Cyndie Breaks Into The Top-5

The events go on… Cyndie got to Mid-Ohio last weekend to compete for the 11th and 12th race of the Firestone Indy Lights Series.

A very technical road course about 2.25 miles long which brought good luck to Cyndie in Sunday’s race. Saturday, in race 1, a technical problem with her front wing required her to make a pit stop as she was on her way to a potential Top 10. Sunday, starting 17^th, she had to use all her experience to advance through a field of cars in terrible weather conditions. Indeed, the track conditions were horrible. Two very strong rain storms came through just before the start of the race. Cyndie, who had never driven this car in wet conditions, didn’t really know what to expect and started the new adventure which ended up a big success as she drove through the field to finish in 4^th place.

The joy on her face at the end of the race was wonderful! Especially after struggling in the previous few races.

“It was a very exciting race,” commented Cyndie. “When the rain started, it was quite stressful as I didn’t know the reaction of this car in the rain and I couldn’t see any of the cars ahead of me through the spray. But once the race got going, I felt confident that I could catch the guys up front. The team did a great job and gave me a very competitive car in the rain. It’s a great result which has given me and my team a good boost for the next races!”

MID-OHIO by Tom Hayden

Her car owner was in the medical center receiving stitches, so Cape Coral race driver Cyndie Allemann decided to send him the perfect get well card — her best finish ever in an Indy Lights race and in her open wheel career.

Allemann, 22, finished fourth in the second of a pair of races at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, beating her best previous finish of eighth earlier this season at St. Petersburg. And she did it in a driving rainstorm and by surviving two spins.

At the end of the race, after she pulled into the pits, her engine started to smoke bringing over several fire rescue personnel. Her engine had expired from overheating after mud and grass plugged the radiator from the earlier spins. No one was injured.

“This was really, really important for my mind,” said Allemann. “I needed to get a little bit of my confidence back. To reach the top five was incredible.”

While Allemann was working her way past spinning cars, straining to see the track in front of her because of the rain, her car owner, Cape Coral resident Jon Lewis, was in the medical center, taking eight stitches to his hand.

He also serves as Allemann’s spotter during the race and was standing at the top of the grandstands in one section of the road course to help her navigate through eh difficult conditions. During a rain delay, he decided to move to another location. While walking down the metal stairs, he slipped, tried to grab the railing but his hand also slipped and didn't stop until it hit a protruding bolt. opening a large gash. He walked back to his team’s pits and then went to the medical center.

‘When they got the last stitch in, she finished the race,” said Lewis, who was able to at least listen to the race on his headset.

But the pain was eased by his rookie driver’s finish.

“I have always had faith in her,” said Lewis, owner of Cape Coral-based American Spirit Racing. “She did a great job driving. She gave it her all.”

This was a day when not more than a lap went by before a car or several cars went sliding off the track. Allemann spun on the first lap and then later in the race, but remained patient and kept gaining positions.

“She kept saying (into the radio), ‘I can’t see anything; this is horrible, terrible,” Lewis said. “Her engineer (Rossella) said, ‘calm down, this is part of it.’ Then, Cyndie would say, “I know, but this is terrible.'”

Allemann found a way to remain patient as other cars swerved off the treacherous track.

“I learned today you need to patient, that sometimes it pays to be patient,” Allemann said. “I realized I didn’t have to push the car. I just took it easy. I spun off the track on the first lap because I braked too hard because I really had the wrong line. Then, I found a good line and I had a good feeling on the track. I was very excited; I will take fourth place.”

NEW PAINT THEME AT KENTUCKY FOR CAR# 18

The #18 Indy Lights racecar driven by Cyndie Allemann will feature a striking new paint theme beginning at the Kentucky Speedway event on August 9th. "We are excited about the new paint design," stated Team Owner, Jon Lewis. "It's going to look a lot different from the black and white design we have been running all season and will help to make our car stand out on track. Currently, there a few black and white and black and silver cars in the series and sometimes it's difficult for our fans to distinguish our car from the others. The new design will embody

NASHVILLE

Travelling from race to race at the moment, Cyndie is more than motivated to show what she is able to do! After a Top-10 finish the last weekend on the road course in Watkins Glen, Cyndie was back on the Nashville 1.3 miles oval with a strong finish as her goal. Starting the race from the last row, she finished the race in 13^th position.

The weekend started out a lot differently than the Team expected. “We came to Nashville with last year’s race-winning set-up, but it just didn’t work. The track was a lot bumpier and the surface quite different from last season. We struggled to get the car balanced during the first practice session, but the car was quite loose, Cyndie continued. “We changed the set-up significantly for the second practice, but encountered a technical problem which made adjusting the car from the cockpit difficult.”

The Team regrouped for Qualifying and made adjustments which made the car more stable. “In qualifying, we only have four laps and only two of them count towards the staring position,” said Cyndie. “After a difficult day with the car being loose, I didn’t want to risk putting it into the wall, so I was a little conservative on my first hot lap, but decided to go for it on the second lap. The car felt well balanced, like the car I was used to and was able to post a quick second lap. Unfortunately, they average the two laps, which placed me in the back of the field.”

“We had a good car for the race and I felt very confident. However, right before the start of the race, a large thunderstorm hit the track and the race was postponed for almost 2 hours. The resulting rain washed off all the rubber on the track, which made the track quite slippery. Because we went through pre-race tech before the rain storm, we were not allowed to make any changes to the car prior to the race to accommodate the changing track conditions.”

