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| May 02, 2012 |
| Prototype Lites: Comprent Motor Sports Returns to Podium at Miller Motorsports Park |
 | Charlie Shears led Comprent Motor Sports back to the post-race podium with a runner-up finish in Round three at Miller Motorsports Park
(Photo: IMSA - Darren Pierson Photography) |
ATHENS, GA. (May 1, 2012) – Comprent Motor Sports has once again highlighted its ability to challenge for top honors in the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda, scoring a podium finish this past weekend (April 28-29) at Miller Motorsports Park. Former series champion Charlie Shears returned to the cockpit in fine fashion with the Georgia-based outfit, coming home second in Round Three, before a rare mechanical problem robbed him of second podium result in Round Four.
Comprent Motor Sports has always prided itself on giving its racers all the tools to succeed. The Outer Course at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah was the latest proving ground for the highly-regarded team, and it was immediately apparent it was up to the task. With 2010 L1 champion Shears back behind the wheel, the No. 21 Woogi's/US Builders Comprent Motor Sports Elan DP02 entry was third and fourth fastest in the test runs to start the doubleheader.
When the Prototype Lites action officially commenced via two practice sessions on Friday, Shears and his Comprent-prepared racing steed continued to make their presence felt. The Texas native, while focused primarily on fine tuning the sports racer for the fast 3.048-mile layout, ultimately ended the two outings yet again third and fourth on the speedcharts.
One day later, the lone qualifying session featured more of the same...a fast Comprent Motor Sports car. Shears was in contention for a front-row starting position throughout the timed run, but ultimately secured a row two starting position for Round Three via the third fastest lap.
Returning to Miller Motorsport Park track on Sunday morning, the goal was simple, turn fast laps right from the get go, and make the most of any opportunity. Shears did just that, with the Comprent Motor Sports standout involved in a heated battle for third place early in the 15-lap affair. Having initially lost the position, the 2011 race winner quickly rebounded, retaking the final podium place. That proved to be decisive, as a late race full-course not only halted the action, but ultimately advanced Shears to second on the scoring charts when the race leader suddenly slowed and retired.
"Jon [Brownson] snuck up on me," exclaimed Shears. "He had a great start, and I didn’t, but I noticed that he was a little loose, so that meant I had to make an early move to get up to P2. Once I did that, it was just hard catching up with the young guns! Not bad for an old man though!"
Shears had little time to enjoy the result, as mere hours after taking the checkered flag in race one, the Protype Lites racers were back on-course for Round Four. With each racer's fastest lap from race one setting the grid, the Comprent entry took the green flag from third place. In a repeat of the opening affair, Shears dueled for position from corner to corning during the opening stages. Unfortunately, just as it appeared that Georgia squad was headed for another trip to the the post-race podium, Shears slowed with a rare mechanical issue, ending his race prematurely.
"It is a shame Charlie didn't get the second podium finish he deserved in race two," commented Comprent Motor Sports team principal Kevin Kloepfer. "Overall it was good weekend however. We showed we can challenge for wins and I'm looking forward to having Charlie run with us again this season."
Comprent Motor Sports resumes its pursuit of more wins in the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda on May 11-12, when Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca hosts Rounds Five and Six. In addition to its pro campaign, will continue to run SCCA Club Racing races in various classes, building on it race-winning start to the 2012 season.
Additional information on Comprent Motor Sports can be obtained from the team’s website @ http://www.comprent.net For direct contact, please contact Kevin Kloepfer @ 706-543-1797. Comprent Motor Sports is continually looking to add standout drivers to its race programs, with interested parties encouraged to contact Team Principal Kevin Kloepfer.
Under the guidance of Team Principal Kevin Kloepfer, Comprent Motor Sports is widely regarded as a leading junior formula car and sports car team and prep shop. Since its inception in 1988, the Georgia-based operation has not only assisted weekend warriors get the most from themselves and their equipment, but also helped train and develop talented young drivers for a career in motorsports. Comprent Motor Sports is a proven winner in both the amateur and pro racing ranks, having earned SCCA National Championship titles in Formula Atlantic (1990) and Sports 2000 (2005), as well as the IMSA Lites championship crown (2008) with Jonathan Goring and the SCCA Pro Racing Formula Enterprises Pro Series title (2010) with 15 year-old Sean Rayhall. Enhancing its racing endeavors, Comprent Motor Sports is the SCCA Enterprises Customer Service Representative for the northern portion of the Southeast Division, and the official Elite Racing Transmission distributor for the U.S.A. The Georgia-based team won three races and finished second in the team standings of the Prototype Lites Championship title in 2011, as well as contested the entire SCCA Pro Racing Formula Enterprises Series, securing sixth in the championship chase. Comprent Motor Sports returns to Prototype Lites competition in 2012, in addition to running assorted pro and amateur races in both the formula car and sports car ranks. |
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