Guy Cosmo Heads West With Extreme Speed Motorsports And Tequila Patrón

Reunited with the #02 Tequila Patrón Ferrari 458GT and his co-driver Ed Brown, Guy Cosmo is looking forward to the annual Roar On The Shore, Saturday April 14th, when the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón lights up the streets of southern California at the 2012 Long Beach Grand Prix.

Cosmo joined stablemates Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek in the #01 Tequila Patrón Ferrari 458GT for the 60th running of the Twelve Hours of Sebring in March. While the driver combination proved to be a quick and formidable force, unprovoked contact in the early going set off a chain of nagging mechanical issues through out the 12 hour race.

"It was great to share the #01 Ferrari with Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek at Sebring," said Cosmo.  "But I'm excited to be back in the #02 with Ed Brown. We're back on target for our program in the #02 just as we've had for the past two seasons. We're going to have a very strong season together."

"Last year the Extreme Speed Motorsports team gave Ed (Brown) and I a very good car," added Cosmo. "We were very quick and Ed drove the best he's ever driven. Unfortunately we went down a lap when an LMP car drove Ed off course. The car wouldn't re-fire putting us out of contention for a good result.  This year I know the Ferrari is faster, Ed is faster, and heck, maybe even Guy is faster. We are going all out for our best finish yet."

This will be the 38th running of the Long Beach Grand Prix. The event is easily recognized as the grand daddy of all street course races. Many credit the event with Long Beach's economic revitalization over the years as the area has become one of southern California's crown jewels alone the Pacific.

"I love Long Beach," exclaimed Cosmo. "I mean, who doesn't? With Tequila Patrón as the event sponsor, it's destined to be the year's biggest street party. And the racing will be phenomenal. It's such an amazing event with an incredible amount of energy. No doubt  it's one of the best venues on the schedule. I just want to get on track and get to work."

The Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach runs on Saturday, April 14. The race will start at 7:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on ESPN2. The second round of the championship also will be shown live on ESPN3 in the United States.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year drives 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 38 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. Follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo and on Facebook.

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 - 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Race Report

Guy Cosmo had high-hopes going in to the 60th running of the  Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida. But the American Le Mans Series sponsored by Tequila Patrón season opener did not turn out as planned. Teamed with Extreme Motorsports co-drivers, Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek in the #01 Patron Ferrari 458GT, Guy watched his fortunes quickly fall victim to traffic, rough driving and inexperienced competition.

"Total disappointment - that about sums it up,” said a dejected Cosmo. “ESM did such a great job and worked so hard to prepare for this event. We had a very fast car and a full-team effort behind us. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. It was a really challenging day."

This year’s event was paired with the new FIA World Endurance Championship creating a record number of entries and nine classes of competition. The 64 car grid was peppered with a broad range of cars and driver skill levels - the likes of which have not been seen at Sebring in the modern sports car era. To say the legendary 3.74-mile circuit was crowded would be an understatement.

A good start:

"I had a great first stint going,” said Guy. “I got a good start and slowly picked off a few positions within the first 20-30 minutes. Our #01 Ferrari was strong and getting better throughout my run.”

Trouble:

“I had worked my way up to 4th place,” added Guy, “and was whittling my way to the front. I caught a lone GTC-class car that wasn't letting any one by. As each of the group slowly forced their way around him, I took my turn and moved inside him on the entry to turn 13. The next thing I know I'm hit in the left rear tire, turned around and sitting in the weeds. Needless-to-say I was furious. I immediately got the car re-fired and carried on.”

“Unfortunately,”  continued Guy, “during the spin the alternator belt got thrown off the motor and forced me to pit a lap later. I took the car back to the garage for what turned out to be a lengthy repair. That stop put us 7 laps down, and our hopes for a win were over."

Soldiering on:

"Once I got back on track I continued to set lap times as fast and faster than the GT leaders,” noted Guy. “I managed to pass the class-leading car and regained us a lap. Even though the #01 car was flying, problems struck again soon after Scott Sharp climbed aboard. Scott was clobbered by another Ferrari in Turn 17 where he suffered more damage to the car.”

While all of the #01 drivers were quick in the car, one more issue with the alternator belt set the team back another 20 or so laps. Through it all, the ESM crew quickly rectified each situation and got the #01 car back on track. It was important to all to see the Tequila Patrón colors fly and take the checkered flag. The crew certainly deserved a better finish.

"It was great to share the #01 Ferrari with Scott and Johannes,” said Guy. “We worked well together and showed we are a very quick combination. Though, I am looking forward to getting back into the #02 with Ed Brown as my teammate.  Ed was very quick at Long Beach last year, so we're looking for a podium finish out there for sure. This year is going to be exciting.  Sebring is behind us and we're already working towards Long Beach - stay tuned!"

The 12 Hours of Sebring (full 12-hour program) will be archived on ESPN3.com for three weeks and on ALMS.com for on-demand viewing.

The next round for the ALMS is the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach on Saturday, April 14. The race will start at 7:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on ESPN2. The second round of the championship also will be shown live on ESPN3 in the United States.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year drives 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 38 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. Follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo and on Facebook.

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 Ready For The 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Now in his third year behind the wheel of the Extreme Speed Motorsports Patron Ferrari, Guy Cosmo is extremely optimistic heading into Saturday’s 60th Anniversary of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida.

Not only will the 12 hour event kick off the 2012 American Le Mans Series Championship sponsored by Tequila Patrón, it also serves as the opening round of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship. Sebring is the birthplace of the FIA’s endurance racing heritage, having hosted the first FIA World Championship for sports cars in 1953 on it’s legendary 3.74-mile circuit.

"I'm really optimistic about my third season with Extreme Speed Motorsports,” said Guy.  “The team has progressed considerably over the winter. We've really upped our game.  In testing we’ve shown significant improvements over last season and we’re really getting into a groove. I think our third year is going to be our best yet, and I can't wait to get to Sebring and get things underway."

This will be the second year for the team using the Tequila Patrón-sponsored Ferrari 458GT’s. Working with Ferrari and Michelotto, ESM has utilized the off-season to work on improving durability and performance. Two pre-season test sessions have given the team reason to feel confident heading into the season opener.

Keeping everything on the table, the team also looked at driver strategies for the 12 hour endurance race.

"We're shaking things up for Sebring this year,” Cosmo noted. “I'll be joining Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek in the No. 01 car.  We felt we should  put forth our absolute-best effort for Sebring and make it an all-ESM driver lineup. Of course, I'll still contribute to the No. 02 car's program and continue working with Ed Brown, but Anthony Lazzaro and Jeff Segal have been brought in to drive with Ed. They’ll do a great job together.”

“Our goal for the No. 01 car is nothing short of delivering a win for Patrón,” Cosmo stated.  “Not finish well, not podium... but win.  We have what it takes in every area to make that happen.  We plan to attack and we are ready to conquer.  We're here to win."

The 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila begins with the 60th Annual Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida on March 14-17.  Qualifying takes place on Friday, March 16, at 3:20pm.  Green flag for the 60th Running of the 12 Hours of Sebring is on Saturday, March 17, at 10:30am.

Guy Cosmo, 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year drives 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 38 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. Follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo and on Facebook.

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 Ready To Rock Around The Clock At Daytona

With practice and qualifying out of the way, Guy Cosmo is setting his sights on two trips around the clock and a run for the checker flag when Extreme Speed Motorsports takes their maiden GRAND-AM run for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona. The #03 Patron Ferrari will take the green flag at 3:30pm Saturday.

"Kicking off the season with the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona with ESM & Patrón is a really special treat," said Guy Cosmo. The Rolex 24 is an event we all want to be a part of and win. "Better yet, we get to do it together as a team with two seasons experience under our belt.  The team is really strong, and regardless of our result our presence will be felt for sure. This is an extremely challenging and unpredictable race. I just can't wait for the green flag to drop."

"My teammate, Ed Brown, is really developing into a pro-level driver," Cosmo noted. "He has made great strides these past two years, and I really believe this is the year we'll get to show our true potential. For the 24 Ed and I will be teamed up in the #03 Patrón Ferrari with Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek. I wouldn't trade teammates with anyone."

Cosmo couldn't be more pleased with the team's growth and the decision to add GRAND-AM races to the 2012 season.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Extreme Speed Motorsports organization," Guy continued. "Scott Sharp and ESM have assembled an incredibly strong group, and they continue to give me every opportunity to shine.  I take great pride in knowing when I'm behind the wheel of an ESM / Patrón Ferrari, I'm one of, if not the quickest of cars on track.  And every time I strap into a Patrón Ferrari I've got the necessary tools and support to bring home the results we deserve."

"I couldn't be more excited about 2012," said Guy in closing.  "I've got a great home with Extreme Speed Motorsports & Tequila Patrón, and with their expansion in North American sports car racing, it's going to to be a very busy year for me.  As a pro driver, that's all you want - more driving and more racing."

The race will be broadcast live on SPEED from 2:30pm to 11:00pm on Saturday and will resume from 9:00am on Sunday morning through to the checkered flag.

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.

Guy Cosmo Joining Extreme Speed Motorsports Grand-Am Rolex Effort For 2012

Coming on the heels of his Extreme Speed Motorsports signing for the  2012 season, Guy Cosmo is excited to join the team running a part-time Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series schedule. Driving the team's new Ferrari F458 Italia Grand-Am carrying the familiar Tequila Patrón livery.

"I was really excited to hear ESM would be expanding to run in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series," said Guy. "It will be a limited schedule, but as a driver who usually drives in both sports car series through out the year, it's going to be a treat to do it all under the same roof, with the same teammates."

