Press Releases
4/18/08
Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
Legendary Race Car Driver Bob Bondurant will kick-off the Race at Road Atlanta May2, 2008
April 3, 2008 (Chandler, AZ) – Bob Bondurant, legendary racer and owner of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, will grand marshall the historic Mitty race at this year’s Road Atlanta Speedfest, May 2-4.
Classic Motorsports has announced that the legendary racer will serve as the honorary Grand Marshall at the Historic Sportscar Racing Mitty Challenge set to begin on May 2nd.
As the Grand Marshall, Bondurant will start the main event races with the famous, “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Additionally, Bondurant will attend the drivers and pre-race meetings, and be at the event for autograph sessions and post race party.
Feature Race: Bob Bondurant Trophy Anglo/American Challenge, Saturday May 3, 2008 1:00 p.m.
“The Mitty is a classic road race and the historical cars that will run the race are some of the cars I raced against,” said Bondurant. Bondurant made history at Le Mans in the #5 Daytona Coupe in 1966 when he finished first in the GT class and fourth overall with fellow driver Dan Gurney.
The Mitty Speedfest will again offer an incredible variety of historically significant race cars - both on display in the paddock and racing once again at Road Atlanta. Sanctioned by the Historic Sportscar Racing Association, the Mitty will include IMSA Camel GT, SCCA Trans-Am, Can-Am, Formula One, CART, and even NASCAR Winston Cup cars. For more information, visit www.hsrrace.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• Road Atlanta & tickets: www.roadatlanta.com, 800-849-7223
• Grassroots Motorsports: www.grassrootsmotorsports.com, 386-673-4148
• Reader info phone number: Bondurant School, 800-842-RACE, www.bondurant.com
• Media Contact: Anna Hackett, 480-242-9669, http://www.bondurant.com/about/prmedia.php
About Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
For forty years, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, "The Official High Performance Driving School of General Motors," located in Phoenix, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Community, has been the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette Coupe, Pontiac Solstice GXP, and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum, the Bondurant Method, is based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping, and custom corporate programs. For more information, log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
3/28/08Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
13 NASCAR CUP WINNERS SINCE 1984 ARE BONDURANT GRADUATES
Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving trained every champion past 23 years, less one
March 27, 2008 – (Phoenix, AZ) As NASCAR heads to Phoenix International Raceway in April, the Valley’s Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving has trained nearly every NASCAR Cup champion since 1984, including 2007 Champion Jimmie Johnson
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving continues to be the premier place for NASCAR looking to improve their road racing skills. Series champions Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are among the alumni competing at racing’s highest level. Up-and-coming drivers like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are also graduates.
Various race teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Ginn Racing and Jr Motorsports have sent not only their top drivers through the program, but also their developmental drivers.
“With the Nationwide Series considering adding more road course races to their schedule, these teams are realizing how important the training we provide is for all the drivers in their camp,” said Mike McGovern, Chief Instructor at the Bondurant School.
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
3/24/08Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
March 24, 2008 – (Phoenix, AZ) Phoenix International Raceway and the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving are hosting “Hot Laps for the Troops” at the PIR racetrack on April 9, 2008 to benefit PIR’s annual “Salute to Military Families.”
Just prior to the events of the April NASCAR weekend, the track is offering race enthusiasts the chance to visit PIR and ride around the track for one hot lap at $50 per person, with the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
All proceeds from “Hot Laps for the Troops” will benefit the Salute to Military Families program, helping to provide tickets and race day entertainment for the many men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Without the military’s support and commitment to the liberty and freedom of the American population, the entertainment of NASCAR racing at PIR and venues across the country would not be possible.
“Hot Laps for the Troops” is scheduled for three sessions on April 9:
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Prize giveaways are scheduled for each session.
Tickets are currently available as a print-at-home option via the “Hot Laps for the Troops” tab at www.phoenixraceway.com.
