Iowa Speedway Veteran, Guy Cosmo To Join Brumos Racing for Friday Race
Iowa Speedway Veteran, Guy Cosmo To Join Brumos Racing for Friday RaceIowa Speedway Veteran, Guy Cosmo To Join Brumos Racing for Friday Race
With but two laps remaining at the Grand American Road Racing Association’s KONI Challenge Series race at Watkins Glen International, a faulty fuel pump sent Guy Cosmo shuffling backwards from 2nd place to 10th during Saturday's three-hour Supercuts 200 at The Glen.
Coming off a late race restart, Cosmo had finessed the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW up to second position when suddenly he felt the motor stumble as it struggled to get fuel.
“On the restart I was in 3rd,” said Cosmo after the race. “I got a great jump, timing it perfectly to pull out just as I crossed start finish line. I made the pass for 2nd in turn 1, lost it on the exit and fell to 4th. Heading into the Bus Stop I passed back for 3rd and was on the right line where I was going to get 2nd. Then the car stumbled on fuel. It continued to stumble more and more. I limped it around to finish 10th.”
“What a disappointment,” exclaimed Cosmo. “We had a strong car and a very good chance of winning. Shane Lewis and Billy Johnson were racing hard on those last two laps and we were right in the mix with them to fight for the win.”
“It was a tough ending to a very promising weekend,” added Guy. Fountain Motorsports’ BMW was very fast in every practice session and VJ Mirzayan worked hard to get up to speed. This was his first visit to Watkins Glen. Our race went great and to plan. We had a good car and the pit stops were fantastic - (46 Seconds for 2 tires, fuel and driver change). Having the win get away from us is obviously very disappointing, but these things happen - it's racing!”
The team has since made an attempt to assess the fuel line problem.
“It was definitely not a failure of the team’s strategy,” said Guy emphatically. “We had plenty of fuel to run to the end,,, or so we thought. Our fuel remaining calculation on the dash displayed 4 gallons of fuel left. So, either the fuel tank didn't fill all the way during the stop, or something was faulty with our fuel pumps.”
Guy and the team remain optimistic looking forward to the balance of the season.
“With the string of strong results we've had,” observed Guy, “we can't complain too much. Unfortunately, we've lost a little ground in the points chase now and it's going to require a flawless run to the end of the season.”
“I'm looking for complete domination,” said Guy laughingly. “Seriously, I'm just looking to continue with solid results like we've had for the past several races. I know the Fountain Motorsports’ team is up to it, and our BMW 330 is a car that's strong in many areas and well balanced in others. That's what has been keeping us close to the front at every race. Now it's time to turn up the wick.”
The team will enjoy a one week break before heading to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama where the KONI Challenge Series returns to the split format of 400K races.
Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major success in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
When the Grand American Road Racing Association’s KONI Challenge Series returns to Watkins Glen this week, it will be the first time the GS and ST divisions share the same track since the season opener at Daytona. KONI Challenge Series competitors will participate in the same race for Saturday's three-hour Supercuts 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International, which begins at 3:30 p.m.
Coming off a 4th place win at Mid-Ohio and enjoying a string of top-10 finishes, Guy Cosmo and the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW team head to the Glen residing in 4th place for the Championship standings.
“We’re in pretty good shape,” noted Guy Cosmo. “We’ve had some races where we feel we could have done better, but all-in-all, we’re extremely pleased with the team’s consistency and, more importantly, the crew’s tenacity. These guys refuse to give up no matter how tough things get.”
A native New Yorker, Cosmo always looks forward to racing at the Glen.
“I love racing here,” said Guy. “We were here a couple of weeks ago with the Doran #77 Daytona Prototype. With the exception of a couple of tough breaks, we came away with a pretty good weekend. Other than it feeling like home, one of the things I like about this track is you’re never really out of it. If you can stay on the lead lap, keep your car under you and stay in the mix, you’ll have a shot at running for the checkers in the last segment.”
