High Class Watch

SunTrust Racing Records 4th Podium on 2010 Rolex Series

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:21:00 +0000

After back-to-back 9th place finishes at the EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank and Brumos Porsche 250, SunTrust Racing is back on the podium for round 9 of the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal. 20-year old Ricky Taylor qualified their No. 10 Ford Dallara on the second position Friday. The first part of his 45-minute stint the following day was spent battling it out with the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Chevrolet Riley driven by Jon Fogarty, which Ricky enjoyed. He said it was very hot and humid, and driving with the GT traffic made it difficult, but racing against Jon Fogarty was very enjoyable. Ricky Taylor turned the car over to Max Angelelli with a top 3 position after the 45-minute mandatory pit.

Rolex Series champion Max Angelelli ran in a steady 5th place position for most of his stint, until the restart during the last 23 minutes of the race. Max Angelelli was able to muscle his way through Michael Shank Racing’s No. 6 The Pit Stop on Norris Lake Ford Dallara driven by Michael Valiante and AIM Autosport’s No. 61 Pacific Mobile/BioSign Ford Riley driven by Burt Frisselle to finish for P3. Max Angelelli was very happy being back on the podium, and with SunTrust Racing’s overall performance during this race. He quipped that the experience was just like old times, with GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and SunTrust Racing at the top 3.

Team Owner Wayne Taylor couldn’t be happier. SunTrust is back on the podium, and he has nothing but praise for his drivers, his crew, and even the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates teams.

Round 10 of the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will be the Crown Royal 200 at the Glen, to be held at Watkins Glen International Short Course on August 6th to 7th. SPEEDTV will be covering the event live August 7th, starting 6:00pm ET.

AIM Autosports Finishes 4th at 2010 Rolex Series Round 9

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:09:58 +0000

The NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal, round 9 of the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, saw AIM Autosports Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins take their No. 61 Pacific Mobile/BioSign Ford Riley to an impressive 4th place finish. Mark Wilkins qualified for third, holding on to the same position until the race’s first caution. While most of the traffic pitted, he took the chance to lead the race until the mandatory pit stop at the 45-minute mark. Mark Wilkins thought he had a good, trouble-free run, and was happy with his performance.

Burt Frisselle took over and rejoined the race at 10th. He slowly weaved through the traffic, settling on third after overtaking Michaek Shank Racing’s No. 6 The Pit Stop on Norris Lake Ford Dallara driven by Michael Valiante. It seemed like AIM Autosports is due for their third podium this season, but towards the end, an unfortunate incident involving a GT car trying to recover from being thrown off-circuit due to some oil on the ground made Burt Frisselle lose a position, finishing the race on 4th. The No. 61 car was damaged and misaligned, but Burt Frisselle persevered to get the car past the checkered flag.

Team Engineer Ian Willis was very disappointed with the result, saying the team deserved a podium with the way the two drivers handled the majority of the race. Despite this, both Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins remained positive, acknowledging their performance, and chalking up the crash incident to bad luck — which is an unavoidable part of motorsports racing.

Starworks Motorsports Scores Top 5 Finish at Rolex Series Round 9

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:02:46 +0000

Round 9 of the exciting GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park saw Rolex 24 champion Ryan Dalziel bring the No. 8 Corsa Car Care Starworks Motorsports BMW Riley to an impressive top 5 finish. Ryan Dalziel admitted to having a hard time during the course of the race as he hasn’t raced on the New Jersey Motorsports Park circuit before. Despite this and a few other set-up concerns, however, he was still able to record a 5th place finish, earning enough points to secure his hold on the DP drivers overall standing, just 19 points behind Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ Memo Rojas and Scott Pruett.

Mike Forest echoed Ryan Dalziel in saying that the NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal was one of the toughest races in this year’s Rolex Series. He said that the wet conditions during Saturday’s practice session made driving a bit tricky, and the contrasting heat on Sunday caused the power steering to break. Mike Forest had to nurse the car back to the pits to give the steering motor enough time to cool down before taking the car back into the pack. He credited Bill Riley for his strategic call, making sure the No. 8 car stayed at the top of the grid.

The No. 7 Flex-Box BMW Riley wasn’t as fortunate as its sister car, since it had to deal with several mechanical problems towards the end of the race. Bill Lester drove a trouble-free first stint after qualifying the car for 13th, but Starworks Motorsports rookie Dane Cameron had to deal with overheating. Bill Lester took over to try and get the car to finish, but the lack of power transfer would not allow any further action. In the end, the No. 7 car placed 12th in class.