While the $50 ticket to “Hot Laps for the Troops” does not include race admission, tickets for the April 12 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ and all other events throughout the weekend at PIR are still available by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or by visiting www.racetickets.com.
CONTACTS:
Anna Hackett, Public Relations - Bondurant School of HPD
(480) 403-7623 ahackett@bondurant.com
Paul Corliss, Director of Communications PIR
(623) 463-5613 pcorliss@phoenixinternationalraceway.com
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, "The Official High Performance Driving School of General Motors," located in Phoenix, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette Coupe, Pontiac Solstice GXP, and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum, the Bondurant Method is based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered include Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping, and custom corporate programs. For more information; log on to www.bondurant.com http://www.bondurant.com/ or call 1-800-842-7223.
Phoenix International Raceway • 125 S. Avondale Blvd. • Suite 200 • Avondale, AZ 85323
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version. Phoenix International Raceway, 125 S. Avondale Blvd, Avondale, AZ 85323. www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com
2/19/08Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
February 19, 2008 – (Chandler, AZ) Valentine’s Day was a day full of celebration at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Bob Bondurant and his staff celebrated forty years as the leader in high performance driver training. The afternoon events included 50 media and VIP guests for hot laps and autocross. In the evening, the world-class training facility was transformed into a gala for over 300 people.
Over fifty members of the media and VIP guests participated in a Bondurant preview with on-track exercises: auto-cross, kart races, oversteer/understeer, and hot laps. Early arrivals included Allen Grant, former race car driver; Dick Guldstrand, former race car driver; and Dutch Mandel, editor and associate publisher of AutoWeek magazine.
The evening program began with cocktails and appetizers, and was followed by a dinner and program with guest speakers. Keynote speakers Robert & Kim Kiyosaki, authors of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Rich Woman, shared their experiences at the school. The Kiyosakis related their experiences at the School to the success they experience helping others to overcome their financial fears.
Additional speakers included: Dutch Mandel, editor and associate publisher of AutoWeek magazine; Dick Guldstrand, Corvette racer; Jim Geffords, Corvette racer; Bob Toth, GM of Goodyear of North America; and Chris Kaufmann, Motorsports Manager for Borla Performance Industries.
The evening included a live band and dancing for all to celebrate the many lives touched by Bob Bondurant and his school of High Performance Driving. “I opened the school on Valentine’s Day forty years ago, and it is still my number one love,” said Bob Bondurant, owner of the School.
The vehicle roll call:
The #5 Daytona Coupe (valued at $12 million)
’73 Datsun 240Z
’67 Datsun 2000 replica
’48 Indian motorcycle replica
’07 Factory Five GTM supercar. (modern day original design that is not a replica).
‘72 Thing (Bob’s recreational vehicle)
’65 Shelby Mustang GT 350
’02 Cadillac Le Mans Prototype (given to the School by GM).
’98 Cobra Mustang
’04 GTO Bondurant Pace Car
’99 Cobra Vic Executive Protection
Formula Bondurant Race Car
Fleet of over 200 GM Vehicles
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Photo requests: Anna Hackett, Bondurant (480) 403-7623
Mark Weber Director of Marketing, Factory Five (508) 291-3443
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, "The Official High Performance Driving School of General Motors," located in Phoenix, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette Coupe, Pontiac Solstice GXP, and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum, the Bondurant Method is based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered include Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping, and custom corporate programs. For more information; log on to www.bondurant.com http://www.bondurant.com/ or call 1-800-842-7223.
#5 Daytona Coupe – Along with Dan Gurney, Bob secured the overall title in the GT class with a fourth place finish at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
10/18/07Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
KING OF THE STREETS IS KING OF THE KARTS
September 4, 2007(Phoenix, AZ) – For the fifth time, Alan Rudolph has been crowned the King of the Streets at the Rock Island Grand Prix. The Grand Prix race is thirty laps on the streets of Rock Island, Illinois.
