Wittmer dominates for World Challenge win at Long Beach Kuno Wittmer, of Montreal, led flag to flag to claim victory at the Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach Presented by Bondurant, the final race of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Tyler McQuarrie, of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Robert Stout, of Brownsburg, Ind., captured the GTS and Touring Car classes, respectively. Wittmer's race weekend was nearly perfect in the No. 13 Dodge Motorsports Dodge Viper, earning the pole with a new track record, and cruising to an 8.475-second margin of victory.

With a clear vision of the first turn from his front row starting position, Wittmer rocketed away from the standing start and had opened up over a full second lead on the first lap. That gap continued to grow, and at lap 16 was at 7.271sec.

"The most important thing was to get off the line," Wittmer said. "I had Brandon [Davis] behind me and I know he has two years of experience with the standing start in his car. I only have three races now in the Viper. On top of that, we had the two all-wheel-drive Volvos sitting second and fourth. But, they didn't really get off the line."

Leading by 10.579sec by lap 20, Wittmer was able to cruise to the finish. "I got away and looked in the mirror and saw Brandon behind me and I was just trying to pace myself and not look back," Wittmer continued. "Brandon put the pressure on early. He was catching us for sure at different points. But the Viper product proved to be the car to have today. The team really did a great job. I can tell you, for the next month, before the next race, I know that car is going to be in pieces, going through it trying to make it quicker."

Wittmer averaged a record 80.787mph over the 29-lap, 57.072-mile race that ran without a full-course caution period. It was the 26-year-old's fifth career World Challenge victory, but his first in the GT class. He also turned the fastest lap of the race at 1:25.797 (82.576mph), a new Long Beach race record.

Dino Crescentini sliced his way through the GT field in his No. 4 Centric Parts/Stoptech/GMG Porsche 911 GT3 from his sixth starting position to finish as the runner-up to Wittmer. Crescentini made up two positions by the first turn, and held that position until lap 8 when he was passed by Ron Fellows in the No. 2 Carlisle Companies/Cragar Chevrolet Corvette and dropped to fifth.

On lap 17, Crescentini began his charge. He passed Fellows for fourth, and then picked off Boris Said in the No. 3 Applied Comp Solutions/Sun Microsystems Ford Mustang GT for third on lap 20. He slipped past Brandon Davis in the No. 1 Applied Comp Solutions Ford Mustang GT for second on lap 23, but wasn't able to significantly close the gap on Wittmer. The charge through the top-five earned Crescentini the MTM Special Ops Best Move of the Race award.

"I was a bit apprehensive at the start," Crescentini said. "I couldn't see the start lights and needed to have my crew call the start. The car was the same at the end as it was at the very beginning. It was all about out-braking everyone today. In every corner on every lap, I was able to out-brake people. I can't out-power them so I had to out-brake them. I had the most fun today I've ever had in a racecar. It was just so busy the entire time and such good racing."

The runner-up finish did boost Crescentini into the GT Championship lead with 292 points, one point ahead of Wittmer and just two ahead of Global Motorsports Group teammate James Sofronas.

Davis held onto third position in his first GT race of the season. Davis finished on the podium in Rounds 1 and 2 in St. Petersburg in the GTS class.

Said held on for fourth position after a multi-lap battle with Fellows ended when the Corvette blew an engine on lap 27. Fellows finished 18th in class, but earned the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race when he passed Said on lap 25 to momentarily gain the fourth position. Defending race winner Sofronas completed the top five in the No. 14 GMG Porsche 911 GT3.

Randy Pobst (Volvo S60) finished sixth after starting second on the grid, followed by Jeff Courtney (Dodge Viper) in seventh. Rob Morgan (Porsche 911 GT3), Andy Pilgrim (Volvo S60) and Tony Gaples (Chevrolet Corvette) completed the top 10.

