Max Hyatt Racing's Blog

Hyatt Completes Successful 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona Test

Header

#52 LMPC

 

Hyatt Completes Successful 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona Test

San Jose resident ready to back up last year's accomplishments.

Jan 11, 2011

Daytona Beach, FL -

The 2011 GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona will once again see Max Hyatt pilot the #32 Autosport Designs Inc./ Corsa Car Care/ Dinan/ MOBOTIX/ PR1 Motorsports BMW M6 for Fresno, CA based PR1 Motorsports. While preparing to make his second appearance in the twice around the clock endurance classic, Hyatt took to the legendary Daytona International Speedway this past weekend in a GRAND-AM sanctioned test. Lapping the 3.56-mile, 12-turn speedway road course that uses a significant portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Daytona 500 course, Hyatt recorded a 1:51.178 lap, with a 115.274 average mph. Hyatt's time was good enough for tenth in class for the session and was nearly a second faster than his quickest lap from the 2010 24-hour race.

"I tested the car for the team a few weeks ago to make sure that all of the systems were working correctly and that our initial chassis setup was ready for Daytona," Hyatt said. "When we unloaded the M6 in Florida, the car was quick right away and all of my co-drivers were able to get up to speed within their first few laps."

Being the only member of the four PR1 Motorsports driver lineup with experience in the car at Daytona, Hyatt is highly regarded amongst the team and was therefore used to test a series of new components and engineering experiments throughout the weekend.

"Daytona's NASCAR oval was recently repaved and it is a completely different animal from what we've experienced in the past," Hyatt explained. "It used to be extremely bumpy and it's glass smooth now. The infield portions of the track were not repaved though, so there are significant difference in track surfaces that we have to transition through four times every lap. On top of that challenge, there is an all-new tire supplier that we must acclimate to as quickly as possible. With so many variables, and with our competition getting quicker every year, it is vital that we push ourselves to utilize new technologies that will help us get an edge on the rest of the GT class."

"I have the highest respect for the PR1 Motorsports engineering team, so to have them put their trust in me to test and evaluate new components and strategies was quite an honor."

While Hyatt's co-drivers were learning the BMW's characteristics and familiarizing themselves with Daytona's unique oval/ road course layout, (or "Roval" as it is affectionately known) Hyatt's testing duties were rewarded when the team allowed him to begin simulating qualifying laps, which are typically much faster, and riskier than normal race-pace efforts.

"I was out on really old tires when we set one of the fastest time of the whole weekend," Hyatt continued. "So the decision was made to bolt on a new set of Continental slicks and make a mock qualifying effort. Even with traffic, which normally isn't as prominent in an actual qual' session, we were still able to put up some impressive sector times. Right now, our data shows that our hypothetical obtainable lap will be more than enough to get us to the front of the grid."

"When you combine that data with how well the whole team performed, I am very optimistic that we'll be able to run up front again this year. We definitely have what it takes."

GT Class qualifying for the 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona begins on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 1:15pm PT with the 24-hour event beginning Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 12:30pm PT.

Max Hyatt Racing sponsor and partnership opportunities are immediately available. For more information, please contact JMH Racing Group LLC at 505.699.8385.

About GRAND-AM:

MEDIA REACH:
GRAND-AM Road Racing is covered throughout the U.S. on several mediums as well as throughout the world. Rolex Sports Car Series races are broadcasted live on SPEED while ESPN International provides full race coverage or recap shows on six of seven continents. Media in key markets, including those in or near New York City, Philadelphia, Montreal, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Cleveland, Columbus (Ohio), Birmingham (Ala.) and Salt Lake City, provide weekend and/or season-long coverage on races, and several markets provide season-long exposure on their local teams and drivers.

FAN BASE/ATTENDANCE:
The estimated at-track attendance for GRAND-AM events in 2009 exceeded 300,000. The GRAND-AM fan base is 68 percent male and 32 percent female. GRAND-AM fans are spread across all age groups, with 47 percent between the ages of 18-34 and 64 percent who are 18-44. GRAND-AM fans show a passion for motorsports through their love of cars.

