Racing will host, entertain, and immerse various guests of the organization in to the entire racing experience. The team will provide an insider’s experience that includes: track and paddock tours, extensive time with drivers and team members, all the way to turning guests in to part of the team during the race. Known for their hospitable atmosphere, the current Rolex GT point leaders look forward to providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Campaigning the No. 44 Flex-Box Porsche 911 GT3 Cup with a new rooting section from the pits, team owner and driver John Potter looks forward to this new partnership.

“We’re very excited to welcome guests of The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank into our team,” stated Potter. “Everyone at their organization takes great pride in looking after every detail of their clients, and that reflects the Magnus philosophy. Our team is run very much like a large family, and it’s been clear from our first conversations that The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank holds their guests in the same regard. Between our program with Flex-Box and now with U.S. Bank, we’re happy to continually demonstrate the team’s ability to interact and entertain a variety of corporate guests.”

The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank provides customized investment management, personal trust, private banking, insurance, financial and estate planning services to clients who want an integrated, personalized approach to achieving their unique goals.

“We are really looking forward to working with Magnus Racing,” stated Michael Boardman, President of Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank. “Their presentation and approach to creating a compelling program has been very professional, and it should be a great experience for our guests. This is a distinct experience for our guests, and an opportunity to support a sport that many of our clients enjoy.”

Now running their second experiential-based marketing program in 2013, Magnus Racing is quickly earning the reputation as one of the most accommodating and sponsor-friendly teams in the paddock. As the current Rolex Sports Car Series GT point leaders, the reigning North American Endurance GT Champions have come a long way since their series debut in 2010. Having run a number of fan programs over the years to become one of the most beloved teams in the series, the entire organization relishes the opportunity to demonstrate their good-humored and professional nature to partners who seek a unique and exciting environment to host their clients.

The first event for The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank will take place next week at the famed Brickyard Grand Prix, which Magnus Racing enters as the defending winners. With the team leading a very tight three-way battle for the Rolex GT championship, the upcoming race will play a pivotal role as the eighth event of the season.

The Brickyard Grand Prix will take place on Friday, July 26, with coverage on SPEED coverage at 7:30 PM ET.

Magnus Mid-Season Report: Consistency Creates Points

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (July 12, 2013)- With an extended break between the team’s most recent round at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen and the upcoming Brickyard Grand Prix in two weeks, Magnus Racing has had an opportunity to reflect on a quietly-strong season that has put them at the top of the current Rolex Sports Car Series GT championship standings.

“At this time last year we were cleaning ash off of the car, so I’d say we’re in a better place,” stated Magnus Racing team owner John Potter. “This year has been a real struggle for Porsches, but the team has run a flawless program, and it’s through this consistency that we’re somehow ahead in the points.”

Of the last seven rounds, the No. 44 Flex-Box Porsche has finished no worse than sixth, and managed top-five results in every other event. Despite the team’s remarkable consistency, a struggle for the Porsche to find pace against the Ferraris, Camaros and BMWs has left the team remarkably absent from one major column.

“We really need to get a win this year if we’re going to have a shot at this,” stated co-driver Andy Lally. “If you look at the season so far, the only reason we’re ahead of the cars who have won this year is because of their mistakes, penalties, or just bad luck. I can’t say I’m surprised that we’re leading because this is such a good team, but with the pace that the Porsche is holding it’s going to be tough to hang on without a few wins.”

Having finished as the top Porsche in six of seven rounds this year, the team is pushing as hard as possible to make the most of their package.

Starting at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, the team’s status as the defending race winner was evident as the event began. Leading a large portion of the race, the team was easily the strongest Porsche in the field and even threatened to win until the team struggled for fuel mileage in the remaining hour of the race. The No. 44 would silently cross the finish line, out of gas, in fifth.

Four weeks later, the team came into the all-new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas unsure of their chances. Doing their best to match the Ferraris and BMWs, clever strategy by the team put driver Andy Lally into the lead with just a few laps remaining, only for contact with the No. 94 BMW of Bill Auberlen to relegate the car to second. As an odd footnote, it was the first second place in the history of the team.