To say the car was a handful for Cyndie to drive at the start of the race was an understatement. But, she did her best to keep her car in the pack. “The car was loose in the beginning of the race, so I focused on being smooth and making changes in the cockpit. The Team kept in contact with me throughout the race on the radio to assist me in making the right changes and Jon Lewis, who is also my spotter kept pushing me and keeping me informed about accidents happening in front of me.” Around the half way point in the race, Cyndie was turning competitive lap times and started moving up in the field, but with another caution period, the car began to feel unbalanced again. “We really worked hard as a Team to bring the car to the finish in the best position we could. With all the difficulty we had in practice, to finish 13^th was not so bad.”

At this time, Cyndie is focusing on the next race this coming weekend in Mid-Ohio, a road course….

WATKINS GLEN

Last weekend, Cyndie returned to her roots as she was back on a road course, the famous Watkins Glen road course. A track of more than 3.4 miles long, fast and with different levels of elevation. But Watkins Glen is also a wonderful track with lots of history, including formula 1 races back in the 70’s.

Cyndie struggled a bit to drive her car in qualifying to finish 14^th on the grid. Her team set up the car differently for the race and obviously Cyndie was happy with its performance. Indeed, she ended up 9th in the first race, starting from P14. For the second race, Cyndie started 9th. After a contact in turn 1, she lost few positions but went back on track and advanced to P10 until she made a late race mistake. Her car went on the outside curb at the exit of corner number 10. The curb unsettled her car which made it slide over and make contact with the barrier. Unfortunately, her car was too damaged to continue. The good news is that Cyndie was unhurt except for a sprained thumb.

Cyndie said : « my car was balanced and I felt very confident. In race 2, the 9th place car was just ahead of me and I wanted to gain another position so I kept pushing hard, unfortunately I have paid a big price to want too much… Two Top-10’s were possible this weekend, we were fast enough to fight between the 6th and the 10th position ! »

Cyndie’s car owner Jon Lewis commented, “Cyndie has had a lot to learn this season with a mixture of oval and road courses. I’m very pleased with her progress. She showed again at Watkins Glen that she has the talent to succeed in this Series. Her late race shunt in the second race was unfortunate, but she was pushing hard and trying to gain positions. I wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ve still got seven more races ahead of us and I have all the confidence in the world that she will show the world what she’s made of!”

AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING ON IOWA

Driver Cyndie Allemann and the American Spirit Racing Team completed the Iowa Speedway Open Test this past Wednesday along with all but one of the other teams in the Series. The team got in about 40 laps until the rain came and the day appeared to be washed out. But fortunately, the sky’s cleared up long enough to get in a couple hours of on-track time at the end of the day.

“We came to Iowa with a different approach to our testing day, stated Jon Lewis, Team Principal. “We really wanted to gain as much data as we could in preparation for the race, so we concentrated on making numerous changes to the car, from one extreme to the next throughout the day. This also enabled Cyndie to learn more about how the car handles with all these changes. It was a really good test for us and I think we’ll have a great car for the race.”

Cyndie added, “This is a very interesting track. It’s short but high-banked and fast. You can go full throttle around the track and with number of cars we have in the Series and the strong competition level of all the drivers, this is going to be a very exciting race. The last few races haven’t really gone the way we had hoped and I’m looking forward to getting some better results.”

The area around the Iowa Speedway was recently hit by large storms. “We were all amazed to see the flooding around the Des Moines area,” commented Lewis. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to all the families who have been affected by the floods and tornados.”

CYNDIE ALLEMANN RANKED TOP-5 DRIVER IN POPULARITY

Driver Database, a Driver information website has currently ranked Cyndie Allemann as the 5th most popular driver in page views. The website which began three years ago as a primary Formula One driver info site, has expanded to include drivers from most racing series around the world. The website is updated daily. To visit the website, go to: http://www.driverdb.com/.

CYNDIE'S DAY ENDS EARLY IN KANSAS

Cape Coral, FL (April 29, 2008) – Cyndie Allemann, driver of the #18 American Spirit Racing / Cabo Wabo entry in the Firestone Indy Lights Series started 14^th on the grid for Sunday’s Kansas Lottery 100 race at the Kansas Speedway on Driver’s points because qualifying being cancelled due to the weather. In Sunday’s warm up, Cyndie was 5^th fastest of the 24 car field.

Right from the start of the race Cyndie was fast, running 3 miles of an hour faster than the leaders. The team’s strategy however was to hold back in the beginning, staying with the lead pack and saving the tires for the end. Near the half way point, Cyndie started to make her move coming up through the pack. Unfortunately, on lap 25 the car got loose, spun and slapped the wall coming out of turn 2 ending what looked to be a promising day for the American Spirit Team.

“The car was real good,” claimed Cyndie. “The best it had been all weekend. I could put the car anywhere I wanted to. I had a little bit of oversteer in the beginning, but I adjusted my front anti-roll bar and it was great. We had the car to run up front, it just got loose on me coming out of turn 2 and I couldn’t save it. I’m really disappointed because I think we could have really finished well here. I’m learning a lot about running on ovals and plan on carrying this into our next race in Indy. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Cyndie and the team will use the time before the Indianapolis Freedom 100 to test at Milwaukee in preparation for the remainder of the season.

CYNDIE, 5th FASTEST AT INDIANAPOLIS TEST

Speedway, IN (April 11, 2008) – Cyndie Allemann, driving the #18 Dallara for American Spirit Racing ended the day with the fifth fastest time of the Series Open Test for the Firestone Indy Lights Series at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Allemann, who drove 270 miles during the test set a time of 47.916 seconds over the 2.5 mile course at an average speed of 187.828 miles per hour. Cyndie’s time was just 2.5 tenths of a second off the fastest time of the day set by Raphael Matos.