First 2010 Rolex Series Victory for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:55:51 +0000

For the first time in the current season of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing was able to record a long-overdue victory. The NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal, which was held at New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend became the stage for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing’s No. 99 “Red Dragon” Chevrolet Riley’s impressive performance. Alex Gurney was feeling the rush of victory, more so with the fact that they have beaten one of the strongest teams in this year’s Rolex Series. He said that Chip Ganassi Racing always seemed to do everything right, and being able to beat them says a lot about the potential of their Red Dragon car.

During the latter part of the race, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ Scott Pruett was negotiating with the GT traffic on their No. 01 TELMEX BMW Riley, which unfortunately ended in a mishap with Ozz Negri’s No. 60 Crown Royal XR Ford Riley. Scott Pruett was forced to slow down to prevent further damage, and Alex Gurney took advantage of this to finish for first. Despite this, Scott Pruett was still able to finish behind Alex Gurney, just 3.674 seconds behind. Scott Pruett was disappointed with the results, but he acknowledged that a second place finish was still satisfactory.

The GT class was dominated once again by the SpeedSource teams, with the first place finish won by the No. 70 Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8 driven by Jonathan Bomarito and Team Owner Sylvain Tremblay. Second spot was filled by Mazda Ladder graduates Adam Christodoulou and John Edwards on the No. 68 car. They were followed by Emil Assentato, Nick Longhi, and Jeff Segal’s No. 69 car.

Moving Charm: Richard Ruccolo and the Rolex Day Date President

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:49:04 +0000

Representative of prestige, influence, and exclusivity, the Rolex Day Date President is one of the most beautifully crafted timepieces in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line. With bold lines and sure, solid curves, the Rolex Day Date President’s architecture truly reflects the power from which it was named. Currently, the Rolex Day Date President is offered in 36mm of nothing but the purest materials, without any exceptions. The 18k yellow gold model has a white dial and a fluted bezel, the 18k white gold model has a rhodium dial with diamond hour markers and a fluted bezel, the 18k everose gold model has a pink dial and a domed bezel, and the platinum model has an ice-blue dial and a domed bezel. All Rolex Day Date President timepieces are fitted with an exquisitely designed President bracelet, engineered to provide the best, most comfortable, and most secure fit.

Matching its excellent exterior, the Rolex Day Date President can only be powered by the most sophisticated in horological microtechnology. A self-winding, COSC-certified chronometer movement beats at the heart of the Rolex Day Date President, guaranteeing accurate timekeeping and reliable performance regardless of its location or the environmental condition it is exposed to. A slim yet durable sapphire crystal guards the Rolex Day Date President’s dial from scratches and dust build-ups, and a distinctive Cyclops lens is set on its 3 o’clock position to conveniently magnify the date numeral underneath. On the dial’s 12 o’clock position is the day aperture where the current day is displayed, made available by Rolex in 26 languages. Perpetuating the Rolex Oyster legacy is its hermetically sealed caseback measuring a torque of five Newton meters, which renders the Rolex Day Date President waterproof for up to a depth of 330 feet.

Sharing much of the Rolex Day Date President’s attributes of prestige, influence, and timeless charm is actor Richard Ruccolo. Debuting in 1997 with a guest appearance in Beverly Hills, 90210, Richard Ruccolo received international recognition when he starred as Pete Dunville the following year in the sitcom Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place. Since then, he received more high profile film and television projects, including All Over the Guy, Joey, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Rita Rocks. Richard Ruccolo will be in the film A Nanny For Christmas opposite Dean Cain, Cynthia Gibb, and Sarah Thompson.

Icon of Class: Lucas Black and the Rolex Datejust

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:44:40 +0000

Regarded as one of the most important creations in the history of horology, the Rolex Datejust exhibits an unmistakable balance between timeless, elegant design, and superior craftsmanship. As the flagship model of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line, the Rolex Datejust perfectly represents the values of strength and true quality Rolex has stood for in over a hundred years of operations. Currently, this remarkable timepiece is available in the following models:

- A stainless steel model with a blue concentric dial, a domed bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet
- A two-tone steel/18k yellow gold model with a blue concentric dial, a fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet
- A two-tone steel/18k yellow gold model with a silver concentric dial, a fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet
- A two-tone steel/18k white gold model with a blue dial, a fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet
- A two-tone steel/18k everose gold model with a black concentric dial, a domed bezel, and an Oyster bracelet
- An 18k yellow gold model with a white dial, a fluted bezel, and a brown leather strap with a gold folding clasp
- And an 18k white gold model with a silver deco dial, a fluted bezel, and a black leather strap with a gold folding clasp

