Female to Race Mustang in 2006 Grand-Am Cup
10/18/05, 01:22 PM
#1
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Girl Racer Limoges Signs Three-Year Deal to Drive Grand-Am Cup Mustang “Boy Racer” Starting in 2006
GrandAmerican.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2005) – Coming off a victory in the VIR 200 at Virginia International Raceway earlier this month, car owner and driver Tom Nastasi announced that he has signed 22-year-old Valerie Limoges to a three-year contract to drive the No. 4 Mustang GT for Blackforest Motorsports in Grand-Am Cup Series competition starting in 2006.
Limoges, of Montreal, is a four-time karting champion in F100 and F125 competition. She has also competed in Formula Ford 1600 as well as in the Canadian rounds of the North American Fran-Am Series. After securing sponsorship for 2005, Limoges competed in the Hankook Touring Car Series, compiling four top-five finishes and six top-10 results, including a run from the 27th starting spot to a ninth-place result in the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres. She finished the season fourth in the championship standings.
“This is truly a dream come true,” said Limoges, who will be testing the car nicknamed “Boy Racer” for the remainder of the year in preparation for her Grand-Am Cup debut. “I’m just fortunate that Tom helped me get such a wonderful ride with a winning team.”
Limoges was one of numerous female drivers—along with three-time Rolex Series race winner Milka Duno and IRL IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick—highlighted in the four-part documentary Girl Racers, which aired on the Biography Channel starting in September and ending earlier this month.
The DeLand, Fla.-based Blackforest Motorsports team had a pair of Grand-Am Cup victories in 2005 -- in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in February and at the season finale at Virginia International Speedway -- its first year of Grand-Am Cup competition. The No. 5 Ford Credit/ DeWALT Tools/ Ramset Tools Ford Mustang that Nastasi co-drove with Ian James finished fourth in the team championship standings and Nastasi and James finished in a tie for fifth in the driver championship, despite missing a race.
“Coming off a four-podium season with two victories against strong fields and tight racing in the Grand-Am Cup Series, we’re already looking forward to 2006,” said Nastasi. “Signing Valerie only strengthens the Blackforest team and I’m confident that she’ll contribute right away.”
A co-driver for the No. 4 machine has yet to be named.
The 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series schedule kicks off on the weekend of January 26-27 with a 200-mile race at Daytona International Speedway. The event coincides with the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Rolex 24 At Daytona, North America’s premier endurance race.
10/19/05, 09:01 AM
#8
Originally posted by TheMustangSource@October 18, 2005, 7:11 PM
For the record, Rehagen Racing also has a female driver.
For the record, Rehagen Racing also has a female driver.
10/19/05, 01:14 PM
#10
Originally posted by TheMustangSource@October 18, 2005, 8:11 PM
For the record, Rehagen Racing also has a female driver.
For the record, Rehagen Racing also has a female driver.
but, for the record, Audrey Zavodsky has been running with Rehagen Racing in Grand Am Cup off and on for nearly two years.
It's great to see the influx of women into this level of the sport, aside from any overtly sexist comments, its fun to see some of the real ego-centric drivers "get beat by a girl"
10/19/05, 01:58 PM
#11
Originally posted by Rara@October 19, 2005, 2:17 PM
you know, I tried to make a post about this yesterday, but it didn't go up for some reason, lol.
but, for the record, Audrey Zavodsky has been running with Rehagen Racing in Grand Am Cup off and on for nearly two years.
It's great to see the influx of women into this level of the sport, aside from any overtly sexist comments, its fun to see some of the real ego-centric drivers "get beat by a girl"
you know, I tried to make a post about this yesterday, but it didn't go up for some reason, lol.
but, for the record, Audrey Zavodsky has been running with Rehagen Racing in Grand Am Cup off and on for nearly two years.
It's great to see the influx of women into this level of the sport, aside from any overtly sexist comments, its fun to see some of the real ego-centric drivers "get beat by a girl"
Thats cool Brian, I had no idea. I feel that if they can drive and handle themselves maturely and be competitive, no reason for them to not be out there! Plus dont most women have a weight advantage? (Aside from Adam, he's a small dude!)
Also cleaned out some of the non-related comments.
I keed, I keed!!!
10/19/05, 04:43 PM
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I don't think Danica's weight advantage is that significant in oval racing, but it could make a big difference in road racing. Do the GA Cup cars get weighed with the driver? I know that's how they do it in Champ Car, F1, and SCCA.
10/19/05, 07:58 PM
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Originally posted by Scothew@October 19, 2005, 1:01 PM
Also cleaned out some of the non-related comments.
Also cleaned out some of the non-related comments.
Thanks Scothew
10/20/05, 12:05 AM
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Originally posted by Scothew@October 19, 2005, 2:01 PM
Also cleaned out some of the non-related comments.
Also cleaned out some of the non-related comments.
......and i thought people were being mature for a change.
Why do some guys feel the need to point out how sexy some girl is? No wonder they think we're a bunch of clowns.
Anywho, weight aside, i believe females have a better reaction time than males (I heard that.....don't know how true it is)
10/20/05, 06:29 AM
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Originally posted by softbatch@October 19, 2005, 10:57 PM
CO-Driver
Resume:
I have one AutoX under my belt and think i would be a great
addition to the team
CO-Driver
Resume:
I have one AutoX under my belt and think i would be a great
addition to the team
I've acquired all the liscences in Gran Tourismo 4 and gotten through most of the game.
I've beaten Mario Kart in all levels including 50cc 100cc 150cc and 150cc Mirror
I've also beaten the FORD RACING 2 game
Oh... I also have a valid Driver's Liscence!
10/20/05, 11:45 AM
#20
lol, you guys are funny. but, for the record, Fully funded drivers are certainly welcome . . . lol
FiaCobra, some women are fantastic drivers, with excellent reflexes and instincts, and some, well, are not so good, lol; just like it is with guys, lol.
FiaCobra, some women are fantastic drivers, with excellent reflexes and instincts, and some, well, are not so good, lol; just like it is with guys, lol.