“Indianapolis is a very impressive race track,” stated Cyndie. “There is so much history and to be here is such a thrill. The front and back straights are so long and you approach the first and third turns at such a high rate of speed. But, the American Spirit Team gave me a great car right from the beginning and I was able to keep it full throttle around the track within just a few laps.”

American Spirit’s Team Manager and Crew Chief Paul Diatlovich is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, having been the crew chief for 4 Indy 500 Rookie-of-the-Year award winners. American Spirit’s Technical Director and Chief Engineer Rossella Manfrinato is also no stranger to the Indy Lights Dallara, having worked for Dallara as its Series engineer in the early stages of the Indy Pro Series.

“I feel very lucky to be with this Team,” continued Cyndie. “From Paul and Rossella to Justin (Herring), Randy (Swann) and Doug (Wells) and of course my Team Owner Jon Lewis, they work very hard to give me all the tools I need to succeed. I’m very happy with our test at Indy. We tried several changes and learned a lot together and I feel comfortable coming back here in May for the race.”

The American Spirit Racing Team will now head to Kansas in the next few weeks for the 4^th round of the Firestone Indy Lights Series on April 27^th at the Kansas Speedway.

CYNDIE BRIGHTENS THE DAY OF US SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Cape Coral, FL (April 7, 2008) – Just ask any of our service men and women stationed around the world, being so far away from home is difficult at best. But, the day of the VP-47 Navy Squadron, was brightened when they recently received an autographed poster of Cyndie. “I recently received a few photos from the VP-47 squadron holding Cyndie’s poster,” stated American Spirit Racing team owner, Jon Lewis, who’s team will carry the identification of the VP-47 squadron on the #18 Firestone Indy Lights Series entry during the 2008 season. “They were extremely excited that they will be on our car and felt that it couldn’t be with a better team “American Spirit”. American Spirit Racing is proud of all of our service men and women at home and around the world for their service to their country.”

CYNDIE MAKES IT TWO TOP-TENS IN A ROW

St. Petersburg, FL (April 7, 2008) – Cyndie Allemann, driving the #18 American Spirit Racing entry in the Firestone Indy Lights Series captured two top-ten finishes at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this weekend. Finishing in 8^th place after starting in 11^th during Saturday’s race, Cyndie continued her top-ten streak with a 10^th place finish on Sunday.

“It was a wild race,” exclaimed Team Owner Jon Lewis. “There were a lot of incidents on-track during Sunday’s race. Unfortunately Cyndie got caught up in a couple of them. During the early stages of the race two cars got together in front of Cyndie and she masterfully avoided contact, but was held up behind the accident and was forced to resume on-track at the back of the pack.” Cyndie took her place at the back and at the restart steadily worked her way back up through the field. Later on in the race, Cyndie was hit from behind and spun in the last corner of the track and was able to resume, but again at the rear of the field. “Cyndie kept a cool head and really showed her professionalism in this sport,” Lewis continued. “To be caught up in so many incidents and still finish in the top-ten is a tribute to this young star.”

“It was really crazy out there,” commented Cyndie. “Everyone was pushing so hard. Maybe a little too much at times. My Team gave me a really good car and I was able race competitively. The accident that happened in front of me at the beginning made it a lot more difficult to finish up front. I would have liked to finish much higher, but at least we gained some valuable Championship points. I’m looking forward to this Friday’s test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

Cyndie was not the only one involved in on-track incidents. There was a lot of bumping and banging going on during Sunday’s race, which took out several drivers.

Cyndie gained two positions in the Championship and gained significant Championship points. Allemann is currently only 10 points out of 6^th place.

AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING’S CYNDIE ALLEMANN FINISHES IN TOP-TEN

St. Petersburg, FL (April 5, 2008) – Swiss Rookie Cyndie Allemann completed the first race of the Firestone Indy Lights

Series double header weekend in 8^th Place today. Starting in 11^th position, Cyndie piloted the #18 American Spirit Dallara

with associate sponsorship from Cabo Wabo through the twisty downtown street circuit gaining 4 positions to claim her first

top-ten finish in America.

“This is a whole team effort,” stated Jon Lewis, Team owner. “Cyndie did a great job on track and the crew gave her

a car that was strong and consistent. I have to thank my team, Paul Diatlovich, Rossella Manfrinato, Justin Herring, Randy

Swann and Doug Wells for all the hard work they put into giving Cyndie a good car. This is the team of people that I’ve

wanted to have for a long time and I couldn’t ask for more. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s race.”

Cyndie had a strong battle throughout the race with American Spirit’s 2007 driver Robbie Pecorari. “Things got a little dicey

there for a few laps,” continued Lewis. “It was close all the way and they made contact with each other a couple times, but

that happens when your both trying to finish ahead of the other. It was pretty exciting to watch. Cyndie’s really showing that

she has what it takes to be a top race driver.”

Allemann will start in 8^th place for the Firestone Indy Lights Series third race of the season on Sunday.

CYNDIE ALLEMANN ON THE RIGHT TRACK FOR ST. PETE

Sebring, FL (April 1, 2008) – American Spirit Racing driver, Cyndie Allemann finished the second day of testing at Sebring International Raceway for the Firestone Indy Lights Series in the #2 position on the speed chart. Finishing the morning session on top of the chart, Allemann who drives the #18 Dallara with associate sponsorship from Cabo Wabo developed a sore wrist and the Team chose to end the test day early to give her arm a little rest prior to this weekend’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, double header. Series veteran, Jeff Simmons ended the session as the fastest driver of the day.

