Magnus Racing Prepped and Ready for Historic 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona

Salt Lake City, UT (January 23, 2012)- As the last bolts were checked and final graphics applied, the Magnus Racing haulers containing both entries for this year’s historic 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona are headed to the beautiful shores of Daytona Beach, Florida, in preparation for North America’s most important sportscar event of the year.

Running two cars in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series for the first time in team history, Magnus Racing has already established a great reputation at Daytona. Finishing fifth in their debut event in 2010, and following it up last year just one position short of a podium, the team heads to the 50th running with two cars capable of achieving top results.

“We were very fortunate to have a solid, damage-free test two weeks ago,” stated John Potter, Team Owner and Driver of the no. 44. “As a result, during these last couple of weeks we’ve been able to just focus on prepping and getting the cars perfect for the race. The guys have worked hard these past few days getting ready, and I feel very confident headed in to the weekend.”

In what is widely regarded as the most competitive GT field in the history of the event, the Magnus Racing no. 44 Porsche GT3 Cup showed great promise during the Roar Before the 24 test held earlier this month. Consistently challenging in the top-five on the time sheets, the combination of season-long teammates John Potter and Andy Lally, combined with Porsche specialists Richard Lietz and Reneé Rast, proved formidable.

For Andy Lally, in pursuit of his fourth Rolex 24 victory, cautious optimism is the dominant theme.

“This is a very, very strong team but we have to stay focused,” stated Lally. “During the test, it’s very tough to truly know what everyone is capable of. There’s easily 15 cars that could win this thing. Luckily, we’re right in the thick of it, so we’re just going to have to play a very smart and patient race. Luckily we’ve got a fantastic team and great group of teammates to get us there.”

Not to be out-done, the Magnus Racing No. 4 eBay Motors/Children’s Tumor Foundation/Racing4Research Porsche GT3 Cup heads to the event equally confident in a strong race. Following a relatively trouble-free test, the combination of Ryan Eversley, Justin Bell, Daniel Graeff, and Ron Yarab proved equally capable, with the team also setting lap times within the top-10.

Racing for more than just a watch, the team is using this effort as a means to raise donations and awareness for children suffering from neurofibromatosis. NF affects one in every 3,000 children, more than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease combined, and can lead to a wide variety of complications, including blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and excruciating and disabling pain.

Beyond charity, the no. 4 car will also be a constant source of attention as team driver Justin Bell, also known for his on-screen exploits on SPEED as well as eBay’s “The World’s Fastest Car Show,” will act as SPEED’s in-race reporter, in which he’ll literally provide on-air insight and commentary while driving the no. 4.

For Daniel Graeff, who has been with the CTF program for four years, the 50th Rolex promises to be the best event yet.

“The team has really put together a terrific program,” stated Graeff. “ On the track, the performance of the team has simply been fantastic. We have a car very capable of top results. For our program of course, there’s more at stake than just results, and with Magnus we’ve found a team also capable of helping draw a lot of attention and support to our program.”

Indeed, beyond the presence of over 100 children and families who will appear trackside as “NF heroes” for the foundation, as well as Justin Bell’s in race reporting, Magnus Racing and CTF, in participation with Ustream and eBay Motors, will also present a live, 24-hour interactive Ustream webcast throughout the entirety of the race. Hosted by CTF’s Jill Beck and Sean Heckman of The Media Barons, Magnus Racing’s “Live at Daytona!” can be viewed on magnusracing.com or racing4research.org. The team encourages everyone to log in, watch, and chat live with the drivers, personnel, and other notables throughout the race.

“The Ustream webcast adds an extra element of interactivity for our fans,” stated Jill Beck of The Children’s Tumor Foundation. “We were involved in a very similar program last year and it really added great value, and we’re thrilled to work with the same producing group who’ve brought the service to Magnus Racing.”

Between contending for victory, live on-air commentary on SPEED, and even producing a full-time, interactive Ustream webcast, Magnus Racing is headed in to a very busy week.

“It’s going to be a busy few days, but it’s the biggest event of the season,” stated Potter. “We open the season with our marque event, and for the 50th running we wanted to make sure Magnus Racing’s presence was known.”

