porsche

Victory Sweep at Thermal Highlights 2017 Plans for GMG

Date	February 14, 2017

Servicing seven Porsches throughout the first round of The Thermal Club’s emerging “Triple Crown” racing series last weekend, the depth and quality of Global Motorsport Group (GMG) shined as the team prepares for a full assault on the upcoming 2017 racing season.

Winning both races outright as well as in multiple classes, the team collected nine trophies over the event weekend, servicing a full Porsche fleet that included: four Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsports, two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup vehicles, as well as the top-tier Porsche 911 GT3R.

Turning the team’s attention to the 2017 season, where it has already committed to competing in the Pirelli World Challenge, Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA, as well as additional grassroots series, GMG’s commitment to next year stands well ahead of many of its competitors, particularly in the fact that it heads in to next year with a legitimate foundation, not just the promise of one.

“We’re not a team that will make claims to show up based on some vague notion of reality, we’re looking toward 2017 because we’re fully staffed and prepared for it,” stated GMG’s James Sofronas. “This weekend we were lucky enough to see seven cars race under our umbrella, in a variety of Porsches and featuring drivers who came with a variety of experience levels. I’m proud of the fact that every one of them had a great experience, and our veteran team of technicians, engineers and driving coaches were able to provide an unparalleled service to all of them.”

As a team built on providing a variety racing opportunities to suit the experience and interest level of the driver, the team’s comprehensive understanding of all-things Porsche, whether it be the entry-level Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the established 911 GT3 Cup, or the aspirational GT3R, makes the team a perfect fit for racing at all levels.

After taking a commanding championship with 12 victories in the Pirelli World Challenge GT Cup category with driver Alec Udell, GMG’s commitment to the series remains unchanged, with multiple entries expected in 2017.

Newest to the fold is the team’s recent support of the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, of which the team is already supporting four machines. As a mid-engine vehicle producing around 385hp, the car acts as a perfect entrée to motorsports for the less experienced, all while enjoying the excellence expected with a Porsche vehicle.

Most notably, the car will be eligible to race in a variety of categories in 2017, not only in several Porsche-based club categories, but also the Pirelli World Challenge’s GTS category, where drivers can visit some of the most famed tracks in North America, and competing against top teams and drivers.

During this weekend’s Thermal Club races, GMG’s experience with the GT4 paid tremendous dividends, with victory and podiums seen for all of the team’s entrants with the prolific machine.

Taking the top-step of the podium would be team newcomer Hutton McKenna, who took to immediate pace in his GT4 Clubsport, taking pole on Saturday and converting that to lead every lap in his class, ultimately taking the victory.

Not to be outdone, taking part in his first-ever car race was development protégé Charlie Yuma. Charlie, who first began working with GMG many years ago on several streetcar projects, has become a signature member of the team, starting with his first track days before eventually making the full commitment to GT4 competition. Driving with a maturity beyond his years, Yuma was impressive all weekend, not putting a scratch on the car despite engaging in some impressive wheel-to-wheel races. This would be accented with a second-place finish, which was a remarkable achievement for someone who’d never taken part in a race prior.

Finally, also taking part in the weekend was team newcomer Elias Sabo, the team’s latest entry in to the driver development program. Sabo, who went from casual interest in track-day events to taking part in full-fledged racing, showed tremendous patience throughout the weekend, making zero mistakes and walking away with dual trophies as he took home podium finishes on both days of racing.

Beyond having a dedicated team of technicians on all of their cars, the three newcomers were also welcomed with professional coaching and data support by none other than Alec Udell, who happily went through every inch of data and visual support to help the trio achieve a podium sweep on Saturday.

Meanwhile, GMG’s support of the ever-present Porsche 911 GT3 Cup remained as strong as ever, with the team supporting drivers Kevin Westcott and Alex Welch. Campaigning the same type of machine that the team won 12 races with during this season’s Pirelli World Challenge campaign, the team’s depth of experience continued with a victory and podium for both drivers. Welch, a team veteran who has driven some of the biggest events in the world with GMG, including The Rolex 24 at Daytona as well as 12 Hours of Sebring, had a rough start during Saturday’s Race One when he was tagged from behind during the start and ended up spinning to a halt in the first turn. Not one to be complacent, the Colorado resident wasted no time getting back up to speed, picking up positions with every lap and eventually finding himself back to the lead in his class before the race would end, taking an impressive victory to add to his tally.

