Tag Archives: Motorsports

LEMAY: AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM OPENS STEVE SALEEN RETROSPECTIVE

LEMAY: AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM OPENS STEVE SALEEN RETROSPECTIVE

Renowned Tacoma, Wash. automotive gallery unveils a year-long exhibit celebrating a legacy of racing and road cars by acclaimed racer-turned-automaker Steve Saleen

“Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” features 17 historic vehicles, including early race cars, Saleen Mustangs, S7 supercar, S1 and more

TACOMA, Wash. (Nov. 20, 2019) — For the next 12 months, racing fans, high-performance car buffs and other automotive enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with historic vehicles and articles from a true American automotive legend – all at a world-class museum facility in the Pacific Northwest.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, LeMay: America’s Auto Museum (ACM) in Tacoma, Wash. opened the facility’s first year-long lifetime retrospective dedicated to a single automotive personality – internationally acclaimed racer-turned-vehicle manufacturer Steve Saleen, and his Corona, Calif.-based company, Saleen Automotive.

The exhibit, “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” offers visitors a unique display of Steve Saleen’s rich automotive history, spanning over four decades. Visitors can enjoy a variety of historic vehicles on display, including Steve Saleen’s personal racing machines, early Saleen Mustangs, the Saleen S7 (considered America’s first supercar), and examples of the company’s new Saleen 1 midengine turbocharged sports car and recently unveiled Saleen 1 GT4 concept race car. The exhibit initially features 17 Saleen vehicles, with additional cars rotating into the exhibit throughout the year-long display.

  • 1976 March B Formula Atlantic race car driven by Steve Saleen
  • 1984 Saleen Mustang
  • 1987 Saleen Mustang race car
  • 1988 March Indy Race Car driven by Steve Saleen
  • 1990 Saleen Race Truck (winner of the SCCA RaceTruck
  • Challenge)
  • 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang
  • 1996 Saleen Mustang SCCA T1 race car
  • 2003 Saleen S7 supercar featured in the film “Bruce Almighty”
  • 2003 Saleen SA-20 Mustang
  • 2005 Ford GT (engineered and manufactured by Saleen under contract to Ford)
  • 2005 Saleen Mustang featured as police Decepticon Barricade in “Transformers” (2007)
  • 2007 Saleen S281 Mustang in “Molly Pop” hot pink
  • 2014 Saleen SA-30 Mustang
  • 2015 Saleen S302 Mustang “Black Label”
  • 2020 Saleen Sportruck XR
  • 2020 Saleen 1 sports car (street version)
  • 2020 Saleen 1 GT4 concept race car

The Saleen exhibit at ACM officially opened to the public on Saturday with a ‘Saleen and Caffeine’ event that invited visitors to meet Steve Saleen and enjoy a guided tour of the display. The exhibit opened to record attendance on Saturday morning, with Saleen owners and enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest gathering for the event.

“It’s an honor to stand here in America’s Car Museum’s beautiful facilities with vehicles representing over four decades of my life and career,” said Steve Saleen, founder and CEO of Saleen Automotive. “I’m proud of our past achievements, but I also look forward to continuing our legacy into the future with unique new Saleen vehicles and a global presence in motorsports.”

In addition to showcasing the uniquely American automotive brand, the “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” exhibit aims to inspire the public with Steve Saleen’s illustrious career in automotive engineering, design and manufacturing.

“This is more than a chance for the community to get up close to some of the most extraordinary cars in the world,” said ACM CEO Jennifer Maher. “This is also an opportunity for young people to see that there’s a clear career path in automotive technology and people like Steve Saleen are the role models.”

For more information on “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” and to purchase tickets visit: www.AmericasCarMuseum.org.