The Rolex Datejust is powered by nothing less than the most sophisticated in modern horological technology, common to its brothers in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line. A self-winding movement certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, or COSC, as a superlative chronometer beats at the heart of the Rolex Datejust. This certification guarantees accurate timekeeping and reliable performance even when it is used in the harshest of environmental conditions. A slim, smooth, durable sapphire crystal guards the Rolex Datejust’s dial from scratches, build-ups, and water intrusion, and it is set with a Cyclops lens on its 3 o’clock position, conveniently magnifying the date numeral underneath. Completing the Rolex Oyster legacy is a hermetically sealed caseback, measuring a torque of five Newton meters, which renders the timepiece waterproof for up to a depth of 330 feet.

Actor Lucas Black shares many characteristics with the Rolex Datejust, a few being strong performers and icons of class. Lucas Black debuted in 1994, in the Kevin Costner film, The War. Without any formal training, and only his experience in The War and the television series American Gothic to back him up, Lucas Black earned critical acclaim in the 1996 film Sling Blade. Some of Lucas Black’s most notable film and television credits include Flash, Crazy in Alabama, All the Pretty Horses, Cold Mountain, Jarhead, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Get Low, and Legion.

Timeless Grace: Sissy Spacek and the Rolex Datejust Special Edition

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:40:13 +0000

For an esteemed, well-respected company such as Rolex, anything less than the best will not do, and it is within this vein that the Rolex Datejust was created. For the women, the Rolex Datejust Special Edition combines the balance of the original Rolex Datejust with a subtle, subdued feminine grace. Currently, the Rolex Datejust Special Edition is crafted in 34mm of 18k white gold, with a dial lined in diamonds that could either cover the entire surface, or set in a beautiful Arabesque pattern. The timepiece is bordered with a bezel paved in two rows of brilliants, and it is fitted with either a Pearlmaster bracelet, or an Oyster Special Edition bracelet set with brilliants.

Internally, the Rolex Datejust Special Edition can only be fitted with the most advanced technology, as befitting of the illustrious Rolex Oyster Perpetual name. A self-winding movement certified by no less than the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, or COSC, as a superlative chronometer powers the remarkable timepiece. This certification ensures accurate timekeeping and reliable performance, regardless of location or extreme changes in environmental condition. A smooth, slim, yet durable sapphire crystal guards the Rolex Datejust Special Edition’s dial from scratches, dust build-ups, and water intrusion, and a distinctive Cyclops lens set on its 3 o’clock position magnifies the date numeral underneath. Perpetuating the Rolex Oyster legacy is a hermetically sealed caseback measuring a torque of five Newton meters, which renders the timepiece waterproof for up to a depth of 330 feet.

Renowned actress Sissy Spacek displays many attributes similar to the Rolex Datejust Special Edition. Sissy Spacek’s debut role as Poppy in the 1970 cult film Prime Cut earned much critical acclaim, leading her most famous role to date, Carrie White in Brian De Palma’s Carrie in 1976. This role earned Sissy Spacek an Academy Award nomination and set her career as an outstanding actress. Some of Sissy Spacek’s other notable film and television credits include Coal Miner’s Daughter, Missing, The River, Crimes of the Heart, If These Walls Could Talk, The Straight Story, In the Bedroom, A Home at the End of the World, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Get Low, and Big Love.

Enchanting Beauty: Andrea Powell and the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:32:18 +0000

Tradition runs deep in the design of every Rolex watch. For over a hundred years, the architecture of Rolex timepieces have undergone only very subtle changes, with core attributes remaining the same. Whether it is because of or despite of the fact, this tradition has enchanted many a generation, becoming a timeless and lasting symbol of elegance, beauty, and true quality. For the women, this is strongly represented by the Rolex Datejust, particularly the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster. Crafted in 29mm of 18k white gold with dial selections of white, pink, or black mother-of-pearl, the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster exemplifies an exquisite treasure that breathes pure elegance, enhanced by the extravagance of diamonds and radiating a distinctly feminine charm. Completing its remarkable architecture are a bezel lined with brilliants and a stunning Pearlmaster bracelet, engineered to provide the best fit in a unique, stylish, and classy design.