The title race for “King of the Streets” is the first race and main event to kick off the Sunday Grand Prix. Rudolph qualified third to start the race on Sunday. On the second lap he passed Sean Noonan and maintained that position for five laps. By the tenth lap Rudolph was in the lead and held it all the way to the finish line.
“It was a close battle all the way until the end, he (Kyle Weingand) was right on my tail, Rudolph said about the race. The street circuit in Rock Island is fast, “I was never lower than 4th gear the entire race.” Rudolph continued.
Rudolph is the General Manager of the Bondurant SuperKart School. He says being around the industry everyday definitely makes him a better racer, “With the position I have at Bondurant, I live, eat, and breathe karting. I have the opportunity to get behind the wheel to help performance.” The Bondurant SuperKart School is one of Rudolph’s crowing achievements. He moved to Arizona when Bob Bondurant asked him to head up the school in 1999.
Rock Island Grand Prix is the sixth of ten races Rudolph will compete in 2007. More information available online at www.bondurantsuperkarts.com or www.alanrudolph.com.
ALAN RUDOLPH AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT 602-717-7069
PHOTOS AVAILABLE: CONTACT ANNA HACKETT 480-403-7623
The Bondurant SuperKart School, located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is the proven leader in kart racing driver training. Course offerings range from beginner training to advanced kart racing and programs designed for both individuals and groups. The Bondurant SuperKart School is under the direction of five-time SKUSA King of the Streets and WKA National and Grand National Champion, Alan Rudolph. The school utilizes industry leading equipment including the Rotax TAG Karts, CRG Shifter Karts and Briggs & Stratton ProKarts. For more information go to http://www.bondurantsuperkarts.com or call 1-800-652-KART.
2007 King of the Streets winner Alan Rudolph
(Photo: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine)
7/16/07Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
CALENDAR RELEASE:
Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
DRIVE AND SURVIVE FOR WOMEN
Two day class empowering women - in and out of a vehicle
July 16, 2007 (Phoenix, AZ) – For the first time in ten years, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving will offer a Drive and Survive class for Women to the public. The first of the two day empowerment experience is scheduled for August 23, 2007, and seating is limited.
WHAT: Drive and Survive for Women; two day course offering including High Performance Driving instruction and “Fight Like a Girl” hands-on self-defense training.
WHO: Offered to women only. Men are welcome to the graduation.
WHERE: Bondurant School; 20000 S. Maricopa Rd., Gate Three
WHEN: Thursday 8/23/07, and Friday 8/24/07 (next class scheduled October 2007)
HOW: Call 480-961-0143 or 1-800-842-RACE
DIRECTIONS: From Phoenix, I-10 east to Wild Horse Pass Exit (162)
ONLINE INFO: www.bondurant.com
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. Named the “Official High Performance Driving School of General Motors,” Bondurant proudly features GM products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette coupe, Pontiac Solstice, and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
7/11/07Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
TOOELE VALLEY, UTAH (July 8, 2007) -- One of the greatest American racing drivers of all time, Bob Bondurant, was honored at Miller Motorsports Park on Saturday, July 7.
A native of Los Angeles, Bondurant joined Carroll Shelby's Cobra team in 1963 and went on to win numerous races and a chance to compete in the 1964 World GT Championship. Paired with Dan Gurney in a Cobra Daytona Coupe that year, he finished fourth overall and claimed the GT-class win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bondurant remained in Europe in 1965 and drove Shelby Cobras to win seven out of 10 races, which helped Shelby win the World Manufacturers Championship, which remains the only time in history that an American manufacturer has captured that prestigious honor.
Bob Bondurant is one of the "legends" whose photos adorn one wall in the Legends Hall banquet facility at Miller Motorsports Park. On Saturday, June 7, as a special guest of the 32nd Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) National Convention, he was reunited with the Cobra Daytona Coupe in which he and Gurney won the GT class at Le Mans in 1964 and signed his photo on the Wall of Legends for posterity.
"This is a great facility and a great event," Bondurant said in brief remarks before the signing ceremony. "I am honored to have my photo displayed here in Miller Motorsports Park's Legends Hall, and very pleased to be able to sign it."