Bill Ziegler earned the Sunoco Hard Charger award for improving seven positions to finish 11th in GT and overall in the No. 05 Swisher Racing Porsche 911 GT3. Jason Daskalos improved five positions on the opening lap in the No. 5 Daskalos Developments Dodge Viper to earn the Optima Batteries Best Standing Start.

 

Acura wins manufacturer title

Kuno Wittmer, sidelined my mechanical failure at Laguna

Laguna Seca, California, October 12, 2009. – Kuno Wittmer completed his SCCA World Challenge season on a sour note with another mechanical failure at Laguna Seca, last round on the calendar. After taking the start from second row with Acura teammates Kleinubing and Cunningham sharing front row, Wittmer kept his position with a commanding pace and was looking for an all-Acura podium at the season finale. He experienced a strong vibration on the fifth lap and by the next one was down a few positions when the left rear wheel snapped loose and Wittmer spun and beached his car in turn 10. A sad ending to a season with ups and downs and no less than four DNF with all sorts of unpredictable mechanical failures.Nevertheless, Wittmer came back to the pits only to celebrate with race winner, teammate Pierre Kleinubing who scored enough points to lock his fifth driver Touring championship. This victory also gives Acura the coveted manufacturer title.

“I’m pretty disappointed to finish my season with one more DNF for another failure we could not prevent,” declared Wittmer. “I guess this was the kind of season I had. On the other hand, RealTime had only one goal this weekend and that was to clinch the manufacturer title for Acura. Our qualifying times were outstanding with positions 1, 2 and 4. Pierre (Kleinubing) had a perfect race with Peter (Cunningham) in the slipstream. I think I had a good enough Acura to complete the podium but the whole wheel assembly broke. I had radioed my crew I was coming in for repair, thinking some wheel nut was loose but I never made it back. After the scoring was done, Pierre also earned his fifth Touring championship. Finally, an outstanding weekend I wish I could have shared with my teammates with a better finish. ”

Looking for next season
The Wittmer brothers have now completed their 2009 racing season. Nick in the Canadian Touring Car series became champion in the last round of the season in the #06 Lombardi Honda Racing Civic. The best moment of the season came at Mosport when Kuno earned his only victory this season in World Challenge and was joined by brother Nick who took 3rd in his maiden SCCA race.

At this point, Nick should be back in 2010 to defend his crown. Kuno finishes sixth in the SCCA World Challenge and acknowledges he is having discussions with teams but admits Realtime is still first on the list. Kunick Autosport will announce what lies ahead for the Wittmer brothers in 2010 in the coming weeks.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy

Nick Wittmer, Canadian Super Touring Champion

September 8, 2009 - ICAR Complex, Mirabel, Quebec – Nick Wittmer in his Lombardi Honda Racing Civic became this weekend the first Quebec driver to win the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship overall and the Super Touring class as he managed a fifth place in the first round and a fourth in the season finale on Sunday. Now in its third year, the Touring series fields the best racing teams in the country with eight twin bills over six tracks. A very proud Wittmer was honored at the closing awards ceremony following the last race program. The new champion managed one victory earlier last Spring but was strangely denied and he ended up in fourth place. “Wow! That was a hard fought title”, said Wittmer with relief. ”Competition was fierce and there were half a dozen rockets out there! I’m so happy for Lombardi Honda Racing who put in so much effort and always gave me a strong car that could fence with the best and bring home big points. Reliability was the key word this year. This is the title that is the most significant to me.”

“Next, I must thank team owner Tony Lombardi for offering me such a good race seat : his determination was a boost for the team and we bonded from day one. My two teammates Jean-François Dumoulin and my brother Kuno were very professional and we were always on the same page. Finally, my father Patrik who acted as my crew chief and fan number one. I am proud to add another winning chapter to the motorsport history of our family that goes back to our grandfather 40 years ago.”