Kevin Westcott, meanwhile, continued an impressive development season, showing vast improvement from his first race 10 months ago to drive clean races all weekend, eventually taking home third place honors on Saturday.

Sharing duties in the top fledge Porsche 911 GT3R, Brent Holden and James Sofronas would race on Saturday and Sunday respectively, taking easy victories overall thanks in part to a year’s worth of experience that both drivers and crew have shared after competing with the machine in the Pirelli World Challenge GT and GTA categories.

Looking toward 2017, the team has not only demonstrated an amazing ability to provide unparalleled service to their clients, but continue to offer an increased line of services to new and prospective racers.

With the team committed to not only Pirelli World Challenge competition, but a number of series and big races around the country, we welcome any and all inquiries toward 2017.

Full Roster for GMG in Utah

Date	August 12, 2016

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Mexico Blue Porsche 991 GT3RS

Date	July 20, 2016

We had this beautiful PTS Mexico Blue Porsche GT3RS in our facility this week to receive a few GMG components. The beautiful color with the contrasting yellow stitching on the interior makes this GT3RS a truly bewitching car.

Parts Used:
-GMG Stainless Headers
-GMG Ceramic-coated WC-GT Center Section

GMG HEADERS & CENTER SECTION
The owner of this GT3RS opted for our popular GMG Racing Header and Center Section. Our headers and center section combine to add 17-24whp to the already potent 500hp that the 4.0 liter flat 6 produces. Our client appreciated the added power and exotic noise while still retaining the stock side mufflers, and function of the exhaust valves that our exhaust provides. While the center section and headers were added, we leave the stock side mufflers in place to ensure mid-range power is not affected along with keeping the valves functioning. Each header is meticulously TIG welded and hand fabricated in Southern California. We believe running without catalytic converters on the street is generally not a good idea due to the smell and CARB issues, which is why our headers utilize high-quality German-made 200 cell high-flow catalytic converters.

As with GT4’s, we have seen GT3RS cars come with varying alignments off the show room floor; for this car we dialed the car in using our in house digital alignment machine, creating a setup that allows for efficient track and street dual use.

GMG to Bring Three Porsches to Road America

Date	June 23, 2016

Continuing the team’s commitment to the Pirelli World Challenge, Global Motorsports Group (GMG) will head to this weekend’s 12th and 13th rounds of the GT championship with three cars entered in two categories. Returning to one of the first venues that the team ever competed at, the famed Road America in scenic Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the team is happy to continue their championship efforts with Alec Udell, as well as welcome the return of drivers Alex Welch and James Sofronas.

“Road America is a great place to return to,” stated team owner and driver James Sofronas. “When we first dipped our toes into racing 15 years ago, Road America was one of the first places at which we’d competed, and we’ve enjoyed many highlights since then. With three cars entered this weekend we’ll definitely be a bit busy, but we’re fortunate to have a great team around us who keep it all working smoothly. Alec is coming in to the weekend leading an extremely close championship. The last few weekends he’s shown tremendous skill and pace, but it’s going to be a tight battle between him and Sloan. Supporting him in GT Cup will be Alex Welch, and it’s great to have him back in the car this weekend as well. Alex is one of the most loyal and gracious members of our family, and I think this track and class should suit him well. It’s great to get back behind the wheel myself, and I’m excited to get this going.”

Driving the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports / Panther Pipeline / Amsource Capital Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Alec Udell heads in to this weekend’s 11th and 12th rounds of the GT Cup category with a strong focus on winning to bolster his championship efforts. In what has proven a very tightly contested championship, the Clemson University engineering student currently sits in a tie with championship rival Sloan Urry, with both competitors proving to be very closely matched from weekend to weekend. With the series now entering the second half of the season, the 20-year old knows that winning, coupled with consistency, will be critical.

