Viper Wins in GT

[rickaren]

Kuno Wittmer Dominates in World Challenge at Long Beach



April 19, 2010

Woodhouse Performance Dodge driver Kuno Wittmer dominated Sunday as he drove his No. 13 Dodge Viper to a flag-to-flag win in the 29-lap Toyo Tires World Challenge race, part of the Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

With the win, the Montreal native moves into second place in the 2010 season standings, just one point behind the GT class leader.

In early morning qualifying Sunday, Wittmer set a new track record of 1:24.791 (83.379 mph) around the famed 11-turn, 1.968 mile Long Beach street course to earn his first-ever pole position in World Challenge GT class. He previously earned two pole positions in Touring Car class.

“This is a great win for the Woodhouse Performance team and for Dodge Motorsports,” Wittmer said. “We had a large contingent of Dodge fans, owners and Dodge management here this weekend, so to get their support and win from the pole is simply outstanding. I did have to concentrate on conserving the tires a bit at the end, but the car was fantastic today.”

Wittmer has no illusions about the fierce competition that awaits him this season.

“There are still six weekends left. That’s a lot of racing,” he said. “I know that Dino and the GMG team are going to definitely be doing a lot of testing and work. Let’s not forget about the Volvos either. This is sports car wars, man!”

Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand, was impressed with the win.

“I’m excited and proud to see the Woodhouse Performance team put on such a great performance today at Long Beach,” Gilles said. “Kuno was amazing in the car all weekend and this team has worked extremely hard and come a long way in a very short period of time. Bob Woodhouse has meant a lot to World Challenge racing and Dodge over the years, so this win says a lot about where this team is headed and what they’re capable of doing on the track.”

Fans can watch a replay of the Viper's domination at the Long Beach race on Saturday, May 1, starting at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Versus. The next World Challenge Series event is set for May 21-23 at the Mosport International Speedway.