Grand Am Koni Challenge Series
Originally based on a Canadian series before being acquired by Grand-Am, the KONI Challenge Series (also known as Grand-Am Cup) is a production-based touring car series.
The series is split into two classes known as Grand Sport (GS), intended for large capacity GT-style cars, and Street Tuner (ST), consisting of smaller sedans and coupes, some of which are front-wheel drive.
The KONI Challenge supports some Rolex series races but also headlines some of its own dates..
Prominent Teams
SpeedSource
In 1995, Sylvain Tremblay established SpeedSource to provide full-service race services and custom components to both club level and professional series drivers. With countless wins, and multiple driver and team championships, SpeedSource is now one of the largest road racing teams in the country. SpeedSource is committed to develop emerging technologies and build in-house each of its cars to remain at the forefront of road racing in the US.
Meyer Motorsports
Meyer Motorsports is located in Indianapolis, Ind. and is owned by entrepreneur Eric Meyer. The 2008 season will be the team's first in Grand-Am, fielding two Mazda RX8's in the KONI Challenge Series.
After two successful seasons in the very competitive amateur Spec Miata series, they’ve decided to take the plunge and go to the next level--the Grand Am / Koni Challenge Series. What was once a small, well-funded group of Spec Miata racing effort has transformed into a racing business.
Maxwell Paper Racing
Maxwell Paper Racing was created in 2006 and ran its first team in the Star Mazda Series. With multiple wins and 3 years of top 10 finishes with a 2007 2nd Place Team Chamiponship, team Owner Rod Smith has decided to climb the ladder of motorsports and is moving on to the Grand-AM KONI Series. While Rod is the owner, he also is in the pits where he is the head strategist and an engineer. He is constantly persuing ways to keep the cars up to speed and scouting talented drivers to fill the seat.
Maxwell Paper Racing is excited about the up and coming 2008 season where we have teamed up with HB Turbo Racing in the ST KONI Series. This makes for a talented team with a winning attitude.
Flat Out Motorsports
Flatout Motorsports was launched in 1994. The founders have competed at every level of the SCCA, from regional autocross to SCCA Pro Racing. Along the way, we’ve also tried to give back by running local motorsports clubs, chairing the SCCA Solo 2 Nationals, and serving on various regional and national competition boards. In 2000, our focus shifted to roadracing. Since then, we’ve continually expanded the products and services we offer. In the northeast, Flatout has become the go-to organization for both Spec Miata and ITS RX-7 expertise.
Prepared by Flat Out Motorsports, Inc, this car is owned by Hugh McHaffie. Hugh and Nick Leverone of Flatout Motorsports drive it in Koni Challenge in the ST class. The company is co-owned by Nick Leverone, Andy Bettencourt and Steve Ulfelder.
The team has done four races so far this year (2008), Limerock, Mosport, Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen, the team is planning on running at New Jersey Motorpsorts Park and the final race at VIR. The plan is to run the car for the full season next year and they hope to add two cars to the team over the winter and run three cars for the full 2009 Koni Challenge Series, they are currently seeking fully funded drivers for the 2009 season, anyone interested can contact Nick Leverone at nick@flatout-motorsports.com.
Thanks to Meyer Motorsports for the Photo!
Freedom Autosport
'Freedom Autosport' name inception represents the team's support for the nation's armed forces. Freedom Autosports is owned by Derek Whitis & Rhett O'doski Team Manager - Tom Long Established - 2006 in Tallahassee, FL
The team is a dedicated contributor to the Wounded Support Fund, which benefits wounded Marines and Sailors in need upon return from Iraq.
The Freedom Autosport Shop operates as race facility for club racing Mazda Spec Miata's, Koni Challenge Mazda MX-5's, and is a certified tuning/speed shop for upper-end automobiles (Mercedes, BMW, Noble, etc).
Driving for Freedom in 2008 are Derek Whitis/Jim Daniels, Rhett O'doski/Tom Long
Brass Mitchell Racing
Brass Mitchell Racing campaigns three RX-8s in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class.
Thanks to Meyer Motorsports for the Photo!
Hickham Motorsports
Hickham Motorsports runs an RX-8 in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class.
Thanks to Meyer Motorsports for the Photo!
Team Sahlen
Joe Sahlen and Will Nonnamaker will be sharing a Mazda RX-8 in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner class. The team also campaigns their fleet of two HRPWorld.com designed Corvettes in the Grand American Rolex Series.
Performance Autosport
Performance Autosport campaigns two MX-5s in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class.
Baglier Racing
Baglier Racing runs a Mazda6 in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class. Dennis Baglier is also a Mazda Dealer in Butler, PA.
Riley Racing
This RX-8 is driven in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class by brothers Jameson and Andrew (AJ) Riley.
Daytona Mazda
Daytona Mazda runs an RX-8 in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class.
Pipelayer Racing
Pipelayer Racing runs an RX-8 in the Koni Challenge Street Tuner Class.
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