Kuno at Road Atlanta in two weeks
Nick Wittmer’s season may be over with a title under his belt but brother Kuno has two rounds left in the SCCA World Challenge with RealTime Racing Acura. His next outing will be at famed Road Atlanta in Braselton as undercard of the ALMS Petit Le Mans from the 23rd to the 25th of September.

Kunick Autosport has brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer racing in the SCCA World Challenge with RealTime Racing Acura for Kuno and the Canadian Touring Car Championship in a Lombardi Honda Racing Civic.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy

 

Impressive GT Debut for Kuno at Road America

Nick takes Championship lead in Canadian Touring Car Championship

August 17, 2009 - Nick has taken the Championship lead in Canadian Touring Car Championship, by finishing 4th and 3rd in last weekend's races in Trois-Rivières. One event is left to run next September 5 and 6.

Making his World Challenge GT debut this weekend, Touring Car ace Wittmer qualified the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper second with a lap of 2:16.051 (107.112 mph). Wittmer then starts P1 in his usual RealTime Racing Acura TSX in the Touring Car Championship. Kuno led both races and had an electrical problem in his TSX that forced him to pit and had a wheel bearing let go on the Viper forcing him to pit. Great experience and lots of rave reviews from the teams in GT about his driving abilities in the Viper.

Kuno Wittmer ends up 7th after flirting with victory

Mid-Ohio, Lexington, August 9th, 2009 – Everything was according to his plan for Kuno Wittmer. He had scored the best time in the Friday practice, was fourth in the qualifying session on Saturday in his #44 RealTime Acura and thought he had the car to repeat his victory from last year. At the green flag, he leapfrogged into third place and a few laps later he managed to pass for second. He had a strong car and was about to overtake for second when tragedy struck: a cam sensor failed and slowed down his race rocket. Wittmer had to stop for a quick repair under a yellow flag and did not loose a lap but damage was done. He resumed the race in 10th place and could only carve his way back into 7th place at the checkered flag. He stills holds on to fifth place in the season standings.“What a shame, it’s so frustrating”, sadly voiced Kuno Wittmer. “In my life, I never had a better racing car. I knew I was going to win this race and it was a matter of time I would take the lead and just check out. RealTime have me a perfect car and Mid-Ohio is the perfect playground for my kind of driving. Never in the team’s history has a cam sensor failed and the crew was fantastic in troubleshooting the problem and changing the part. We were under a yellow and I didn’t go a lap down. I ran out of laps to finish in a better position but I’m happy I got the second best time in the race. I’ll put this behind and focus on the next round, on another fabulous racing facility, Road America in Wisconsin next week.”

Nick at GP3R and Kuno in Elkhart Lake
Next weekend will see one the highlights of the season for younger Nick Wittmer as he takes to the track at the historic urban facility in Trois-Rivières for the 40th Edition of this Grand Prix. Nick will be driving the #06 Lombardi Honda Racing Civic while brother Kuno will not be able to attend for the first time in many years since he will be in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin at Road America. Both brothers have won in Trois-Rivières in others series. Jean-François Dumoulin will drive the other Lombardi Civic on his hometown track and vie for the victory.

Kunick Autosport has brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer racing in the SCCA World Challenge with RealTime Racing Acura for Kuno and the Canadian Touring Car Championship in a Lombardi Honda Racing Civic.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy

 

Canadian Touring Car Championship

Wittmer brothers take three more podiums

Honda Indy Grand Prix, Toronto, July 12th, 2009 – With racing action returning to the streets of Toronto with the Indy Grand Prix Honda, brothers Nick and Kuno Wittmer sure the best out of their weekend with no less than three podiums with their Civic in the Canadian Touring Car Championship. Back in action, veteran Kuno earned a second and a third on a race facility he likes a lot. Meanwhile, younger brother Nick, after an early encounter with concrete on Friday, came back charging to a deserving 4th on Saturday and a 2nd place on Sunday morning. After ten rounds of the season now completed, Nick Wittmer sits in second place in the standings, only 20 points from the lead while their team is the team to beat. “Our game plan went perfect”, admitted Kuno Wittmer. “Nick and I knew this track does not forgive much and one must stay clear of the walls and other racing cars. Nick almost lost his weekend on Friday morning in practice. I like this course and have raced it in many series. For the Saturday race, from second row I jumped in second early but was never able to contend for the lead since the winner had outrageous power on the back stretch. The Sunday race was a carbon copy except I didn’t want to compromise our chances to step on the podium and Nick just outbraked me late in a corner. The only team orders we have is never to make contact.”