“This year’s championship fight has been incredible,” stated the Texas native. “It’s been a strong contest every weekend, and it’s really exciting to be competing with such great drivers. The second half of the season is definitely looking like it will be close, any mistakes can cost us valuable points, but we’re all confident that we can perform well. Road America is a great track and I’m ready to be back in GMG’s #17 Porsche to deliver great results!”

Returning to the GT-Cup championship since his debut in Austin, Texas, long-time GMG driver Alex Welch will return to the fold in the No. 08 Morgan Adams Foundation / Torque Branding Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. A veteran of multiple categories and premier races, including running multiple GT races in the Pirelli World Challenge for the last five years, Welch will enter his second-ever GT Cup category race having driven a number of high profile events in a similar style car, including the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and beyond. Returning to one of North America’s most historic courses, the Colorado resident relishes in the challenge.

“Racing at Road America is an opportunity we all really look forward to,” stated Welch. “It’s been a few months since my last Pirelli World Challenge race, but this is a venue that I never want to miss, and it should deliver some excellent racing. As you can see from Alec’s results, everyone at GMG has done a great job getting to understand the current GT3 Cup car, and we’re optimistic for a strong performance on our side.”

Finally, returning to the premier GT category once again will be James Sofronas in the No. 14 Spyder / Mobil 1 / The Thermal Club Porsche 911 GT3 R. Continuing his focus on the engineering and development of their machine, the Villa Park resident examines every race weekend as an opportunity to further the team’s understanding and development of the car in their efforts to enhance the company’s street-tuning division. Making no secret of the translation between the team’s motorsport and street-car efforts, Sofronas is proud of his team’s efforts. “We’re very proud of our racing heritage, but ultimately every lap we turn furthers the capability of our tuning business,” stated Sofronas.

“With the all-new GT3 R, we knew that we were going to be handed a very sophisticated vehicle with a state-of-the-art approach to everything that makes it work. We’ve learned a lot over the year, and with the long straights and fast corners of Road America, we will continue to only further our product.”

Official practice for this weekend’s event begins on Friday, June 24, with Race One taking place on Saturday, June 25 at 5:30PM ET. Race Two will take place the following morning on Sunday, June 26, at 10:55AM ET.

GMG Begins New Porsche Chapter with Pirelli World Challenge Season Opener

Date	February 18, 2016

With many of Global Motorsport Group’s (GMG) greatest motorsport achievements coming in Porsche machinery, the upcoming Pirelli World Challenge season-opener at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas will mark a new chapter for the Southern California-based team, one that includes a return to the famous marque.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to compete with many of the greatest marques over the years,” stated GMG team owner and driver James Sofronas, “but when we look over the years, our heritage with Porsche has been one of the most pronounced in our company’s history. It will be great to make a full return with Porsche in Austin, we’re excited to return to our roots in a way.”

While the aftermarket and performance tuning side of GMG’s business has built a reputation for enhancing a number of exotic vehicles over the years, the team’s history in racing has been firmly ensconced with Porsche machinery. Beyond competing with Porsche to earn the first victories for the team in the Pirelli World Challenge, GMG also played an instrumental role in Porsche’s Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturer’s Championships in 2008 and 2009. Adding to that victories at Long Beach and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, runner-up championship finishes in the series, as well as competing at events such as the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Rolex 24 at Daytona, the return to the brand seemed a logical fit with the debut of the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Running three-cars strong, GMG will enter the opening round with one entry in the premier GT category, as well as two entries in the spec GT-Cup class.

Leading off the trio in the GT category will be the No. 14 Mobil 1 / The Thermal Club Porsche 911 GT3 R of James Sofronas. While the team owner has not raced Porsche machinery in the series since 2012, the team’s deep entrenchment in Porsche-based club racing and production categories over recent years should bode well for Sofronas, who expects a smooth transition in the switch back.

