2007 Lola B07/46

Mazda Zooms to Fourth place finish at Grand Prix of Mosport

The battle was heated at times for team B-K Motorsports in their bid to win the Mobil 1 Presents Grand Prix of Mosport, a contest staged at Mosport International Raceway in picturesque Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. The race was round 9 of the 12-event 2007 American Le Mans Series season.

BK Motorsports flies the MAZDASPEED colors in the LMP2 class with its vibrant, easy-to-spot white, blue and orange paint schemed Mazda/Lola B07-40. The Lola is motivated by Mazda's MZR-R powerplant, which is a fresh-sheet design for 2007 replacing the venerable three-rotor Mazda 20B powerplant from the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The performance goals for the piston-powered engine were lofty: 500 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque. But beyond brute force, the engine needed to have the stone-cold reliability to compete in the grueling endurance tests that the ALMS sometimes serves up week after week.

Illustrating a 'trickle up' theory, Mazda engineers incorporated the MZR's production-based Mazda Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) system into the race motor. Honeywell Turbo Technologies was tapped to develop an all-new Garrett turbocharger designed specifically for the MZR-R engine program. All the pieces came together and the new powerplant hit the tarmac fully spooled. As the season has unfolded, the technical collaboration between Mazda and AER has been gaining momentum, a fact that was vividly evident at Mosport.

BK Motorsports drivers Jamie Back and Ben Devlin charged to the front of the pack, leading the two-hour, forty-five minute race for a short time. At the drop of the checkered flag the Mazda/Lola B07-40 had produced an impressive fourth in class result.

'It was just a great day with terrific pit work, a solid strategy, great drives by Ben and Jamie and some good old fashioned racing luck. And we could not be happier for the opportunity to put Mazda and Kuhmo up front,' commented a proud Bob Bach, BK Motorsports' team owner.

Jamie Bach drove a first stint that found him dodging traffic and avoiding a number of accidents in the opening stages of the race. 'I just wanted to get through the early laps and keep the car clean,' said Bach. 'We knew the car, tires, and engine would be strong here after our testing earlier. We just were hoping for a good outing today and another finish. Ben drove great in the later stages of the race. We are just happy for everyone who has worked so hard, Mazda, AER, Kumho, and all the members of this team, what a cool day,'

At the halfway point Bach handed off to Devlin, who mixed it up with the leaders. He masterfully maneuvered around the Lola Acura of Luis Diaz and then a few laps later the Porsche Spyder of Guy Smith. The BK Motorsports Mazda/Lola B07-40 soon found itself on point and maintained the lead until a pit stop late in the race. 'What a great day for this team the cars was flawless today and the guys in the pits were awesome. We certainly had some heavy pressure, but we held them off. I cannot wait to get back in the car at Detroit,' said an enthused Devlin.

The BK team's next appearance will be in Detroit for the Detroit Sports Car Challenge presented by Bosch, and then on to the highly anticipated 10-hour, 1000-mile Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. Newly crowned Champ Car Atlantic champion Raphael Matos will join the team as the third driver at Road Atlanta. It should be a big test for the new combination; with the recent successes at Road America and Mosport, BK Motorsports and MAZDASPEED have generated some momentum and expectations are high.

Source - Mazda

Following a terrific first season in the American Le Mans Series in 2005, B-K Motorsports endured somewhat of a sophomore jinx for 2006. All eyes are focused toward the future however as the team is prepared for 2007 with a revamped program featuring Mazda power and a Lola B07/46 chassis for all 12 rounds. B-K Motorsports partnered with Mazda to make its return to top-level endurance racing in 2005 and scored an LMP2 class win in just its second race at Mid-Ohio. In 2006, the team scored a season-best, runner-up finish on the streets of Houston and expects to record its best season with its new package.

Source - B-K Motorsports

Jamie Bach for B-K Motorsports

A Series prototype young gun, Jamie Bach returns to B-K Motorsports for his third season with new driving-mate Ben Devlin. . .Bach will pilot a new factory-supported Mazda-powered Lola B07/46 in what is expected to be the most competitive LMP2 season since its introduction to the Series in 2001 . . .Bach was the 2005 Co-Rookie of the Year in LMP2 when Mazda introduced its prototype program. 2007: At Sebring, teamed with Ben Devlin/Raphael Matos in debut of B-K Motorsports' new Mazda-powered Lola. Battled throttle cable issues throughout the day for eighth-place LMP2 finish. . .At Long Beach, had much better showing than eighth-place class finish. Ran in top three in race's first half before car ran out of fuel near midpoint. . .At Houston, continued to show pace with Devlin as duo combined for eighth-place finish in P2 and ninth overall.
Before starting in Formula Mazda, Bach won numerous championships in karting, both in Wisconsin and around the country. . .Placed eighth in 2004 Star Mazda North American Championship standings with a pair of seventh-place finishes. . . Scheduled to graduate later this year from Úniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in mechanical engineering. . .Considers Road America, his home track, as favorite sports car venue. . .Says first go-kart racing experience had biggest career influence. . .Has worked remodeling duplexes in Milwaukee area . . .Other hobbies include race car engineer, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities.

