Guy Cosmo Set For Hot Time In The City

American Le Mans Ready for the Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix

Guy Cosmo and the Extreme Speed Motorsports No. 02 Tequila Patron Ferrari 458GT will head to Baltimore, Maryland this week for round seven of the American Le Mans Series championship. The inaugural running of the Baltimore Grand Prix will be a two-hour sprint race starting at 4:30pm on Saturday, September 3.

The Baltimore Grand Prix is the second street race of the 2011 American Le Mans Series season. While Long Beach, California has been on the schedule of the ALMS for several years, Baltimore's newly constructed 2.0-mile race track represents a massive unknown to drivers and teams. The circuit will wind through the streets of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The former railroad center will serve as the backing to pit row for the 12-turn temporary road course.

"This is going to be exciting," said Cosmo.  "A new circuit to learn and drive is so rare in the racing world, so any opportunity to tackle a new course is an extremely welcome one, especially on a new street circuit. I think we're going to have a very exciting weekend."

The 'unknown'  could possibly make the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix the most challenging race of 2011 for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón . With only days if not hours left before the race, team engineers will be trying to find any knowledge or detail that might provide an edge for the weekend event. Competitors get their first full look at the track during a two-hour track walk on Thursday.

"I'm hoping this is the weekend Ed [Brown] and I have our break through," continued Guy.  "We badly need a good result.  With Baltimore being an abbreviated 2-hour format, I think we can make something really good happen here.  Ed's best performance this year was at Long Beach.  He showed no fear of those concrete walls and kept a great pace for us.  Add to the equation our ever-improving ESM / Patron Ferrari 458, I'm confident Ed will hand the car over to me in a good position. From there it will be up to me to slice and dice my way through the GT field and bring home the result our ESM program and crew deserves.  I'm on this!."

Teams won't have much track time at Baltimore with just two hours of practice before qualifying. The first practice session for ALMS cars is scheduled for 9:25 a.m. Friday. Only then will we see who did their homework and guessed right.

The Baltimore Grand Prix is the seventh round of this year’s American Le Mans Series championship. It is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 3. The race will air on ABC, Sunday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT) and be shown live in the U.S. on ESPN3 or americanlemans.com outside the U.S. Live coverage also will be available on Rogers Sportsnet One in Canada and MotorsTV in Europe. Ticket and schedule information is available on the ALMS schedule page.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year competed last season in the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari. Cosmo is a race record-holder at Mid-Ohio (for fastest lap in the GTC series, which he set in 2009 in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). Cosmo has 28 starts in the American Le Mans Series, finishing in the top-five 18 times and has been on the winner’s podium twice. In addition to being an accomplished driver, Cosmo is also a highly sought-after driving instructor. Find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com and follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the world`s leading sports car championship and is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. In the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multiple classes of cars - purpose-built prototypes and production-based Grand Touring automobiles - race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. All cars in the Series compete using one of five approved alternative fuels or energy sources: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85 or E10, Isobutanol and electric hybrid technologies. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom. The ALMS competes at North America`s premier road racing tracks and selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets.

Guy Cosmo and Patron Ferrari Making Progress At Road America

Raises $3000 For Cancer Survivors

Sometimes just finishing a race has to be taken as a positive in motor racing. That was the case for Guy Cosmo and the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patron Ferrari crew at Road America this week running in the Time Warner Cable Sports Car Showcase and round 6 of the American Le Mans Series.

"Well, I'm not sure I can say our luck has turned around," laughed an upbeat Cosmo, "but we did finish, and we didn't get hit this time! It's a small step, but at least a step in the right direction."

Early practice sessions had Cosmo running among the quickest in the field. The team was implementing a new paddle shifter system this week and were still working through some issues. Later in qualifying, Guy got held up in traffic and then cut down a tire.

"Our No. 02 ESM Patron Ferrari was strong all weekend again," noted Cosmo. "We had cut a tire in qualifying and opted for a new set of tires for the race. Even though we started at the back of the pack,  the choice played out well for us."

