Speedy Dan hops in a Touring Car at Mid Ohio

GRID-1 Motorsports of Englewood Colorado has announced today that former open wheel star Dan Clarke and Mazda veteran driver Jason Saini will team up in the GRID-1 Motorsports Mazda RX-8 Touring Cars for rounds 7 an 8 of the SCCA Pro Racing Pirelli World Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Dan Clarke will make his debut in professional Sports Car racing in the Pirelli World Challenge event in the #07 GRID-1 Motorsports RX-8 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Dan is originally from the UK and currently based in Indianapolis with a background that includes a Formula Ford World Championship, wins in International Formula 3, as well as competing in Champ Car World Series, Indy Lights, and A1GP. Nicknamed “Speedy Dan” he brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team. “When I spoke to Dan the first time I was really struck by his determination and for lack of a better description- hunger- to get into a car and make a strong showing” remarks team principle Don Walker. “We really are excited to see what this fellow can do in a sports car.”

Of the announcement, Dan had this to say "When Don called with the offer to do Mid Ohio I couldn't refuse. I've been an open wheel driver throughout my whole career but this year I was ready to race Canadian Nascar and when that fell through I've been picking up rides in sportscars here and there. This is just the opportunity I'm looking for and I'm focused on doing a top job for myself and the team."

TV

Speedy Dan fans around the world can tune in to see the double header round streamed live online at www.World-ChallengeTV.com

Both races as part of the Pirelli World Challenge Mid-Ohio Grand Prix presented by StopTech will be easily accessible to viewers around the world and will feature audio play-by-play and color commentary from the voice of the series, Greg Creamer. The races will also be available live to Droid phone users. The online feed for Round 7 of the Pirelli World Challenge Sports Car Wars season is scheduled to start at 10:40 a.m. Eastern/ 7:40 a.m. Pacific on Saturday, August 6, while Round 8 will start at 11:25 a.m. Eastern/ 8:25 a.m. Pacific on Sunday, August 7. US racefans can catch the races on VERSUS Saturday, August 20 5pm Eastern (re-air Sept. 1 at 3:30pm EST)

The Pirelli World Challenge Series

Now in its 22nd consecutive season, the Pirelli World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate categories (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline filled door-to-door action and world-class drivers. The Pirelli World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers – race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, the series races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

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