“Another great showing by Cyndie,” commented Team Owner, Jon Lewis. “This young lady never ceases to impress me. Right off the bat today, she was quick. She really showed her road course talents and the Team did a great job giving her a strong car. We worked on several set up changes today in preparation for St. Pete, and I believe we’ve learned what we came here to accomplish.”

Lewis continued, “Cyndie put a lot of miles on this morning, as we weren’t sure if we would run into a similar rain condition as they did yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, Cyndie’s wrist was getting pretty sore in the afternoon, so we all decided it would be best to stop the test early, so her arm can be well rested for this week’s double-header.”

The American Spirit Racing team will be participating at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with two 100 mile races on April 5 & 6.

CYNDIE ALLEMANN SEASON PREVIEW

Cape Coral FL (March 20, 2008) – Cyndie Allemann returned from her native Switzerland on Monday with a renewed focus on the 2008 Indy Pro Series season. The young Swiss, a veteran of open-wheel racing in Europe, will contest the full 2008 season with American Spirit Racing.

“It was great to be back home with my family and friends for a few weeks.” stated Cyndie. “We are a very close family and I even had the chance to race karts with my brother while I was there. It was good to relax before starting the racing season. But, now I’m back in America and I’m really looking forward to Homestead.”

Cyndie who started her racing career at the young age of 7 has driven in European Formula Renault 2000 and Formula 3 is new to the oval circuits of America, however in Europe she did compete in one oval event at Germany’s Lausitzring, taking the pole position and finishing 2^nd and 3^rd in the races. “I had a very good showing on the oval in Germany,” Cyndie commented. “But the Indy Pro Series cars are much more powerful and faster. The team has given me a very good car and I’ve been able to become comfortable right away. During the first few laps on the oval you approach the outside wall at amazing speed. It was a little intimidating at first, but after a few more laps, I was able to keep it full throttle around the race track. It helps to have confidence in the car, the team and in myself. My crew at American Spirit Racing is doing a great job. So, I’m really looking forward to the first race.”

In the past few months, Cyndie has tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and on the Sebring road course. The young driver showed her stuff, being the fastest driver of the two days at Phoenix and 4^th fastest in Homestead’s morning session.

Cyndie, who is residing in Florida to be close to her Team Owner and spotter is getting comfortable with living in the States. “Jon and his family have really made me feel at home here in America,” said Cyndie. “Besides being my boss, Jon has become a good friend and getting to know each other so well enables me to develop the trust that is so important to have in your spotter. It’s been really enjoyable learning so many new things over here and you can’t beat the weather here in Florida.”

The team, with associate sponsorship from Cabo Wabo will unveil the new paint theme of the #18 car at Homestead on March 26th.

CYNDIE ALLEMANN ENJOYING TIME AT HOME BEFORE THE SEASON

Moutier, Switzerland (March 6, 2008) – American Spirit Racing driver Cyndie Allemann returned home recently to enjoy some time with her family and friends prior to the beginning of the 2008 Indy Pro Series season.

“It’s great to be back home for a few weeks to spend time with my family and friends,” stated Cyndie. “It was a drastic change in temperature when I arrived. It snowed the other day and it’s so pretty.” Allemann has been spending the past few months in Florida, where she will return to begin the season at Homestead, Florida. “I already miss the warm Florida weather, but it’s so great to see my family.”

Cyndie will be racing with her brother Ken this weekend in France (weather permitting) in a Kart race. Cyndie continued, “My brother and I have been racing since we were young kids and it will be so much fun to race with him again.” Cyndie’s brother owns a kart shop in Switzerland and her father Kurt operates one of Europe’s premier karting teams. Cyndie’s mom Ariane was also her crew chief in karting when she began racing, it’s truly a family affair.

“I’m enjoying my time here at home, but I’m really looking forward to the start of the season at Homestead,” Cyndie concluded. “I’ve got a great team and great support so let’s get the Series started. It’s going to be great!”

AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING TESTING NOTES - HOMESTEAD

(Homestead, FL) - Indy Pro Series Team, American Spirit Racing with driver Cyndie Allemann piloting the #18 Dallara with associate sponsor Cabo Wabo, participated in Thursday’s Open test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway along with 20 other drivers.

“Thanks to Paul, Rosella, Justin and Randy, we came to Homestead with a good car,” stated Team owner Jon Lewis. “Cyndie was 4^th fastest in the morning session, which was very encouraging since we came with a stable and conservative setup. In the afternoon we tried a few changes on the car and put a lot of miles on one of the sets of tires so Cyndie could experience the difference in handling over the course of a 100 mile race, before putting another fresh set of tires on the car. She did a very good job and her feed back is excellent. We could get a little more speed out of the car by trimming it out, but this was a test and there are no points or money to be awarded here today. It was a good experience for her and she learned a lot about driving these high speed ovals.”

In the afternoon, the team along with several others began to run in packs of 4-6 cars with each driver getting used to the draft and handling characteristics of the car in traffic. “It was a new experience for me,” commented Cyndie. “I could run with the other cars well, but had a difficult time getting used to the lack of front grip in the corners when following another car. It’s a lot different to what I’m used to, but I learned a lot and realize now, how to position myself on the track to take better use of the clean air around the other cars and not upset the car.” Cyndie continued, “Driving the ovals requires a driving style where you have to be very focused on your position on the track, because you have to react fast, but be very smooth, or it upsets the car a lot. It was a lot of fun to learn how to drive in the draft, so now I’ve had my first experience and know that I still have a little work to do when we return to Homestead in late March.”

Cyndie finished the day 9^th fastest out of 21 cars at the test, only 15/100^ths of a second off the top finishing car.