The choice was a good one indeed. Cosmo took the green flag jumped out early quickly moving the No. 02 Ferrari 458 to 5th in class. An incredible feat given the size and competitiveness of the field.

"During my first stint I went from last place practically passing the entire field up to 5th place in GT," said Guy. "That just proves the speed we had. Then when Ed [Brown] got in, he turned his best times of the weekend. Then during my final double-stint I turned our quickest race laps. Unfortunately it wasn't enough pace. We ultimately went down a lap and settled for 11th."

The Time Warner Cable Road Race Showcase featured the closest overall finish [0.112 sec.] in the history of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón. The outcome was the latest in seven years of thrilling Road America finishes. The total margin of victory in ALMS overall races in Elkhart Lake now stands at 9.509 seconds.

"It was an intense race with some really close battles out there," Guy added. "Road America is without-a-doubt one of my favorite tracks. Tackling the fierce field of GT competition in the American Le Mans Series at this circuit - and doing it in an ESM Ferrari 458, supported by Tequila Patron - made for one of the most enjoyable drives of my life."

"We are making progress as a team," Cosmo continued. "We're really gelling on the No. 02 side. Obviously, I had hoped for a better result this weekend, but I know we're close. Success at this level takes time, and our time will be here soon."

In off-track activities, Guy was pleased to be a participant in the Tour de Road America, an annual event benefitting cancer survivors through LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Austin Hatcher Foundation and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.

"The Tour de Road America was a blast," said Guy. "I completed two laps around the famed Road America race circuit, which is over 4 miles in length, with A LOT of elevation change and uphill stretches! So I completed just over 8 miles the night before the race, and boy were my legs sore - but not too sore to drive nearly 3 hours of the 4-hour race in my Extreme Speed Motorsports / Tequila Patron Ferrari 458 GT"

"I really can't thank everyone enough for supporting my efforts to help raise money for the Tour de Road America," added Guy. "Through generous donations we raised over $3,000 in funds that go directly to help the fight against cancer."

Guy and the No. 02 ESM Patron Ferrari crew will be back when the American Le Mans Series returns to the Atlantic seaboard with the first running of the Baltimore Grand Prix Saturday, September 3, 4:30 p.m. ET. The circuit in downtown Baltimore will run along the city`s Inner Harbor, making the venue one of the most picturesque in ALMS history. The race will be streamed live on ESPN3.com beginning at 4:15 p.m. ET, Sept. 3 and air with a tape delayed feature on ABC at 4 p.m. ET, Sept. 4

Guy Cosmo Upbeat Heading To Road America

Will Participate in the Tour de Road America Fundraiser for LIVESTRONG

Guy Cosmo will head to Road America this week for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón Time Warner Cable Road Race Showcase. The green flag drops at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 20. Cosmo will be joined  for the four hour classic by his teammate Ed Brown driving the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari 458GT.

A legendary fixture in the racing community, racers relish Road America's challenging turns, curves and high-speed straights. The 4.048 mile track follows the sweeping, rolling hills of the glacially-formed Wisconsin terrain providing  dramatic elevation changes.  Many world champions have tested their skills here and return yearly attempting to set new records.

"I always look forward to this weekend," said Cosmo. "Road America is one of the greatest race tracks on the planet. It is the epitome of American road racing circuits. It's long, fast, and extremely rewarding when you get everything right. When you don't…  it's another 4 miles before you get another crack at turning a good lap."

Cosmo and Brown enjoyed a 5th place finish famed Wisconsin circuit in 2010. Their best finish of 2010. Cosmo is confident they can better that result.

"Ed (Brown) really loves this place," added Cosmo. "He's also been looking forward to this weekend ever since the season started. He knows the track well and did a great job last year. The 4-mile length at Road America, provides a good opportunity to stay on the lead lap no matter what hurdles you face. I'm pretty a intense driver every time I get behind the wheel, but this weekend I'll be on a serious mission. We finished a remarkable 5th place here last year. This year we're shooting for a podium."