Cosmo will be joined again by co-driver VJ Mirzayan.
“VJ does a great job,” said Guy of his teammate. “He keeps the car in the hunt and brings it back like it just rolled off the trailer. You can’t ask for much more than that. We both agree on our strategy and we share a confidence in our crew and the fact that we can make this happen. Together, we know the podium is always within our reach.”
Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major success in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association’s Rolex Series presented a full 10 hours of wheel-to-wheel racing last weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Guy Cosmo contributed to the excitement driving the #77 Doran Racing Kodak Daytona Prototype in Saturday’s Rolex Series event and the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW in Sunday’s KONI Challenge ST race.
The first job at hand for Cosmo was doing battle with a field of highly competitive Daytona Prototypes in Saturday’s feature race.
"What a joy it is to race these prototypes on a great track like Mid-Ohio," exclaimed Cosmo. "We were pretty far off when we rolled the #77 Doran Racing Kodak Daytona Prototype off the trailer but managed to turn it around by race time. We worked hard throughout practice and even the morning warmup on race day trying to come up with a competitive setup on the car.”
The 2 1/2 hour race was filled with promise for the duo of Cosmo and [Memo] Gidley until they were bit by a flat tire.
“We had a strong run going,” noted Guy. “Memo was running solid in 8th place during his whole stint until we had a tire go down. He did a great job keeping the car on track and getting it back the pits, but we lost a lap in the process.”
“I got in the car with about 50 minutes remaining,” said Guy. “I was basically in cruise mode. We were a lap down to the next car for position, and about 30 seconds ahead of the trailing car behind us. So I just pounded out consistent laps and brought it home for a 13th place finish. It was too bad, about the flat tire though, I thought we really had a better car than that."
Sunday’s task for Guy was no stroll in the park either. Though once again, the Fountain Motorsports team dug in and came through with their typical refuse-to-lose attitude, Cosmo wrestled the car from the back of the pack to a 4th place finish.
"What a disaster that race was," said a frustrated Cosmo. "I'm not sure what was in the air this weekend, but that was some of the most unprofessional driving I've seen from our competitors. Drivers were crashing into each other everywhere. The blocking, chopping, hitting - it was insane, and down-right embarrassing for a group of racers who are supposed to be professionals.”
But all is well that ends well. After venting is frustration, Cosmo went on to describe his race.
“Fortunately I managed to avoid the big accidents and keep our BMW 330i relatively unscathed,” said Cosmo in relief. “Once again, the Fountain Motorsports boys called good pit strategy and made sure I kept my cool during all the chaos. VJ [Mirzayan] did a great job at the start and handed me a solid car. It's a pleasure to have him back with the team for the next few races."
"Consistency was key for this race. We didn't have the outright speed to run up front, but everyone else started falling off-pace towards the end of the race and we kept running solid. Ultimately, I think we were one of the quickest cars at the end. If we had a few more laps, I think we would have been fighting for the win."
Next up the Daytona Prototypes cars will make their annual pilgrimage to the Daytona International Speedway for the Brumos 250, July 5, while the KONI Challenge crew will head to Watkins Glen for the July 6-7 weekend.
Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major success in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
When the Grand American Road Racing Association’s Rolex Series takes the track at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, ace pilot, Guy Cosmo will be steering the #77 Doran Racing Kodak Daytona Prototype in Saturday’s Rolex Series event and the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW in Sunday’s KONI Challenge ST race.
“I’m all for being busy,” remarked Cosmo., “And, I love the Mid-Ohio track. For me it doesn’t get any better than this!”
While the #77 car has had a week off since Watkins Glen, the Fountain Motorsports team is running back-to-back events after last week’s run at Mosport. Cosmo currently holds sole possession of seventh in the drivers points championship. He and David Tuaty ran among the top three at Mosport before claiming sixth place. It was the fourth-straight top-six finish for Cosmo, who won with Tuaty at Iowa Speedway.
