First Podium Finish for Alliance Caps off Wild Weekend at Mid-Ohio

There is little doubt that the events held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio will be remembered for anything less than eventful, as the double-header weekend generated some fantastic racing, and memorable finishes. In the eyes of the Alliance Motorsports team, the weekend will be remembered for its first podium finish as an organization, and realizing the contributions of everyone involved with the program paying off.

Alliance Motorsports officials announced earlier in the week that it had rendered the services of former Firestone Indy Lights Series Champion Wade Cunningham to drive the #24 Dallara for the double-header weekend, and that decision proved to be a correct one. The 2005 series champ took to the track on Friday, and spent the time getting comfortable with the car as well as the crew. It didn't take long for Cunningham to reach his comfort level, as he was firmly in the top ten in practice, and then spent time preparing for qualifying and race number one on Saturday.

The result of the thirty minute qualifying session on Saturday garnered a 7th place starting position, with Cunningham posting a time of 1:14:1451 (109.634 mph), which was nearly a second quicker than his best practice time. Later that day, race number one began with an incident on lap number one, as Daniel Harrington, driver of the #6 Michael Crawford Motorsports car, made contact with Cunningham in turn six, sending Cunningham spinning off the track, and to the back of the field. With a bent wheel and minor bodywork damage, Cunningham fought his way back to post a 12th place finish, and a 12th place starting position for Sunday's race number two.

Sunday's race number two ran in significant wet conditions, as massive storms rolled through the area. At the start of the race, Cunningham spun the car in the wet, and was able to continue, albeit from the back of the pack, reminiscent to the start of race number one. Cunningham methodically improved his position throughout the race, and found himself in the 8th position by lap number ten. At the end of the timed event, Wade Cunningham brought the Alliance Motorsports #24 Dallara to the checkered flag in 2nd place. This the first podium finish for the first-year team and best finishing position since Chris Festa placed 5th at Homestead in the season opener.

'We are very happy with a podium finish, and owe thanks to a lot of people that helped make this happen,' exclaimed team co-owner Jeff Matthews. 'We owe a huge ‘thank you' to Wade Cunningham, who drove for us this weekend, and who drove two outstanding races this weekend.' Matthews went on to say, 'This was a total team effort, and everyone on our Alliance team, as well as our partners with Integra Motorsports, are a part of today's success.'

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Former Series Champion Pilots Alliance Entry at Mid-Ohio

Alliance Motorsports is extremely pleased to announce that Wade Cunningham, the 2005 firestone Indy Lights Series champion, will be piloting the Alliance Motorsports #24 Dallara at this weekends' double-header event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Cunningham, hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, has accumulated an impressive five wins, seven poles, and thirty-five top ten finishes in his forty-four starts in the series. Cunningham finished in second place in last years' inaugural event at Mid-Ohio driving for AFS Racing. He has competed in four events in the 2008 championship with Brian Stewart Racing, and has accumulated three top ten finishes, with a season best third place finish at the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tyce Carlson, one of the owners of Alliance Motorsports, expressed his excitement leading into the weekend. 'We are very fortunate to have Wade drive for us this weekend, and are excited to reunite him with Doug Zister, who is our engineer, and who was a part of Wade's previous successes in this series.' Carlson went on to say, 'We hope that this combination will yield positive results, and look forward to taking to the track on Friday.'

Practice for the double header event begins Friday, July 18th, with qualifying and race number one on Saturday, July 19th. Race number two will roll off on Sunday, July 20th.

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Alliance Motorsports Forms Indy Pro Series Team

Three Indianapolis-area businessmen have joined together to form a new Indy Pro Series team, which will compete beginning this season.

Alliance Motorsports, whose ownership includes IndyCar Series veteran Tyce Carlson, purchased the assets of Kenn Hardley Racing in December, and is preparing for its first season in the IndyCar Series' developmental series.

'I am looking forward to competing again, especially in this (ownership) capacity,' said Carlson, who made 30 career IndyCar Series starts, including two Indianapolis 500s. 'I truly enjoy helping young drivers, and I am excited for the opportunity.'

