Kia Racing Stands on the Podium at Barber Motorsports Park for the Second Straight Year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Racing today followed up last year's Street Tuner (ST) victory with a nail-biting, second-place finish in a caution-filled Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race featuring more than 70 cars.  During a rain shower in the final 15 minutes of the race, Jonsson moved the No. 10 Infinity Audio Forte Koup up five spots to bring Kia Racing and Kinetic Motorsports its second podium finish in as many races.  Both Koups finished strong at Barber with Mark Pombo bringing the No. 12 car home in ninth place.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120331/LA80123-a )

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120331/LA80123-b )

"It was great to be back at Barber Motorsports Park and stand on the podium again," said Jonsson. "As usual, our Infinity Audio Forte Koup performed phenomenally. The crew did a great job setting up the car. We're happy with our second place finish and the points we picked up along the way will help as we attempt to defend the championship."

"The Forte Koup handled incredibly well today at Barber Motorsports Park," said Lally.  "The race was crazy at the beginning with all the cautions, but Nic did an amazing job at the end to get us on the podium. He is truly a world-class driver."

With the successful result in Birmingham, Kia Racing now sets its sights on April's Kia 200 at Miami-Homestead Speedway and looks to extend the positive early-season momentum.  Race fans can watch the exciting 2.5-hour race at Barber Motorsports Park on SPEED on Sunday, April 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET.  Kia Racing fans can catch all the latest news and updates on the team's progress throughout the season atwww.facebook.com/kiaracing.

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.

SOURCE Kia Motors America