For more details on Saleen Automotive and Steve Saleen, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen , or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 35 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual Signature Events. For more information, visit www.americascarmusueum.org.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@Saleen.com

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SALEEN CUP 2019 SEASON PHOTO RECAP

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

This weekend was an amazing finish to the first ever Saleen Cup. Here are some of our favorite images from the series.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

FIRST SALEEN CUP SERIES CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT LAS VEGAS FINALE

S1 Cup Logo

FIRST SALEEN CUP SERIES CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT LAS VEGAS FINALE

Paul Terry of Nephi, Utah and Carter Fartuch of Schnecksville, Pa. crowned series champions, becoming official GT4 drivers for Saleen in 2020

Three events at Las Vegas Raceway, Oct. 18-20 marked the final round of Saleen’s inaugural “arrive and drive” racing series, driving the new Saleen 1 model

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (October 21, 2019) – The world’s newest GT racing champions were crowned Sunday at the grand finale of the inaugural Saleen Cup Racing Series in Las Vegas.

Paul Terry of Nephi, Utah and Carter Fartuch of Schnecksville, Pa. topped the final points-race after three events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Oct. 18-20, each becoming category champions in the inaugural Saleen Cup, a single-make racing series by Saleen Automotive.

Carter Fartuch earned his first GT championship racing title in the “Young Drivers” class with consistent results throughout the inaugural season. With previous experience in other racing series and karting, driving in the Saleen Cup represented a chance to compete in high-level GT racing, with a factory seat driving in GT4 with Saleen next year.

“This season has been career-changing and has helped shape where my racing career is going,” said Saleen Cup ‘Young Drivers’ champion Carter Fartuch. “Saleen has been like a family this season and that kind of teamwork will be important next year in GT4. I look forward to the chance to win in the GT4 Series, driving for such an iconic racing brand.”

Paul Terry topped the “Pro-Amateur” category in the Saleen Cup, with consistent results throughout the inaugural season. A veteran driver in numerous other GT series and racing programs, Terry entered the Saleen Cup for a chance to win a factory seat driving in GT4 for Saleen.

“I’m looking forward to driving the GT4 car next year,” said Saleen Cup “Pro-Amateur” champion Paul Terry. “Saleen has a great racing heritage and I look forward to helping the brand bring home a title in GT4 next year.”

The Saleen Cup series was introduced to demonstrate the new Saleen 1 sports car while offering a professional-quality racing experience for drivers in two distinct classes. The “Pro-Am Drivers” class includes experienced racers, while a “Young Drivers” class gives prospective young drivers an opportunity to start a career in professional motorsports. As category champions in the Saleen Cup, both Terry and Fartuch will each secure a factory seat driving in Saleen’s GT4 entry for the entire 2020 season.

Following a make-up race on Friday, the Saleen Cup continued Saturday, Oct. 19 with a race won by Cameron Lawrence in the “Young Drivers” category and newcomer Bill Hynes in the “Pro-Am” class. A final race on Sunday, Oct. 20 saw close competition with a shared car between #6 Johan Schwartz and Bryce Miller winning the “Pro-Am” class and Carter Fartuch taking top position in the “Young Drivers” category, along with the championship title.

Las Vegas Results – Saturday, Oct. 19:

Pro-Am Drivers

  • First Place – (#10) Bill Hynes
  • Second Place – (#36) Lawrence Loshak
  • Third Place – (#55) Matthew Keegan / Kris Wilson

Young Drivers

  • First Place – (#19) Cameron Lawrence
  • Second Place – (#18) Carter Fartuch
  • Third Place – (#12) Austin Riley

Las Vegas Results – Sunday, Oct. 20:

Pro-Am Drivers

  • First Place – (#6) Johan Schwartz / Bryce Miller
  • Second Place – (#4) Paul Terry
  • Third Place – (#25) Lindsay Brewer / Zoey Edenholm

Young Drivers

  • First Place – (#18) Carter Fartuch
  • Second Place – (#12) Austin Riley
  • Third Place – (#71) Cameron Lawrence

As the official return to professional-level motorsports for Saleen Automotive, the Saleen Cup series paves the way for the company’s first entry into GT4 in 2020. Earlier this week, Saleen unveiled its new GT4 Concept vehicle in Las Vegas, a turnkey track version of the Saleen 1 mid-engine sports car, developed specifically for racing in the GT4 category.

