News

TOOELE, Utah. — This past Sunday, the JD Scion Road Racing team put another mark in the history books, winning a second consecutive national championship in NASA’s Performance Touring series. Perhaps most impressive was the fact that the team started in dead last and managed to climb back through the field and win the race, making them one of the only teams (if not the only) to do so in any class at any NASA national championship event.

“This event truly tested what we’re made of,” said team manager and driver Dan Gardner. “We knew it was going to be a fight no matter what. But when you have to come from the back of the bus to win a national championship, that really puts your back up against the wall. It’s just so rare to pull off a win that way, but at the end of the day, that’s what happened. The whole team just stayed focused, came up with a game plan, and then executed.”

With a crew consisting of Brad Allen, Tom Oathoudt, Jeff Lew, and Chris Gladu, the Scion tC road race car and Gardner were well taken care of. And plenty of care was needed as the team ended up overcoming obstacle after obstacle.

Before Thursday’s qualifying session, crewman Oathoudt noticed the supercharger pulley wasn’t quite running true. After some investigation the team found the issue and replaced the parts. It was the first freak issue to crop up, but unfortunately it wouldn’t be the team’s last.

After morning repairs were made, Gardner managed to qualify the Scion in P2, and was in a good position for the first qualifying race. The green flag dropped, the spotter gave the word on the radio, and Gardner was off, taking over first place as the cars went into Turn 1. Through Turns 2, 3, and 4, Gardner was fending off a Grand-Am MINI and driver.

After exiting out of Turn 4, Gardner ran the Scion down the inside of the track to protect his position. With zero room on the inside, the MINI driver made a poor decision, stuffed it into the gravel on the inside, and crashed hard into the Scion, sending Gardner reeling across the track. Gardner held the position and drove toward the turn called “Right Hook,” but something was clearly wrong. The steering wheel was pointed hard right while the car was tracking straight, and the car was having a hard time staying on track. As the rest of the field passed him by, Gardner limped into the pits.

The crew took a good look at the left side of the car in the hot pits, and found the left front fender rubbing on the tire, both left wheels damaged, and a host of mangled body panels. All of those could be dealt with, but a look under the car revealed that the inner tie rod had been bent severely into a harsh “V” shape. Despite Gardner’s desperation to go out and complete a few more laps, the crew advised him that it simply wouldn’t be possible.

It was discouraging, as the team was in the driver’s seat, leading the race. Unfortunately, NASA’s point system dictates that if you DNF you only earn half the points of last place, effectively making it mathematically impossible to start the championship race from anywhere other than dead last. Even a first place finish on Friday wouldn’t be enough unless another car DNF’d as well.

“It’s just one of those things in racing,” said crew chief Brad Allen. “Even though the other competitor was disqualified, there’s no way to get that race or the points back. It certainly put a kink in our plans, but there was no was we were going to get discouraged.”

The team stayed up the better part of the night, replacing nearly the entire left front corner on the car and then realigning it. The Scion would be ready for action on Friday, and the team would test out the repairs in the morning practice session.

Friday’s practice went well, and the car felt rock-solid again. Friday qualifying saw Gardner again take P2, less than two-tenths of a second behind the pole sitter in the Mazda RX-8. The race start went well, as Gardner and the torquey Scion got out to another early lead. By the last lap, the Scion had stretched the lead over second place to a whopping 5 seconds. Gardner’s fast lap time of 2:11.4 was almost a full second faster than the second fastest car in class.

On the last lap, Gardner was in some traffic, and he went to the inside of a PTF car in Right Hook. He went to the brakes, and the car just kept going, shooting off the track, as Gardner tried to prevent it from going in the dirt. The Scion came back on track, but Gardner didn’t know what kind of brake issue had occurred. He maintained his position, but the second place Mazda was on his tail. As the Scion came out of Witchcraft, Gardner went to brakes to slow the car down from 100 mph to set up for the Attitudes. The pedal went to the floor and the Scion shot off the track hard down the hillside, going sideways in the dirt.

Gardner maintained control, jumped the car back on course, and still had the position. He got on the radio to tell the crew he had no brakes. Somehow Gardner managed to hold off the Mazda another couple of corners with zero brakes by using the gearbox along with long, deliberate lifts of the throttle.

Eventually the RX-8 would get around Gardner, as he had no way at all to fight in the brake zones. Gardner kept pushing and managed to hold onto second place, with the third place MINI charging from behind.

“I’m sure the team was discouraged going into the championship race,” said Gary Boler, TRD business operations manager. “But this is why we race. TRD parts give the team some of the firepower they need to get the job done, but freak accidents and the unforeseen are the norm in racing.”

It didn’t take long for the team to find the brake system issue. Brake fluid was all over the right front wheel and tire. Once the wheel was off the car, the team found the culprit…a brake line had given up the ghost and ruptured, possibly punctured by a rock on the race track.

The team again got to work that evening, replacing the line, inspecting all the others, and performing a thorough brake bleed. With the pedal of the TRD brakes rock-hard again, it was time to think strategy for the national championship race on Sunday.

Gardner and the team came up with a start strategy that heavily relied on flawless spotting on the radio. When the grid was posted, Gardner would be in the last row of the PTC class behind all the PTC and the PTB cars. The team did feel, however, that the inside position would be a benefit. Add to that the fact that the team had a fast car whose great strength was the race start, and it seemed like there really was a chance to take the win, despite the poor starting position.

Being at the back could mean that the green flag could possibly fly before Gardner was even on the front straight. In that scenario it would be extremely difficult for Gardner to see the starter stand, another reason the radio spotter would prove to be critical.

Indeed, not long after Gardner pulled around the last turn, his spotter yelled “green, green, green.” The Scion rocketed ahead, and with each car passed, a spotter would key the microphone, yelling “clear!” Gardner knew he could move his car over as each “clear” message was relayed.

The Scion was picking off cars left and right, determined to get to the front of the pack. Even as Gardner approached the inside of Turn 1, Gardner was determined to get one or two more cars under braking…and he did just that.

Gardner tucked in behind the two leaders in PTB, fending off an in-class Camaro Z28. Not only had Gardner gotten the Scion to the front of the class, he had sling-shotted in front of all the higher class PTB cars save two.

After three or four more turns, Gardner started to really pull away from the Camaro, but one of several MINIs was close behind. Gardner put his head down and concentrated on avoiding mistakes.

Within a few laps, the Scion had opened up a comfortable two second lead. And Gardner was maintaining the cushion. Once he caught traffic, he used it to his advantage, extending the lead by another second. The third place Mazda RX-8 was even farther back by that time.

In Lap 9 of the race, a car oiled down the track, and several cars flew off course. Gardner got through the area not long after the incident, and kept control despite the slick.

Not long after that point, the pace car would come out, as the carnage was dealt with and the track was cleaned up, during a full course yellow that would last three laps. Gardner’s lead cushion was gone, as the field readied for the single-file restart.

Unfortunately Gardner wouldn’t get the same great start as he did at the beginning of the race. This allowed the second-place MINI to glue itself to the Scion’s bumper. Gardner had a mild edge on the straight sections, but the MINI was getting through the turns faster, and the Scion’s front tires were going away. It was a serious fight as Gardner defended hard to keep the MINI behind.

On the last lap, the RX-8 would be beating on the back bumper of the MINI. As they fought Gardner gained a bit of ground, but in Turn 6, the Mazda would get around the Cooper S on the inside. One of Gardner’s crew came of the radio to report that the Mazda was really pushing, giving it everything he had to hunt down the Scion and get in front.

Gardner looked back, determined that the Mazda still wasn’t within striking distance, and stayed determined to drive smart and avoid mistakes. In the final complex of turns the Mazda was close, but it was going to be hard to pass Gardner and the Scion with the time that was left. As the two cars pulled onto the straightaway, Gardner and the tC held onto the lead, crossing the finish line less than a second ahead of the second place car, securing a repeat national championship win.

“Two national road racing championships in two years! It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager. “Overcoming that much adversity, and still pulling out the big win…that’s a great feeling. To go from last place to first on the start of the race, and to hold onto the lead with pressure coming at all times…what can I say? Scion is a brand that does things differently. I suppose winning this way just makes sense!”

The JD Scion tC team uses:

• Scion-supplied OE parts

• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit

• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps

• Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

• Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks

• Vogtland springs

• Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits

• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

• Racepak IQ3 logger dash

• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter

• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights

• Royalty Auto Body body work

• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel

• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch

• Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

• Goodridge fittings and lines

• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

• G-Force racing suit, gloves, helmet, shoes

• DC Sports header

• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

• HoseTechniques silicone hoses

• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear

• NST supercharger pulley, alternator pulley, and shifter bushings

Scion Racing defending champs! (9/8/09)

JD Scion Road Racing Team Prepares to Defend National Title at Miller Motorsports Park

Performance Touring C Championship Race to be Broadcast Live This Coming Sunday

TORRANCE, Calif. — With a hard-earned 2008 national championship under their belts from Mid-Ohio, driver and team manager Dan Gardner and the Scion road racing team are getting ready to defend their title. This year the stage has changed with the event being held at Miller Motorsports Park, just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.

What hasn’t changed, however, is that some of the best road racers from across the country will be battling for the win at NASA’s most prestigious sprint racing event. This year, fans from all around the world will be able to tune-in live to watch the entire race online. This is in addition to the normally scheduled live timing and scoring. The broadcast is made possible by Scion team sponsors Dezod Motorsports, the forced induction specialists, and Church Automotive Testing, the champions’ choice in dyno tuning. Mothers car care products also contributed to the broadcast. Details are as follows:

Live Broadcast:

Where: www.speedcasttv.com

When: Sunday, September 13, 2009

2:15 p.m .MOUNTAIN TIME

What: NASA Performance Touring C (PTC) National Championship Race

Password: livebroadcast

In addition to racing, the team will be running in NASA’s Time Trial C (TTC) class. Live broadcasts of TT will occur at 2:00 p.m on Saturday, September 12 and 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. Again, all times are Mountain Time.

Live Timing and Scoring:

Where: http://www.drivenasa.com/liveresults/

When: Thursday, September 10 through Sunday September 13

What: NASA National Championships

The team is competing in Groups G and J. The entire race week schedule can be found here:

http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/national/2009/NASA_Nats_2009_Schedule.pdf

Scion Racing will be competing against highly-prepared cars such as Mazda RX-8s and turbocharged Miatas, supercharged and turbocharged MINI Coopers, Lotus Elises, Chevy Camaros, and BMW M3s.

“With a new year always come new challenges, and this is a big one for us,” said Gardner. “There are going to be some fast machines out there and some great drivers. We have a good shot, though, and I think Miller will be a good track for our TRD supercharged and intercooled Scion tC. As far as car prep goes, there are simply too many people to thank, but rest assured that everyone slaved over the last few weeks to put together a bulletproof car, and it’s my privilege to have each and every one of them involved.”

Brad Allen, longtime crew chief for Gardner and the Scion road racing team added:

“We’re as ready as we’re going to be. The whole crew is going to make sure the car is flawless and give Dan the best shot to bring it all home. It’s rare for a road race to be broadcast live, either on TV or online. We hope all the Scion fans who couldn’t make it will tune in to catch all the action on Sunday. We think this will be the most exciting national championship ever!”

Perhaps most important of all is the fact that the team will be fighting for the win on behalf on Technosquare’s Richey Watanabe, who recently became ill. Richey and Technosquare have been a vital resource for the team over the last several years, building the cage, the engine, and other various trick fabricated bits and pieces. The team will proudly display decals at the event in honor of Richey and the shop.

The JD Scion tC team uses:

• Scion-supplied OE parts

• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit

• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps

• Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

• Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks

• Vogtland springs

• Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits

• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

• Racepak IQ3 logger dash

• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter

• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights

• Royalty Auto Body body work

• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel

• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch

• Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

• Goodridge fittings and lines

• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

• G-Force racing suit, gloves, helmet, shoes

• DC Sports header

• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

• HoseTechniques silicone hoses

• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear

• NST supercharger pulley, alternator pulley, and shifter bushings

Jackson-Dawson Communications (JD) is a 28-year-old privately held company that provides creative and strategic services to a range of national clients. Core competencies include retail training, event marketing, marketing services, business theater, video and media production services, meeting planning, print graphic and design services, staging service and vehicle management.

With corporate offices in Detroit, MI, Jackson-Dawson also maintains offices in Torrance, CA, Nashville, TN and Manhattan, NY. Jackson-Dawson owns and operates several divisions: Peloton Creative Group, BenMar Communications, Drivers Talk Radio and Drivers Talk Testing.

Scion Racing JD Car Wins Enduro (6/8/09)

Sprint Win at Willow Springs and Endurance Win at Thunderhill Prove Scion Staying Power

Team Nabs Decisive Victories in Both Northern and Southern California Just Days Apart

TORRANCE, Calif. — Back-to-back wins are always special. And in racing, perhaps more than any other sport, it’s a rarity. But that’s exactly what the Scion Racing team, led by team manager and driver, Dan Gardner, did. Making it even more special was the fact that the wins came exactly seven days apart, giving the team a scant two to three day window to have the car prepped and ready to go after the Willow Springs sprint race win.

The team had to scramble to have the car ready before making the 500-mile trip north of Sacramento. Of key importance was ensuring the car could go the distance for the second Western Endurance Racing Championship (WERC) race of the season at Thunderhill Raceway Park.

"What a grind,” said Gardner. "There are precious few teams in this sport that only have two or three days to prepare a car for the next race. Most teams either run a sprint or an endurance series. Running both is a big strain on the car and the crew, but we’re up to the challenge. And when you grab wins in both series back-to-back, it makes all the strain worth it.”

For the Willow Springs Performance Touring (PT) sprint race, Gardner qualified the car 3rd on grid, but would start 4th due to an out-of-class car intermingled in the grid. When the green flew, Gardner got a great start and began pulling to the front of the pack. One Mazda RX-8 tried to pinch the Scion as Gardner attempted the outside pass. The tC barely squeezed through, but made its way to the front of the pack, and was in the lead going into Turn 1.

Gardner turned in and promptly got hit in the left rear by one of the Mazdas, sending the Scion into a slide. Gardner caught the car and began to continue on but got hit again by the Mazda. As he struggled to keep the car from spinning, the Scion ran out of track, and Gardner was forced to leave the racing surface as the car slid into the gravel on the outside. Gardner stayed in the gas, got the car composed, and came back onto the track…but not before every car in the PT group passed him by. The Scion had gone from first to last in a matter of seconds.

Gardner put his head down and just started driving. The tail of the pack was at least in sight, and the Scion wasn’t going down without a fight. Within the first two laps, he had picked off two positions, and was moving quite quickly up on the next car.

Two laps later, another car…a lap after that, another. Gardner and the Scion were raging up through the field. The question now seemed only to be whether there was enough time to catch the leader, as the Scion clearly had the speed.

About two-thirds of the way into the race, Gardner caught and passed the leading RX-8 before the entry to Turn 8, but the Mazda repassed the Scion on the outside of Turn 9. Gardner tucked in, and glued himself again to the Mazda. The Scion pressured the Mazda going into Turn 3, but the RX-8 took a defensive line up the inside. Gardner took the position briefly, and then surrendered it back to the Mazda.

Going into Turn 5, Gardner was determined to get a run on the exit of the turn, and that’s exactly what happened, as the Scion carried more speed out of 5, went up over 6, and got the pass done on the back straight. Gardner would be able to hold the Mazda off this time in 9, and as the Scion came onto the straight the TRD supercharged power helped Gardner begin to walk away.

And the gap continued to widen, as Gardner made sure to not leave the door open for the Mazda to strike. In the end, after 17 laps, the Scion would finish a decisive 10 seconds ahead of the second place Mazda.

“First to last and back to first again…now that’s a race,” said crewman, Sean Morris. “You never know what racing is going to bring, but to win this way is super satisfying. Going back up through the field that way I think really surprised a lot of people. Our Scion is the real deal.”

But there just wasn’t a lot of time to celebrate the big victory. The team had to remain focused on the next task…get ready for the three-hour WERC endurance race up at Thunderhill. Gardner tapped the experts at Toyota Motorsports to help the team hustle to get the car ready. Marty Schwerter was up to the challenge, wrenching on the car while Gardner nailed down final logistics and preparations.

The team travels lean for the sprint races, but the added dynamic of pit stops in endurance racing means a larger crew. Fortunately, pit crew members Brad Allen, Sean Morris, John McNulty, Ryan Walton, and Mark Miller were ready. And co-driver Scott Webb was again prepared to bring a powerful one-two punch to the driving duties.

On Friday before the race, the team had a test day just to get acquainted with the track. Gardner had never been to the facility, and neither he, nor Webb, had run Thunderhill backwards. The race was to be run clockwise, which is reverse from the standard configuration, bringing with it entirely new challenges.

Gardner and Webb both began to get up to speed. Luckily the car’s baseline setup proved to be a good compromise, and the crew made very few setup changes, though they carefully monitored tire temps and pressures. At the end of the day, the team did take some precautionary measures, replacing the left front wheel bearing and hub along with the outer tie rod end. Going clockwise meant that this corner of the car would see the mode side loads and stress.

On Saturday, Webb qualified the car on pole with a very fast 2:05 lap time. Even more impressive was accomplishing it in the midst of nearly 100 cars, all trying to find space. The team decided Gardner would take the first stint, and Webb would bring up the tail. But nothing would happen until the team solved what would become known as “the curse of the radios.”

With just 30 minutes left before the race began, the team was still chasing down gremlins in not one or two, but four different radios, all different kinds. None had the same problem, but each had an issue that would potentially leave the team with no contact between crew and drivers.

Veteran road racer, Tom Lepper, was kind enough to loan the team two more radios, but a harness problem plagued those radios as well. The curse continued. With a lot of diligence, the team found the area of the harness that was faulty, and began to see if there was a way they could temporarily fix it. Two tie wraps cinched down very tightly seemed to fix the problem, at least for the time being.

With less than 10 minutes before the start of the race, Gardner pulled the Scion onto the grid. During the start, Gardner waited and waited before a late green was finally thrown. Another good start put the Scion right on the bumper of an unlimited class Pro Truck. Gardner fended off a couple challengers, one in the Scion’s E1 class and one out of class.

A couple laps in, World Challenge and Grand-Am driver, Jim Daniels, would be hounding Gardner in the new E1 Mazda RX-8. Gardner fended the Mazda off, and eventually let the car go, heading up and over The Bypass, where the Scion would catch air, with three or four tires routinely off the ground.

About halfway through his stint, Gardner became heat exhausted, finding it difficult to breathe. He would later learn that at least one other driver would be taken away in an ambulance due to the same condition. Temps that moved into the mid-90s were making it hard on everyone.

Gardner took a lap to focus on breathing, regained his head, and then began to get into a rhythm. The Mazda had a 12-second lead at that point, but shortly would begin to have issues. Gardner passed the car a few laps later, but he also had another challenge. Although he could hear his spotter on the radio, the crew was unable to hear him. With one-way communications only, the team devised a method to communicate with Gardner. Flashes of the headlights down the front straight would prove effective, as Gardner flashed “yes” or “no.”

At just over the hour mark, the car’s main pump bobbled, and Gardner hit the two supplemental pumps. The team counted out five more laps, and then brought the car in just under halfway into the race. Gardner released the harnesses and managed to unplug the radio connection as well. John McNulty helped Gardner out and began to get Webb into the car, as Morris and Allen started fueling the car. Miller had the fire extinguisher at the ready while Walton spotted, making sure no one made a mistake. The stop wasn’t perfect, but the car was off and motoring down pitlane, spending less time in the pits than most of the other teams.

Webb began rattling off consistent laps. The team knew they’d have to perform at least one more fuel stop, but it was uncertain whether they’d have to change a left front tire. The car bobbled, Webb hit the other pumps, and then came in four laps later.

The team quickly checked the front tires, ready to swap one or the other once the fueling was completed. Fortunately, the long-lasting Nitto NT-01 tires were up to the task and had plenty left to go. The team dumped 10-gallons into the car at lightning speed, and the car was off again. The stop was perfect.

During the last part of the race, Webb really stepped up the pace, hammering out a blistering-fast 2:04.9. The question now was whether the team could make it without another fuel stop. It was going to be close, very close. With 15-20 minutes still left, the main pump starved. Webb hit the supplemental pumps, and then was advised to back it off a notch, as the team didn’t want to risk having to make another stop for fuel.

After 79 laps, the Scion would cross the finish line with less than a gallon of fuel left in the tank. It would spell back-to-back WERC endurance wins for the Scion team in the E1 class. The team also managed to finish an impressive sixth overall, having zero mechanical issues to speak of.

“Talk about bulletproof,” commented Webb. “The radio problem was really frustrating, but the Scion was fantastic. Dan gave me a great car when I got in, and I just drove it hard, but consistent. The car had good balance and great power at Thunderhill, leaving some of the more expensive European cars scratching their heads. It’s another super win for Scion Racing.”

With their second WERC win in as many races, the Scion Racing team now has a perfect 200 points in the series in the competitive E1 class. The team looks to make it three in a row as they prepare for the next race, which will end under cover of darkness at Buttonwillow on June 27. The team will also compete in Performance Touring for two sprint races that same weekend.

A short exterior compilation video of Gardner’s impressive come-from-behind win at Willow Springs can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNuTClHifY

And in-car video of Webb securing pole position at Thunderhill can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90OxoPLgX3Q

The JD Scion tC team uses

• Scion-supplied OE parts

• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit

• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps

• Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

• Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks

• Vogtland springs

• Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits

• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

• Racepak IQ3 logger dash

• AEM sensors and EMS

• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights

• Royalty Auto Body body work

• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel

• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch

• Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

• Goodridge stainless brake lines and oil cooler and fuel system fittings and lines

• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

• G-Force racing suit, gloves, and helmet

• DC Sports header

• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

• HoseTechniques silicone hoses

• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear

• NST 65-mm supercharger pulley and shifter bushings

Dezod Holiday Hours (11/14/08)

November 27-28th CLOSED

December 24-25th CLOSED

December 31st CLOSED

January 1st-2nd 2009 CLOSED

Dezod brakes for C5/C6 Performance (11/1/08)

The Dezod Motorsports team has put together a kick a$$ sale for those C5/C6 fellas. Order any Random Technology exhaust item (valued over $600), Dezod Exhaust package or SSW or Melrose long tube headers and receive FREE Dezod Brake pads! (limited to quantities on hand). Order both headers and exhaust, receive both front and rears for free!

Dezod, JD and Scion take it home (10/1/08)

Jackson-Dawson and Scion Win National Championship

Historic Milestone Marks World's First National Road Racing Title for Scion

TORRANCE, Calif. It wasnt really supposed to happen. A Scion taking a national championship in road racing. But thats exactly what happened at NASAs third annual national championship at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course this past weekend. Driver Dan Gardner and the Jackson-Dawson team brought home the title in Performance Touring C. And they also won overall in Race Group J, being the first car to cross the finish line out of almost 60. Its a world first for Scion, a brand launched just five short years ago.

"It still hasnt quite sunk in, said Gardner. "I knew we had the juice to have a respectable finish, but to win it&to win the national championship, thats something special. It was no cakewalk; thats for sure. We battled until the end. For me personally, coming off a broken right foot, it was a huge challenge. This is just so sweet. The team is so excited to bring this home for Scion and for all of our committed sponsors who were always there to support us. And to all the owners out there, thanks for cheering us on. This win is for you.

The week started off with a decent-enough practice day on Thursday, but the team wouldnt know what the weather gods had in store until the next morning. Weather patterns seemed to be shifting every 15 minutes, and just five minutes before going on track it was unclear what the track conditions would be. Some teams had wet and dry tires at the ready even in pre-grid.

The JD team would routinely put the car on jackstands and have both a wet and a dry set of tires ready to go on at a moments notice. They were also ready to make speedy sway bar and shock adjustments as needed.

On Friday morning the track was already a mess, as rain had been pouring down. Some race groups were running in the wet, and others were running in what seemed to be a monsoon. It was a total crapshoot, but at least in the morning, the decision was easy&rain tires or die.

Crew chief Brad Allen disconnected the rear sway bar before the morning practice. No huge shock changes were made, as the team had already dropped to softer springs the day before.

Its really like splitting aces, said Allen. When it rains, we pull the rear bar. Its pretty quick actually. We just disconnect one endlink and then zip tie it up so its not flopping all around. Especially with as big a rear bar as we run, its important to dial out some of the oversteering tendencies when conditions get slick.

Practice went well, as Gardner felt out the limits of the car in the wet. He was shifting his foot position on the brake pedal, as the day before had sent sharp waves of pain through his foot, still on the mend after a significant fracture. Still, the car was tearing up the wet track, passing other cars almost at will.

By the time Friday Qualifying came, it was betwixt and between. The track had started to dry out a bit, but menacing clouds loomed overhead. Less than five minutes before going out on track, the JD team decided to throw rains on. Other cars, including the high-powered Mazda RX-8 factory team, were still on dries. One minute before track time, the rain began to fall again. One Mazda actually pulled out of grid to swap to rains, as they had gambled that conditions would stay dry.

Gardner qualified well, putting the car second on grid for the start of the first Qualifying Race. Again, the track would be rain-soaked, so the team maintained the same setup. Gardner would start in the first row on the outside, alongside Speed World Challenge and Grand-Am driver, Jim Daniels. When the green flew, both drivers got a good jump and were neck and neck, until Gardner started to pull ever so slowly on the RX-8. Still, in the braking zone, the Mazda had the edge, as the two cars went side by side inches apart going into the first turn.

Gardner was hounding Daniels in the rain, as pressure came from behind by other RX-8s and the turbo Miata. In the Carousel, Gardners Scion got sideways and spun. As Gardner tried to save it, it kept going. Finally, in order not to leave the track surface, Gardner put the brakes on hard, and wound up facing traffic, but still on the track.

It was a brutal waiting game, as a train of 15 cars were coming, and Gardner had to wait around 30 seconds before he was able to find a break, do a lighting-fast U-turn, and then rejoin the race. His 2:07 lap time in the rain was the third fastest in the group, and within two-and-a-half laps he would run down the pack, catching and passing cars, sometimes three at a time.

Halfway through the last lap of the race, Gardner was beating on the back bumper of the second-place RX-8. Gardner went side by side in the Carousel, but would be chopped down on hard by the Mazda, who at the same time went hard on the brakes. As soon as the brake lights went off, Gardner put the go pedal to the floor and swung to the inside of the front straight. It was a drag race to the finish, but the Scions supercharged power would prevail, finishing less than 50 thousandths of a second ahead. It truly was a photo finish, and a great rain-driving clinic, as Gardner worked his way back through the field to take second place.

Saturdays morning warm-up session began with a light rain and wet conditions again. Just a couple laps into the session, the skies opened up. It was virtual blindness as wipers on full speed could not clear the water fast enough, despite the copious amounts of Rain-X the team had put on the windshield. Down the back straight Gardner couldnt see a thing going 120 mph in a downpour while rooster tail spray from the cars in front pounded the windshield. Then the windshield fogged up, and it was simply too dangerous to continue. Gardner got on the radio to tell his crew he was coming in, only to learn that most other drivers were doing the same thing.

The anti-fog treatment on the glass simply wasnt enough during a downpour. Crewman Sean Morris got to work, making a run to Radio Shack to buy a mini-fan that could be rigged to help clear the fog from the windshield, should the team be caught in another downpour during a race.

Our glass looked better than a lot of other cars, which wasnt saying much, said Morris. I found a decent fan and started the wiring and mounting project. I wanted to make sure that the fan wouldnt be an obstruction, but I also wanted to make sure we had a solution that would work. After all the crazy rain, we wouldnt even get a chance to try it.

Saturdays Qualifying would be dry, so the team went back to their dry setup. Gardner would struggle to find room, only able to place the car third on the grid behind Danielss RX-8 and an SRT-4. The start was similar to the previous day, as Gardner got a good jump. He would be in P2, tucking behind Daniels in the first turn. From there it was a game of holding off another RX-8 from the Mazda team.

Gardner made the car wide, making it difficult to be passed. The Scion was clearly faster than the Mazda in places, but was giving it back up in others. Gardner was doing everything he could to keep the Mazda behind. On the final lap, the car would unfortunately bobble for fuel, just enough for the Mazda to get beside the Scion. Fans and announcers were on the edge of their seats as the Scion and Mazda went side by side, inches apart, through the entire last section of turns.

In the end, the RX-8 would get the best of Gardner and the Scion, finishing five or six car lengths ahead. Still, it was a good race, and the fans got a heck of a show.

With the qualifying races over, Daniels earned 200 points, while Gardner and another Mazda RX-8 were tied for second with 175 points a piece. The rules stipulated that ties would be broken by the driver with the fastest lap time during either of the races. Gardner was edged out by a scant single tenth of a second, which would put him in P3 for the start of the National Championship Race on Sunday.

Sunday looked like it would be dry, and during the morning practice Gardner actually secured the fastest laptime of the field, though starting position was already predetermined. Nonetheless, it was a good sign, and a decent start to the day.

Winds would start to blow their way into Mid-Ohio as the day went on. Hurricane Ikes remnants had clearly made their way inland, as gusts of up to 75 mph hit the track before the day was done.

On the start, Gardner found himself on the inside behind two RX-8s and next to a big-horsepower SRT-4. It was going to take a massive jump to keep the Dodge behind, and thats exactly what Gardner got. On this start, the Scion rocketed ahead briefly pulling to the inside of the two Mazdas. Gardner thought better of going three wide, and let the Mazdas battle as he tucked in behind and fended off the SRT-4. On several occasions the RX-8s were practically banging doors and fenders as they fought with each other for position through the first several turns. Gardner stayed patient, tucking behind and forming a three-car train around the track.

Going into the Keyhole, the Mazda in P2 made a move to the inside and actually got around the first place car as they headed onto the back straight. Halfway down the straight Gardner went to the inside of the second place car, but didnt have enough room to get the pass done. Again he tucked in behind as he fended off the SRT-4.

Right before going into Thunder Valley, the Scion and the Mazdas were again locked in a three car train. In an instant, one of the Mazdas found itself having mechanical problems. Gardner and the other RX-8 zoomed by on the inside. Gardner would chase the now-first-place car down, and repeatedly try to get around him.

After three or four laps, Gardner saw an opportunity. As he began to catch lap traffic, Gardner timed a pick-and-pass just right, as he passed an incident and swung to the inside of the Keyhole, using a lower-class Neon as a pick. The RX-8 would get around the Neon as well, but not before Gardner had taken over the position.

Now the Scion was showing the way, leading the class and the entire race group. The Mazda was banging on Gardners door trying desperately to get around. He was at the same time fending off the SRT-4, as the Dodge would pass him down the back straight and he would pass him back under braking going into Madness.

Several laps went this way, until a full-course caution brought the pace car out. The pace car collected Gardner who was leading the group. Serious accidents meant that it was unclear if the race would end under double yellow conditions. In the end it was not to be.

After three to four pace laps, the pace car finally pulled off down the back straight, and Gardner waited for the single-file restart. The green flew, and Gardner got another spectacular start, pulling away from the Mazda, who tried to get around the tC under braking. Gardner positioned his Scion in the center of the track and turned in early to thwart the RX-8s attack.

Lap after lap, the Mazda tried to pressure Gardner to force him to make a mistake, but he was experiencing huge pressure of his own from behind, as the SRT-4 was trying to get around him, and sometimes did down the back straight. Gardner was holding onto the position despite the pressure.

With the race getting close to the end, the SRT-4 turned on the heat, picking up the pace, and passing the RX-8 early down the back straight. Gardner would now be forced to fend off the car with the most power in the class. As they came out of the Keyhole on the final lap of the race, Gardner got a little bit of breathing room, but the SRT-4 was on the gas. Gardner set his car up in the middle of the track, as the Dodge tried to get inside.

Gardner apexed at the turn down the back straight to hold the SRT-4 off, and then blended track left to set up for Madness. A slower RX-7 helped pick the Dodge, forcing him to remain behind the Scion as they went into the curviest part of the track. With the Dodge on his back bumper, Gardner started to get a tiny bit of room between himself and the blue SRT. As he approached the Carousel, Gardner knew if he didnt make a mistake he would take the win.

As he came onto the front straight, Gardner looked back and saw the SRT-4 at least three car lengths back. As he crossed the finish line, with fist pumping in the air, Gardner would take the National Title, bringing Scion its first-ever in road racing. It was close, with the Scion crossing the line less than half a second ahead of the second-place car. The fight made the victory even sweeter for the team.

All of this came after the team scrambled to put the Scion back together again after the big wreck at Watkins Glen. They werent sure if everything would be exactly right, but the car was bulletproof, completely reliable all week. Gardner worked around the mending right foot, using various techniques to keep the pain away. In the end, it would be enough to secure the win, and the victory party would begin!

What an accomplishment by the JD team, said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager. They were really able to accomplish something special this past weekend. We are really proud of our first national road racing championship. The tC is developing quite a performance reputation, and this is a great end to an amazing season.

Final results from the National Championship Race can be found here:

http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=963321

The JD Scion tC team uses

" Scion-supplied OE parts

" TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit, and limited-slip diff.

" Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

" Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

" Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

" Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

" Moton Suspension coilover shocks

" Vogtland springs

" Progress Technology rear swaybar

" Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

" Racepak IQ3 logger dash

" AEM sensors and EMS

" Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights

" Royalty Auto Body body work

" Americas Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

" Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

" Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel

" AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch

" Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

" Goodridge stainless brake lines and oil cooler and fuel system fittings and lines

" Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

" G-Force 5-point harnesses, racing suit, gloves, and helmet

" DC Sports header

" Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

" HoseTechniques silicone hoses

" M-Workz alignment and corner balancing

" turn3 clothing

" NST 65-mm supercharger pulley and shifter bushings

Jackson-Dawson Communications (JD) is a 27-year-old privately held company that provides creative and strategic services to a range of national clients. Core competencies include retail training, event marketing, marketing services, business theater, video and media production services, meeting planning, print graphic and design services, staging service and vehicle management.

With corporate offices in Detroit, MI, Jackson-Dawson also maintains offices in Torrance, CA, Manhattan, NY, and Spring Hill, TN. Jackson-Dawson owns and operates several divisions: Peloton Creative Group, BenMar Communications, Drivers Talk Radio and Drivers Talk Testing.

Scion & Dezod make history (6/24/08)

Jackson-Dawson and Scion Achieve the Unthinkable by Shortly Leading the Race in

Pro Debut at Mid-Ohio

Equally Impressive is a Near Top 10 Finish, as Team grabs 14th Out of Field of Almost 50

TORRANCE, Calif. Dan Gardner and the Jackson-Dawson team yesterday made history for Scion in the ranks of professional road racing. The tC sports coupe ran in the top ten for much of the race at Mid-Ohio in Grand-Ams highly-competitive KONI Challenge Street Tuner class. This is a class where the top 20 cars are often less than a second apart for lap times. In the end, the team would finish an impressive 14th out of almost 50.

The team briefly put the Scion at the head of the pack, as many of the leaders came in for a pit stop. What wasnt so brief, however, was the fact that the car ran in the top 10 for much of the race, battling with season points leaders Eric Curran and Jamie Holtom in the Georgian Bay Cobalt SS.

"What can you say? Being the first at anything in racing is special," said driver and team manager, Gardner. "But being the first to actually achieve so much the first time out is beyond the ability of words to describe. Our Scion was rock solid reliable. It takes more than that to be successful at this high of a level, so thats just the start. But then to prove to the world that Scion is ready, that Scion is here, that Scion is now&well thats a feeling none of us will ever forget.

A recent decision to put veteran pro driver Craig Stanton in the car with Gardner made all the difference in the world, as Stanton drove strong, and proved to be a force with which to be reckoned. And at Mid-Ohio, rain, more specifically thunderstorms, would prove to be a force to be reckoned with as well&.

When the clouds moved in, and the sky saturated with an eerie gray-black, the team got their rain tires ready, but they knew they couldnt do a tire swap until the track got sufficiently wet. It wasnt long before thunder was booming and lighting was illuminating the sky like old flash bulbs. Then the rain poured down, and the team finally had to bring the car in, lest they be helpless to fight against cars that had already done the tire change.

When Stanton and the Scion got back on track, it wouldnt be long before they found themselves battling it out amongst the top 10 at the front of the pack&this, after starting from 20th position when the green flag dropped. The team knew they would still have to do a driver change, which would be costly since the other teams had already completed theirs.

The strategy was to try to pit under yellow to give the team a fighting chance at not losing any positions. The yellow wouldnt come though, and Stanton came in to hand the reigns over to Gardner. The driver change went off without a hitch, and Gardner zoomed out onto track. The team would manage to hold onto 14th as Gardner crossed the finish line, taking Scion into the pages of history.

To achieve this much at this level excites all of us here at Scion, said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager. The rest of the world cant help but take notice of what we already know&that Scion is a performance force that has to be taken seriously.

Over the last six months, Chuck Wade and Marty Schwerter at Toyota Motorsports have been hard at work preparing the car along with Gardner. Central to the prep work and development has been Schwerter, who is no stranger to preparing the tC for road racing. Schwerter is the man responsible for putting together the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro Celebrity cars. The work and experience clearly paid off for the team, as they suffered not one hiccup during the entire race weekend.

"I had a chance to visit Toyota Motorsports recently," said BGB team manager, John Tecce. "Marty, Chuck and the gang do fantastic work. Its exactly the kind of thing you need to field a successful entry in pro racing."

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) made great contributions to the team as well with the support of the supercharger system along with a few other bits and pieces. The blower is what allows the tC to produce the power to be competitive at this level.

When we designed the supercharger, we knew it would give the tC a big shot in the arm powerwise, but we also needed it to be fantastically reliable, said Gary Boler, TRD business operations manager. Proving our parts performance and durability in Grand-Am with the JD team is just further testament to the quality that goes into every part and accessory that leaves our door.

Drivers Gardner and Stanton, along with the entire team, put together a string of milestones for Scion which wont soon be forgotten. They include:

" First Scion to compete in professional road racing

" First Scion to finish a pro race

" First Scion to climb into the top 10 during a pro race

" First Scion to lead a pro race

" First Scion to finish a pro race in top third of the field

The tC also managed to turn lap times during the middle of the race in the rain that were on par with the race-winning Subaru&all while have two less drive wheels to provide traction.

Its a great car and a great program, said Stanton. Im happy I had the opportunity to drive for the team. Scion makes some great products, and the tC really is impressive. Any car that can be setup to compete at this level says great things about its general underpinnings.

The race will be broadcast on SPEED in less than a week this coming Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. ET. For local listings please see www.speedtv.com. A photo and brief pre-race write up can be viewed at http://www.grand-am.com/koni/news/index.cfm?cid=17542. The team now heads to Watkins Glen for another Grand-Am KONI Challenge race on July 5. Information on Grand-Am and the series can be found at www.grand-am.com or www.konichallenge.com.

The JD Scion tC team uses

" Scion-supplied OE parts

" TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit, and limited-slip diff.

" Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

" Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

" Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug and play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

" Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

" Moton Suspension coilover shocks

" Vogtland springs

" Progress Technology rear swaybar

" Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

" Racepak IQ3 logger dash

" AEM sensors

" Kaminari carbon fiber roof and composite headlights

" Royalty Auto Body body work

" Americas Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

" Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

" Centerforce clutch and low inertia steel flywheel

" AIT carbon fiber hood

" Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

" Goodridge stainless brake lines and oil cooler and fuel system fittings and lines

" Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

" G-Force 5-point harnesses, racing suit, gloves, and helmet

" DC Sports Header

" Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

" HoseTechniques silicone hoses

" M-Workz alignment and corner balancing

" turn3 clothing

" NST shifter bushings and pulley

Jackson-Dawson Communications (JD) is a 27-year-old privately held company that provides creative and strategic services to a range of national clients. Core competencies include retail training, event marketing, marketing services, business theater, video and media production services, meeting planning, print graphic and design services, staging service and vehicle management.

With corporate offices in Detroit, MI, Jackson-Dawson also maintains offices in Torrance and Irvine, CA, Manhattan, NY, and Spring Hill, TN. Jackson-Dawson owns and operates several divisions: Peloton Creative Group, BenMar Communications, Drivers Talk Radio and Drivers Talk Testing.

Scion, Dan & Dezod go for a first (6/18/08)

Jackson-Dawson tC to Become Worlds First Scion to Compete in Professional Road Racing

Dan Gardner and the JD Scion Team Prepare to Plunge into Grand-Ams KONI Challenge Series this Weekend at Mid-Ohio

TORRANCE, Calif. The tC sports coupe and team that started as the worlds first Scion to take a national podium in road racing, now prepare to take a huge step forward. Dan Gardner and the Jackson-Dawson Scion team have their sights set on fierce competition, as they become the first-ever Scion team to compete in a professional road race series. The Scion tC and the team will make their debut in the highly-competitive Grand-Am KONI Challenge series this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio.

"Its really an amazing but crazy feeling," said driver and team manager, Gardner. "Every person thats touched this program, thats helped make it what it is today, deserves heaps of praise. Weve always believed the tC to be a fantastic platform, but lets face it, no one really knew what it would take to make it ready for the big time. On Sunday when we take the starting grid, on perhaps the biggest production road racing stage in North America, well remember why we all worked so hard."

The pro racing effort will be fielded by the immensely talented and successful BGB Motorsports team, one of the most respected teams in all of KONI Challenge. BGB was chosen for their track record, but also for their meticulous attention to detail and their reputation for superb race strategy.

"Were excited to be a part of this factory-backed effort," said BGB team manager, John Tecce. "Its not every day you get to field a car thats making history by being the first of its kind. Scion and TRD have shown great commitment to this program, and were just happy to be a part of it."

Toyotas own in-house performance division, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), has been a great help to the team this season. TRD has long been associated with both professional and grassroots racing. Several TRD parts on the JD racecar are available to all Scion owners through Scion dealerships.

Our brand of performance parts and accessories really are meant to perform at the highest level, said Gary Boler, TRD business operations manager. It doesnt get much higher than this in terms of production-based road racing. The tC is a great car, but it can always be made better with a few TRD components. The supercharger kit on the JD car is one great example of that.

The Scion tC will be taking on a humongous field of over 50 entries in the exciting Street Tuner (ST) Class. Cars range from Mazda RX8s, to BMW 330s&Chevrolet Cobalts to Acura TSXs. All in all, over 10 manufacturers will be vying for points.

It will be with great pride that we see our Scion tC mixing it up at the pinnacle of road racing competition, said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager. The KONI Challenge battles are fierce; its going to be exciting!

The race takes place on Sunday, June 22 at 12:45 PM Eastern time and will be nationally broadcast on SPEED the following week. The team will practice on Thursday and Friday, and will Qualify on Saturday, June 21 at 2:15 PM. Results can be viewed at either www.grand-am.com or www.konichallenge.com.

The JD Scion tC team uses

" Scion-supplied OE parts

" TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit, and limited-slip diff.

" Nitto 235/40R17 NT-01 tires

" Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels

" Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug and play harness, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line

" Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

" Moton Suspension coilover shocks

" Vogtland springs

" Progress Technology rear swaybar

" Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

" Racepak IQ3 logger dash

" AEM sensors

" Kaminari carbon fiber roof and composite headlights

" Royalty Auto Body body work

" Americas Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

" Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

" Centerforce clutch and low inertia steel flywheel

" AIT carbon fiber hood

" Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates

" Goodridge stainless brake lines and oil cooler and fuel system fittings and lines

" Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads

" G-Force 5-point harnesses, racing suit, gloves, and helmet

" DC Sports Header

" Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

" HoseTechniques silicone hoses

" M-Workz alignment and corner balancing

" turn3 clothing

" NST shifter bushings and pulley

Scion, Dan & Dezod go KONI challenge (12/18/07)

Jackson-Dawson and Scion to Race in Grand-Ams Koni Challenge and

NASAs Performance Touring for 2008

2007 Championship Team Will Be Scions Inaugural Entry into Professional Endurance Racing

TORRANCE, Calif. After a tremendously successful 2007 season in the worlds first national road race Scion tC, Jackson-Dawson (JD) and Scion are taking their road racing program to the next level. The team will be competing in select Grand-Am Koni Challenge races. The car will be prepped to run in the highly competitive Street Tuner (ST) class which routinely sees fields in excess of 30 cars per race. In addition to running in Grand-Am, the team will continue the grassroots Scion tradition by campaigning the car once again in NASAs (National Auto Sport Association) Performance Touring series.

The Scion tC road race car is currently undergoing further development to make it competitive in Koni Challenge against the likes of Honda, Acura, Subaru, Mazda, Chevrolet, and many others.

Driver and team manager Dan Gardner will be bringing NASA and World Challenge driver Patrick Lindsey on board to share driving duties in Grand-Am. Lindsey is the 2006 NASA PTA National Champion.

The well-known and respected BGB Motorsports team will be helping the team field the entry. Their race strategy and know-how is second to none in Grand-Am. The team recently finished an impressive third in the season points standing in the Grand Sport (GS) class of Koni Challenge.

"Were extremely pleased to have Scion on board with us," said Gardner. "The brand is young, edgy, and hip, but theyre serious about performance too. Last year was a great season, and it only made sense to take things to the next level. We want to prove even further how solid the tC is by placing it up against some of the worlds best factory-backed efforts."

The team is using the best brains in the business to help make the car turn, accelerate, and brake exceptionally. The tCs fully independent suspension and large 2.4-liter 4-cylinder should spell good things to come.

The JD team really put together a fantastic effort last season, said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager. Grand-Am is an extremely visible series, and we cant wait to show the tCs capabilities.

Toyotas own in-house performance division, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), will be helping to support the effort as well. TRD has long been associated with both professional and grassroots racing. Its ever-expanding lineup of performance products specifically developed for Scion vehicles help any owner get more out of their tC, xB, xD, or xA.

The tC is a great platform that gets even better with the addition of TRD performance parts and accessories, said Gary Boler, TRD business operations manager. Were pleased to help support Scions racing effort, and cant wait to make the car even hotter than it already is.

Partnership arrangements are already in place with some of the top companies in the industry, such as:

" Nitto

" Enkei

" Recaro

" Moton

" Progress Technology

" Dezod Motorsports

" Kaminari

" Centerforce

" NST

" AIT

" Wild Pony Motorsports