GRAND-AM series information can be found at www.grand-am.com

About PR1 Motorsports:

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec and professional sports cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, also enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

PR1 Motorsports team information can be found at: www.PR1Motorsports.com

About Max Hyatt:

Born into a racing family and a lifetime racing enthusiast, Max was attending club race events before he could walk. After graduating Cum Laude from Santa Clara University with majors in economics and psychology, he began winning his way up the ranks to his earn his place on the PR1 Motorsports team as a serious contender in the popular American Le Mans Series and the famed Grand-Am Rolex series.

For more information, visit www.maxhyattracing.com

###

First Founders Join!

We are happy to announce our first Founders have signed with JMH Racing. This marks a major milestone in my career and business development. It is our pleasure to welcome them into the company and look forward to the network they bring to our effort.

More information will be available at a later date. For more information on the Founders Group please email Max at m.hyatt@att.net

Venture Capital Private Equity Roundtable

I will be presenting my career and new Founders Group to the Venture Capital and Private Equity Roundtable in Palo Alto on Friday. There will be 75 members in attendance for my presentation. I would like to thank Stewart Guenther for the opportunity to speak at this event and hope the meeting will produce more positive conversations around the Founders Group.

Coaching Tom Klauer this weekend at Infineon Raceway

I will be coaching Tom Klauer in several of his historic Stock Cars this weekend at Infineon Raceway. Tom who has recently completed his first professional race in the K&N Series at Portland International Raceway will be keeping his skills in tune by joining other Historic Stock Car drivers. This weekend many of the Historic Stock Car drivers will be giving rides to guests who have purchased a Ride Of Your Life which all proceeds go towards charity. I am excited to work with Tom directly this weekend and know he will accomplish everything we set out to do.

Private Coaching Client Finishes in Top-Ten in Debut Races

John Burks finished well inside the Top-10 in his first Stock Car Race Series event last weekend at Portland International Raceway. Improving his time in each outing John went from a 1:42 all the way down to a fast time of 1:26.3. John drove the #27 Kodiak historic stock car and had a great fan base cheering him on in the grandstands.  It was great working with John the entire weekend and look forward to working with him in the future.

 

 

Utah Grand Prix Podium Finish for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports

Image001

 

Utah Grand Prix Podium Finish for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports

Team celebrates a third place result in only their third American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patrón race.

July 11, 2010

Tooele, UT -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports achieved a team milestone today with their first podium finish in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC class. In only the Fresno, CA, based team's third start in the series, drivers Alex Figge, of Boulder, CO, and Max Hyatt, of San Jose, CA, finished P3 in class and P7 overall.

Starting from third position, Hyatt took the green flag for the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix. Driving the #52 Corsa Car Care Oreca FLM09, Hyatt rocketed his way past the #55 and #99 cars with an impressive inside pass in the first turn on the first lap. Hyatt would follow his impressive race start by leading the first few laps while also setting the early race fastest laps. Hyatt would continue to race for the lead for 28 laps until handing the #52 over to Figge, who re-joined the race in 2nd.

Mid-race, Figge would go on to set the #52's fastest time while trying to overhaul the #55's LMPC class lead. On lap 66, Figge would lap Miller Motorsports Park's 23-turn outer course in 1:44.742 before pitting one last time for fuel on lap 68 in second place. With services complete, the #52 suffered a disastrous engine starter failure, causing the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports crew to take emergency action to get the car restarted. The #52's V8 roared to life, but the nearly 30 second delay had cost the team one position with Figge rejoining the race in third.

With less than 20 minutes to go, Gunnar Jeannette in the #99 LMPC entry went off of the track allowing Figge to once again challenge for second place honors. Despite an exciting battle for position, race traffic and a filthy offline racing surface would keep the #52 in P3 all the way to the checkered flag.

Despite the troubles on and off the track, Figge was elated to capture the team's first American Le Mans Series podium finish.

"Everyone on the team is pretty happy with today's results," Figge exclaimed. "The starter issue in the pits, and some traffic kept us from getting to the top step today. After Gunnar went off, we had a great chance to get back around him. But the track was so dirty offline, that every time I passed a GT or a GTC car, the tires would get too much pickup on them to attack. Our goal was to finish strong and we're now looking to grow the program into something even better in the near future. It's great to be on the podium for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports and Corsa Car Care today!"

Hyatt had studied the support series races to learn where he could find the grip needed to make the stunning lap one, turn one overtaking maneuver for the lead.