“I must first thank our team for resurrecting my car after my error on Friday,” smiled Nick Wittmer. “I thought my car was beyond repairs and they pulled a miracle. I started the race from ninth and went around a first-lap accident to finish in fourth with an ailing car. I’m so happy of the end result even if the car in third was declared under weight. For the second race, I wanted to remember Kuno who was the fastest in the family! Just kidding, we have raced many times side by side and we would never touch. I just caught him by surprise in a corner. Now I must concentrate to work on that 20-point gap separating me from the lead in the standings.”

“Kuno and Nick were fantastic”, cheered team owner. “It proves we have the best team in this league. We’re going to do our very best to give Nick a car to get back in the lead starting from our next program in Calabogie.”

Only Nick at Calabogie in two weeks

The next program will take the Canadian Touring Car Championship to the new and winding race track in Calabogie, Ontario, west of Ottawa on July 25 and 26. Nick Wittmer will be the only one taking to the track in the #06 Civic since both team-mates Kuno Wittmer and Jean-François Dumoulin will be unable to attend.

 

SCCA World Challenge series
Kuno Wittmer, 7th at the Glen

Watkins Glen, New-York.— Kuno Wittmer made the best this weekend with an ailing car and finished 7th in the fifth round of the 2009 Touring class SCCA World Challenge held at legendary Watkins Glen facility in upper New-York state. Starting from 9th place on the grid, his worst qualifying position this season, the Montreal driver felt a recurrent vibration in the drivetrain, the same problem that slowed him down in the qualifying session. Nevertheless, he was able to pass two cars in the race.The weekend had started pretty well when Wittmer put his #44 Realtime Acura TSX third after both practice sessions. The annoying vibration happened when he took to the track in qualifying. After five rounds, Wittmer sits fifth in the season standings, only 38 points away from first place.“Friday was perfect and I had my RealTime Acura where I wanted.” he mentioned. “Qualifying is a very short period and we did not have time to spare for this kind of troubleshooting. Before the race, every component in the drivetrain and suspension was checked and we thought it was only an unbalanced wheel. But it came back to haunt me and I just made the best with the car until the checker. Back in the paddock, we found some oil on the front tire and a smell of burnt oil under the hood. Could be a half shaft or steering box.”

Indy Honda GP in Toronto with the CTCC

“I’m sure the crew at RealTime will have this fixed for our next outing in three weeks. Meanwhile, I will be in Toronto next weekend with my brother Nick as we campaign the Lombardi Honda Racing Civics around the urban track. It will be exciting to be back in Toronto where we enjoyed so much success in the past. My next race in the World Challenge with RealTime will be at a new place near Chicago, the Autobahn Country Club in late July.”

Kunick Autosport has brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer racing in the SCCA World Challenge with RealTime Racing Acura for Kuno and the Canadian Touring Car Championship in a Lombardi Honda Racing Civic.