Magnus Racing’s “Live from Daytona!” will be at every practice and qualifying session starting on Thursday, January 26 at 10AM ET, with of course the big event beginning Saturday, January 28, at 3:30PM ET.

For more information, be sure to visit www.magnusracing.com, as well as check in all week via Facebook and Twitter (@magnusracing) to take part in an on-going series of contests and giveaways.

Developed by the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the Racing4Research (R4R) program utilizes competitive, professional auto racing as a vehicle to increase awareness of neurofibromatosis and raise funds for research through corporate sponsorship, personal donations, and individual fundraising by NF Heroes: children and adults from around the country who live with neurofibromatosis. NF affects one in every 3,000 children, more than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease combined, and can lead to a wide variety of complications, including blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and excruciating and disabling pain. The Racing4Research program offers children and families living with the disorder a uniquely empowering weekend, and has raised over $1.5 million dollars since its inception five years ago. Donations can be made at www.racing4research.org.

Ustream, Inc. is the leader in live and interactive video streaming. The interactive platform connects broadcasters and viewers of unlimited size through innovative technology including co-hosting video features, IRC chat, Facebook, and Twitter. Ustream’s free and premium solutions allow any broadcaster to create their own customizable channel with robust social and notification features to enhance visibility and virality across multiple platforms. In addition to activating the embeddable features on external websites, users are able to broadcast and view content while interacting in real-time directly from mobile phone devices, tablets, streaming players, smart TVs, and more. The company attracts millions of users ranging from music artists, celebrities, politicians, athletes, corporate executives, animal enthusiasts, and gamers which has contributed to Ustream’s Guinness World Record for the “Most Content Ingested by An Online Video Service”. For more information about Ustream, visit www.ustream.com and follow us on our socials: Twitter (@Ustream); Facebook facebook.com/Ustream).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in sports car racing can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.

Magnus Racing to Launch LIVE Ustream Webcast During All 24 Hours at Daytona

Salt Lake City, UT (January 19, 2012)- Just over a week away from the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Magnus Racing is proud to announce their broadcasting of a LIVE, interactive video webcast via Ustream, direct from their pit stall.

Running the webcast for all 24 hours, Magnus Racing’s "Live from Daytona!" will give fans not only a chance to watch and hear the challenges that an individual team can go through during the twice-around-the-clock classic, but similarly will allow fans a chance to write in through the team’s chat function, where they can interact with the team’s drivers, crew, and other notables throughout the race.

Running in their third Rolex 24, Magnus will take on a unique challenge in 2012 with the advent of a second entry in this year’s event. Beyond their staple no. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3 Cup, the team will also field the No. 4 eBay Motors/Children’s Tumor Foundation/Racing4Research Porsche GT3, which will run a special campaign during the race to raise funding and awareness for children suffering from neurofibromatosis. Beyond the usual insight and interaction with the team throughout the event, fans will also have the opportunity to donate and take special part in this distinguished charity.

Though this will be the first webcast for Magnus, this will actually be the third consecutive year of running the Ustream web event for producing partner, The Media Barons. For fans familiar with their Daytona webcasts presented with another team in 2010 and 2011, Magnus Racing’s effort will feature a very similar look and feel, only with an enhanced production value and attention to fan interaction.

For the die hard fans, the team is also proud to announce "The Magnus Challenge," a special contest run throughout the event challenging fans to watch all 24 hours of the webcast. During each hour, the broadcast team will sporadically mention a secret word for that particular hour. Any fan who can write in after the broadcast and name all 24 secret words will not only receive a special Magnus Racing Honorary Team Membership and gift pack, but they will also receive a special Grand Prize entry in to our “Crew for a Day” drawing. Magnus Racing’s “Crew for a Day” program will allow one lucky fan and a guest to join at any Magnus- entered race of their choice, where the team will give them an all-access pass, including becoming an active member of the team during the race.

This will cap off a week of contests leading up to the race, in which Magnus Racing will be holding daily trivia contests for team prizes, beginning today.