Joining Carlson as co-owners are Carmel, Ind., businessman Chris Williams and auto racing veteran Jeff Matthews. The team will be located in Brownsburg, Ind., and is interviewing drivers to drive its No. 24 Dallara.

'When Tyce approached me about the idea of starting the team, it didn't take long for me to decide,' Williams said. 'The Indy Pro Series is showing steady growth in terms of participation and fan interest, and is providing some fantastic racing. This is certainly something that I want to be a part of.'

Matthews has been involved in professional auto racing since 1998, working in various management positions with IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series teams.

by paddocktalk.com

by Dallara

Fantastic Drive Takes Festa to 5th Place Finish

What began as a frustrating way to start the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights racing season, ended up as a weekend that will be remembered for the performance put in by Alliance Motorsports driver Chris Festa, and his fifth place finish during the Miami 100 Saturday afternoon.

Festa, who had very limited pre-qualifying practice time due to unforeseen mechanical issues, qualified 15th with a two lap average speed of 184.254 mph. With qualifying behind him, Chris set his sights on improving his position in the race, and he did just that. The Alliance Motorsports driver carved his way through the field, and posted some of the fastest laps of the race. One of the most impressive segments of the race came at lap 61, when Chris improved his position by eight in only six laps. The final outcome was an impressive fifth place finish for the first year organization.

'This was a good way to start the season, and a great finish for the team,' exclaimed Festa. 'We had to work extra hard for this (fifth place finish), and know that there are things that we can do to improve our program.'

Tyce Carlson, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports, was very pleased with the effort of the team and driver. 'We had to deal with some mechanical gremlins throughout the weekend, but I couldn't be more proud of the efforts put in by Chris and the Alliance Motorsports crew to overcome those issues,' said Carlson. When asked about his drivers' race performance, Carlson lit up. 'That was one of the most impressive drives that I have ever seen. Chris was plagued with an ill-handling gear box, but kept his composure, and drove to the front.' Tyce went on to say, 'We are very proud to have Chris drive for us, and expect greater things throughout the rest of the season.'

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Alliance Motorsports Signs Chris Festa for IPS Ride

Alliance Motorsports, LLC, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Indy Pro Series team, today announced the signing of Chris Festa as driver of the teams' #24 Indy Pro Series Dallara.

Festa, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia and now residing in Indianapolis, is a veteran of the Indy Pro Series with thirty-nine career starts, two pole positions and twenty-four top ten finishes. He returns to the series with the goal of surpassing his best finish of second place, and aims to propel himself to the IndyCar Series for 2009. 'I am excited for the opportunity to be apart of Alliance Motorsports,' said Festa. 'The series appears to be gaining momentum in participation and popularity, and I believe that we have the tools to win.'

Tyce Carlson, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports, is excited about the signing of Chris Festa. 'This is a great day for our organization,' exclaimed Carlson, who leads the first year operation into the Indy Pro Series battle. 'Chris is one of the most poised and experienced drivers in the Indy Pro Series, and we intend to compete for race wins at the drop of the green flag.' Carlson went on to say, 'We have built an incredible group of talented people that will surround Chris to ensure his success.'

Round one of the Indy Pro Series championship begins on Saturday, March 29th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. All sixteen events will be aired on ESPN2, and can be seen via live streaming on indycar.com/pro/.

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Andre Gibson Joins Alliance Motorsports as a Partner

Alliance Motorsports, which announced its Indy Pro Series program last month, is proud to announce Andre Gibson as a Partner with the organization.

Gibson, who is the Senior Vice President of Archer Land Title, possesses extensive business management and leadership experience, will assist with all commercial activities, as well as strategic partnership development.

'I am excited and proud to be apart of this organization,' exclaimed Gibson. 'I visited the teams' facility late last month, and was extremely impressed with the entire operation. This groups drive and determination is infectious, and I believe that this will be a successful venture.'