Contact: Jon Lewis (239) 283-3306

AmericanStarUSA@earthlink.net

CYNDIE ALLEMANN KICKS OFF THE 2008 SEASON WITH A PROMOTION

AT THE WEST COAST WATER & WHEELS SHOW

Cape Coral, FL (February 19, 2008) – American Spirit Racing driver Cyndie Allemann and the #18 Cabo Wabo Tequila associate sponsored Indy Pro Series race car will be a featured display at the West Coast Water & Wheels Show at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, Florida this Saturday evening (2/23). The event which is one of the largest of its type in southwest Florida will also feature at Tequila tent, live bands and more cars and boats that you can shake a stick at.

Cyndie and her American Spirit Racing car will be promoting their associate sponsor Cabo Wabo as well as the upcoming IndyCar and Indy Pro Series season-opener at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and following event at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Allemann, who recently moved to Cape Coral from her native Switzerland to settle in with her new Team has been turning heads, not only because of her tremendous personality and good looks, but from her ability as a driver. “Cyndie’s one of a kind,” stated Team owner Jon Lewis. “Right from the start she has impressed me with her personality, dedication and determination to be the best she can be in her sport. She was the fastest driver in our last test in Phoenix and we hope build on that momentum. We have a winner here!”

Cyndie added, “It’s wonderful to be here in America and especially in southwest Florida. Jon and his family have really made me feel at home and I am so happy to be with the American Spirit Racing team. We have had several successful tests so far, but the real test will come at the end of March when the season begins. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The young Swiss will be signing autograph posters and her Indy Pro Series race car co-owned by Cape resident Jon Lewis and Hall of Fame Rocker Sammy Hagar will be on display outside the Joint Restaurant in Cape Harbour starting at 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 23^rd.

Cabo Wabo® TEQUILA Returns to Indy Pro Series

with American Spirit Racing

Cape Coral, FL (February 8, 2008) – American Spirit Racing announced today that Cabo Wabo Tequila will return with the team in 2008 as an associate sponsor of the #18 car driven by Swiss Rookie, Cyndie Allemann. The car owned by American Spirit Racing’s President Jon Lewis and the creator of Cabo Wabo Tequila, Hall of Fame Rocker Sammy Hagar will feature a new and exciting paint theme in 2008.

“I am very happy to announce the continuing participation and support of Cabo Wabo Tequila with our operation,” commented Lewis. “We began a business relationship with Cabo Wabo in 2003 and were able to place them in the Winner’s Circle last year in Nashville. We are looking forward to an even greater season in 2008 with Cyndie.”

It's great to be back with American Spirits Racing this year" said HagaragHaHafaHHHHHHHHhhh "Last year the Cabo Wabo team had some great results and this year ...look out". I love racing and I'm glad to be with a team that loves it as much as I do."

In 2007, operating under the Team KMA Racing banner with Rookie driver Robbie Pecorari, the team finished the season with one win, 4 top-fives and 8 top-tens.

“Over the winter we have revamped the operation with new personnel and have spent quite a considerable amount of time in preparation to provide Cyndie with the best possible car for her to win races,” continued Lewis. “Cyndie is a real joy to work with and I’m really looking forward to this year!”

About Cabo Wabo Tequila

Cabo Wabo Tequila was originally created by Sammy Hagar to have a superior tequila to serve his friends and in his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. A stickler for authenticity and quality, Hagar linked with a small Mexican tequila maker, the Rivera family, who had been creating exceptional, hand-crafted tequilas since 1937. Cabo Wabo is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and comes in four different types including Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Cabo Uno. It is acknowledged as one of the finest tequilas made today. Cabo Wabo continues to win top competitive tasting awards, recently receiving a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

More information on Cabo Wabo Tequila can be found at www.cabowabo.com. Also, be sure to check out Cabo Wabo Radio at www.cabowaboradio.com.

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CYNDIE AllemanN Backs up her Phoenix run

Avondale, AZ (February 7, 2008) – American Spirit Racing driver Cyndie Allemann backed up her first day run at the Phoenix International Raceway posting the quickest time of the two day test. Allemann’s consistent lap times would have put her on the pole at the 2003 Indy Pro Series event.

“I am very pleased that our test in Phoenix went so well,” exclaimed Cyndie. “This is a great way to start, going into the 2008 season. I know I still have some work to do and driving with 20 cars or more on the track is going to be an experience, but I’m looking forward to it. The Team has consistently given me a very good car and every change made it quicker and more predictable. I’m really enjoying being with this Team!”

“Our test here in Phoenix went very well,” stated Technical Director and Chief Engineer Rossella Manfrinato. “We came here knowing that we had a lot of work to do and we are leaving very happy that we achieved a lot. Given Cyndie’s limited experience with these cars and these kind of tracks, I am extremely pleased with the way she drove and responded to the changes we made to the car. She’s very eager to learn and handled this test on a very demanding track, not only being fast, but also consistent.”

"Another great job by the entire Crew!!!," said Team Owner Jon Lewis. "Paul (Diatlovich), Justin (Herring), Doug (Wells) along with Rossella and Cyndie were right on the money at this test. Unfortunately, Randy (Swann) could not be with us in Phoenix due to the passing of his mother. Our heartfelt thoughts are with him at this time."

The team will head back to Indianapolis in preparation for testing later this month at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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CYNDIE ALLEMAN SETS THE PACE IN PHOENIX

Avondale, AZ (February 6, 2008) – American Spirit Racing’s Cyndie Allemann set the pace today at the Phoenix International Raceway, being the first driver to post times in the 23 second range. Allemann, who is in her first year in the Indy Pro Series held the fastest time of the day until the final minutes of the session.