For fans at home, work, or even on the go, the webcast will be available, for free, through a number of means. First, fans can watch on-line via the team’s website at www.magnusracing.com, or via Ustream direct at ustream.tv/liveatdaytona. In addition, the team is also proud to announce their availability via mobile, with options to watch via iPhone, Android, and iPad. Owners of any of these devices simply need to download the Ustream app on to their mobile phone, and then search for the MagnusRacing channel.

For Team Owner John Potter, this is another step in the team’s fan outreach.

“I’m really happy to be presenting this to our fans for the 50th running of the Rolex 24,” stated Potter. “Our team has made a name for itself by taking fun and unique initiatives for the fans, and I look at this as the next step. I’m curious to see if anyone takes us up on the "Magnus Challenge," as it’s a long race to stay up for, but certainly they’ll have my respect! To use it as a means to raise donations for the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Racing 4 Research program makes it all the better. I just hope I don’t say anything to embarrass myself at three in the morning.”

For Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Jill Beck, the Magnus Racing webcast is another opportunity for the group to raise awareness and donations.

“The webcast is a great way for us to promote our cause and really help raise money and awareness for the program,” stated Beck. “When we were looking at teams to work with for the 50th running of the race, one of the big reasons we chose Magnus was their efforts and promotion with the fans, of which this is a perfect example. We really want to thank Ebay Motors, Ustream, and Quicken Loans for their efforts to make this happen as well. They’ve been big supporters and I appreciate how active they’ve been in promoting this, and we’re enjoying a very fruitful partnership. I’m really looking forward to the race, but curious how exhausted I’ll be with this when it’s all over.”

Indeed, Jill Beck is not only the program director for the CTF effort at the event, but she will actually be one of the main hosts throughout the race. Hosted by Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Jill Beck, The Media Barons’ Sean Heckman, as well as co-hosting by drivers such as Andy Lally, Ryan Eversley, Justin Bell, and the entire Magnus Racing driver lineup and crew, this will be a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.

Magnus Racing’s "Live from Daytona!" will be at every practice and qualifying session starting on Thursday, January 26 at 10AM ET, with of course the big event beginning Saturday, January 28, at 3:30PM ET.

For more information, be sure to visit www.magnusracing.com, as well as check in all week via Facebook and Twitter (@magnusracing) to take part in an on-going series of contests and giveaways.

Developed by the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the Racing4Research (R4R) program utilizes competitive, professional auto racing as a vehicle to increase awareness of neurofibromatosis and raise funds for research through corporate sponsorship, personal donations, and individual fundraising by NF Heroes: children and adults from around the country who live with neurofibromatosis. NF affects one in every 3,000 children, more than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease combined, and can lead to a wide variety of complications, including blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and excruciating and disabling pain. The Racing4Research program offers children and families living with the disorder a uniquely empowering weekend, and has raised over $1.5 million dollars since its inception five years ago. Donations can be made at www.racing4research.org.

Ustream, Inc. is the leader in live and interactive video streaming. The interactive platform connects broadcasters and viewers of unlimited size through innovative technology including co-hosting video features, IRC chat, Facebook, and Twitter. Ustream’s free and premium solutions allow any broadcaster to create their own customizable channel with robust social and notification features to enhance visibility and virality across multiple platforms. In addition to activating the embeddable features on external websites, users are able to broadcast and view content while interacting in real-time directly from mobile phone devices, tablets, streaming players, smart TVs, and more. The company attracts millions of users ranging from music artists, celebrities, politicians, athletes, corporate executives, animal enthusiasts, and gamers which has contributed to Ustream’s Guinness World Record for the “Most Content Ingested by An Online Video Service”. For more information about Ustream, visit www.ustream.com and follow us on our socials: Twitter (@Ustream); Facebook facebook.com/Ustream).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in sports car racing can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed topress@magnusracing.com.

The Magnus Roar

As the trucks return back to the shop following three days of rigor at the annual Roar Before the 24, a three-day test dedicated to prepping the cars and stars of this year’s 50th Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Magnus Racing isn’t 100% sure if they even brought their two car effort to the test.

The reasoning for the amnesia? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Not a scratch on the team’s no. 44 entry, and barely any signs of wear on the team’s no. 4 car. As an event typically known for really trying the team’s cars and drivers as they test the limits before getting in to the race week, the fact that the Magnus Racing team had virtually a problem-free three days makes many wonder if they were even there.