After a blue-oval-intensive weekend at Miller Motorsports Park with the SAAC group, the track will prepare for more vintage competition when Historic Sportscar Racing Ltd. visits over the weekend of Aug. 3-5 for the second annual Zions Bank Heroes of Speed event.
For more information, call the track at (435) 277-RACE or visit the website at www.millermotorsportspark.com. For more information on the Shelby American Automobile Club, visit their website at www.saac.com. For more information on Historic Sportscar Racing Ltd., visit their website at www.hsrrace.com.
-credit: www.millermotorsportspark.com
6/25/07Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
(Phoenix, AZ) – In an exclusive agreement, General Motors named the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving the “Official High Performance Driving School of GM.”
The announcement comes as part of a three-year renewal contract between GM and Bondurant. GM will provide a fleet of new GM vehicles for use by students and instructors. Vehicles include 2007 and 2008 Corvettes, Corvette Z-06's, Cadillac CTS’s, CTS-V's and Pontiac Solstices. GM will continue to update the fleet and supply new year models in 2009. As part of the agreement Bondurant will provide branding exposure, cross marketing, and class discounts for GM and GM employees.
"GM is proud to continue its partnership as the exclusive automobile sponsor of the “Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving” and is looking forward to continued strengthening of this relationship,” said Sean Finegan, Corporate Event Vehicle Manager, Marketing Services, GM.
“Our long term relationship with General Motors continues to bring new and exciting opportunities for Bondurant and GM. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase these remarkable cars through our high performance driving classes,” said Bob Bondurant, CEO and Owner of Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
The agreement between GM and Bondurant creates a new awareness and experience for consumers, sponsors, and partners. This designation showcases the strengths of each brand and quality of each product. Students experience the excitement of training in these quality vehicles backed by the confidence of GM engineering and support.
The first wave of new GM vehicles will be arriving at Bondurant on Thursday June 28th at 3:00 p.m. Officials from GM and Bondurant will be available for comment.
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
4/20/07Contact: Anna Hackett
ahackett@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
Chandler, AZ: With the NASCAR Nextel Cup series coming to Phoenix, nine Bondurant School graduates are in the top 12 in points going into this weekends race.
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving continues to be the premier place for NASCAR drivers looking to improve their road racing skills. Series champions Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart are among the alumni competing at racings highest level. Up and coming drivers like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are also graduates.
“Looking at the points standing and realizes how successful our graduates in that series are, shows the level of training that both professionals and amateurs receive at the Bondurant School”, said Bob Bondurant, Owner and President of The School.
Various race teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Ginn Racing, and Jr Motorsports have sent not only their top drivers through the program, but also their developmental drivers.
“With the Busch Series adding more road coarse races to their schedule, these teams are realizing how important the training we provide is for all the drivers in their stable”, said Mike McGovern, Chief Instructor at the Bondurant School.
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method based on teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
2/8/07Contact: Alice Collins
acollins@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is pleased to announce the inclusion of new 2007 Cadillac CTS-V's into its High Performance Driving classes beginning on February 12th, 2007.
The new Cadillac CTS-V's feature a 6.0L V8. Students in the two- and three-day High Performance Driving classes will be able to experience the world-renowned Bondurant curriculum with the 400 horsepower Cadillac sedan.
"The new CTS-V is like a Stealth Fighter -- sleek-looking with unbelievable performance power, braking, and handling," said Bob Bondurant, founder and CEO of the School. "This car is so impressive, I use a CTS-V as
my own personal vehicle. I'm thrilled to add them to our vehicle offering."
Bondurant's High Performance Driving class teaches students ultimate car control. Students learn how to respond to the vehicle in different everyday driving situations, increasing their confidence and safety behind the wheel.