Source: Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Nick Wittmer remains 2nd in CTCC standings

Mosport International Raceway, June the 14th, 2009 – The second double header that was held on mythic Mosport facility for the third program of the Canadian Touring Car Championship was not what the drivers expected this weekend. Both Nick Wittmer from Montreal and Jean-François Dumoulin from Trois-Rivières experienced unexpected mechanical problems and had setbacks in one round. Saturday, Dumoulin spent four laps in the pits trying to repair a cracked injector while Wittmer had to slow down in the last laps when his fuel pump became intermittent. Nevertheless, with a sixth place Saturday, Wittmer remains second in the season standings. On the other hand, Dumoulin started deep in the field (22nd) on Sunday but was 7th at the stripe. “It’s disappointed for our results”, claimed Nick Wittmer. “Usually, we never wonder about our Civics because the crew always provides us with perfect cars. The problems we had were totally unexpected. After a fourth row start, I ended up sixth in the Saturday round and was looking for a podium in the second race. I fought hard with Mathieu (Audette) for the first ten laps but had to back up afterwards when my fuel pump had some hiccups. I slowed the pace to earn as much points as I could instead of parking it. I’m still second in the points standings but Mathieu is only four points behind.”

“I encountered my problem on Saturday with a cracked injector” added Dumoulin. “I was starting in seventh place, was very strong when it happened. I spent almost seven minutes in the pits and returned just in time to score a few points. Sunday, I took the start from last place but carved my way up to seventh. It’s always fun to reel in so many cars on that track. I long to race with Nick so we can team up and work our way to the front.”

Mirabel in two weeks

The next program will take the Canadian Touring Championship to Mirabel at the new ICAR complex north of Montreal for the Grand Prix de Mirabel in two weeks. “It will be a new layout, states Wittmer. But we have raced there last year and it is quite special on concrete. There will be a new ruling effective in this double header, allowing us to get more power against a few very quick competitors. I hope we can spend a day testing our new engine before the GP.”

May 31st - Shannonville, Ontario, May the 31st, 2009 – The second double header of the Canadian Touring Car Championship was held this weekend on the twisty Shannonville racetrack near Belleville and Montrealer Nick Wittmer earned a well deserved second place Saturday for the first round and settled for 6th place on Sunday with his new Honda Civic. The 23-year old driver started from third row on the first-round grid and carved his way up to second within a few laps. He then tried to pass for the lead but ran out of laps. By virtue of the series ruling, he started from the front row for the Sunday round but experienced a power steering problem on the pace lap: he had to muscle his steering for the entire race and finally ended up in sixth overall. After four races, Wittmer now sits in second place in the series standings. “We knew our cars had a better handling on such a twisty racetrack” commented a smiling Nick Wittmer. “Shannonville is the kind of track that forgives a lack of power and our Civics do rather well for atmospheric engines. I thought I had victory in sight on Sunday but understood my luck had turned when I felt the steering so hard. I was loosing all precision entering a corner and decided to nurse my car to the chequered flag. I think I will retain second place in the standings after the weekend.”

Back to Mosport in two weeks
CTCC series will head back to Mosport on June 13 and 14 for another double header.

For more information : Michel Poirier-Defoy : 514 – 942 – 8463

K. Wittmer Leads RTR Sweep on Saturday 
 
Cunningham's '09 TSX Nets First Win Sunday Bowmanville, Ontario - May 16-17, 2009
 
The RealTime Racing fleet of Acura TSX SPEED World Challenge Touring Cars returned to its winning ways this weekend by taking victory in both Championship races held at Mosport International Raceway.
 
The Victoria Day Speedfest at the historic 2.459-mile Ontario circuit celebrates the annual Canadian holiday and provided the opportunity for the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned World Challenge machines to headline the weekend. Canadian Kuno Wittmer kicked things off on the right foot on Saturday, the first race of a special double header, by scoring a convincing victory in his 2008 Acura TSX.  On an unbelievably wet and slippery track, the third year RealTime pilot scored the fourth series win of his career. Team owner Peter Cunningham notched his record-extending 32nd career World Challenge series win in Sunday's race - the first for the brand new 2009 Acura TSX in only its fourth race. Conditions may have been drier than the day before but it was unseasonably cold, with a wind chill barely above the freezing mark. The competition however was hotter than ever as the No.1 plated Acura led flag to flag.
 