“The Team gave me a really stable car today,” claimed Cyndie Allemann. “We are working very well together and I really like the oval race tracks, even though I’ve only raced on one before.” Allemann’s only oval race to date was in Formula 3 in Germany, where she set the pole and finished 2^nd and 3^rd. “The car was quick right away and we worked on several changes to make it faster. We have more work to do, but I’m very happy and looking forward to the start of the season.”

“This just emphasizes what I think about our young driver,” stated Team Owner Jon Lewis. “She’s just tremendous and such a professional!” Allemann took to the mile oval as though she’s been driving these cars for years. Lewis continued, “Not only is Cyndie a very talented driver, but she is cool and collected in the performance of her craft.” The 21 year-old Swiss driver was very consistent in working her way around the challenging track and even though uncommonly cold conditions prevented teams from heading on-track till almost 10 AM, she was able to post quick times prior to the day’s lunch break.

“This is also a testament to the entire team,” claimed Lewis. “The American Spirit crew was able to put a quick and predictable race car underneath Cyndie, which also gave her the confidence to run the car hard. I’m proud of this whole Team.”

Allemann and the American Spirit Racing Team will take to the Phoenix track again on Thursday.

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AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING LOOKS FORWARD TO 2008 SEASON

Cape Coral, FL (February 4, 2008) – The American Spirit Racing Team recently completed an initial 3-day road-course & oval test (2 days at Sebring Int’l Raceway & 1 day at Homestead-Miami-Speedway) with driver Cyndie Alleman behind the wheel. This was Allemann’s first introduction to the Dallara Indy Pro Series racecar. Cyndie, who recently moved to Florida from Switzerland to pilot the Team’s #18 entry for the entire 2008 season completed the test schedule, posting very competitive times.

ASR Boss Jon Lewis was very pleased with the outcome. “What can I say other than Cyndie did everything exactly as we asked of her. Coming from the extremely competitive Formula 3 Euroseries, I knew she would be good, but more than that, she was precise in her execution of our testing plans and took to the more powerful car with ease. We’ve got more testing planned prior to the season opener and I believe this is going to be one of the best season’s in Indy Pro Series history. I feel confident that we have chosen the right driver to fill the #18 seat.”

American Spirit’s day at the Homestead oval started out in fine form, with the Team’s 2007 driver Robbie Pecorari shaking the car down in the early morning. “The car was very good right off the bat,” stated Pecorari. “It was a lot better car than we began with last year and I was able to come up to speed within just a couple laps. I could put the car anywhere I wanted on the track.” Robbie continued, “I was very impressed with Cyndie as well, she did a great job and I think she has a bright future in the Indy Pro Series.”

This was Cyndie’s first time on a high banked oval and at these speeds, but she looked like a veteran working up to speed and being able to go flat around the track in under 20 laps, while passing her Oval Rookie test. Unfortunately, the team’s day was cut short due to a mechanical problem out of the Team’s control and they were forced to cancel the afternoon’s session.

“The Indy Pro Series car is much larger than the cars I have been driving in Europe, but I was extremely surprised at how well it handled and the grip of the car in the corners,” commented Cyndie. “This was the first time I met the entire team and I feel like we are one big family, which gives me a very good feeling about going into this season.”

“This is a Team effort,” stated Lewis. “Not only did Cyndie do an excellent job behind the wheel, but we’ve been able to bring together some of the most well respected personnel in motorsport to create a Team that can produce results.” Team Manager Paul Diatlovich and Technical Director Rosella Manfrinato will direct the team’s performance with Lead Mechanic Justin Herring (who has been with American Spirit Racing since 2005) being assisted by Randy Swann. “I can not explain how great it feels to have these talented and dedicated individuals on the team.”

“It was also very gracious of Robbie (Pecorari) to come down and assist us at Homestead. We’re working very hard to put Robbie in our second entry and I think Cyndie and Robbie will be tremendous team mates,” said Lewis. “Hopefully we can make an announcement on that shortly.”

The Team will be testing at the one mile Phoenix Oval, prior to returning to Homestead later in the month.

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CYNDIE ALLEMANN TO AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING

FOR 2008 INDY PRO SERIES CAMPAIGN

Cape Coral, Florida (January 14, 2008) – American Spirit Racing (ASR) President, Jon Lewis announced today, the signing of 21 year-old Swiss driver Cyndie Allemann to pilot the Team’s #18 entry in the 2008 Indy Pro Series. Cyndie, who hails from Moutier, Switzerland, is a veteran driver who has shown strong performance in the highly competitive Formula 3 Euroseries over the past two seasons and several prior Championship winning seasons in European karting. American Spirit Racing (running under the Team KMA banner) won the Nashville Superspeedway event in 2007.

Allemann will take on the driving duties of the Team’s #18 entry and will begin an extensive pre-season testing schedule in January. “We are very excited to have Cyndie on our team,” stated Team Owner Lewis. “She’s not only a very talented driver but an extremely personable young lady. I know she will be a huge hit with the fans and I have no doubt that with her racing background, she will be a formidable competitor on the track and a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.”

“I am really exited to race in the Indy Pro Series in 2008 with a very competitive team,” commented Allemann. “I really feel comfortable at team ASR and with the team owner Jon Lewis. I'm looking forward to start testing soon.” Allemann recently relocated to Florida from her native Switzerland to be with the team during pre-season testing.