“With the Saleen Cup series, we set out to back our reputation as a leading name in motorsports, and also prove the racing capabilities of the Saleen 1 – and ultimately we succeeded on both goals,” explained Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “We are incredibly proud of our drivers and team for a great inaugural season and look forward to even more racing action next year in the Saleen 1.”

2019 Saleen Cup – Final Points Standings “Pro-Am Drivers” Class

  • Paul Terry – Nephi, Utah (107 points)
  • Brandon Davis – Sonoma, Calif. (92 points)
  • Eric Powell – Orlando, Fla. (88 points)

2019 Saleen Cup – Final Points Standings “Young Drivers” Class

  • Carter Fartuch – Schnecksville, Pa. (141 points)
  • Austin Riley – Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (141 points)
  • Cameron Lawrence – Windermere, Fla. (107 points)

Tying for the points lead in the “Young Drivers” category was Austin Riley of Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. The 20-year-old driver maintained a consistent, strong season with three race wins and a podium finish at every event in the 2019 Saleen Cup schedule. To celebrate his impressive first season, Steve Saleen awarded Riley with the Scholarship Award, including a $25,000 prize and sponsored entry throughout the 2020 Saleen Cup schedule.

“We’re serious about our commitment to bringing up the next generation of racing drivers,” said Steve Saleen. “This is a development series for the cars and the drivers and Austin showed impressive progress and natural talent throughout the season. We look forward to having him back racing with Saleen next year.”

As a single-make series with an “arrive and drive” format, the Saleen Cup delivers a professional-quality racing experience, with a grid of fully prepared Saleen 1 Cup Cars featuring Iconic, Contemporary and Saleen racing liveries. Full trackside support and hospitality amenities add to the professional-level racing experience. The Saleen Cup is presented via a partnership with SRO Motorsports Group, and runs concurrently with the Blancpain GT World Challenge America. Trackside tire support for the entire Saleen Cup is provided by series sponsor Continental Tires.

For more information on the Saleen Cup, visit www.SaleenCup.com. For more information on the Saleen 1 model, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen, or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 35 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@Saleen.com

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

INAUGURAL SALEEN CUP SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

CONGRATULATIONS to all for the completion of the year the #saleencup! Paul Terry has officially sealed his position as champion of the inaugural season! Here’s how the final race played out:

Pro/Am:
1. Johan Schwartz/Bryce Miller
2. Paul Terry
3. Lawrence Loshak/ Eric Powell

Young:
1. Carter Fartuch
2. Lindsey Brewer/Zoey Edenholm
3. Austin Riley

We can’t wait until next season!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SALEEN 1 GT4 LAS VEGAS LAUNCH RECAP

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

Thank you to all of those who were able to attend and view our reveal of our GT4 concept. For those that missed it, here are a few photos to recap the evening.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

WINNERS OF RACE #1 AT LAS VEGAS

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

What a great day of racing! Congratulations to Cameron Lawrence, today’s overall and young division winner and all of the following drivers!

Pro/Am Division:
1. Bill Hynes
2. Lawrence Loshak
3. Kris Wilson/Mathew Keegan

Young Division:
1. Cameron Lawrence
2. Carter Fartuch
3. Austin Riley

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SALEEN CUP SERIES FINALE AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

The first practice of the day is in the books! We’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing. All races starting with tonight’s makeup race will be live streamed here: live.sro-america.com/saleen-cup. Tune in at 5:30 PT today, 3:50 PT Saturday, and 1:30 PT on Sunday!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SALEEN UNVEILS 2020 SEASON GT4 CONCEPT RACE CAR

SALEEN UNVEILS GT4 CONCEPT RACE CAR

High-performance automaker introduces new factory-built race car concept based on Saleen 1 model, designed to compete in SRO Motorsport Group’s GT4 Series

New turnkey track cars to be manufactured in California by Saleen and available for order immediately following homologation approval by SRO

The Saleen GT4 concept is a specially-built racing versions of the new Saleen 1 turbocharged, mid-engine sports car, designed to compete in GT4 racing series worldwide. (Photo: Brett Turnage)
The Saleen GT4 concept is a specially-built racing versions of the new Saleen 1 turbocharged, mid-engine sports car, designed to compete in GT4 racing series worldwide. (Photo: Brett Turnage)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Oct 18, 2019) — One of the most legendary names in GT racing will soon return to the starting grid at the world’s most prestigious racetracks with an original new machine designed specifically for track competition.