“While this will be my first time competing in a Porsche at Circuit of the Americas, I don’t believe it will be a huge step thanks to all of our experience over the years,” stated Sofronas. “Having raced during the last three COTA events for the series, combined with my understanding of Porsche dynamics, it should be a pretty smooth transition. Unfortunately, the timing has worked out that it will be the first time we’re able to do some serious laps in the car, so inevitably there will be some adjustments, but we’re all excited to take to the track.”

Returning to the series’ GT-Cup category, a spec-class built specifically for Porsche’s prolific 911 GT3 Cup 991 machine, will be Alec Udell. Hailing from nearby Woodlands, Texas, Alec is coming off a tremendous 2015 season. Competing in the same category, Udell took 13 podiums in 14 starts, including two victories. Being forced to miss four events due to damage sustained from an early-season incident, Udell was a clear championship contender had he been able to run the full championship.

In 2016, the goal for Alec and the No 17 Euroworld Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is set to resume his championship challenge.

“I’m very excited to be back with GMG for the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge racing season,” stated Udell. “After the successes from last season with James, Nev, and the GMG crew I’m ready to jump back into the car and pickup where we left off! I’d also like to announce a continuing partnership with Euroworld Motorsports out of Houston Texas, a key part to the success in the second half of my 2015 season I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store.”

Additionally, representing the team in the series’ GT-Cup category will be long-time team veteran Alex Welch, driving the No. 08 machine. Hailing from Colorado, Welch has already been off to a strong start in 2016, taking dominant back-to-back victories during The Thermal Club’s first event of the season, held in mid-January to get back in to the swing of things. No stranger to the challenges of Circuit of the Americas, Welch will head to the event for the third year in succession.

“Circuit of the Americas is unlike any circuit on the calendar, so it’s always exciting to head back,” stated Welch. “It doesn’t really seem that long ago that the 2015 season ended, but it will be nice to get off to a good start. We’re entering a new era for everyone at GMG and I’m happy to be a part of it, it should be a fun event.”

While the entries of Sofronas, Udell and Welch will present a formidable challenge during the upcoming season-opener, long-time team veteran Brent Holden will also return to the team for the upcoming Sprint-X championship, which will make its debut at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Canada, on May 21-22. As an endurance-focused, two-driver event, Holden will partner with James Sofronas in the No. 14 Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Practice for the season-opening round will begin Thursday, March 3, with the first of two races taking place at 2:30PM CT on Saturday, March 5. Race Two will take place nearly 24 hours later at 2:15PM on Sunday, March 6.

Udell, GMG Continue Podium Streak in Sonoma

Date	September 1, 2015

Continuing a streak that has seen him on the podium in 12 of the 13 Pirelli World Challenge races he’s competed in this year, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell extended his impressive season with a second-place finish during Sunday’s Grand Prix of Sonoma.

“Of course, after coming off of a win the previous day, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a little more, but we should be proud of our run,” stated Udell. “All of the guys did an excellent job preparing the car as always, and we had a great Porsche through the whole run. With a yellow or a small change of fortune we might have had a run for the front, but it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re continuing to learn, and headed to Laguna Seca I’m confident we’ll have a good shot.”

Starting from the front row in the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports / Panther Pipeline Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991, a first lap incident with the GT category in front of him would put the field under caution before he’d even reached the first turn, with the “real” race start coming several laps later.

As the field went green for the second time, a brief battle with driver Sloan Urry would serve as the primary excitment for the No. 17 machine, with Udell eventually building a gap to Urry and the field behind him, and all focus turned on race leader Colin Thompson.

Unfortunately, with the race staying green until the end, the gap to Thompson was simply too large and Alec would eventually cross the finish line in second.

It would serve as the 10th consecutive podium for Alec, and 12th in 13 races. While an early season incident would force the 19-year-old to miss several races, he still sits fourth in the GT-Cup standings with one race to go.

The entire Pirelli World Challenge will return to action in less than two weeks’ tim, with the season finale taking place just a few hundred miles south at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Practice begins on Thursday, September 10, with the race taking place on Sunday, September 13.