American Spirit Racing (who operated under the Team KMA Racing banner in 2008) has revamped its operation for 2008 with the addition of several new members to the Team. “I am really excited about this coming season,” continued Lewis. “We learned a lot in 2007 and have been able to bring some of the most talented members in IndyCar racing onto our Team including, Paul Diatlovich, owner of PDM Racing who has campaigned cars in the Indy 500 for several years and was the Crew Chief for 4 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year drivers. Paul will serve as Crew Chief for American Spirit Racing.

In addition, ASR will again pair up with PDM Racing at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 as it did in 2001.

The operation will be based at American Spirit Racing’s headquarters in Cape Coral, Florida until the conclusion of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and will then move into the PDM Racing shop in Indianapolis for the remainder of the season.

2007

PECORARI SCORES VICTORY

Nashville, TN (July 14, 2007) - Robbie Pecorari driving the # 13 Cabo Wabo Tequila / Team KMA Racing Dallara claimed his first win in the Indy Pro Series today. Starting in 3^rdposition, Pecorari and Series points leader Alex Lloyd would have a back and forth battle till the end. 32 laps into the race, Robbie took over the lead and held it through the half way point. Lloyd got a good jump on the re-start after a caution period and took over the lead. With just 4 laps remaining Pecorari was back in first place and held off a last lap charge by Logan Gomez to claim the victory.

"First off, I have to thank the team and crew," said Pecorari. "We rode off the trailer quick, not coming here testing as a bunch of other teams have. So it's definitely been a great weekend from the beginning.”

When asked about the weekend, Lewis co-owner of Team KMA Racing with Ingo Strackerjan and co-owner of the racecar with rocker Sammy Hagar stated, “It was a perfect weekend, absolutely perfect. As Robbie said, we came here not testing at this track prior to the race weekend as so many other teams had done, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but right off the bat we had a strong car. With all the road racing background we have as a team, we felt that we would be strong on the road courses which we proved at St. Pete and Watkins Glen, but we’ve really stepped up our game on the ovals as well with the 5^th place in Iowa and now the win here in Nashville.”

“Robbie’s a tremendous driver,” Lewis continued. “I can’t say enough about this young man. We’re very proud to have him on our team. But, I have to also say that this is a team sport and I give great thanks to all our crew; Martin Bates, Justin Herring, Kristy Castrogiovanni and Mark Weida. We’ve made some changes to our program a few races back and brought in Martin (Bates) and Mark (Weida), which has been a very positive move. I think this is just a sign of things to come.”

When asked about the Series, Lewis said, “We’re a small team, but I think this just goes to prove that you can be small and still beat the big boys. The Indy Pro Series is just phenomenal. If you’re going to be in open wheel racing in America and if you have your sights on competing in the Indy 500 someday, whether it be as a driver or a team, this is the only place to be.”

Catch all the action on ESPN2 on Wednesday July 18^th at 5:00 PM EST. The next event on the Indy Pro Series schedule will take place next weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

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ROBBIE PECORARI CLAIMS 5^TH PLACE

St. Petersburg, FL (April 1, 2007) – Robbie Pecorari driving the #13 Cabo Wabo Tequila Team KMA Racing Dallara claimed a 5^th place finish in today’s third race of the Indy Pro Series at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

With three top-10 finishes (8^th at Homestead, 7^th in Saturday’s race at St. Pete and 5^th in today’s race at St. Pete) Robbie is now currently in 5^th place in Championship points and 2^nd in Rookie points. Team KMA Racing also currently sits in 5^th place in Team points.

“It was a very exciting weekend,” stated Team KMA co-owner Lewis. “When we finished on top of the charts for the second practice session, we knew we had something here. The Team KMA crew did a great job putting a solid car underneath Robbie and Robbie did a masterful job on track. We had a lot of people at the race this weekend and it was great to have such a strong finish.”

After taking a big hit from behind in the first turn of the opening lap, Pecorari soldiered on and never looked back. “It was a pretty big hit and tore off a significant section of my left front wing end fence,” commented Pecorari. “But, other than a little understeer in the right hand turns, the car felt very stable.”

Pecorari spent most of the race battling with driver Chris Festa. “It’s so difficult to pass at St. Pete,” said Robbie Pecorari. “In fact the only place you can really pass is turn one. But, you have to be patient and wait for the right time and not make a mistake.” Pecorari’s late race pass was about as exciting as they get; deep inside diving pass into turn one, tires smoking and driving the #13 Cabo Wabo Tequila car through traffic like thread through a needle.

Both rounds of the St. Petersburg Grand Prix for the Indy Pro Series will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 4:30 PM on Friday, April 6^th.

Team KMA Racing is sponsored in part by Cabo Wabo Tequila, Cabo Wabo Cantina, SRI Hydraulics and Auto Aficionado Magazine. The #13 Cabo Wabo Tequila racecar is co-owned by Hall of Fame Rocker Sammy Hagar and Lewis.

Racing notes, Homestead-Miami Open test

Homestead, FL (February 23, 2007) – Team KMA Racing with driver Robbie Pecorari concluded the initial shakedown of their new car yesterday during the Indy Pro Series Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Team KMA Formula BMW engineer Lucas Strackerjan was present to observe the difference in oval set up and Team KMA Formula BMW mechanic worked with the Indy Pro Series team to help change the car over from road to oval configuration.

“Tuesday was more of a shakedown run for us than a real test,” commented Lewis, Team KMA co-owner. “This was the first time we’ve gotten the car out on the track since we took delivery of it earlier this month, so we spend a considerable amount of time just checking specific areas of the car and making several changes in set up just to get a comfortable baseline.”

