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PARTNERS
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News For Feb. 2nd, 2007
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The End Of A Great Season Means Greater Expectations For Next Season |
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Peoria, IL – The past year was rewarding and successful for Co-op Racing and the Eurosport 944. Driver Andy Berberich,
started and finished each of the thirteen races he entered. Eleven podiums with two first places reinforce the point that Co-op
Racing is a successful and growing team. 2006 was a year of great opportunity in terms of results, team, and many lessons learned.
Season results can be found on our website at www.co-opracing.com/News2006.
These accomplishments were due in part to Co-op Racing’s continuing development work and attention to detail. Since 2005 and |
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throughout 2006, the Eurosport 944 continually underwent changes in order to optimize the performance package. This is shown in
a significant improvement in lap time at multiple tracks. Berberich’s fastest lap time at Road America in 2005 was 2:52.7 and in
2006 was 2:48.5. The fast time of 2006 was even after the horrendous wreck in Turn 14 that almost ended the weekend for Co-op
Racing. In order to attain this improvement, Co-op Racing had to make significant changes to setup, hardware, and driving technique.
For 2006, weekends were most prominent for Co-op Racing. The first event was the first race weekend of 2006 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA. Brandon Fritz, Jason Hartnell, and Andy Berberich of Co-op Racing, along with Karl Berberich and the Eurosport Racing crew, traveled to Road Atlanta for the long distance race of the season. In order to prepare for the race, Berberich reviewed track videos and conversed with other drivers. The preparation paid off as Berberich and the Eurosport 944 earned two third places out of fields of 13 and 18. Even though the Eurosport 944 was disqualified from the sprint race for a weight infraction, the podium finishes in a highly competitive class speaks volumes of the abilities of Co-op Racing. The second event was almost the last event of the 2006 season. During the PCA Road America Challenge, the Eurosport 944 experienced an almost catastrophic mechanical failure. This failure took out the Eurosport 944 as well as a higher class 911. The damage to the Eurosport 944 was so severe, that most people thought the team’s weekend was over. However, the resolve of the team showed through, as they were able to repair the car in time for Berberich to start and finish the sprint and enduro races. “It was a rough, but very rewarding weekend.” Berberich commented. “Since that weekend, I’ve spoken with several people who, after seeing the aftermath of the wreck, thought our weekend was over. They were impressed with our ability to repair the car and appreciated the hard work it took to do it.” The results of this race weekend proved to many people that Co-op Racing is not a team that quits easily. TEAMWORK One common thread throughout Co-op Racing is the necessity of teamwork. In order to win as a team, you must work as a team. Returning Co-op Racing team members for 2006 was Crew Chief Brandon Fritz and Lead Engineer Jason Hartnell. Fritz’s support was especially helpful as he spent almost just as much time working on the Eurosport 944 as did Berberich. Fritz’s mechanical ability, attention to detail, and willingness to drive the Co-op Racing truck all over the Midwest, made him an invaluable asset. Unfortunately for Co-op Racing, but fortunately for Fritz, he was promoted to a position in Harrisburg, PA. Congratulations to Fritz and thankfully he will make it to a few races in 2007. Also returning is long time team member Jason Hartnell. Living in Kentucky makes it a challenge for Hartnell to directly support the racing effort on a regular basis. Hartnell was however able to attend several races where he provided exemplary support for Eurosport Racing as well as Co-op Racing. In addition to his race team support, Hartnell revamped the Co-op Racing web site. The professionalism and finely detailed site directly represents the team image and goals. Feel free to contact Hartnell through the site to let him know how much you like what he’s done with it. New to Co-op Racing in 2006, were Bryan and Elaine White. Bryan has been racing his 1984 Pontiac Firebird since 2001. Elaine has been a very supportive fan and companion since about the same time. Bryan has brought a diverse view of racing due to his different development path. The addition of Bryan to the team has already shown to be beneficial for both himself and Andy Berberich. The compilation of time, resources and knowledge directly supports the spirit of Co-op Racing. In regards to Elaine, her knowledge and support of motorsports exceeds that of most women. Her attention to detail, technical knowledge, and pleasant demeanor make her a much-needed addition to the team. Expect excellent things from these two in 2007. Co-op Racing would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to its partners for 2006. Without their support, many of the accomplishments would not have been possible. The namesake for the Eurosport 944 comes from Eurosport Racing and their Porsche specialty shop Midwest Eurosport located in Bensenville, IL. Their holistic support of Co-op Racing aided in flattening the learning curve as well as lessened the financial burden of racing. Eurosport Racing attains additional benefits in that Co-op Racing members provide trackside support to their customers at races through out the country. Eurosport Racing is ensured a constant flow of trained and capable crewmembers that are active members of Co-op Racing. The benefit is compounded even more in that all members of Co-op Racing are practicing engineers. Regardless of the benefits to Eurosport Racing, their support of Co-op Racing and Porsche racing in general is unequaled. Along with Eurosport Racing, there are several other partners that make the adventures of racing more fun and aid in increasing efficiency. Local to Co-op Racing headquarters is Kauth & Mayeur import automotive specialists. K&M took a special interest in Co-op Racing as owner Michael Benet used to race an ITS 944 similar to the Eurosprt 944. K&M’s technical support and Benet’s driving instruction make them an integral and convenient Co-op Racing partner. Additional Co-op Racing supporters are Maui Jim Sunglasses, CDOC, and Generations Engraving. These supporters recognize the value of supporting the Co-op Racing team. Their support allows Co-op Racing to grow as a team in order be more competitive and maintain that professional image. All supporters are greatly appreciated and we look forward to growing and developing these relationships in the future. One other important addition to Co-op Racing is LAPS Incorporated. Laps Inc was founded by a group of dedicated driving enthusiasts, all with common interests and passions in performance driving, autosports, and good times on and off the track. LAPS Inc approached Co-op Racing in 2006 and offered them the opportunity to support the driving experience. This offer presented an excellent opportunity for Co-op Racing drivers. Our other partners support the fundamentals of racecar and race team management. LAPS Inc supports the necessity of seat time, seat time, and more seat time. Feel free to contact LAPS Incorporated if you have the urge to experience high performance driving excitement. It is very difficult to summarize a full 13-race season. The excitement and experience are captured in the press releases distributed after each event. In order to get the full effect, review these write ups and experience the season all over again. In closing, Co-op Racing appreciates the support of its fans and fellow competitors. 2006 was an outstanding year and we are anticipating 2007 to be even better. |
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RACING PARTNERSEurosport Racing is a premiere Midwest Porsche street and race specialist. They specialize in Porsche service, track support and transport, engine design and rebuilding, dyno tuning, and suspension setup and alignment. They also offer a full line of OEM, aftermarket, and high performance parts and accessories. More information on Eurosport Racing can be found at www.midwesteurosport.comKauth and Mayeur provides the finest import services in Peoria, IL. They offer a wide range of maintenance and repair services for import cars. Specializing in high performance streetcars. Kauth and Mayeur can be reached at (309) 673-1412 or http://www.kauthmayeur.com. |
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