Kia Racing's Infinity Audio Forte Koups to Compete at Mid-Ohio for Round Five of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge

IRVINE, Calif., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Racing returns to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course where fond memories of 2011 are still fresh.  It was here where the second-year program secured Kia's first ever professional road racing championships, the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) Driver and Team titles.  This season, Kia Racing charges into Lexington, Ohio, looking to increase their narrow points lead after a challenging weekend last month in New Jersey.  The No. 10 and 12 Infinity Audio Forte Koups enter the EMCO Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio with eyeing a podium finish and maintaining their focus on defending the championship.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/LA20723)

"Returning to Mid-Ohio is something we've looked forward to all season.  This race is not only a reminder of last season's success, when Kia won its first professional motorsports championship, but it's also the culmination of an excellent first half to the season," said Russell Smith, co-owner, Kinetic Motorsports.  "We couldn't be more proud of this amazing team, and the rapid rise of Kia Racing is down to the hard work and dedication of each person involved.  We started this season with back-to-back podium finishes and hope that we can start another streak, beginning this weekend."

Piloting the No.12 Infinity Audio Koup, brothers Mark and Mathew Pombo will look to make their own history with Kia Racing.  Winners of the EMCO Gears Classic last season while driving for Mazda, the Pombo brothers have their sights set on back-to-back victories in Lexington. 

One of the most competitive and well-known tracks in the U.S., the purpose-built road course at Mid-Ohio is a fast, 2.26-mile, 13-turn circuit, featuring roller coaster inclines and declines and challenging signature corners including the "Keyhole" and "Thunder Valley."  Drivers will be tested, and fans can look forward to an action-packed race.  Following this battle, the second-half of the season begins as the team speeds off to legendary Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., for round six of the 2012 CTSCC season on June 22.     

The EMCO Gears Classic from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course takes place on Saturday, June 9 at 11:00 a.m. ET.  Check out live race status, photos and updates at www.facebook.com/kiaracing.  Race fans can also tune in for television coverage on Sunday, June 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET on SPEED.  With the launch of GRAND-AM TV, race fans can watch any Rolex or CTSCC race 72 hours after the SPEED broadcast at GRAND-AM.com.

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