Source - B-K Motorsports

Ben Devlin for B-K Motorsports

Ben Devlin has driven a number of prototype entries since beginning his career in the Series in 2002. . .For 2007, the Englishman will join forces with Jamie Bach as B-K Motorsports debuts the Mazda-powered Lola B07/40 in the LMP2 class. . . Began 2001 season in Britain's BRDC GT Series driving a Dodge Viper. . .Moved on to SRPII class in Grand-Am, driving for Archangel and winning races at Road America and Watkins Glen en route to finishing sixth in drivers standings. . .Began auto racing career at the age of 12 in karting. . .At 15, joined Jim Russell Racing School and won his first five races following graduation. . .In 2000, received a career boost by becoming the 'Young Star' in the Lotus Autobytel Elise championship, racing on various European circuits and winning once. . .Landed job of initial testing of new A1GP car for Sheik Maktoum, followed by a trip to Dubai to drive the car around the streets for the launch. . .Also has helped specialist manufacturer Breckland Technology in development of new GT car in preparation for racing debut.

Source - B-K Motorsports

Raphael Matos for B-K Motorsports

Raphael 'Rafa' Matos debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2006 as a third driver with B-K Motorsports at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. . .The young Brazilian will return to B-K in 2007 for Sebring and Petit Le Mans in the team's new Mazda-powered Lola B07/40. . .Young and talented driver who has won championships at every level where he has competed. . .Standout in 2005 Star Mazda Championship, winning championships including four victories and four pole position starts. Finished fourth in the Champ Car Atlantic Series championship with Sierra Sierra Enterprise team in 2006, and returns to chase championship title with team again in 2007. . .Placed seventh in 2004 Star Mazda standings and won title in 2005. . .Won 2003 Formula Dodge national championship, a year after winning its national runoff . . .Got his start by racing karts in his native Brazil. . .Has a residence in hometown of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. . .Arrived in the Únited States in May of 2002. . .Like many other drivers, considers Aryton Senna the best driver in history because of his raw speed, aggressiveness and intelligence. . .Would like to dine with his girlfriend, Carmen Electra and Paul Newman (to ask him for a test ride).
Career Highlights
• Selected to drive for Sierra Sierra after emerging as the top driver in a pre-season shootout
• Won the 2005 Star Mazda Series Championship
• Crowned champion of the 2003 Formula Dodge National Championship and Winner of the Formula Dodge National Runoff in 2002

Source - B-K Motorsports

All New MZR-R Engine

MAZDASPEED engineers in the Ú.S. and Japan, in conjunction with Ú.K. based Advanced Engine Research Ltd (AER), will debut an all-new MZR-R prototype engine at the 2007 12 Hours of Sebring. The new engine, a clean sheet design, is a turbocharged 2.0 liter in-line four cylinder. The performance goals for the engine are 500hp and 400 lb-ft, with the durability to succeed in such grueling races as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 10-hour Petit Le Mans. The engineering team is working to incorporate the production-based Mazda Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) system into the race motor. The technical collaboration between Mazda and AER has been non-stop in preparation for the season-opener at Sebring. MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Manager Steve Sanders stated, 'Given the rules package, we needed to make a radical change to be able to match the competition. The current conditions and rules simply do not allow our rotary engine to have any competitive advantage, hence the move to piston power this season.'




Mazda remains firmly committed to the rotary engine, in the street-going RX-8 four-door sportscar and racing classes like Grand Am GT and the one-make professional Star Mazda formula car series.

While the new engine will be exclusive to B-K Motorsports in 2007, the long-term goal is to add teams in both the American Le Mans Series as well as the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe in 2008.



'The partnership between Mazda, Lola, AER, BP, Yokohama and many other suppliers on this project has been excellent,' said Bob Bach, B-K Motorsports' team owner. 'Jointly developing race and road car technology with the MZR-R is what sportscar racing is about. We strive to be competitive week in and week out, but the P2 competition continues to be the toughest in ALMS history.'

Source - B-K Motorsports

B-K Motorsports Unlocks Potential of BP Lola Mazda at Mid-Ohio

While the final results may not show it, B-K Motorsports had one of its most encouraging races of the season Saturday in the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio. The No. 8 BP Lola B07/46 Mazda of Ben Devlin and Gerardo Bonilla was fast throughout the day but ran into a fuel vent issue with an hour remaining in the race. The team rebounded and got the Mazda MZR-R-powered prototype back on track to finish eighth in the LMP2 category.
The weekend didn't get off to a good start for the Wisconsin-based crew as the BP Lola suffered two engine failures, forcing the team to skip qualifying on Friday and start from the rear of the field. With only a handful of laps in practice and warm-up under his belt, Devlin started the car and quickly got into a rhythm. The Englishman moved up to 11th overall in the first 30 minutes before pitting under yellow on lap 42 for fuel and tires.




