MUSCLE MILK TEAM CYTOSPORT LEADS LMP CLASS INTO LONG BEACH

Muscle Milk Team CytoSport is heading to Long Beach next week for the second race of the 2010 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season in an unforeseen position, sitting tied for first place in the LMP Championship.

The team finds itself atop the LMP Championship standings tied with Drayson Racing following its remarkable and unexpected LMP2 class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring a few weeks ago.

The win, the first for Muscle Milk Team CytoSport, has given the team much momentum as they now turn their attention to the challenges of the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street course at Long Beach in their home state of California.

The Benicia-based team – who with last year`s results have five consecutive podium finishes – will be looking to keep its streak alive while also fighting to remain atop the championship standings once the checkered flag falls on the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach race.

However, the team is well aware that with the competition they are facing in the new LMP Class it won`t be an easy task. Additionally, with a record number of entries – 35 cars – staying out of trouble will be a major factor on the final result.

This weekend will be the team`s first race at Long Beach with the Porsche RS Spyder but both drivers, Greg Pickett and Klaus Graf, are familiar with the street course on which takes place the shortest race of the season.

While Graf has only raced there once before in the Trans-Am Series, Pickett has a number of starts at the popular venue. His last start was in 2005 in the Trans-Am Series where he finished second.

The drivers` knowledge of the track will be of help to the Muscle Milk squad as track time is limited at Long Beach. The team will have two hours of practice from 7:15 a.m. PT Friday, April 16 and another 30-minute practice session at 5:00 p.m. PT before qualifying takes place at 6:10 p.m. PT.

The one hour and 40 minutes Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach race will see the green flag at 4:40 p.m. PT Saturday, April 17, 2010. The race will be broadcast on SPEEDTV starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.

What they have to say:

Greg Pickett, Owner / Driver #6 Muscle Milk Porsche RS Spyder

“I have been relatively successful at Long Beach with a number of podium finishes. As a matter of fact the last time I was there in the Trans-Am Series I finished second. I led a lot of that race, but unfortunately I just couldn`t quite bring it home all the way and got beat by a better team and a better car that day. “I like the facility and I love the L.A. atmosphere. The fans are very knowledgeable and that venue is of course world class in every way. I think our Muscle Milk Porsche RS Spyder because of the way it handles and the way it maneuvers and stops and all of those attributes, I think the battle is going to be really tremendous there and I`m really looking forward to competing there. “And because we`re a west coast company we`ll certainly have a lot of support there with family and Muscle Milk people and supporters rooting us on.”

 Klaus Graf, Driver #6 Muscle Milk Porsche RS Spyder

“After winning the 12 Hours of Sebring we`re really excited coming to Long Beach. We`re still on a high after the tremendous success for Muscle Milk Team CytoSport. Long Beach is the Monte Carlo of the US and certainly a special place for the ALMS competitors. “When I look at the entry list it becomes very obvious that with a record number of entries, in what is the shortest race of the season, the key to success will be to manage the traffic best for our LMP entry. I love street circuits and together with our tire partner Michelin we`ll try to find the best possible set up for the Porsche RS Spyder in the limited practice time. “It`s a home state event for the Muscle Milk team and that`s always a little special. Our goal will be to stay clean and if we can leave Long Beach still as the points leader we will have achieved our goals.”

Courtesy ALMS © RIF