About The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving: Located in Phoenix Arizona, The Bondurant School is the world renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method, teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Some of the courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
11/7/06Contact: Alice Collins
acollins@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
Chandler, Arizona October 18, 2006 – The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is pleased to announce the addition of US Airways as an official sponsor of the school.
Students coming to Bondurant are now able to conveniently book their airfare through US Airways directly on the Bondurant website.
The Bondurant School has also placed a US Airways decaled racecar for display in their Terminal 4 baggage claim area at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.
“We’re very excited to have our hometown airline as part of the Bondurant School,” said Bob Bondurant, Owner and CEO of the School. “Our students fly in from all over the world and partnering with US Airways was a given.”
About US Airways: US Airways and America West’s recent merger creates the fifth largest domestic airline employing nearly 35,000 aviation professionals. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express operate approximately 3,800 flights per day and serve more than 230 communities in the US, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. US Airways is a member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 841 destinations in 157 countries worldwide. This press release and additional information on US Airways can be found at www.usairways.com (LCCG)
About The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving: Located in Phoenix Arizona, The Bondurant School is the world renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method, teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Some of the courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
8/9/06Contact: Alice Collins
acollins@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
August 9, 2006 – Chandler, AZ: To mark the 40th anniversary of the movie “Grand Prix”, Warner Home Video has released a special DVD edition of the film, including a “Making of” documentary featuring Bob Bondurant.
Bondurant was hired by director John Frankenheimer to personally instruct the star of the film, James Garner, in preparation for his driving scenes. He spent two months with the actor, and then played an active roll in production of the film, even playing the role of a fellow competitor.
“The documentary turned out fantastic and the movie looked great. That was such a great time. Not only was I a technical advisor for the film, training the actors and driving various Formula cars, as well as the GT40 camera car, I was also racing competitively for Ferrari,” said Bob Bondurant. “It’s great to see that the school that I started after my work with Grand Prix is still thriving and that this film is still considered one of the greatest racing pictures of all time.”
Shortly after Bondurant’s involvement with the film, Bondurant’s racing career was interrupted when the steering wheel on the McLaren Mk II he was driving at Watkins Glen broke at over 150 miles per hour, rolling end over end eight times and putting him in the hospital. He began developing plans for a racing school while recuperating and in 1968 opened The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, Arizona.
The DVD is in stores now.
About The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving: Located in Phoenix Arizona, The Bondurant School is the world renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C5 coupe, Pontiac GTOs and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the Bondurant Method, teaching maximum car control and driver safety. Some of the courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, High Performance Driving, Executive Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For more information log on to www.bondurant.com or call 1-800-842-7223.
6/27/06Contact: Alice Collins
acollins@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
June 18, 2006
(Phoenix, Arizona) Kart racing sensation and multi time national champion Alan Rudolph raised a few eyebrows in the world of stock cars as he impressed with a strong two-day test in a Bill Elliott owned Dodge powered Craftsman Truck. The test was held at Peach State Speedway outside Jefferson, Georgia. Rudolph's fastest lap of 19.1 seconds on the asphalt ½ mile high banked oval, eclipsed a baseline time run by Elliott earlier during the test, and was several tenths quicker than either of the other drivers in attendance.
Rudolph has been coaching Elliott's son Chase in karting competition this year, in the Colorado State region. The stock car legend was able to see Rudolph in action during a recent race, and after Rudolph's dominant win, Elliott offered him a test in a Dodge powered Craftsman Truck.
Although the test was originally scheduled to take place at Greenville Speedway in South Carolina, a long rainstorm forced them to head to Peach State Speedway in Georgia. The ½ mile asphalt Peach State track billed as ‘the fastest ½ mile track in Georgia” was promoted by Elliott's father in the 1960’s and was host to many Grand National stock car events
Rudolph was able to turn some 150 laps in the 760 hp Hoosier slick shod truck, and was comfortable with the considerable limits of the vehicle from the start. Elliott offered advice in some areas, but overall seemed to let Rudolph take his time figuring out what to do on his own.
