SALEEN ANNOUNCES S7R RACE PROGRAM TO COMPETE AT LE MANS 24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE

European Race Program Supports Growing International Sales of Saleen S7

Los Angeles Auto Show, Concourse Hall, Saleen Booth #C6, January 4 /PRNewswire/ —

Saleen, Inc., the manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today announced that Saleen, in conjunction with Oreca Groupe, have formed a partnership for an all out two-car effort towards one of the most prestigious races in the world, the 24-Hour of Le Mans.

Oreca will also sell, service and support all European race cars for parts, sales, as well as provide technical services. Oreca will also be the repair center for Europe.

Saleen is delighted to partner with one of the most professional and respected race organizations in the world. This combination of Saleen and Oreca will give the European teams campaigning Saleens a local base for new cars, parts, service, repairs, and racecraft to help bring the cars to the winner’s circle.

“The time is right time for Saleen to have a full European program. Globally, the S7 has grown in market presence and recognition, and with our new race program we will further showcase the racecraft and winning attributes of the S7R,” said Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen. “Since the introduction of the S7 in 2001, all prior teams have had to be serviced from the U.S. Now, with the addition of Oreca to the program we can provide better service to our customers abroad.”

Hugues de Chaunac, president of Oreca commented, “We’re excited about our relationship with Saleen. For over a quarter of a century Oreca has been helping major car manufacturers win. We anticipate that Saleen the S7R will be one of our most ambitious and successful programs.”

Historically, the S7R has dominated racetracks worldwide. In 2001, the S7R performed flawlessly at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race taking home the win. The S7R later set a new track record at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the end of 2001, the S7R also resulted in an additional 4 championships — 2 in Europe, and 2 in the U.S. To date the S7 has 50 wins, and over 60 pole positions in races around the world.

“We’re looking forward to this is a new chapter in the S7R’s racing heritage,” added Steve Saleen.

The Saleen S7R race program schedule is to be announced.

About Saleen
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen’s corporate facilities include research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has manufacturing facilities in Troy, Michigan where the assembly and paint of the Ford GT supercar is accomplished. Additional Saleen manufacturing sites are located in Canada and Saudi Arabia. For more information please visit www.saleen.com.

Contact: PR Dept.
+1-(949)-598-4900
www.saleen.com

Web site: http://www.saleen.com

SOURCE: Saleen, Inc.