Brian Wong Joins Intersport in LMPC car for 2010

Following an outstanding 2009 season in the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama, Brian Wong will join Mitch Pagerey in Intersport Racing’s American Le Mans Prototype Challenge (LMPC) car for 2010.

Intersport Racing is the Series’ longest-running independent team with starts in 100 Series events. Following the Series’ announcement in August designating changes to the class structure, Intersport Racing was the first team to purchase the new American Le Mans Prototype Challenge (LMPC) chassis.

Wong has assembled an impressive winning resume in very short order. With experience in everything from Legends cars, Late Models and the NASCAR Camping World East/West Series – both on oval and road courses – the 20-year-old Wong finished second in IMSA’s Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama Gold Cup championship even after missing two events due to school commitments. In 12 starts, Wong led the Series in wins taking the checkered flag nine times. In addition, he dominated qualifying posting nine pole-starting positions. With the exception of one mechanical failure that resulted in a DNF, Wong finished second in the races he did not win.

The Newport Beach, Calif., native splits time between California and attending Northeastern University in Boston as a 3rd year Communication  major.  Wong is looking forward to the challenges of driving a prototype with completely different characteristics than the Porsche GT3 Cup car.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” said Wong. “I see the Challenge class as a perfect format for me to grow my racing career and move up in the American Le Mans Series. It’s great to see the Series taking steps that will allow a driver like me to grow his skills. I’ll be racing in a World Class series with arguably the best drivers in the World and on the greatest tracks in North America. It’s the perfect scenario for a guy like me. I know I can do well here.”

“I can’t say enough about the Intersport team,” Brian continued. “It feels like it will be the perfect fit for me. They have the experience, the history and I know they can get Mitch and me to the front. Plus I really like the sense of family. It’s nice to know that the race program is managed under one roof and the lines of communication are short, open and to the point. These guys know how to get it done.”

“We really feel Brian makes the perfect co-driver with Mitch Pagery,” added Clint Field. “We met Brian at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at the end of the season and had a chance to see him behind the wheel. He’s extremely quick. More importantly, we were impressed with his maturity and his understanding of what goes into running a team and his ability to identify is role. He’s very focused.”

“We also liked that he and Mitch both come with a background in the Patron Challenge class,” Clint continued. “We think this will be helpful in setting up the car to suit both drivers. It should simplify and streamline communication between drivers and the crew.”

Intersport continues to build during the off-season and expects announcements regarding their flagship LMP1 program in the near future.

“Our commitment to IMSA and the American Le Mans Series is unwavering and stronger than ever,” said Clint. We are working hard to expand our effort and grow the Intersport team. IMSA and the ALMS continue to work in order to grow sports car racing in North America. That provides us the incentive and the confidence to continue to invest our racing dollars with the American Le Mans Series.”

Source ALMS © RIF