GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing will make its long-awaited debut in the Pirelli World Challenge this weekend, Aug. 29 at Sonoma Raceway. A new “Red Dragon” will be born as the team’s Hyundai Genesis Coupe joins the diverse field in the fast-growing and highly competitive GTS category.
The No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance/Bob Stallings Hyundai/Hyundai Genesis Coupe will be the first of its kind racing in the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport class. The homologation process, led by Team Manager Terry Wilbert and Engineer John Ward was a nine-month endeavor that included a gasoline direct injection engine program.
American racer Jeff Harrison will be the substitute driver as GAINSCO Auto Insurance driver Jon Fogarty has previous commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Fogarty will return for the final round of the 2015 Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. A resident of Dallas, Texas, Harrison is the “Club Pro Driver” at the Motorsports Ranch just outside of Dallas.
This is where Harrison met team owner, Bob Stallings and began his relationship with the Dallas-based team, “I first met Jeff 13 years ago when I began driving, said Bob Stallings. “I have a lot of respect for his ability and I am glad he will be with us as we debut the new Red Dragon. Jeff has been helping with some tuning projects and our testing program, and his feedback has been very good as Terry (Wilbert, Team Manager) and John (Ward, Engineer) develop the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This is a great opportunity for Jeff and we are excited to have him.”
The son of a seven-time SCCA Champion, Harrison has raced, and won in a variety of classes, including Porsche Super Cup, Grand Am GT, ARCA, Pro Mazda, USF2000 Pro National Series. Earlier in his career, Harrison was invited to drive for the American Team in the Formula Ford Festival and was also a candidate in the inaugural Team Green Academy.
“Driving for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing is a dream come true. As a driver, all I want is a team that has the ability and desire to do whatever it takes to win. Everyone wants to be a winner...until it is time to do what it takes to be a winner. GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing is willing to do whatever it takes to be a winner,” said Jeff Harrison. “This debut will be another important memory of this team's history and to be a part of it, and to represent GAINSCO Auto Insurance and Bob Stallings Hyundai is very special.”
Follow www.gainscoracing.com for news and results.