The best result of the often-wet weekend was that the RealTime Racing troops were able to strengthen Acura's Manufacturers' Championship points lead to eight over nearest rival Mazda.
 
Saturday
 
In Saturday's race, Kuno Wittmer blasted into the lead with a perfect start from his front row slot, while the race's pole-sitter stalled on the standing start and never recovered. Kuno rocketed away from the field in the wet conditions, on some laps more than two seconds quicker than his nearest rival.
 
Kuno's younger brother, Nick Wittmer, started 11th in his debut World Challenge race, moved up to fourth after Lap 1, and all the way to the second spot before the halfway point.
 
On the final lap, the Wittmer brothers were first and second, but the younger of the two was under fire from 13-year RealTime veteran Pierre Kleinubing. A slight bobble by Nick in Turn 3 was all the invitation Pierre needed to stick his nose inside as the pair sailed into the high speed left hand downhill Turn 4. In a synchronized drift, the two Acuras finally touched, straightening each other out, but with Pierre's new generation TSX bettering Nick's 2008 machine. Nick earned the Sunoco Hard Charger award for moving up the most positions from the start, while Kleinubing's pass of Nick resulted in the Autoweek Move of the Race trophy for him.
 
Cunningham qualified seventh and drove to fifth placing a RealTime Acura in four of the top-five spots.
 
RealTime teammate Toby Grahovec started 10th and finished a respectable eighth in his first rain event in his 2008 Acura TSX.
 
The SPEED TV broadcast of Saturday's Round Three race airs June 16th at 200p EDT.
 
Sunday
 
Qualifying for Sunday's race on a frigid but dry track featured laps that were 13 seconds per lap faster than Saturday's wet conditions. Cunningham was fifth quickest, but the most fortunate.  After the coin toss to decide whether or not the top five positions would be inverted, he advanced himself to the pole position, at the sacrifice of Kleinubing who went from second to fourth when the coin landed with 'heads' showing.
 
Racing within a half second of his qualifying lap speed, Cunningham led all 28 laps to win by .564 seconds over 2005 Mosport winner Charles Espenlaub and current points leader Jason Saini in a pair of Mazda6s.
 
This maiden victory by the all-new 2009 Acura TSX marks the first win by a car built to the new less-permissive World Challenge rules.  Cunningham's No.1 car and Kleinubing's No.42 are two of the first race cars built to this 'closer to stock' specification. Just as their predecessors, each of the team's Acuras are engineered and fabricated at RealTime's Wisconsin facility.
 
There was no RealTime domination of the victory stand Sunday, as had been the case Saturday. Pierre, Kuno and brother Nick were fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively, while Toby was 10th today. Grahovec's fastest race lap was less than a second off Cunningham's best effort.
 
The SPEED TV broadcast of Sunday's Round Four race airs July 7 at 200p EDT.
 
Round Five of the 10-race SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship will accompany the Indy Racing League Honda-powered machines July 4 at Watkins Glen International.
 
The RealTime Acura team is sponsored by Acura, Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Red Line Oil, Eibach Springs, Sparco, Hawk Performance, Brembo, A-SPEC, BOSCH, Total Auto Body and PACT.  

 

After his 2nd career pole position

Kuno Wittmer, 4th in New Jersey

New-Jersey Motorsports Park. – Kuno Wittmer earned his second career pole position at the New Jersey Motorsports Park facility for the second round of the 2009 Touring class SCCA World Challenge season but was denied starting from the first row when the coin toss – a new feature in the series – didn’t favour him and relegated the #44 Acura RealTime driver on third row. Nevertheless, the Montreal driver had a strong start and made up two positions in the first corners of the first lap. He charged to the front with fellow RealTime teammate but could not make ground on the front runners.

He was passed once by another car and completed the 27-lap sprint in fourth place. Wittmer is still happy with the outcome since he now stands sixth in the standings, a single point shy from fifth.

