TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 13, 2009) Two major updates to the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championships have been made, including a revised 10-race schedule and the addition of a Porsche GT3 Cup Shootout.The 2009 SPEED World Challenge season now includes a trip to Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J. Both classes will join the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, May 1 3. Teams were originally scheduled to race at fan-friendly and scenic Lime Rock Park, the "Road Racing Center of the East", but late breaking logistics required the move to New Jersey.Im happy were able to return to New Jersey Motorsports Park, SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Bob Wildberger said. Racing there last season, it was clear that a great deal of planning had gone into the facility and we knew there were still further improvements planned. Its a great market for our teams and sponsors to be in and gives our schedule a good geographic balance.In 2008, SCCA Pro Racing received a number of requests from stock Porsche 911 GT3 Cup teams to provide a competitive environment for them in SPEED World Challenge GT. To address this, WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing have created the GT3 Cup Shootout for stock Porsche GT3 Cup competitors running in the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship.In the 2009 season, stock Porsche GT3 Cup cars (with the addition of a right-side drivers net) will be eligible to compete in the SPEED GT series under the normal SCCA Pro Racing rulebook. Similar to Rookie of the Year point standings, the GT3 Shootout Cup will be based on the regular point structure for SPEED GT Championship with only eligible drivers included in the separate Shootout point standings. Drivers may count their best five Shootout finishes toward the Cup. Cars taking advantage of the additional SPEED GT rules allowances for the Porsche 911 GT3 are not eligible to compete for the Porsche GT3 Cup Shootout. Click here for details on the Porsche GT3 Cup Shootout.A full-season World Challenge television package and additional media components will be aired. Details are to be announced shortly.Entries in the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship, including the GT3 Cup Shootout, are being accepted now. The season kicks off March 18 20, with The Toyo Tires SPEED World Challenge Season Opener at Sebring International Raceway, part of the 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Presented by Fresh From Florida. For more information visit www.world-challenge.com. -30-