As part of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line, the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster is powered by none other than the most sophisticated in modern horological microtechnology, keenly matching its exterior. At its core beating as a heart is a self-winding movement certified by no less than the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, or COSC, as a superlative chronometer. This certification ensures accurate timekeeping and reliable performance regardless of location or extreme variations in environmental conditions. A slim, smooth, and durable sapphire crystal guards the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster’s dial from scratches and dust build-ups, and a distinctive Cyclops lens is set on its 3 o’clock position to magnify the date numeral underneath. Perpetuating the Rolex Oyster legacy is a hermetically sealed caseback, which renders the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster waterproof for up to a depth of 330 feet.

Sharing similar attributes of enchanting beauty and grace with the Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster is actress Andrea Powell. Starting off in 1993 with minor roles in film and television, Andrea Powell’s unmistakable charm and talent inevitably brought her to the spotlight. She started appearing in more high profile projects such as Dawson’s Creek, Runaway Jury, One Tree Hill, Thief, Get Low, and The Gates. Andrea Powell is set to be in the films Hero opposite Burgess Jenkins, Mark Joy, and Gregory Alan Williams; and The 5th Quarter with Andie MacDowell, Aidan Quinn, and Ryan Merriman.

Rolex Ranking No. 8 Na Yeon Choi Wins Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:45:23 +0000

Na Yeon Choi advanced in the Rolex Rankings to No. 8 after winning last weekend’s Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger. Ending the fourth round tied with In-Kyung Kim, Song-Hee Kim, and Christina Kim at 14-under 270, Na Yeon Choi faced a sudden death playoff over two holes with the three ladies — parring the par-5 18th, and recording a birdie on the par-5 17th. Na Yeon Choi admitted to being nervous, but eventually, she was able to focus and calm herself, keeping the thought of winning wire-to-wire at the forefront of her mind. The Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger is Na Yeon Choi’s third LPGA Tour title, after last year’s Samsung World Championship and Hana Bank KOLON Championship.

In-Kyung Kim, Song-Hee Kim, and Christina Kim tied for second, but all three left Highland Meadows Golf Club even more confident for next week’s U.S. Women’s Open. In-Kyung Kim said the she has been performing well for the past couple of tournaments, and a steady, consistent pace is all she needs to focus on for this weekend’s major.

Former Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jiyai Shin has been performing exceptionally well since her appendectomy caused her to pull out from the LPGA State Farm Classic. She placed T3 during the LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans and 5th during last weekend’s Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

LPGA Tour rookies Azahara Munoz and Beatriz Recari both placed T10, recording 10-under 274. Azahara Munoz is currently leading the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year running, while Beatriz Recari is currently on 5th.

The next tournament in the 2010 LPGA calendar is the U.S. Women’s Open, which will be held at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, PA, on July 8th to 11th.

SpeedSource on 4th to 6th Positions at Rolex Series Event in Daytona

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:42:14 +0000

The three-car effort of SpeedSource once again displayed very strong performances at the 8th round of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Emil Assentato and Jeff Segal lead the Mazda fleet, placing 4th on their No. 69 FXDD Mazda RX-8. Behind them were MazdaSpeed Motorsports Development Ladder drivers Adam Christodoulou and John Edwards on the No. 68 Mazda RX-8. Finally, SpeedSource Owner Sylvain Tremblay and Jonathan Bomarito crossed the chequered flag at 6th place on the No. 70 Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8. Currently, the No. 69 and the No. 70 Mazda cars are on top of the GT class overall team standings, at 1st and 2nd respectively, while the No. 68 is steadily heading upwards from 11th place.

Emil Assentato and Jeff Segal delivered an amazing performance as usual, never missing a beat and constantly battling at the top grid of the GT cars. Adam Christodoulou and John Edwards, both having very little experience racing on Daytona International Speedway, were quick to learn the nuances of the 3.56-mile circuit. A combination of hard work and natural talent ultimately paid off as both displayed remarkable performances, finishing at the top 5 in 5 of the 7 races they have participated in the season’s Rolex Series — including a victory at Lime Rock Park for the Memorial Day Classic. Sylvain Tremblay qualified their No. 70 Mazda for pole, and despite a tire failure early on in the race, him and Jonathan Bomarito were still able to run with the pack and place 6th in class, and the 3rd Mazda to cross the chequered flag.

The 9th round of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 is the NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal, which will be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, on July 16th to 18th. SPEEDTV will be covering the event live on July 18th, 1:00pm ET.