Moving to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the team would run a quiet race. With no opportunities for strategy and a strong pace by the No. 57 Camaro, the team would finish sixth; the car barely lasting due to a hole in the radiator.

Two weeks later at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, a rained-out qualifying session would put the No. 44 on pole position. Unfortunately, that would serve as the highlight of the weekend with a fairly uneventful race placing the car in fifth.

With the series taking the majority of May off, the team returned to Detroit in hopes of improved form. Even though the team was clearly a championship contender, the ultimate pace was really beginning to show through the spring.

In Detroit, the tricky street circuit was considered to be difficult for the Porsche. Luckily, great pit work by the team would advance the car to fourth, with an endless series of yellows allowing Lally to hold station.

Two weeks later, strategy, aggressive driving, and attrition would see the team regain the point lead in Mid-Ohio. For much of the race the team seemed poised for fifth, however, positions gained in the pits followed by late race incidents would put the team in a surprise second, only their second podium of the year.

Most recently, yet another podium finish at Watkins Glen International would prove enough to hold the current point lead, but the team is keenly aware of the quality of cars behind them in the standings.

“The field is incredibly strong this year, so it’s a big honor to be where we are in the championship,” continued Potter. “The Stevenson Camaro is clearly a strong car as shown by their four wins this year. They’re a great team that is going to be real tough if they can consistently stay up on the charts, so we’re very aware of the realities that the second half of the season present. We just have to stay focused on our own program, make no mistakes, and hopefully we can break through with a win this year. If we can do all that, then I like our chances.”

With five races remaining, the second half of the season begins on Friday, July 26, at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As the defending race winners, the team looks to capitalize on their winning record at the circuit. As the first of three races in four weeks, the team has been doing what they can during the July break to be prepared for the run to the end.

Practice for The Brickyard Grand Prix begins on Thursday, July 25, with race coverage one day later on SPEED at 4:30 PM ET.

Magnus Racing Retains Championship Lead with Podium in 44th Race

Watkins Glen, N.Y. (July 1, 2013)- Following another classic endurance battle during Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen, Magnus Racing made use of a last-lap pass to take third, retaining the team’s GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series GT championship lead, as well as taking their third podium of the year.

“When we saw Andy cross the line, all of us were surprised,” stated team owner and co-driver John Potter. “As the race progressed, it was clear we weren’t going to match the Camaro and Ferraris, so to see Andy pop up in a podium spot was a nice treat. I’ve driven this race so many times, it was nice to finally take home a trophy, especially in front of some very special guests from Flex-Box. The fact that we’re still on top in the points is a great testament to the team’s ability to make the most out of every weekend, and it was a great way to celebrate race 44.”

Starting their milestone 44th Rolex Series race for the No. 44 Flex-Box Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, John Potter ran a strong opening stint to begin the day. Following an early caution period, after several cars went off course due to oil on the track, the team owner / driver managed to avoid incident, bringing the car in at the one-hour mark without a scratch on the car.

With Andy Lally getting in the car to begin the second hour of the race, another spectacular stop by the Magnus crew would put Lally up several spots. Having grown up just a few hours away from the track in Northport, New York, Lally’s vast experience at the track was evident as he made early work of several cars in front of him, moving up to fourth. As strategy and pit stops began to cycle through, Lally even held the lead at one point, however, it was clear that the pace of all Porsches simply couldn’t match several of the other marques.

Pitting during an opportune caution, the middle portion of the race became the work of Magnus Racing’s third driver for the weekend, Richard Lietz. Hailing from Austria, Lietz is well integrated into the team, having been a part of Magnus at every Rolex 24 at Daytona, including their debut race as well their Rolex 24 victory. It’s been a good month for Richard who just took his third class victory during last weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Taking the reigns just short of the three-hour mark, no one could have guessed that Richard was new to Watkins Glen International, as the Porsche factory driver was immediately up to speed. Driving two stints, Lietz would maximize the potential of the Porsche, but was simply unable to match the front-running cars.

As Richard’s stint began to near the end, the race-long threatening skies opened up and a sudden series of sprinkles-turned-showers would bring out a caution period with 90 minutes to go. Within minutes of the rain coming, it stopped just as quickly, and as the cars circulated under caution the question became whether to take rain tires or slicks. As the caution continued for several minutes, the choice to take slicks became apparent, and Lietz would finally come in for a full-service stop, including handing the car over to Lally for the final time.

With an hour and fifteen minutes remaining, it was now up to Andy to make the most of the car’s pace to the end. Driving the maximum out of the Porsche, Lally set off a series of strong laps during the remainder of the race, however, the car simply had no pace for the front runners. Despite some very fast laps by Lally, the car seemed destined for fourth until the third-placed No. 93 BMW of Billy Johnson began to struggle with very-worn tires in the waning laps. As he took the white flag, Johnson slid wide into the infamous bus-stop corners, allowing Lally to capitalize on the moment to run side-by-side with Johnson, eventually taking third in only the final few turns.

It was a surprise to the entire team who was unaware of what happened, and a great way to finish the team’s milestone 44th event. This would be the team’s ninth podium in Rolex Series history, where they currently hold a six-point lead over the No. 57 Stevenson Motorsports Camaro.

“Wow, what a finish!” stated Lally. “We weren’t sure what to expect this weekend, and all three of us were pushing really hard to win today. The Porsches are struggling right now, so the fact that we’re in the points lead is entirely because of how great the team is. Great strategy, excellent pit stops, and a reliable car have kept us in this thing, and we’ll head off to Indy to defend the win. It’s really cool to be part of the team’s 44th race and I’m glad we were at least able to step on the podium today for everyone at Flex-Box. John has built a great team here, everyone should be very proud.”

For Richard Lietz, driving his fifth race for the team, another podium at a new track will make for a nice memory as he heads back to Europe.

"Third was a very good finish for us today,” stated the Austrian. “It was my first visit to the circuit and I'm very happy to go home with another trophy. It's very tough for Porsche right now in this series, but Magnus does a very good job to maximize results, so it was a good day. I look forward to working with them again."

For John Potter, celebrating the team’s 44th race is a true team effort. In seven rounds of the championship so far, Magnus Racing has been the top Porsche in six of them.

“When we showed up at Daytona in 2010, I think many people didn’t know what to make of us,” stated the Salt Lake City resident. “44 races in, however, I think we’ve really made an impression. From winning the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona, to last year’s NAEC, to routinely taking honors as top Porsche, this is a great team and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done so far. Of course this comes from the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of everyone in the team, and that only pushes us further as we pursue our first Rolex GT Championship. “

Taking several weeks off, the entire GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series will return in three weeks at the historic Brickyard Grand Prix in Indianapolis. It’s a special place for the team, having won the inaugural race last year, and taking the North American Endurance Championship in the process. SPEED will carry the race live on Friday, July 26, at 4:30PM ET.

44.

The number 44. Throughout the history of sports, the number has resonated with some of the great names: Reggie Jackson, Ernie Davis, Jerry West and, of course, the great Hank Aaron.

To those reading this release, however, there’s a new 44 emerging.

Magnus Racing’s very own No. 44 Flex-Box Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Competing in Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, Magnus Racing will be competing in their 44th GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race.

Having competed in every GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race since their debut in 2010, the team carries not only the longest active streak among Porsche teams in the series, but has also holds the distinction of keeping Porsche's continuous streak in the series alive. In 2010, Magnus Racing was the sole Porsche entrant in multiple races.

In special tribute to the team this weekend, Magnus Racing will adorn the car with the names of the entire crew, but here’s an additional 44 reasons to watch Sunday’s broadcast on SPEED.

1. One championship fight. Magnus Racing currently leads the Rolex GT points
2. The second round of the North American Endurance Championship takes place at Watkins Glen. Magnus is the defending series champion.
3. The third victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Richard Lietz came last weekend. Part of Magnus’s debut in 2010, Richard rejoins the team this weekend as their third driver.
4. Richard Lietz has run with Magnus four times now, all of them at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This will be his first visit to Watkins Glen.
5. This is the third race in five weeks for the team, rounding out a very busy June.
6. Six original crew members have been with the team the entire time, which we’ll celebrate on the rear wing of the car: John Bedell, Lorie Bedell, Lars Giersing, Patrick Dubuc, Thad Aagaard and Wayne Lollis.
7. There are currently seven “Magnus Racing Porsche” items being sold on Ebay (not by us)
8. The race starts at 8AM Pacific Time, meaning people in California have to be up early on a Saturday!! Life is hard.
9. The team will race on Sunday in pursuit of their ninth podium in Rolex Series history.
10. The 44 car has featured 10 drivers in its history: John Potter, Craig Stanton, Andy Lally, Richard Lietz, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Marco Holzer, René Rast, Bryan Sellers, Patrick Long, Nicolas Armindo.
11. Ace mechanic Patrick Dubuc has been in professional racing for 11 years.
12. Magnus Ridge Winery will rejoin the team this weekend. As the most successful wine sponsor of a Porsche team in the series, Magnus Ridge has produced a total of 12 wines in their short history.
13. According to Chinese culture, it’s bad luck to discuss any sort of accomplishment with 13 in it… like when hospitality member Jessica Bregy joined the team (on the 13th race).
14. The team has a combined total of 14 podium finishes in all of professional sports car competition (beyond just Rolex).
15. Twinkies will return to shelves on July 15. Who doesn’t love Twinkies.
16. John and Lorie Bedell have been married for over 16 years now; the duo serve as our Crew Chief and Hospitality Director, respectively.
17. The team will feature a total of 17 team members on-site this weekend, including drivers, crew, hospitality, and useless PR people.
18. For legal reasons, we’ll avoid any comments on things turning 18.
19. Adele’s debut album, 19, has more plays than any other album in crew member Patrick Dubuc’s iPhone.
20. Tucker Merten, one of our star mechanics, has been in professional racing for over 20 years.
21. Magnus Racing switched from green to their current grey livery on race 21, The American Red Cross 250 (2011).
22. At 22 races in to the team’s history, they were celebrating their second career podium at Watkins Glen International (2011).
23. Sean Heckman spoke for nearly 23 hours during this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona during his pit-side webcast. We’re surprised anyone watched.
24. Lorie Bedell remains 24 years old……. at heart.
25. Magnus Racing took their first victory, the 50th Running of The Rolex 24 at Daytona, in their 25th race.
26. Engineer Lars Giersing’s record for asking about dinner plans in one day is 26.
27. Our primary sponsor, Flex-Box, joined on race 27 (Grand Prix of Miami, 2012).
28. Andy Lally’s favorite NASCAR driver growing up was the late Davey Allison, he drove the No. 28.
29. John Potter won his first Daytona 24, as both a driver and team owner at age 29. That’s got to be some sort of record.
30. If you ever want to call the country of Greece, dial country code 30. If you ever want to call the Greek Church, you may not want to mention Porsche racing teams.
31. Hospitality member Jessica Bregy has now been to 31 races. We’ve never won any of them.
32. On race 32, the 2012 Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen, John Potter decided to drive 100% of the total race laps for the car.
33. Magnus Racing’s second victory, the Inaugural Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, came on race 33.
34. Tire specialist Wayne Lollis can talk for 34 minutes straight about different types of beer… without taking a breath.
35. Andy Lally has at least 35 paternity suits against him. Luckily, it’s easy to disprove (don’t ask why).
36. The team will be featured this weekend on WENY for those in the Watkins Glen area; tune in to UHF channel 36 during Friday evening’s newscast.
37. Magnus Racing’s PR group has been fired a total of 37 times.
38. Magnus Racing’s PR group has been hired a total of 38 times.
39. Both comedian Jack Benny and data specialist Steve Taft share the same age, 39.
40. GRAND-AM rules will let us use up to 40 tires during this weekend’s event.
41. John Potter has scored points in 41 of his 43 starts for the team.
42. The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42.
43. All-around team assistant Lt. Dan Lourenco has over 43 planned strategies for how we will one day take over the team. That dude is up to no good.
44. So long as the below doesn’t happen to us this year, we’ll have 44 more reasons to be thankful:

 

The Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen will take place this Sunday, June 30. Beyond Magnus Racing’s 44th Rolex Series start, the team will look to defend their current Rolex GT championship point lead, as well as reigning champion honors in the North American Endurance Championship.

Live television coverage will begin at 11AM ET on SPEED.