“We’re making great strides with the Fountain Motorsports’ team,” noted Guy. “We’re focused on improving each and every time we go out... everyone on this team is on the same page. It’s exciting and a lot of fun.”
After their 10th place finish two weeks ago at Watkins Glen, Cosmo is looking forward to taking the #77 Kodak Daytona Prototype through it’s paces on the Mid-Ohio Course. The car looks to be well suited to the track and the team hopes for a better outcome than they had at the Glen.
“We were fairly happy with 10th place at the Glen,” said Cosmo. “Really, given all the adversity we faced, it was a good finish. We’re really looking forward to this race, though. Mid-Ohio is like a “home” track to me so, we’re hoping to create a few Kodak moments. We really have the Doran JE-4 running well and the Roush-Yates Ford motor should definitely be an advantage in straight-line speed.”
Over the past few seasons, Cosmo has brought his talent and services to several of the top-tier prototype teams in the Grand American paddock. In 2006 Cosmo joined up with Finlay Motorsports filling in for an injured Memo Gidley in the #19 Playboy Uniden car. He was also instrumental in giving the Spirit of Daytona car it’s best run ever at Watkins Glen. And, of course there was the popular 2nd place finish garnered by Guy, Memo and Michael McDowell at Utah to close out the season.
The EMCO Gears Classic will air tape delayed June 23, at 8PM ET on SPEED,
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major success in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
Though not quite the results they were hoping for, Guy Cosmo and Fountain Motorsports will take a 6th-place finish for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario and roll into Lexington at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the EMCO Gears Classic June 23-24 .The Fountain Motorsports #127 BMW ran 2nd quickest in each of the three practice sessions on Friday as well as Saturday's morning practice. David Tuaty qualified the car 5th and ran a steady 4th during the starting stint. At the first yellow, about 35-40 minutes into the race, Guy Cosmo climbed in and moved the car up to 2nd. Never one to follow, Cosmo soon passed for the lead and held on to it for 12 laps.
A yellow came out, and due to a radio mis-communication, the team pitted on the second lap of the caution. While this was the wrong choice, Cosmo managed to pass a lot of cars on the restart. After the first lap under green, the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW came by start finish in 4th place. Unfortunately, the car and setup wouldn’t hold up to what it was during practice and Cosmo wound up losing 2 spots in the last 10 minutes to finish the race in 6th.
"A 6th place wasn't the finish I was hoping for,” acknowledged Cosmo, “but we came out of the race in one piece and collected substantial points towards the championship. The Fountain Motorsports BMW was very quick all throughout practice, but we missed the setup just a bit for the race conditions.”
“David did a great job qualifying the car in the top five,” noted Guy. “He ran strong in 4th place during his stint, and handed me a clean car. I managed to work my way to the front and lead for a while, but we just didn't have the speed to stay up there."
"We lost radio communication on the back side of the track causing a misstep in our pit strategy,” said Cosmo. “Unfortunatley, that dropped me from first to nearly last in the field. On the restart I charged back through the field and to be honest, I lost count of how many cars I passed - but it had to be one of the best charges of my life! When I crossed the start-finish line the next time by I was in 4th place!"
"I had a great battle for about 45 minutes trying to maintain my position,” Guy continued, “but we just didn't have the speed to hold on.”
“Either way it was a great run, and I'm extremely proud of my team and crew,” Guy exclaimed. “Fountain Motorsports is becoming a team the others watch out for at every event. It’s like they’re becoming a benchmark. The fact that this is their first full season racing is incredible. It is so much fun to work with these guys. And Mike's parents, Dom and Jan Fonte attend each of the races and feed us like there is no tomorrow. We are definitely the best-fed team in all of racing! With a team like this, there's no telling what we'll accomplish."
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
Photo: Jimmy SykesViewing the swing of upcoming races as an opportunity, Guy Cosmo and Fountain Motorsports roll into the Grand-Am KONI Challenge at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario with full intentions of sealing the deal. The teams will participate in a 400K split event June 16-17. Guy Cosmo is seeing gold.