When the third caution of the day came out at the one-hour and 35-minute mark, team engineer Mike Wright called the car in for its second pit stop. Devlin hopped out, with Bonilla taking the controls. However, during service, the team found a problem with the fuel vent hose, creating concern within in the camp. Their cautious, safety minded, approach to the rather minor problem proved to be the right call. Just as Bonilla got in the car, a fire erupted in the nearby de Ferran Motorsports pit. The blaze was caused when de Ferran's fuel hose failed to disconnect from the car as it left the pit stall. That incident served as a reminder of what could have happened to B-K if their car's issue was neglected.

With the field then under a lengthy yellow for pit lane cleanup, B-K went to work replacing the throttle output valve on the car, and after a 12-lap delay, Bonilla returned to the action. While he was unable to make up lost laps in the final 38 minutes, Bonilla was able to once again show the potential of the Mazda MZR-R-powered prototype. The American Le Mans Series rookie ripped off lighting quick laps times, often matching the pace of the overall leaders. He crossed the line finishing 20th overall, a result nowhere indicative of what could have been.



'We then restarted several laps down. It was a matter of driving clean and driving smart to the end. I used the rest of the race to learn a little bit more about Mid-Ohio and the traffic. Mike Wright gave me encouragement to push a little more, and I did. Considering how fast we were in the race and with all the problems we encountered this weekend, I think it was a great effort put in by the entire BP Mazda team.'

Devlin was equally pleased with the run in the Dunlop-shod prototype, as the strong run and good strategy proved to be a confidence builder for the entire team. His best lap time of 1:12.100 in the race placed him right in amongst other P2 contenders, which bodes well heading into the races to come.

'My stint went very well,' Devlin §äid. 'It was a great call by team engineer Mike Wright and the crew to get that lap back before the pit stop. The car ran really strong. It was very consistent and nice. We got very lucky with the traffic and worked our way through. The car was a big improvement this weekend. We've had the package all year but now its finally coming into place. It's really nice we're finally going somewhere.'

With the unlucky breaks coupled with lack of track time, the team certainly overcame obstacles all weekend long. A top result should be just around the corner, given all the pieces fall into place.

'I think we proved today that we can race with these guys,' said John Doonan, Manager, Motorsports Team Development for Mazda. 'Ben had a great first stint and the tires were fantastic. The crew did an awesome job fighting through a lot of adversary this weekend with two engine changes. Then we just had this fluke fuel issue with the vent not returning. The boys did a good job and stayed calm and got the car back out there. Gerardo was running lap times right with the leaders there at the end. We're very encouraged to be heading to tracks like Road America, Mosport and Road Atlanta where our little package can shine.'

The next round of the American Le Mans Series is the Generac 500 at Road America presented by Time Warner Cable on Saturday, August 9 from Elkhart Lake, Wis. The four-hour race will start at 4 p.m. CT with SPEED televising the race starting at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 10. XM will air the race from 4 to 8 p.m. ET on Sunday via SportsNation Channel 144. Live radio coverage will be available from American Le Mans Radio at americanlemans.com, which also will feature IMSA's Live Timing & Scoring.

About Mazda:
On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle. At the track, you'll see MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models competing, because every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car. In fact, the largest road-racing class in the Ú.S. is the SCCA's Spec Miata class, with over 1,500 first- and second-generation Miatas tearing up America's racetracks, making it the most-raced production car in the world. Mazda's involvement in motorsports extends to its relationship with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the world's premier road-racing circuits, and the Skip Barber Schools for driving and racing.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information go to www.mazdausa.com

About BP:
BP markets more than 15 billion gallons of gasoline every year to Ú.S. consumers through 13,000 BP and ARCO branded retail outlets and supplies more than four billion gallons of fuel annually to fleets, industrial users, auto and truck manufacturers, railroads and utilities.

BP is the single, global brand formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. BP is a global producer, manufacturer and marketer of oil, gas, chemicals and renewable energy sources. For more information go to www.bp.com

American Le Mans Series:
The American Le Mans Series is the premium brand of motorsport in North America, featuring high-tech sports cars from the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the world. Its unique four classes of competition showcase exotic, open-top prototypes and sophisticated production-based GT cars, all competing on the track at the same time. The American Le Mans Series competes at the premier road racing tracks across North America and at selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets. With a 2007 television package that includes five network broadcasts on CBS and NBC and seven telecasts on SPEED, plus live broadcasts across Europe, the Series delivers a global marketing platform that is unmatched in motorsports. The Series, founded in 1999 by Georgia entrepreneur Don Panoz, represents a mirror image to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's most famous and authentic automobile race. The American Le Mans Series features elite marques such as Audi, Porsche, Corvette, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Panoz, and premium brands such as Michelin, Yokohama, Kumho, Lowe's, Shell and many others.

Source - B-K Motorsports