Kia Racing Seeks Third-Straight Podium Finish and Championship Points Lead at the Kia 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

IRVINE, Calif., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Racing's GRAND-AM motorsports program is off to a fast start and returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) for round three of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) – the Kia 200 – after recording back-to-back second place finishes with the No. 10 Infinity Audio Forte Koup at Daytona and Barber Motorsports Park. The Kia 200 could prove historic as Andy Lally attempts to notch his 100th career GRAND-AM podium finish from behind the wheel of the Forte Koup that he shares with defending drivers champion Nic Jonsson and, during qualifying, takes aim at Kia's third consecutive pole position of the 2012 season.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120426/LA94678)

"I can't say enough about the hard work Kia Racing and Kinetic Motorsports have put into this program. As a driver who's been around this sport a long time, it is very exciting to be part of a team that is this hungry to win, and to have a great group of guys like this behind you is priceless," said Lally. "I've been given a fabulous opportunity to drive the Infinity Audio Forte Koup for Kia, and I can't wait to get out there and hopefully bring home number 100 with Nic."

The Pombo brothers are also looking to make some noise of their own in the No. 12 Infinity Audio Forte Koup. Mark and Mathew did very well last year at HMS, leading most of the race before narrowly missing the win in ST.

Kia Motors America (KMA) and HMS have partnered for the Kia 200 for the second consecutive year, and the race day festivities will include one of the world's fastest-growing automotive brands'[1] hip, music-loving hamsters from the Soul advertising campaigns waving the green flag and a large group of Kia guests and VIPs on hand.

"Partnering with Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Kia 200 is a great way for KMA to demonstrate our commitment to – and enthusiasm for – motorsports, and we hope South Florida race fans will enjoy spending the day at the track," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "We are very excited to be hosting a large group of Kia Racing fans from the Florida Kia Parts and Service Club as well as a large contingent of automotive journalists from around the country as the race team and HMS put on a great show."

The Kia 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway starts Saturday, April 28 at 2:45 p.m. ET. Kia Racing fans can check out live race status, photos and videos at www.facebook.com/kiaracing. Race fans can watch the Kia Hamstar character wave the green flag to the CTSCC field on Saturday, May 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET when televised coverage begins on SPEED.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending March 2007 and March 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

SOURCE Kia Motors America