Cosmo will carry his enthusiasm away from the track this week by participating in the Tour de Road America on Friday evening. Proceeds for the fundraising cycling event go to the LIVESTRONG Lance Armstrong Foundation, Austin Hatcher Foundation and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.

"One of the highlights of the weekend is going to be participating the Tour de Road America Friday evening," said Guy. "I'm participating in the event for the first time, and I can't wait. I purchased a bicycle and began riding and training for the Tour de Road America last week. I'm committed to pedal my heart out help fight cancer however I can."

"Not only am I participating in the event as a show of support," added Guy, "I also chose to contribute to the fundraising efforts by reaching out to all my friends, family and Facebook followers asking each to make a small donation supporting my participation in the ride. I'm pleased to report that in just three days we met my initial goal raising over $2000. We've got until Friday this week to double that, and I hope we can. People can still make contributions at http://austin2011.livestrong.org/guycosmo - every little bit helps."

The Time Warner Road Race Showcase is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, August 20 with ABC airing the race at 4:30 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT) on Sunday, August 21. Live video coverage on race day will be available at 3:45 p.m. ET on ESPN3.com in the US, and americanlemans.com for international viewers. Canadian fans may also watch live coverage on Rogers Sportsnet. Worldwide radio coverage will be available on American Le Mans Radio at americanlemans.com. For more information on the broadcasts, go to americanlemans.com/tv.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year competed last season in the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari. Cosmo is a race record-holder at Mid-Ohio (for fastest lap in the GTC series, which he set in 2009 in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). Cosmo has 28 starts in the American Le Mans Series, finishing in the top-five 18 times and has been on the winner’s podium twice. In addition to being an accomplished driver, Cosmo is also a highly sought-after driving instructor. Find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com and follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the world`s leading sports car championship and is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. In the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multiple classes of cars - purpose-built prototypes and production-based Grand Touring automobiles - race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. All cars in the Series compete using one of five approved alternative fuels or energy sources: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85 or E10, Isobutanol and electric hybrid technologies. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom. The ALMS competes at North America`s premier road racing tracks and selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets.

Guy Cosmo Turns Fastest GT Race Laps At Mid-Ohio

Staying Focused And Prepared To Fight Back

Acknowledging the bad luck that has left the Extreme Speed Motorsports No. 02 Patron Ferrari with a lackluster season, Guy Cosmo remains confident and determined that he and his teammates will prevail. With their most recent heartbreak coming at the American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge in Lexington, Ohio, Cosmo and co-driver Ed Brown are prepared to turn the page and move on to Road America.

"I might be a little lost for words at this point," laughed Cosmo. "We really had a good weekend all the way through, yet once again we came out with nothing. Not even a finish!"

"The team has been doing an incredible job learning and developing these 458 Ferrari's," Guy added.  "Both cars rolled off the trailer much faster this weekend, but our No. 02 had the speed all weekend. We were quick in every session, qualified well and were strong in the race."

And even in a race that was shortened by six minutes due to a horrendous down pour and standing water on the track, a little ray of sunshine made its way to the No. 02 Ferrari team by way of Cosmo setting the fast lap of race in the GT division.

"We did set fastest race lap in GT," acknowledged Cosmo. "That is huge for us. Especially against the amazing competition we have in this class. But we were having small electrical issues towards the end of my double stint, and unfortunately for Ed, as soon as he got in the car those issues became big enough to end our race."

The race ended under a red flag after a three-car incident sent the Flying Lizards' Patrick Long off the track and into a gravel trap during a heavy rain. All cars were directed into the pits with about six minutes left in the race because of standing water on the track which was making driving conditions treacherous.

"It's disappointing to have not broken the streak we're on lately," note Cosmo. "But I know something really good must be coming for us soon, and I hope it'll be at Road America for us in two weeks!"