Tyce Carlson, Alliance Motorsports co-owner, has had a lifelong friendship with Andre, and sees him as a tremendous addition to the team. 'I have seen Andre excel in everything that he's been involved with, and has accomplished more than most people have in a lifetime. He has already made a significant impact with our team, and I am confident that the best is yet to come.'

Andre and his wife Nancy, along with their four children Blake, Bryce, Sabrina, and Brody, reside in Westfield, Indiana.

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Alliance Motorsports Intent on Smart Start to 2008 Season

Trio of Racing Regulars Parlay Friendship into Pro Series Team

Indy Pro Series competitor Alliance Motorsports aims to start fast, finish strong, and build a record of success that will launch the team on a path to a multi-car operation in the Indy Racing League.

True to its harmonious name, the trio of Jeff Matthews, Chris Williams and Tyce Carlson aligned business savvy with friendship and a lifelong passion for racing into active participation in the 2008 IPS season.

Under roof in shared space in exurban Brownsburg, Alliance Motorsports ventures into the hot competition ahead with a speedy break from the gate this week at a Homestead/Miami Speedway test.

Beginnings Rooted in Long Friendships

Jeff Matthews' substantial experience in racing management paid off when the Alliance Motorsports team commenced the journey to the starting grid.

'We started in the spring of 2007 by working on sponsorship for Tyce to run the Indy 500,' he said. 'Ultimately we weren't successful, but the experience taught us we could work together.'

'We've all been working toward this team's existence for literally since this time last year,' added veteran IndyCar racer Tyce Carlson. 'Plus, we've all been good friends for a long time.'

The pair met in 1997 when Matthews was a partner in the team that Tyce drove for in the Indianapolis 500.

Chris Williams, a Carmel businessman, soon joined the team to offer his contacts and operations experience to complete the ownership triad.

The group achieved a major coup in acquiring the racing assets of Kenn Hardley Racing shortly before the New Year, a move that gave them a turnkey operation loaded with inventory and supplies from bare tub to hospitality tent.

Now Great Panamanian Charter is aboard as a sponsor; as is ARCA's twenty-two year old Dan Brode as driver for the team's first test at Homestead/Miami Speedway this week (January 31st-February 1st).

AMS Aims to Start Fast and then Go Faster

'We never go to the racetrack without the intent to win,' Carlson said. 'We'd like to see a top-ten finish at (the Pro Series season-opener) Homestead depending on who we have in the car. If we have a veteran driver behind the wheel we expect a podium-worthy performance.'

The team's expectations for the future run counter to the typical first-year competitor on the Indy Pro Series pitlane.

'Building continuity and getting experience in the series is important this year,' said Carlson, 'but eventually we want to be more than just a one-car operation.'

'If you look at the top teams, they all have two, three, even four cars. It's the same in NASCAR Cup racing—multiple car teams that can build off of each other.'

'We're still in the early stages of getting our program together,' added Matthews. 'We're able to utilize Fuzion Racing's Travis (Rogers') experience with our testing program and once we get past the tests and evaluate ourselves, we will make some final decisions about some very talented people who've shown interest in our team.'

Personal Touch Benefits Alliance Motorsports' Effort

Carlson plans to draw from his personal IndyCar and Indy Pro Series experience to develop the talent that will take the team to the top.

He started 30 IndyCar events during his racing career that spanned the years of 1996 through 2002, including two starts in the Indianapolis 500.

'I will be up in the spotter's seat,' he said.

'For me, it's about teaching lap to lap out there. Honestly, among our group we've seen hundreds of these races, and if you see something about to happen in this series, it's going to happen.'

'If they go three-wide into a turn, it's for sure they aren't coming out that way!'

Thirty-Four Car Field at Homestead an Educated Guess

The competition in the Indy Pro Series figures (as usual) to be intense, with talented young drivers coming from all over the globe to contest the race to the 2008 Firestone Firehawk Cup.

