Cosmo's Fast Ferrari Leads - Just Not Enough At Mobil 1 Grand Prix Of Mosport

Starting 10th at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Guy Cosmo pushed the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari 458 GT to its rightful position at the front of the GT class in the American Le Mans Series presented by Patrón Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport. However, leading for 34 minutes of the two-hour and 45-minute race wasn't enough to overcome the teams race strategy.

“It was a good run," said Cosmo following the race. "We knew we were gambling with our strategy a little bit.  We might have made the wrong call ultimately but we did lead for a while.  We showed that the No. 02 Tequila Patrón Ferrari was repaired (from the Lime Rock damage) well and quite fast."

What works one week, doesn't necessarily work in another.

"Ed got in and he did a really good job," added Cosmo. "We just got caught out in the strategy. We should have pitted earlier and didn’t.  The strategy worked last race because we were in fourth with 10 minutes to go. Take the contact out of it and the strategy worked perfect for us.  We tried it here again. The flow of the race was different; there were a lot of yellows this time.  It just didn’t pan out the same way."

Cosmo's teammates in the No. 01 Patron Ferrari faired much better on the day. After finishing the race second, the No. 45 Flying Lizards car was disqualified on a technical infraction advancing Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek to race winners in the GT division. It was Extreme Speed Motorsports' first win in the American Le Mans Series.

"I’m really happy for Johannes and Scott," said Guy observing his teammate's win. "They fought so hard to get their Ferrari near the top and in the end, it worked out for them.  The 01 and the 02 were the cars to beat today.  I’m glad to see they are getting the acknowledgement for the race win.”

“Both our Ferraris were better on the longer runs," said Guy. "Our car was really good, the Michelins were great.  We had a little trouble with all the yellows getting the tires up to temperature, but once we did our car was phenomenal.  We were clearly one of the best cars out there at the end of the stint on the tires.”

With Mid-Ohio just 10 days away, the team is happy to have both cars undamaged and ready to go racing needing only the basic prep.

“We know we have a good, clean, undamaged, fast race car to head into Mid-Ohio," added Guy. "Wins and podiums for both cars are coming – for sure.”

The next round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge. The sixth round of the 2012 championship is set for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 4 from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. ABC’s broadcast featuring live coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET.

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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or 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 Battle North of the Border

Guy Cosmo and Extreme Speed Motorsports will campaign their Patrón Ferrari 458GT racers at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (formerly Mosport Int'l) in round five of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, the Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport. Teams will test Friday and have two rounds of practice followed by qualifying on Saturday. The two hour and forty five minute race will get underway Sunday at 12 noon EST.

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Opened in 1961, Mosport / Canadian Tire Motorsport Park retains its classic 2.459 mile road course. The famed circuit has hosted F1, Indy cars, motorcycles and a host of other racing classes. Yet none holds a greater popularity than the biggest event of the season, the Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport featuring the American Le Mans Series sports car race. Previous years have seen three-day weekend crowds of more than 70,000.

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Unlike many historic motorsport venues, Mosport's track layout has remained mostly unchanged from its original form. The fastest ever recorded lap was taken by Rinaldo Capello, in an Audi R10 TDI, in qualifying for the 2008 Grand Prix of Mosport, with a time of 1:04.094. The lap record was set in the race for that meeting with Capello's Audi Sport North America team mate Marco Werner lapping in a time of 1:05.823.

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Still reeling from the needless contact that took place in the closing laps of the Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock, Cosmo is hopeful cooler heads will prevail on Mosport's high-speed natural terrain course.

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"In regard to what happened at Lime Rock," noted Cosmo, "I'm really disappointed. The careless driving that's been taking place between the classes on track needs to stop.  We were lucky our Ferrari wasn't a total write-off and that I didn't wind up in the hospital from that crash.  It was all a result of someone's lack of respect for his fellow competitors.  If driving like that takes place at a track like Mosport, the repercussions will be bigger than anyone in this series can handle.  This place is way too fast and dangerous for drivers who's skill level and judgement are lacking, and I won't stand for it any longer."

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"Mosport is a great place that dates back to when men were men and racing was dangerous," added Guy. "It's fast, sweeping and blind with huge elevation changes.  It's a track that demands 100% focus and commitment at all times.  I absolutely love it.  And now under it's new ownership many renovations and improvements have been made around the facility, so I'm looking forward to the new 'Canadian Tire Motorsport Park'."

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The crew for the No. 02 Patron Ferrari have practically been working around the clock to get the car put back together and race ready. Cosmo and co-pilot Ed Brown are more than ready.

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"Ultimately," said Guy "all I can say is we're looking forward, and we're going after the result we should have gotten at Lime Rock - a podium finish for Ed and I in the 02 car."

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In other team news, Johannes van Overbeek will celebrate his 100th ALMS race start this weekend when he lines up alongside ESM team owner Scott Sharp aboard the No. 01 Tequila Patrón Ferrari Italia 458.

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Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport is set for noon ET on July 22 from the 2.459-mile, 10-turn Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. ESPN2’s broadcast featuring live coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET. Full, live coverage is available starting at 11:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3.

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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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or follow Guy through the racing weekend on Twitter @guycosmo and on Facebook.

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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

Late Race Contact Ends Cosmo's Lime Rock Run

Starting from 11th, driving the No. 02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patrón Ferrari 458GT, Guy charged to the front of the GT field in only 23 laps. With 30 cars lapping the 1.53 mile Lime Rock Park circuit in under a minute, Cosmo was putting on a driving clinic at the American Le Mans Series Northeast Grand Prix. In the end, the only thing that could stop Cosmo was an overaggressive move by an LMPC car.

Cosmo lead the collision filled race for nearly 38 laps prior to pitting for a driver change.

“It was our race," said a frustrated Cosmo. "The ESM boys gave me a great car after we struggled a bit on Friday. We were quick enough to drive up through the field and our strategy got us into the lead. Once we were there, we were able to stretch out a nice gap.  It was a picture perfect race for us at that point."

Co-driver, Ed Brown had a great stint keeping the car in the top five. Employing brilliant race strategy and catching a perfectly-timed yellow flag, Brown headed back to pits and Cosmo climbed back in the Ferrari.
 
“We had a big enough lead that when we pitted to put Ed in, he was able to get up to speed quickly and keep himself on the lead lap.  He did a really great job and then the yellow came out perfectly in time for us to satisfy his minimum requirement and get me back in with enough fuel to finish."

Back behind the wheel, Cosmo picked up where he'd left off picking his way through the field. With the race winding down and only eight minutes remaining, Cosmo was knocking on the door of the third and fourth placed Corvettes. As he approached the Downhill section and last corner before the front straight, Guy signaled to the LMPC car following him not to pass. The LMPC driver disregarded the signal and made contact with the No. 02 Ferrari sending it spinning into the barriers at turn 7.

“I signaled to let him know that I didn’t want him to pass me there," said Guy. "This was on the entry to The Downhill on the final corner.  We all have a code of conduct out there and when somebody moves over before the entry of a corner, that’s a signal saying, ‘Don’t pass me here,’ He’s a prototype, I’m a GT, he could have waited literally two seconds later and passed me down the front straight blindfolded.  But instead, when I turned in, he hit me in the right rear.  He had no chance in the world of getting by me at that point."

The car was unable to continue under its own power which dictated the race be ended under a yellow flag. The damaged Ferrari was returned to the garage on a flatbed truck.

“The car is so badly damaged that we are going to have a problem getting this car repaired for the next race," added Cosmo. "This is an extreme disappointment. Instead of bringing home our best finish yet for the 02 team after a dominant performance, my crew will be thrashing to repair this car in time for the next race. We’ll move on to the next one, but I don’t know what kind of piece we’re going to have by then.”
 
“It was a hard hit," Guy noted. "It hurt.  But I’m okay.  I’ll be a little sore tomorrow.”

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón next heads north for Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport. The two-hour, 45-minute race is scheduled for noon ET on July 22 from the 2.459-mile, 10-turn Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. ESPN2’s broadcast featuring live coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET. Full coverage is available starting at 11:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3.

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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or 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 Summer Tour Continues With Attack on Lime Rock Park

Continuing his homecoming swing through the northeast, native New Yorker, Guy Cosmo heads to Connecticut. Cosmo will join co-driver Ed Brown in the No. 02 Tequila Patrón Ferrari 458 GT for the American Le Mans Series Northeast Grand Prix, July 7 at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. The two-hour, 45-minute American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix is the fourth race in the 2012 American Le Mans presented by Tequila Patrón championship.

Earlier this month, Cosmo and his Extreme Speed Motorsports teammates enjoyed a top-5 finish in the Grand Am Road Racing Series' Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen. Teamed with Johannes van Overbeek and Mike Hedlund, Cosmo set the fastest race laps in the GT division while on the way to taking the No. 03 Tequila Patron Ferrari 458 GT to a 4th place finish.

This weekend, the two-car Extreme Speed Motorsports team will tackle historic Lime Rock Park. While technically challenging, the natural terrain course boasts some of the fastest speeds in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón. Average qualifying and race speeds are well in excess of 100 mph. Though the track is only 1.53 miles in length, featuring only seven mostly right-hand corners, the big challenge facing ALMS drivers is traffic. With the ALMS mix of 30+ prototype and GT cars lapping in well under a minute, there's never a dull moment.  

"I just love this place," said Cosmo. "It's super fast and it's crowded. With over 30 cars lapping the place, you cannot relax. You are always in traffic. And, given the ALMS four-class structure, you're dealing with slower cars in front of you and faster cars coming up on you…. and coming up on you fast."

"I'm anticipating a great result here," added Cosmo. "We had the opportunity to do some testing during the Le Mans break and the cars have been fantastic. Everyone on the crew has their game face on and we're ready to take these cars to the front and on the podium. To top it all off, we're home and we're here with friends and family. It's time!"

The American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix is Saturday, July 7. The two-hour, 45-minute race is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET from the 1.5-mile, 10-turn Lime Rock Park circuit. ESPN2 airs the race the same day at 4 p.m. ET. Live coverage is available starting at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or 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.

Cosmo & Company Grab a 4th Place Finish at Sahlen Six Hours at the Glen

© REGIS LEFEBUREThe Extreme Speed Motorsports combination of Guy Cosmo, Johannes van Overbeek and newcomer, Mike Hedlund, took advantage of Team Extreme's flawless pit stops and sound race strategy to bring home a 4th place finish among a tough GT field at the Grand Am Road Racing's Sahlen Six Hours at the Glen.

In a race that saw eight different leaders, the six hour endurance race demanded sprint race intensity. Not a Series 'regular,' the ESM Tequila Patron Ferrari 458 GT continues to impress. Like the recent Detroit Grand Prix, during his second stint, Guy Cosmo again set the fastest GT laps of the race.

"My second stint was a blast," grinned Cosmo. "The first stint wasn't bad either. I went from 14th to 4th in the first stint… on a track like the Glen, that's just a lot of fun. Then in my second stint, I'm not sure how many positions we picked up, but I gunned down the leaders and we were the fastest GT on the track. It was a serious charge and got us back to fourth."

"I really enjoyed my time behind the wheel," added Guy. "Watkins Glen is still one of the greatest tracks on the planet and still one of my favorites. It's so fast… it flows and it calls for an enormous amount of commitment and guts. It's unlike any track in the world. For me, it's home."

"This was a good race for the whole team," Cosmo continued. "Mike Hedlund did a great job for us. It was is first outing with ESM and first time driving the Ferrari 458 GT. He drove a solid race and kept the car in good position so Johannes and I could run down the leaders keeping the car in the top-5."

Cosmo and Extreme Speed will turn their focus back to the continuation of the American Le Mans summer session of the 2012 ALMS Championship as the team heads to Lime Rock Park  and the Northeast Grand Prix. The team campaigns two Patron Ferraris with drivers Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek, and Ed Brown teamed up with Cosmo.

"I'm really enjoying this time in the northeast," said Guy. "I'm home with family and friends. I'm driving great cars on great race tracks. Not just great cars… I'm driving Ferraris. I'm loving these cars. They're Italian, I'm Italian…. it's a special relationship and it just keep's getting better."

The American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix is Saturday, July 7. The two-hour, 45-minute race is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET from the 1.5-mile, eight-turn Lime Rock Park circuit. ESPN2’s broadcast featuring live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET. Full coverage is available starting at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or 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 Heading Home For Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen

Guy Cosmo will return to his Northeast stomping grounds over the next two weeks as he and his Extreme Speed Motorsports teammates take on the Rolex Series Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen, July 1, and the American Le Mans Series Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock, July 7.

"It's going to be good having a couple of weeks with friends and family," noted Guy. "Living in Florida and being on the road so much, I don't get to see everyone as often as I'd like to. Even though we're up here racing, driving has been such a huge part of my life, everyone comes out to support me at the track and it's just like old times. It's great!"

Cosmo's last run with the Grand Am Series set a couple of "firsts" for the native New Yorker. Guy's pole position at the Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle was his first pole in Rolex Series competition, the first pole for the Ferrari 458 Italia in Grand Am competition and the first pole ever for Extreme Speed Motorsports.

While this weeks event is a six hour endurance race and will require a different strategy, Cosmo is confident they can continue the No. 03 Tequila Patron Ferrari 458's Detroit momentum at the Glen.

"The car was so good at Belle Isle," said Guy. "I have no reason to believe we won't be just as strong here at the Sahlen's Six Hour. In fact, having practically grown up at Watkins Glen, I'm pretty confident of our chances here.  I'll be sharing the car with Johannes [Van Overbeek] and Mike Hedlund."

Mike Hedlund will make his ESM debut with van Overbeek and Cosmo in is his second professional start and second GRAND-AM race.

There will be 23 GT entries competing on the 3.4 mile, 11-turn road course.  The Glen provides the perfect blend of altitude changes, sweeping turns and long fast straights. Long a favorite of road racers world wide, Cosmo gives hi-marks to the legendary track.

"As a proud New Yorker," said Cosmo, "and even though I defected to Florida before retirement - Watkins Glen holds a very special place in my heart. You don't have to be a New Yorker to realize the sheer beauty of upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region that the quaint town of Watkins Glen resides. Race drivers world-wide recognize Watkins Glen International Raceway as one of the greatest race tracks in the world with it's flat-out climbing esses, elevation changes and the challenges of a truly high-speed race track."

"Add to that," Cosmo continued, "the Glen's rich history in motorsports, dating back to the beginning of road racing in America, and having played host to all the major racing series including Formula One for so many years, Watkins Glen is definitely one of the greatest race tracks on this planet."

The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen is a three-day event.  The team practices on Friday and Saturday, June 29-30.  Qualifying takes place on Saturday, June 30, at 12:05 p.m. (ET).  Green flag for the race is on Sunday, July 1, at 11 a.m. (ET). Live race coverage will be available starting at 11 a.m. ET on SPEED.

The next race for the Extreme Speed Motorsports team is the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park on July 6-7.

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 Blazing Fast At Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 at Belle Isle

A Weekend Filled With Firsts!

Despite the yellows and miscues in Saturday's Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 at Belle Isle presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, Guy Cosmo couldn't ask for a better Motor City debut. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year, driving the No. 03 Tequila Patrón Ferrari, went the fastest in GT during the second practice, took the pole in qualifying and led 19 laps setting the fastest laps on race day.

This was Cosmo's first look at the Belle Isle circuit. And even though all practice sessions were in the wet, Cosmo's pole setting time was a half second quicker than the next fastest GT car. The pole was Cosmo's first ever in Grand-Am Rolex Series competition and first for the Ferrari 458 Italia in Grand-Am. It was Extreme Speed Motorsports first pole ever.

“Our Tequila Patrón Ferrari was just outstanding," Cosmo noted.  "We were really quick, so I was able to establish a healthy lead over the field.  From there I was trying to save fuel and tires, and just keep a safe margin up front.  We were, by far, the car to beat."

Unfortunately, it would take more than the quickest driver and quickest car to win the race. After leading 19 laps, things quickly began to unravel.

“We pitted for fuel and tires during one of the early yellows," added Guy. "The right rear wheel wasn’t on all the way.  Since the wheel was coming off, I had to pit again and we went to the back of the field.  Then on one of the restarts immediately after, I was a little eager to get up to the front and got a stop-and-go penalty for initiating a pass before the start/finish as per GRAND-AM’s rules.  Fortunately, between the wheel and the penalty, we didn’t go down a lap.  I was able to make up a few positions and there was another yellow, so we decided to put Scott in."

With about half the race remaining, ESM team owner Scott Sharp got behind the wheel of the No. 03 Tequila Patrón Ferrari.  Scott started his stint on the lead lap running 12th.  He worked his way masterfully through the tight and competitive field and ultimately finished the race in seventh. 

“Scott did great," said Guy. "He caught up to the pack real quick, got himself all the way up to seventh and it was single file from that point on the track.  It was so hard to pass today.  The result isn’t bad considering we pitted a few more times than we should have.”
 
“I had a blast this weekend," said the always upbeat Cosmo. "I think the Belle Isle track is incredible. It is absolutely one of my favorite tracks ever. I think part of our speed was just how much I enjoyed the track and was able to get up to speed quickly despite never having been here before, but of course the rest was due to ESM's ability to give me a very fast Ferrari right out of the box.”

Next up for the Extreme Speed Motorsports team is the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) presented by Tequila Patrón open test session at Virginia International Raceway on June 14-15.
 
The next ALMS race for the Extreme Speed Motorsports team is the Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park on July 6-7.

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 Teams Up With Scott Sharp For A Little Motor City Mayhem

Patron Ferrari / Grand Am Rolex Series at The Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle

In a rare yet highly anticipated appearance, Patron Ferrari drivers Guy Cosmo and Scott Sharp will share the wheel of the Extreme Speed Motorsports Patron Ferrari when the Grand Am Rolex Series makes its debut appearance at the return of the Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle, June 1-3.

The Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle has a rich history throughout the years. Beginning in 1982 and featuring Formula 1 open wheel cars racing on the downtown streets, the Motor City enjoyed a seven-year run of world class racing. Most notably were the three back-to-back Detroit wins captured by F1 legend Ayrton Senna.

"Having raced  in North America as long as I have," noted Cosmo, "I've driven nearly every track in the country.  It's rare that I get the opportunity to learn a new race track, so I'm definitely excited about tackling the Belle Isle course. Track time is going to be extremely limited, so it'll be all business right  from the get-go."
 
"This will be the first time that Scott [Sharp] and I will team up together in a sprint race," said Cosmo, grinning.… "we're gonna have a blast together. Scott has three wins here. I'm sure he'll have some secrets to share with me."

This will be ESM's third appearance in Grand Am. Earlier this year the team announced it would participate with a limited schedule. So far the team ran the Rolex 24 at Daytona and more recently at Homestead-Miami.

"Our ESM/Patrón Ferrari was very strong at Homestead," added Guy. "We led nearly all the sessions over the weekend.  We fully expect to set the pace in Detroit and go home with ESM and Patrón's first win as a team, and first win in Grand-Am competition.  We're not showing up for any other reason. This is going to be a fun weekend."

In 1989 the Detroit Grand Prix began making its mark with 13 consecutive years of CART races. While 1989 - 1991 were run on the city streets, the event moved to Belle Isle racing on the island course from 1992 to 2001.

After a a six-year hiatus, the Grand Prix was resurrected via the efforts of Roger Penske. The city and Belle Isle played host to the American Le Mans Series and Indy Car in 2007 and 2008. Since the Grand Prix returned to Belle Isle in 2007, event organizers have made over $6 million in lasting improvements to Belle Isle.

In 2012 the Detroit Grand Prix is back. The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix returns to the Motor City on June 1-3, 2012. The event will feature the cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, the Firestone Indy Lights Series and the Pirelli World Challenge Championship Series. The weekend collectively is referred to as the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

The Grand Am Rolex cars will be on track starting Friday June 1 with the green flag flying at 5:05pm for Saturday's  Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 at Belle Isle presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers (GRAND-AM Rolex Series) with live national television coverage: on SPEED (Time – 5:00 p.m. ET)

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.

Dream Come True: Cosmo Drives A Ferrari Formula 1

I'm sure many of you have heard the news by now, - as I've slammed all forms of social media with info, images and video - my life-long dream of driving a Formula 1 car has come true!

But not just any Formula One... a FERRARI Formula 1! (A 2003 Rubens Barichello Ferrari F1, to be exact!)

My dear friend Bud Moeller gave me this incredible opportunity, a gesture so generous I could never repay him. I have dreamed my entire life of advancing my career to the point where I would one day drive and race in Formula 1, as does nearly any person who's ever been exposed to the sport in any way, shape or form.

After driving for more than 24 years since starting in go-karts, my professional racing career, and the path at which it's taken to bring me to professional sports car racing, it's fairly safe to say all opportunities to make it to Formula 1 have passed and probably wont ever surface in the future.

I'm sure if you're reading this you already know, Formula 1 is the absolute pinnacle of motorsport as known to man. To participate in F1 is to be among the elite, and a privilege offered only to those who have found that unique path, supported by unfathomable amounts of financial support, and found themselves in the exact right place at exactly the right time, demonstrating incredible skill doing everything right to finally get themselves there - oh, and it all had to be done by the time they were 18 years old.

Well, that's not my story. I wasn't that guy. I didn't make it to F1. But I did finally get to drive one!!!!

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Cosmo Rips The Race Day Pace At Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway

Guy Cosmo started 8th in the #02 Extreme Speed Motorsports Patron Ferrari 458GT and ran as high as 4th during Saturday's American Le Mans Monterey Presented by Patron at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca near Salinas, Calfiornia. Battling a world-class field of GT entries and marques, most would come away citing survival as a moral victory.

Cosmo and his teammate, Ed Brown, were right in the mix following Friday’s afternoon qualifying. After a tight session featuring several see-saw battles, the top eight GT-class qualifiers were separated by less than seven-hundredths of a second. Cosmo qualified 8th with a best lap time of 1:22.942 (97.138 mph). The ESM sister car, #01 Ferrari driven by Scott Sharp and Johannes van Overbeek qualified 6th.

"Qualifying was really intense," observed Cosmo. "The #02 Ferrari felt good and the team was reporting good times to me on the radio. But before you could pat yourself on the back, someone else would bump you down by a heartbeat. It was crazy."

The tight qualifying would continue to play out on race day. With a surprise start from the pole, the Aston Martin ran undisturbed out front while just a few car lengths back, the Corvettes, BMWs, Ferraris and Porches ran door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper.

"I got a pretty good start when you consider 8th puts you right in the middle of things," said Cosmo. "But this became a six hour sprint. The early going was literally an epic battle for every position. There was no one out there willing to settle back and wait for a late race strategy. Right from the flag, it was on."

Pushing the Ferrari and charging his way up to 4th place during the six-hour endurance event, Cosmo set the quickest lap of the race. Circulating the 2.238-mile, 11-turn track in 1:23.658, Cosmo was the quickest until being nicked by Olly Gavin in closing hour of the race.

"In retrospect, Laguna Seca was a tough day for us," admitted an exhausted Cosmo. "Our #02 ESM Racing Patron Ferrari was one of the fastest GT cars on track all day. I had fastest race lap until Oliver Gavin pipped me by 300ths of a second towards the end of the race. Unfortunately, I never got back in the car to take another run at him.  Congratulations to him, Tommy Milner and Corvette Racing on their 2nd win in a row. We'll go after them at Lime Rock."

Earlier in the week, Guy and teammate Johannes van Overbeek took a two-wheeled tour of Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway's famed corkscrew on bicycles.

"Yeah, I did it," laughed the American Le Mans Series 2005 Rookie of the Year.  "I climbed Mount Corkscrew on my bike. I made my way up the long, steep incline from Laguna Seca's left-handed turn 5, through the tricky left hander of turn 6, and all the way up the even-more steep incline into the mouth to the famed Corkscrew turn. I didn't have 500+ Prancing Horses behind me this time, nor the symphonic sound of the 8 fire-breathing Italian cylinders producing those prancing horses. I didn't even have all four wheels underneath me…"

You can read more about this and other personal adventures on Guy's personal blog at http://www.guycosmo.com/blog

Next up for Guy, the Extreme Speed Motorsports team and the ALMS is the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park, July 6-7.

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. You can find out more about Guy Cosmo at http://www.guycosmo.com or 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.