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón will stay planted in the Midwest for Round Six traveling to Wisconsin for the Time Warner Cable Road Race Showcase at Road America, Aug. 20. The race will air on ABC, Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m (ET) and be carried live on ESPN3.com in the U.S. or americanlemans.com outside the U.S. For more visit americanlemans.com/tv.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year competed last season in the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari. Cosmo is a race record-holder at Mid-Ohio (for fastest lap in the GTC series, which he set in 2009 in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). Cosmo has 28 starts in the American Le Mans Series, finishing in the top-five 18 times and has been on the winner’s podium twice. In addition to being an accomplished driver, Cosmo is also a highly sought-after driving instructor. Find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com and follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the world`s leading sports car championship and is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. In the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multiple classes of cars - purpose-built prototypes and production-based Grand Touring automobiles - race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. All cars in the Series compete using one of five approved alternative fuels or energy sources: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85 or E10, Isobutanol and electric hybrid technologies. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom. The ALMS competes at North America`s premier road racing tracks and selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets.

Guy Cosmo Upbeat Heading To Mid-Ohio

Determined to put bad luck behind them, Guy Cosmo and the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari 458GT are ready to go all-in for round 5 of the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron this Saturday at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

It's no secret the team has had its fair share of bad luck over the first half of the ALMS season. While the crew, drivers and the cars have all shown positive signs of improvement, tough luck on the track has overshadowed their efforts.

"You know, we've had a tough season thus far," said Cosmo. "In every race we've had some bad luck and contact with other cars that's resulted in going laps down to make repairs. We are keeping our spirits high, though. We know that with a clean race without avoidable contact from other drivers, we'll get results. TheTequila Patron ESM crew has worked tirelessly and our Ferrari's are getting faster every weekend. We're hopeful this weekend  will give us the result we deserve."

Momentum is a big part of racing, and nowhere does that apply more than the 13 turn, 2.258-mile circuit at Mid-Ohio. The event comes at the mid-point of the 2011 American Le Mans Series season and every team knows now is the time to have your program in order and head into the final stretch of the summer.

"Mid-Ohio is a very challenging course," Guy duly noted. "And quite a workout on the driver as well. You have to really think and plan your way around this track as if you're playing a game of chess - because whatever move you make for one corner will definitely have an effect the following corners. I've been around here so much that it's 2nd nature to me, but to a driver that doesn't know the nuances of Mid-Ohio, it can be very frustrating!"

"Last year  Ed and I ran well here," recalled Cosmo. "I started the race and kept us in the hunt for the first half, and then turned over to Ed - who did a great job, but got hit by another car and ended our race. Ed and I are both looking for redemption from last year and finish where we deserve - in the top five."

The action gets underway Thursday afternoon with two promoter testing sessions. There will be two practice sessions on Friday ahead of GT qualifying at 2:40 pm ET. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 6 with ESPN2 airing the race starting at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 7. Live video coverage on race day will be available at 3:15 p.m. ET on ESPN3.com in the US, and americanlemans.com for international viewers. Canadian fans may also watch live coverage on Rogers Sportsnet starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. Worldwide radio coverage will be available on American Le Mans Radio at americanlemans.com.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year competed last season in the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari. Cosmo is a race record-holder at Mid-Ohio (for fastest lap in the GTC series, which he set in 2009 in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). Cosmo has 28 starts in the American Le Mans Series, finishing in the top-five 18 times and has been on the winner’s podium twice. In addition to being an accomplished driver, Cosmo is also a highly sought-after driving instructor. Find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com and follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the world`s leading sports car championship and is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. In the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multiple classes of cars - purpose-built prototypes and production-based Grand Touring automobiles - race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. All cars in the Series compete using one of five approved alternative fuels or energy sources: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85 or E10, Isobutanol and electric hybrid technologies. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom. The ALMS competes at North America`s premier road racing tracks and selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets.