Sprint-X Launches at CTMP as Cosmo teams with Bowlin in latest spec Audi R8 LMS for M1GT Racing
Bowmanville, Ont. (20 May 2016) – Since the time the lights went out to start the first Pirelli World Challenge race over two decades ago, the series has been known for short, intense bursts of GT racing.
But this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the series will open a new chapter in its history as the weekend will feature the launch of the Sprint-X championship, a three-round championship that will feature longer races and driver changes.
It will also feature Guy Cosmo, who is returning to Pirelli World Challenge action this weekend to focus on the two rounds of Sprint-X racing as he once again pairs with Walt Bowlin in the No. 23 Tampa Bay Jaw Surgery Audi R8 LMS for M1 GT Racing.
CTMP, long known as Mosport, will have two rounds of Sprint-X races with an hour of racing in each. The driver that starts the race on Saturday will be the one that finishes the race on Sunday, with both races having mandatory pit stop windows for teams to execute their driver changes.
For Cosmo, the return to race action as part of the first-ever running of the Sprint-X championship is something that he’s been looking forward to.
“I’ve literally been all over the world already this year with a lot of great coaching gigs, but this is my first time actually racing this season so I’m very amped up about it,” said Cosmo, who recently added the title of ‘dad’ to his resume with wife Louisa. “I am very happy that Walt asked me to be his partner for Sprint-X and it should be a fun new format. Everyone will be trying to learn the new rules and generate the best strategy possible.”
The weekend will include the normal dose of sprint races from the multiple classes of Pirelli World Challenge, as well as the double header Sprint-X racesset to run late Saturday and first thing Sunday at the high-speed CTMP.
“We got some laps in during the test day on Thursday and we were happy with the progress we made, hopefully we can keep chipping away at the times,” said Cosmo. “The car has a great aero balance and being able to make the most of that on these high-speed, blind corners is key to a good lap time. It’s a lot of fun to drive this Audi R8 here at Mosport and I’m just looking forward to racing again this weekend!”
Victoria Day Speedfest Schedule
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Saturday, May 21
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM Pirelli World Challenge SprintX Race # 1
Sunday, May 22
8:15 AM – 9:25 AM Pirelli World Challenge SprintX GT Race # 2
Race Lengths: 60 minutes (SprintX)
Live Internet Telecast (on motortrendondemand.com):
All times listed above Eastern
Television (on CBS Sports Network):
SprintX: June 2 - 9 PM
Visit www.world-challenge.com, www.M1GTRacing.com & www.GuyCosmo.com for more information.