“I wasn't really sure what to expect from that car,” remarked Rudolph. “From karting to sportscar racing, all the stuff I've been in has been really light and quick, and with the that truck weighing 3,400 lbs and making 700 horsepower, I wasn't totally sure what it would be like. The truck handled really well though, actually way better than I thought and the brakes we strong too. I started off left foot braking in my first session, but Bill coached me a bit and told me on the shorter ovals right foot braking is usually the way to go. After that we just concentrated on getting some good quick clean laps in.”
“He did real well in the test,” said Elliott in a recent interview. “I was totally surprised. He ran very consistent, even though I didn't have much time to work with him. I think if we can give him an opportunity he'll do real well.”
In addition to spending time at the track with Elliott, Alan was able to spend some time at the race shop and engine shop and even went and had lunch at one of Bill's favorite burger places, The Pool Room. Alan came away from his time with Elliott impressed with the entire experience.
“Bill's one of the most interesting and nicest guys you'd ever want to meet,” said Rudolph. “Everyplace we went people knew him, and was very cool with everyone. I learned a lot about his history, and I felt like we became good friends.”
Elliott was equally kind in his assessment of Rudolph. “Everyone seemed to like him,” said Elliott. “He's well spoken and he understands promoting. I hope I can help him with some opportunities.”
For more information on Alan Rudolph be sure to check out his website at www.alanrudolph.com.
About the Bondurant SuperKart Racing School: Established in 1998 and located within the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, the Bondurant SuperKart school is the premier karting school in the country. Featuring Briggs and Stratton ProKarts and TonyKart shifter and Tag karts, the school offers two different tracks – the Briggs and Stratton Karting complex which features a ½ mile, 14 turn road course and a shifter kart track. Under the direction of 3-time SKUSA King of the Streets and WKA National and Grand National Champion Alan Rudolph, the Bondurant SuperKart School instruction is second to none. For more information please visit www.bondurantsuperkarts.com.
2/6/06Contact: Alice Collins
acollins@bondurant.com
480-403-7623
Detroit, Michigan, February 6, 2006 - For the fourth year in a row, Cadillac and the Bondurant Superkart School held their pre SuperBowl celebrity kart race, the Cadillac SuperBowl XL Grand Prix.
The race was held at the Michigan State Fair grounds and included such celebrities as Jimmy Kimmel, Sara Silverman, Josh Duhemel, Leanne Tweeden, Jessica Alba, Dylan McDermott, Ludacris, Adrien Grenier, Tony Gonzales, Kelly Monaco, Master P, Pat O’Brian, Larry Smith, Jon Kelly, Richard Seymour, Vanessa Minnillo, and Tony Potts.
Vivica A. Fox and Jamie Presley were the official flag girls. Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and Lara Flynn Boyle were also there to take in the action.
This year, the Bondurant crew set up a track inside the Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. The concrete proved to be too slippery to race on, so a special mixture of Coca-Cola, anti-freeze, and brake fluid made the hay-bail-lined track a bit tackier.
“I was very impressed with how the racers adapted to the track conditions", said Bob Bondurant. “The track was slick but we still had some exciting racing.”
Josh Duhamel won the race and Cadillac donated $10,000 to the charity of his choice, Amnesty International. Second place was Pat O’Brian and third was two-time former champion Leanne Tweeden.
Stay turned to The Jimmy Kimmel show, ESPN, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra and People Magazine for coverage of the event.
About the Bondurant SuperKart Racing School: Established in 1998 and located within the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, the Bondurant SuperKart school is the premier karting school in the country. Featuring Briggs and Stratton ProKarts and TonyKart shifter and Tag karts, the school offers two different tracks – the Briggs and Stratton Karting complex which features a ½ mile, 14 turn road course and a shifter kart track. Under the direction of 3-time SKUSA King of the Streets and WKA National and Grand National Champion Alan Rudolph, the Bondurant SuperKart School instruction is second to none. For more information please visit www.bondurantsuperkarts.com.