"I knew I needed to get past the #55 and the #99 as soon as possible," Hyatt explained. "So when I saw the opening on the inside, I went for it. I knew there was grip down there from watching the IMSA Lights and GT3 races. We studied those guys to see how the track worked for them, as we knew we had to get up front and build a gap early on. It was great to lead and if it wasn't for some pickup on the tires after the yellow, the #95 may not have gotten by us in turn six after the restart." 

"With the starter issues in pit lane, it makes today's finish somewhat bittersweet," Hyatt continued. "We could have easily gotten P2. Still, for my first American Le Mans Series race, it's absolutely fantastic to be standing on the podium with this caliber of competition. Thanks again to my family, Club Auto Sport, Borelli Motor Sports, Corsa Car Care and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports for giving me this opportunity." 

Bobby Oergel, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Principal, is proud of how his drivers and team performed under pressure this weekend.

"So far this year, our race weekends in the LMPC class have been about our dedication to overcome what we can't control," Oergel said. "From our electrical issues on Friday, to our starter problems today, this team has had to dig deep and push themselves to the limit. Both Alex and Max showed tremendous speed and race craft today, and the whole crew displayed outstanding professionalism by successfully overcoming adversity. Our first podium result is theirs to enjoy, and I'm sure that it will be the first of many."

LMPC qualifying for next round of the 2010 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park, begins on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 1:40pm PT. The two hour and forty-five minute main event starts on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11:05am PT with live coverage on SPEED.

Drivers and potential partners interested in the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC program can contact the team directly at pr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

Corsa Car Care manufactures professional grade automotive detailing products including cleaners, polishes and protective sealants for exterior finishes, interior leathers & textiles, glass, vinyl and rubber applications. As a division of Miracle Sealants Company, Corsa Car Care draws on over 25 years of knowledge and experience in advanced polymer chemistry. For more details, visit corsacarcare.com.

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec, GRAND-AM Rolex Series, and American Le Mans Series race cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at:
www.PR1Motorsports.com
www.MathiasenMotorsports.com

www.CorsaCarCare.com

www.MaxHyattRacing.com

For more information please contact PR1 Motorsports at (559) 277-1300 or pr1motorsports@aol.com

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Qualifies Third at Miller Motorsports Park

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Qualifies Third at Miller Motorsports Park

 

July 10, 2010

Tooele, UT -

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports rebounded from Friday's electrical issues today to qualify the #52 Corsa Car Care Oreca FLM09 in P3 for the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix. Lapping the 3.048 mile track in 1:43.115, Alex Figge, of Boulder, CO, qualified only five tenths off of the class pole setting time and will line up ninth overall out of 33 cars tomorrow.

Co-driver Max Hyatt, of San Jose, CA, laments the lost track time on Friday, but is confident in his team's abilities to challenge for the podium in tomorrow's two hour and forty-five minute main event.

"Unfortunately, the car had some problems which ailed the team throughout Friday's entire session," Hyatt said. "It was not what we wanted at all out of our first practice, but looking over the data and working with our engineers we are very confident in the car."

Bobby Oergel, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Principal, expects the #52 to be able to capture a podium finish tomorrow.

"We had some electrical issues early on, which disrupted our program," Oergel explained. "But the car is working perfectly now. Alex set the car's fastest time all weekend in qualifying, and Max has always performed for us in the past. Friday's issues will only make the results I believe we can achieve tomorrow feel that much better."

Round four of the 2010 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix, begins at 1:35pm PT on July 11, 2010 with live coverage on SPEED.

Drivers and potential partners interested in the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC program can contact the team directly atpr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.

Corsa Car Care manufactures professional grade automotive detailing products including cleaners, polishes and protective sealants for exterior finishes, interior leathers & textiles, glass, vinyl and rubber applications. As a division of Miracle Sealants Company, Corsa Car Care draws on over 25 years of knowledge and experience in advanced polymer chemistry. For more details, visit corsacarcare.com.

In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1 Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1 Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec, GRAND-AM Rolex Series, and American Le Mans Series race cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1 Motorsports drivers, and partners, enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at:
www.PR1Motorsports.com
www.MathiasenMotorsports.com

www.CorsaCarCare.com

www.MaxHyattRacing.com

For more information please contact PR1 Motorsports at (559) 277-1300 orpr1motorsports@aol.com