At a press conference and demonstration event held yesterday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Saleen Automotive announced it will soon offer specially-built versions of it’s new Saleen 1 turbocharged, mid-engine sports car designed to compete in GT4 racing series worldwide.

The new Saleen GT4 concept model – which will be built at Saleen’s Corona, Calif.-based facilities starting in November 2019 – is based on a dedicated racing version of the Saleen 1 model, which debuted in the 2019 Saleen Cup racing series. The single-make “arrive and drive” series concludes its inaugural season with a grand finale event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 18-20.

Saleen’s GT4 concept features distinct changes from the standard production model Saleen 1, including updates designed to comply with GT4 series specifications. The Saleen GT4 concept features updates to the car’s front splitter and fenders, plus new advanced rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. Per GT4 specifications, a large rear wing is included to add maximum downforce and traction. Saleen’s GT4 concept car also offers front and rear anti-lock braking systems and other GT4-specific equipment.

“We developed the Saleen 1 to be fully capable on the track and easily adapt to racing applications,” said Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “Our company was founded on racing DNA and the track is where we prove our reputation. We look forward to completing the homologation process with SRO and seeing these cars compete at GT4 events around the world.”

The GT4 category was created by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) in 2007 to offer a championship that featured a wider range of manufacturers and better affordability than other racing series. Starting with an initial series in Europe, GT4 racing has expanded worldwide with additional championships in the United Kingdom, North America, Asia and Australia.

“The Saleen Cup has been an important and exciting addition to our race weekends in 2019 and we look forward to the Saleen GT4 joining our Pirelli GT4 America grids in 2020,” said Greg Gill, President and CEO of SRO America.

Boasting innovative chassis design and performance influenced by Saleen’s legendary S7 supercar, the mid-engine Saleen 1 marks the latest in the company’s Saleen Original vehicles line. With its turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 450 horsepower, plus lightweight chassis and carbon fiber bodywork, the Saleen 1 is a formidable track car – even in street form.

“We found during the inaugural Saleen Cup season, our test session lap times were already competitive with the top GT4 times, regardless of the track,” said Saleen Director of Motorsports Gabriele Cadringher. “The performance of the Saleen 1 has exceeded even our high expectations and we expect this car to be very competitive in GT4 next year.”

Once Saleen’s GT4 concept car completes homologation approval and begins production, the expected price for each car will be $225,000. For information on pre-ordering, please contact Gabriele Cadringher at gcadringher@saleen.com or call (800) 888-8945.

For more details on Saleen, including product info and racing information, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen , or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 35 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

About SRO Motorsports Group

The global leader in GT racing. With more than 25 years’ experience at the forefront of a continuously evolving industry, SRO Motorsports Group is the established international leader in GT racing.

Best known for the development and implementation of the GT3 and GT4 regulations, SRO promotes and organizes championships that embrace professional and amateur competitors. Its portfolio of highly regarded series spans Europe, America and Asia, while its flagship Intercontinental GT Challenge features events on five different continents.

The 2019 season will see more than 100 races run under the SRO Motorsports Group banner, highlighted by the prestigious Total 24 Hours of Spa. In addition to promotion and organization, the company operates SRO Race Centre by MMC – a high-level technical centre at Circuit Paul Ricard – and provides the ultimate driving opportunities at world-renowned facilities through Curbstone Track Events.

SRO Motorsports Group is chaired by company founder and CEO Stephane Ratel. With offices in London, Paris, Liège, Austin, and Hong Kong, its work is facilitated by a dedicated global team of full-time and freelance staff.

Combining a passion for performance with industry-leading experience, SRO is ready to play a key role in shaping the future of international GT racing.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@Saleen.com

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]