The Alliance Motorsports brain trust figures the season will showcase the usual suspects at Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and bring Brazilian Rafael Matos' into the crosshairs of the rest of the field.

'Matos is an unbelievable talent,' said Carlson, 'and the resources of Andretti Green and Gary Peterson will make him very hard to beat.'

'On the other hand, Team KMA (with Robbie Pecorari) won at Nashville out of no more than a twenty-foot tow-trailer and a motorhome last year.'

'It's going to be like the old days,' says Tyce Carlson mulling 34-car field'It's a spec series,' he continued, 'and that gives us the opportunity to be as good as any of the other teams in the race.'

No doubt the sheer numbers of the Indy Pro Series will offer up some surprises, particularly if the anticipated growth in entrants reaches pre-season expectations.

'I'd say at the most you'll see 34 cars on the grid at Homestead,' offered Carlson. 'And probably they'll try to start all of them'

'It's going to be like I remember back in the 1990's in the big cars: we'd have so many cars we had to send some guys home every weekend.'

Opportunities in IndyCar Open Seats in the Pro Series

The departure of Sam Hornish and 2007 IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti caused anxious hand-wringing among open-wheel racing fans, but the Alliance partners see the movement of talented young drivers into those vacant seats as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Indy Pro Series competitors.

'It's exciting,' said Williams. 'Sam's gone. Dario's gone. Younger kids are coming up. It's all good.'

'Hopefully more eyes will open and see the top-notch kids that run in the IPS. It's time to find the budgets and support they need to continue to move up.'

'Open-wheel's not going south when there are all these great kids coming along.'

'I like that it's an international series,' added Carlson. 'The Pro Series is becoming a world-renowned feeder series, with excellent young drivers from all over the globe.'

'I'll second that,' quipped a smiling Matthews with a wink. 'I recently had to run an email from a prospective driver through an online translator to understand it!'

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara

Alliance Motorsports Forms Indy Pro Series Team

Alliance Motorsports, LLC, a newly formed racing team based in Brownsburg, Indiana, today announced its intention to compete in the Indy Pro Series™ Championship beginning in 2008.

The Alliance Motorsports ownership team, which consists of veteran racing and business professionals, purchased the assets of Kenn Hardley Racing in late December, and are preparing for competition in one of America's top open-wheel developmental series.

Leading the ownership team is IndyCar veteran and two time Indianapolis 500 starter Tyce Carlson. Carlson, hailing from Indianapolis, has thirty career IndyCar Series starts, which included two top-ten finishes. 'I am looking forward to competing again, especially in this capacity,' remarked Carlson, who was referring to his ownership role rather than as a driver. 'I truly enjoy helping young drivers, and am excited for the opportunity.'

Joining Carlson as an owner is Carmel, Indiana businessman Chris Williams. Williams, a transplanted Californian and competitive golfer, brings his business and sports management experience to the organization. 'When Tyce approached me about the idea of starting the team, it didn't take long for me to decide,' said Williams. 'The Indy Pro Series is showing steady growth in terms of participation and fan interest, and is providing some fantastic racing. This is certainly something that I want to be a part of.'

Rounding out the ownership team is Speedway, Indiana native Jeff Matthews. Matthews has been involved in professional auto racing since 1998, and has been in management positions with IndyCar and Indy Pro Series teams throughout the past ten years. 'This has been in the making since last April,' Matthews said, referring to the organization of Alliance Motorsports. 'We have been working our tails off this past year by networking and getting our message out, and our current position is the result of the hard work we put into it.' Matthews went on to say, 'we have much more work ahead of us, and are looking forward to the challenge.'

The team has moved into its state-of-the-art Brownsburg, Indiana facility, and is currently interviewing drivers to pilot Alliance Motorsports' #24 Dallara.

The green flag drops on round one of the Indy Pro Series championship on Saturday, March 29th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. All sixteen events will be aired on ESPN2, and can be seen via live streaming on indycar.com/pro/.

by Alliance Motorsports

by Dallara