This was also Robbie’s first time in an Indy Pro Series car on a road course (Pecorari passed his Rookie test on the Homestead oval a few weeks ago). “The Indy Pro Series car is quite different from the Atlantic car,” stated Pecorari. “It’s got a lot more horsepower and handles quite different, but I was very pleased in what we learned yesterday from the different changes we made during our shakedown runs.”

Even though the team was concentrating on the basics of the car and not on optimum speed and performance, Robbie consistently ran in the top five all day on Tuesday. “The car had an easy half a second more in it,” continued Pecorari. “But, I didn’t want to push it and tear something up. After all, we’re here to shake it down and get it ready for the opening race later this month.”

On Thursday, Robbie and the Team were back on track, this time on the oval. Although new to the Indy Pro Series scene, Pecorari has previously driven at two oval events in the Pro Mazda Series, winning one of them. “The guys had to scramble to get the car ready for this week’s test,” stated Lewis. “We received the new engine just last week as well as the bodywork back from the painter They did a great job getting it all together, but we still have a little aerodynamic work to do to get a little more speed out of her. We had difficulty eliminating some of the understeer in the corners, which we feel will also be helped by the aero work. But, as I said before, this was basically a shake down of the car on the road and oval courses and we now know what we have to do to be up front.” The number 13, Cabo Wabo tequila sponsored car finished the day just over 3/10ths of a second off the fastest time of the day.

The team has headed back to its Indiana shop to prepare the car for the season opener on March 24^th at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

SPONSORED BY CABO WABO TEQUILA

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 24, 2007) – Team KMA principal Strackerjan and Lewis announced today that they have signed for the 2007 Indy Pro Series season, the well-known Pennsylvania native, Robbie Pecorari, as their Driver. Pecorari passed his Indy Pro Series Rookie test today at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Robbie Pecorari will be driving the Cabo Wabo sponsored 430 hp Dallara racecar for the full 2007 season in a field of more than 26 equally powered Indy Pro Series racecars on Street, Oval and Road courses. The famous Cabo Wabo Tequila, owned by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar is a sponsor of Team KMA Racing and in an announcement made earlier last week, it was confirmed that Sammy Hagar had also become a co-owner of the Indy Pro Series race car.

Lewis goes on to explain “It’s really exciting to announce that we were able to offer Robbie a sponsored drive, thanks to the people of Cabo Wabo Tequila.” “Besides being a music icon and car fanatic, this truly demonstrates Sammy Hagar’s belief in supporting young talented athletes. As a sponsor of our Team and a co-owner of our Indy Pro Series racecar, this dramatically increases and enhances the ladder system we have established for our drivers to successfully progress in their careers.”

“First off I would like to thank Jon and Ingo for trusting me to put the Cabo Wabo Tequila car on the top step of the podium,” exclaimed Robbie Pecorari. “Without them and Sammy Hagar none of this would be happening. I am also looking forward to coaching our Team’s Formula BMW drivers. This will be a first for me, but I am looking forward to the extra time at the track and becoming an integral part of this Team.”

Robbie’s most recent accomplishments include finishing 2^nd in the 2005 Formula Mazda Championship, just 11 points shy of capturing the title after claiming 2 wins and 7 podium finishes, and dominating the Toronto Grand Prix in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship in 2006 while leading every lap and taking the victory.

Strackerjan went on to say “We are indeed excited to have Robbie within the KMA team. We all know that with his knowledge, Robbie will add to our talent pool, providing our young FBMW drivers with driving pointers, race strategies, and in general, the opportunities to learn from an accomplished driver. Over the past three years I watched Robbie’s success, followed his progress from karting to Atlantics and have seen Robbie’s talents. He will be very successful in the 2007 Indy Pro Series Championship. With the addition of more road courses, many of them he has raced on in previous years, his chances are very good to gain podium positions. Our plans for Robbie are very simple – he will be our entry to the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the dream to participate in the biggest racing spectacle in the world – the famous Indianapolis 500! Nothing less will do. We thank Cabo Wabo and Sammy Hagar for being such a great supporter and believer in Team KMA.”

MUSIC, TEQUILA, NIGHTCLUBS… AND NOW RACECARS – AN EMPIRE FITTING OF A ROCK LEGEND

Sammy Hagar Adds To His Growing Empire As Co-Owner Of Team KMA Indy Pro Series Racecar

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 10, 2006) – From international rock legend, to tequila connoisseur to restaurateur, Sammy Hagar can now add racecars to his expanding list of assets and expertise. The famous “Red Rocker” and American Spirit’s Lewis announced today that they have partnered as co-owners of the racecar to be campaigned by Team KMA Racing in the Indy Pro Series.

“I’m very excited about our entering the Indy Pro Series,” stated Hagar. “The fans of Indy Racing are enthusiastic and it’s a tremendous venue to compete in. I’ve been a car fanatic for as long as I can remember, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of Indy Racing.”

Sammy’s premier brand of tequila Cabo Wabo, will be highlighted throughout the Team KMA Indy Pro Series operation. In addition, Team KMA’s multi-car Formula BMW Team will promote the famous Cabo Wabo Cantina.

“I cannot explain how honored and proud I am to have Sammy as my partner,” exclaimed Lewis. “I had the honor of promoting Cabo Wabo tequila on our American Le Mans prototype in 2003. Sammy’s a true rocker and so full of energy. He loves the excitement of racing and we’re going to carry over that excitement to our race operation.”

Sammy becomes the newest entertainment personality to join the Indy Racing fold. Hagar, a music icon and tequila aficionado, was lead singer of Van Halen, tours the country with his group “Sammy and the Wabos”, is the owner of the world’s premier tequila brand Cabo Wabo and purveyor of the famous Cabo Wabo Cantina.