High-performance automaker entered its new turbocharged mid-engine car in two professional races, January 18-19 at Thermal Club
Saleen 1 GT4 concept outperformed all vehicles in the GT4 class, while collecting data for homologation process with SRO Motorsports
THERMAL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The world’s newest race car designed to compete in GT4 racing made its official track debut this weekend during the second round of the Winter Invitational Series, Jan. 18-19, at the Thermal Club in the California desert.
High-performance vehicle manufacturer Saleen Automotive officially debuted its new Saleen 1 GT4 concept at two professional races, with a factory entry driven by Dominic Cicero, an experienced professional racing driver and head driving instructor at the Thermal Club.
Saleen entered the unique new racing series as an opportunity to further develop its GT4 concept while the vehicle is undergoing homologation approval process with the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO), in advance of the full 2020 GT4 season.
“Our intention with entering these races was to continue development of the Saleen 1 GT4 concept and collect data to assist the homologation process with SRO,” explained Gabriele Cadringher, director of motorsport at Saleen Automotive. “We knew the car would be very competitive within the GT4 class, but the results even exceeded our expectations.”
Competing in both races while still undergoing homologation, the Saleen 1 GT4 concept outperformed every official entry in the GT4 category, while racing alongside larger displacement machines in the GT2 and GT3 classes. Saleen’s number 8 car placed sixth overall in both races over the weekend, proving the new car’s strong performance and durability.
“We’re thrilled with our results this weekend,” said Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “There’s no greater test for performance and reliability than a live race and seeing our car outperform the entire GT4 field at both races this weekend was gratifying after months of testing and development work. We look forward to finalizing the homologation process with SRO and seeing the Saleen 1 on the grid at racetracks worldwide.”
Saleen’s GT4 Concept was unveiled in October 2019 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as a dedicated racing version of the Saleen 1 production model, with updates designed to comply with GT4 series specifications. The Saleen GT4 concept features updates to the car’s front splitter and fenders, plus new advanced rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. Per GT4 specifications, a large rear wing is included to add maximum downforce and traction. Saleen’s GT4 concept car also offers front and rear anti-lock braking systems and other GT4-specific equipment.
The Winter Invitational Series by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) offers an excellent introduction to SRO’s various series including GT World Challenge, GT Sports Club, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America. The series includes three events, from December 2019 through February 2020 at the Thermal Club in California. For more information on the series, visit Race.World-Challenge.com.
For more information on Saleen, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen, or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.
About Saleen Automotive, Inc.
Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 36 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.
From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@saleen.com