“Looking at how clean our cars are, I would swear that we weren’t even there,” stated Magnus Racing Team Owner John Potter. “Of course that all comes to a crashing reality when I look at the bill for the event… oh yeah, we were there.”

Testing for the team’s third consecutive year at the Rolex 24, Magnus Racing season-long teammates Andy Lally and John Potter made their 2012 debut together during the test. Sporting their new-for-2012 grey suits to coincide with their grey no. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3 Cup, the duo were joined by Daytona debutante René Rast, the two-time Porsche Supercup champion who will join the team for the race along with Porsche factory driver Richard Lietz. Focused on gathering data and testing several new ideas, the goal for the team was simply about consistency and comfortability. Never really focusing on speed, the team would actually set their fastest lap of the weekend at the very end, with Rast settling himself in nicely with a 1:49.669, good enough for fourth fastest on the session.

Consistently in the high 1:49 and low 1:50 time range, the no. 44 car proved more than up to the task of holding pace with the GT field, and the team is certainly right in the thick of what’s shaping up to be an intense Rolex GT field.

Not to be outdone, Magnus Racing’s second entry, the no. 4 Children’s Tumor Foundation /Racing4Research.org / Ebay Motors / Quicken Loans entry, had a similarly smooth event. Running his first Daytona since 2008, Justin Bell fit in nicely with the previously announced Daniel Graeff, Ron Yarab and Ryan Eversley, and the group kept the car consistently on the top half of the time sheets with a virtually incident free weekend. Ending the day with a weekend-best 1:50.019, Ryan Eversley assumed the role of team leader with great aplomb, as he and his co-drivers proved to hold competitive pace and are in great shape for the race.

In addition to their performance on the track, the no. 4 team also held a very successful press conference and unveiling of the team’s 2012 livery, which thanks in part to their program with the Children’s Tumor Foundation/Racing4Research and partners at Ebay Motors and Quicken Loans, brought a lot of attention to the team’s effort… and the race week hasn’t event started.

For Magnus Racing’s Andy Lally, a smooth weekend showed a great sign of the race to come.

“We had a plan for the weekend and we simply kept to it,” stated Lally. “It seems surreal that the event went without a hitch, but that’s a testament to the quality of the guys here, and gives us a lot of confidence headed in to the race. It’s going to be a mega event, and I look forward to being in the thick of it.”

Rene Rast, who claims that his English is perfectly good, declined comment but instead showed us how he can beat-box. By the way, that guy is awesome.

For the no. 4 team’s Ryan Eversley, a smooth weekend was a positive sign of the team’s ability to stick to their gameplan.

“We had a good race last year because we stuck to our plan and never deviated,” claimed Eversley. “This test proved that we have the same mindset for this year, and it’s a good sign in such a strong GT field. We have very strong ambitions for this year’s race, and we all know it’s going to come from not making any mistakes, and it all started with this weekend’s test so we’re happy. The Magnus Racing team put together a great car, and I have to thank my teammates, Daniel, Ron and Justin, for all putting in a flawless effort this weekend. We have a really cool program coming for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and I’m very excited. It’s going to be an intense few weeks of training ahead, but in the end it’s because we want this event to be perfect.”

Finally, for Magnus Racing’s John Potter, their first big showing as a two-car team proved pretty flawless, a feat well worth taking note of.

“This race will be our first two car effort, and I think the test proved we’re more than capable,” stated Potter. “Everyone on the team did an amazing job, and this is why we had such a smooth event. I’m really happy to see the no. 4 team and the Children’s Tumor Foundation have such a great showing. Beyond being a good group of people, it’s a great cause and they deserve a great race. Daniel, Ron, Justin and Ryan drove perfectly and I think they have a real shot at this. Our 44 car was business as usual, and I’m really looking forward to the race. Andy did a great job leading the charge, and René proved his reputation by instantly getting on pace. Richard is a proven commodity with our team, so we have just as good a chance as anyone. It’s hard to believe everything starts back in two weeks, but we’re up to the task and looking forward to a great 2012.”

