Driving for the Dublin, Ohio-based Intersport Racing team in the #89 LMPC Oreca FLM09, Kyle Marcelli took second place this past weekend on the 1.9 mile street circuit American Le Mans Series Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Marcelli, the talented 21 year-old racer from Barrie, Ontario was appointed to qualify the #89 Intersport Racing LMPC. With a limited qualifying session due to an early incident, the drivers needed to begin pushing right away to get in a quick lap. For most, including Marcelli each lap was quicker than the previous. As the checkered flag waved, Marcelli put in a great effort placing the #89 second in class just 0.3 tenths off the pole position and fourth overall.
“I was quite happy with our qualifying performance as we only needed a fraction more for the pole position. I really enjoy the atmosphere around any qualifying session as it’s about putting everything you and the car have into just one quick lap. On a temporary street circuit it’s about using every inch of the road, literally and it’s a lot of fun,” Marcelli said.
Co-driver of the #89 and California native Tomy Drissi did the opening stint of the two-hour street race. Starting on row two, it was clear track ahead. Drissi did a great job keeping the car up front and in contention before handing it off to Marcelli at the halfway point.
As the team pitted, the strategy opted for a quick stop just doing the driver change and adding fuel. It paid off as Marcelli exited the pits with the race lead. However, about 10 laps later Marcelli was passed by the #06 of Gunnar Jeannette. Marcelli was pushing hard and battling through GT traffic getting the most out of his LMPC but was unable to re-take the lead. The #06 of Gunnar Jeannette was the lone car to take both fuel and tires in the pit stop, which seem to have given him the slight advantage over Marcelli. With a late full course caution, the checked flag was displayed. Marcelli and the Intersport Racing crew celebrated a well-deserved second place finish.
“I was pleased to again be celebrating back on the podium of the American Le Mans Series. The Intersport Racing team did a wonderful job with preparation as we were quick right from the start and just having to make small changes to improve. A win was surely very close, we will push hard as a team for victory at the next round in Lime Rock Park,” Marcelli said.
Kyle would like to personally thank his corporate sponsor partners: Lafarge (Turbo), DynaPep Energy, 7/11, Barrie Trim & Mouldings, Simcoe Building Centre, Thermo Seal Insulation Systems, Braille Battery, Merchant Services Ltd, Leaf Racewear, 104.1 The Dock, Spherion and Intersport Racing.
About Kyle Marcelli:
Born February 23, 1990 in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, Kyle Marcelli – Professional Race Car Driver, has already established himself as a successful auto racer and has proven to be one of Canada’s stars in professional auto racing across the globe. Kyle made his rookie debut into the big show in 2010 driving for Intersport Racing where he earned two second place finishes. Currently driving full time for Intersport Racing, competing in the American Le Mans Series, Kyle has the capabilities of making history in 2011 as the youngest American Le Mans Series champion.
For more information on Kyle visit www.kylemarcelli.com or become a fan on Facebook. You can also follow Kyle on Twitter @kylemarcelli.
About the American Le Mans Series:
Inspired by the ultimate endurance test for man and machine, the 24 Hour of Le Mans, the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron is the premier prototype and GT endurance series in the world. Featured in the series are the elite marques of some of the most technologically advanced racing machines in the world including Aston Martin, Viper, Audi, Ferrari, Lola and Porsche to name just a few. The American Le Mans Series’ talent-laden driver roster includes the best road course races from around the world.
For more information visit: www.americanlemans.com
