Audi Joins GRAND-AM As Official Promotional Partner; New GT Entry Debuts

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Audi R8 GRAND-AM will make its Rolex Sports Car Series debut in the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona on Saturday and Sunday, with a host of Audi supporters on hand in celebration of Audi's new relationship with GRAND-AM as an Official Promotional Partner.

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Audi is the ninth manufacturer to join the GRAND-AM OEM partnership program, as the sanctioning body enters what promises to be a landmark season.

"Racing is a key proving ground for our products and a core element of our brand," said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. "Since its introduction, the R8 has proven to be a great success on the track as well as on the road for our customers. We hope to see that success continue here in the U.S. as a partner of GRAND-AM racing,"

As part of its promotional efforts, Audi will provide registered customers and enthusiasts with an exclusive motorsport experience throughout the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend. The experience will include activities such as driver meet-and-greets, technical discussions and pit/paddock tours originating from two different suites in Daytona International Speedway's Sprint Tower. An Audi Car Corral will be located directly behind the Sprint Tower.

Audi will participate in additional promotional activities during the 2012 Rolex Series season.

"GRAND-AM has made a concerted effort to embrace international manufacturers over the past several years and Audi's participation in our 2012 OEM partnership program is another great example of how those efforts are paying off," said GRAND-AM CEO Ed Bennett. "The Audi R8 GRAND-AM is one of the most anticipated new cars to join the 2012 Rolex Series, and we are thrilled to welcome Audi and its supporters to our paddock."

Two Audi R8 GRAND-AMs have been entered for the Rolex 24: the No. 51 APR Motorsport entry co-driven by Ian Baas, Nelson Canache, Jim Norman, Dion von Moltke and Emanuele Pirro and the No. 74 Oryx Racing entry to be shared by Humaid Al Masaood, Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane.

Audi Sport customer racing expects additional R8 GRAND-AMs to join the series later this season.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and U.S. Audi dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe in 2011 and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. AUDI AG strives to be an innovator in the industry and plans to invest $17 billion on new products and technologies through 2016. 

SOURCE GRAND-AM Road Racing