Initial plans have the team focused on the new North American Endurance Championship. Designated races will include 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Six Hours at The Glen and a new race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Kicking off the season at the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona in an Extreme Speed Motorsports Tequila Patrón Ferrari F458 Italia is going to be just awesome," noted Guy. "I've contested the Rolex 24 a number of times in the past, but never with an operation like ESM. This should be my best chance to date at bringing home one of those elusive Rolex watches. I can't wait. It's also my understanding we'll run a handful of other events, where each of us drivers will share the car with Ed Brown. But we are confirmed for the three races of the new North American Endurance Championship - a championship we'd really like to win alongside our efforts running the full American Le Mans Series championship."

Never one to stand on the sidelines, Cosmo is still very active providing driver coaching and is also eyeing the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

"It's likely I'll also race in Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge," added Guy. "Plus I stay pretty busy with my driver coaching services in various racing series. The only other thing on my list at the moment is to secure a drive for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. If I could do that, my year will be complete - for 2012 at least. Either way it's going to be a very busy season. I'm ready!"

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.

Guy Cosmo Back With Extreme Speed Motorsports For Full 2012 ALMS Season

Guy Cosmo announced today he'll be back running with Ed Brown driving the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Tequila Patrón Ferrari F458 Italia in the highly competitive American Le Mans Series GT division.

"I'm thrilled to be back with Extreme Speed Motorsports & Tequila Patrón for 2012," said Guy Cosmo. "I've enjoyed two fantastic years with the team since the inception of this program, and I'm looking forward to another. I think next year is going to be the most exciting yet."

Cosmo has been teamed up with Ed Brown for the past two season and the pair have become a formidable force behind the wheel.

"My teammate Ed Brown has been making great strides," noted Cosmo.  "We've forged a really strong relationship over the past two years and I think we're going to surprise a lot of people next year.  Ed has developed into a very well rounded and increasingly fast driver. With the culmination of our hard work on the driving side and the strength of our amazing crew on the No. 02 car we've got a lot of momentum going for some great results."

ESM kicked off 2011 with two brand new Ferrari F458GT's and spent a good part of the year learning the cars and sorting them out. They're eager to cash in on their efforts in 2012.

"We learned a lot about the new Ferrari F458 Italia in 2011 and it's been an honor to work with Ferrari Corse Clienti and Michelotto," added Guy. "I think we know what makes these Italian machines tick and we've really improved the efficiency of the team from top to bottom. The way I see it, year three is the year to capitalize and to realize the success we've been working so hard for."

In other news, the team also announced expansion into the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series with an entry into the 50th running of the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additional details will follow.

"In addition to ALMS, ESM is expanding to run in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series as well," said Guy. "As a driver who usually drives in both of these series each year, it's going to be a treat to do it all under the same roof, with the same teammates. But first and foremost our commitment is to the full American Le Mans Series schedule. Racing in ALMS is a driver's dream come true. I've been thrilled to mix it up with the best in the business over there."

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 Back With Extreme Speed Motorsports For Full 2012 ALMS Season

Guy Cosmo announced today he'll be back running with Ed Brown driving the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Tequila Patrón Ferrari F458 Italia in the highly competitive American Le Mans Series GT division.

"I'm thrilled to be back with Extreme Speed Motorsports & Tequila Patrón for 2012," said Guy Cosmo. "I've enjoyed two fantastic years with the team since the inception of this program, and I'm looking forward to another. I think next year is going to be the most exciting yet."

Cosmo has been teamed up with Ed Brown for the past two season and the pair have become a formidable force behind the wheel.

"My teammate Ed Brown has been making great strides," noted Cosmo.  "We've forged a really strong relationship over the past two years and I think we're going to surprise a lot of people next year.  Ed has developed into a very well rounded and increasingly fast driver. With the culmination of our hard work on the driving side and the strength of our amazing crew on the No. 02 car we've got a lot of momentum going for some great results."

ESM kicked off 2011 with two brand new Ferrari F458GT's and spent a good part of the year learning the cars and sorting them out. They're eager to cash in on their efforts in 2012.

"We learned a lot about the new Ferrari F458 Italia in 2011 and it's been an honor to work with Ferrari Corse Clienti and Michelotto," added Guy. "I think we know what makes these Italian machines tick and we've really improved the efficiency of the team from top to bottom. The way I see it, year three is the year to capitalize and to realize the success we've been working so hard for."

In other news, the team also announced expansion into the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series with an entry into the 50th running of the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additional details will follow.

"In addition to ALMS, ESM is expanding to run in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series as well," said Guy. "As a driver who usually drives in both of these series each year, it's going to be a treat to do it all under the same roof, with the same teammates. But first and foremost our commitment is to the full American Le Mans Series schedule. Racing in ALMS is a driver's dream come true. I've been thrilled to mix it up with the best in the business over there."

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.