“While it’s important to take things one race at a time,” said Cosmo, “we’re looking at the next three races on the schedule as an advantage. For Fountain Motorsports teams, it’s better to stay in a racing mind-set. The three race string could be a chance to capitalize on our team’s consistency. With the race here, a race next week at Mid-Ohio and a one week break before the Watkins Glen race, the momentum should work in our favor toward a run for the Championship.”
The Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) competitors are traveling north of the U.S. border this weekend for what will be the first of two Canadian races this season. They will run later this summer at Trois-Rivieres in Montreal, Quebec.
“I really enjoy driving the Mosport circuit,” added Guy. “I don’t think you’ll find better fans anywhere and it’s just a great race track. It’s also well suited to this style of car. Mosport has always been known as a momentum track... if you can keep your corner speed up you’re going to make good time around here. “
The Fountain Motorsports team will have their work cutout for them with the cars going on circuit for a full day of testing on Friday. Saturday they’ll do two practice rounds then qualify Sunday morning to starting position in Sunday’s KONI Challenge ST Series feature race (400k – 102 laps, 2.5 hr. time limit).
“Running two weeks back-to-back tends to make you a little conservative,” noted Cosmo. “You’ve got to run aggressive and compete, but also be wary that you need the car in one piece if you plan on being competitive next week. There won’t be time to make lengthy repairs or fix major damage. Running clean has to be part of your strategy.”
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.
Photo: John Thawley#77 Doran Racing Kodak Daytona Prototype team refuses to lie down
Photo: Steve AlvineTeams up with Memo Gidley in the #77 Doran Racing Kodak Daytona Prototype
Fountain Motorsports BMWs Finish 5th & 6th
Photo: Jim Sykes ~ Motorsports ImagingThough the season started out tough for the #127 Fountain Motorsports BMW, the team’s consistent performance of late has put them in serious contention for the KONI Challenge Championship. Heading into the weekend at Limerock, Guy Cosmo was alone in 5th place in the points standings. After a 6th place finish and finishing ahead of drivers who had been higher in the points chase, Cosmo finds himself sitting 4th in the Championship standings and leading the field in the KONI Challenge Driver Performance index.
“It was another good weekend for Fountain Motorsports,” noted Guy. “This weekend showed the growth and strength of the team, with Sam and Seth finishing in 5th place just in front of David and me. We didn’t quite have the speed we were looking for by race time, but we know where to find it for the next race at Mosport.”
Cosmo’s teammate, David Tuaty qualified and started the #127 BMW in the 7th position on the 28 car grid and finished 6th. The sister Fountain Motorsports’ car (#126 BMW) driven by Sam Shultz and Seth Thomas qualified and started 11th, while finishing 5th.
“What we did have was a solid and consistent run,” added Guy. “We brought home a sixth place finish. Knowing you can’t win them all, it’s important you collect as many points as you can. That’s what this weekend was about. None-the-less, I plan on winning as many races as I can this year and staying focused on the championship hunt.”
The swing of upcoming races will be a test of endurance for the KONI teams as they prepare for the Series’ upcoming back-to-back three-race stretch. The teams will participate in a 400K split event at Mosport, June 16-17, then head to Mid-Ohio the following weekend. With only one week to recover the teams will move on to Watkins Glen.
“We’re looking forward to the tight schedule,” said Cosmo. “For us, it’s better to stay in the racing mind-set. We view the three race string as our opportunity to capitalize on our consistency and pick up momentum on our run for the Championship.”
The KONI Challenge Series GS and Street Tuner (ST) classes resume action June 16-17 at Mosport International Raceway at Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association, which operates and sanctions the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, is the premier road racing organization in North America. The 15-race 2007 Rolex Series schedule and the 12-race KONI Challenge Series calendar will deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America. All 2007 Rolex Series events will be televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. With title sponsorship support from Rolex Watch USA and presenting sponsorship from Crown Royal Special Reserve, the Rolex Series showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about Grand-Am at www.grand-am.com.