Magnus Racing will next be seen at the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. With practice beginning on Thursday, January 26th, the team will be proud to announce their first live webcast from the pits. Join the team for every practice and qualifying session, as well as for the full 24 hours of the race, at www.magnusracing.com. Viewers will also find ways to contribute to the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Racing4Research program, and of course the race will be broadcast live on SPEED on Saturday, January 28th.

To learn more about Andy Lally, visit www.andylally.com, or follow him on twitter at @andylally.

Fans of Magnus Racing can stay up to date with the team on facebook.com/magnusracing and on twitter (@magnusracing).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in sports car racing can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.

THE SATURDAY REPORT

Day two at the Daytona International Speedway was full indeed. The dense fog of Friday morning new that the magnanimous Magnus momentum was a force to be reckoned with; so the skies were clear as we entered the track locked, loaded, and ready to fire into action. The first practice ran fairly (“fairly” means it wasn’t perfect but we’ll lie for the website) smoothly that our crew worked out with effortless precision; but overall the drivers spent their time becoming even more comfortable with the cars and track. When asked how things were going, Ron Yarab gave a smile, a thumbs up, and said that he was “livin’ the dream.” Ron also sets his expectations fairly low.

The second and third practices were pretty routine. Seriously, it couldn’t be more dull to write about.

Keeping the mood light, the fellas managed to somehow drag themselves in front of a camera – we all know how much racecar drivers hate to be thrown into the spotlight – to take their annual team headshots. Hilarity ensued as Andy Lally and John Potter were given carte blanche for a moment to choose their own poses; Ryan Eversley, Justin Bell, Daniel Graeff and Ron Yarab all threw out their best blue steel poses; and we tried to get the quiet newcomer Rene Rast to frown, but the corners of his mouth just kept turning up. When asked if he has a genetic predisposition to being generally being pleasant, the young German surprised us all with a comeback reminiscent of the Madagascar penguins… “It’s not that; it’s just easier to smile and nod because I don’t know what you crazy people are talking about.”

The day was upbeat and sunny; but when the sun went down it was a Night on Bald Mountain as the energy crescendo came to its peak. There were a few nasty incidents that caused black flag delays; but the racing gods were with us as our cars were not only unaffected, but our drivers never lost momentum and managed to keep level heads and clear minds. It was an old west poker game out there on the track; and even though we managed to play our hand close to the vest while still achieving the goal of becoming one mind, with one goal, and the will and skill to achieve it, our final run of the day ended with both cars finishing within fractions of a second of the leaders. Tomorrow is another day to roar a little bit more.

Fans of Magnus Racing can stay up to date with the team on facebook.com/magnusracing and on twitter (@magnusracing).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in sports car racing can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.

THE FRIDAY REPORT

The first day of practice at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona was one of acclimation, revelation, and good old fashioned positive energy. The thick morning fog caused the first practice to be delayed, but nothing could dampen the mood of our drivers. Andy Lally, settling in nicely with his new team, has already nicknamed half the crew, meanwhile Ron Yarab kept us grounded as he stayed limber and loose with his calming yoga moves. Daniel Graeff hypnotized us with his baby blues and big heart, while Ryan Eversley and Rene Rast have kept our vague illusions to still being young.

Justin Bell told jokes that probably weren’t that funny, but since he’s British and we all know how charming the British can be we didn’t know any better. Meanwhile, our fearless leader John Potter was, as usual, just another one of the guys. Mix them with the great crew and it is the quintessence of a cohesive family unit.

The drivers became accustomed to the track and worked on perfecting pit procedures, as we focused more on mechanics and logistics today rather than speed. The practice goals were successful, as everything ran smoothly without any major problems, accidents, or injuries.

The highlight and excitement of the day was the revealing of the No. 4 Children’s Tumor Foundation/Racing4Research/Magnus Racing Porsche GT3 car and the announcement of the team’s dual corporate partnerships with eBay Inc. and Quicken Loans Inc. We look forward to tomorrow bringing an even better day.

Fans of Magnus Racing can stay up to date with the team on facebook.com/magnusracing and on twitter (@magnusracing).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in sports car racing can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.