“ It’s a good result considering how difficult it is to pass in New Jersey”, said Wittmer. My RealTime Acura was very strong when I earned the pole. But I lost the coin toss and the top five places were inverted. So instead of keeping my first row start, I took to the track on third row. Our team leader (and defending champion) Peter Cunningham started from pole. But I guess that’s the game and some day luck will be on my side.”

“I carved my way around a few cars at the start and used the slipstream with Peter (Kleinunbing) to follow the leaders but after a few laps we were some two seconds behind and were never able to catch the leaders. This year, some cars (Mazda et Subaru) benefit from extra power and used it on the Jersey stretch. After the Sebring disapointment because I didn’t finish, this result has me tied for sixth place but only one point from fifth with one of my favourite round coming in two weeks at Mosport in Canada.”

Double duty in Mosport
Kuno and Nick Wittmer will be reunited in Mosport for the maiden round of the Canadian Touring Championship when they steer Honda Civics for the Lombardi Honda Racing team while Kuno will also be entered in his #44 RealTime Acura for the third race of the season from May 15 to 17.

The calendar for both Kunick Autosport drivers is known and brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer have their work cut out for the season. Kuno is set for every round of the 2009 Touring class SCCA World Challenge with RealTime while Nick will be the Lombardi Honda Racing team leader in the Canadian Touring Championship in a new Civic sedan. Kuno will share the second car with veteran Jean-François Dumoulin.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy

10th in SCCA World Challenge standings
Wittmer sidelined with mechanical failure

Sebring, Florida.— Starting from the second line in the maiden round of the 2009 Touring class SCCA World Challenge, Kuno Wittmer was on his way to a podium finish in his #44 Realtime Acura just like last year but a drive line problem forced him to pull over by the track side after the completion of 9 of the scheduled 18 laps around the famed 3.7-mile Sebring facility.

The 25-year old driver from Montreal had a strong weekend topping the charts in second or third place in every outing before the race. Nevertheless, Wittmer remains positive even if the end result is 13th place in the race and 10th in the standings.

“It’s such a shame! I had such a strong car all weekend and was looking for a better finish,” he said. “I always get a good car from RealTime and we could not prevent that failure. At the start, Seth (Thomas) came out of the blocks like a rocket while Pierre (Kleinubing) slipped a wheel. I was in pursuit in third place and confident I could overtake at least for second. We drove away from the rest of the grid but I felt a little vibration by lap 5. I decided then to ease the pace and settle for a podium. But the vibration grew and I wasn’t able to nurse the car beyond lap nine when I had to forfeit.”

“I feel the competition will be tough all season, he added. That’s the fun of this series. All cars are quick and the tracks sometimes make the difference. The next round in New-Jersey should favor our Acuras because it is very twisty and we are indeed pretty quick around the corners. It will be the first World Challenge outing there but some of us were there last year in the Grand-Am round.”

New Jersey in May

Kuno Wittmer will be back in action at Thunderbolt Raceway, a 2.25-mile race track with 14 turns, on May 1st to the 3rdfor the second round of the SCCA World Challenge. Kunick Autosport will announce in a few weeks the rest of the schedule for both Wittmer brothers, Kuno and Nick. The younger Wittmer is set to race in a Canadian touring series but both are considering other projects being at this point of the year.

Source: Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

At the Quebec Motorsport Federation banquet

Kuno Wittmer awarded Bertrand-Fabi Memorial Trophy

November 6th, 2008 — Kuno Wittmer had a pretty busy racing calendar and a mostly winning one, ending the season with both third places in the final standings in the SCCA World Challenge and Grand Am Koni Challenge series. Clearly the best results ever achieved by a Quebec driver in both touring series. At the Quebec Motorsports Federation season ending gala evening, Wittmer was awarded the Bertrand-Fabi Memorial Trophy, acknowledging his accomplishment on the international scene. In 2008, the 26 year-old driver entered 32 events, won 6 outright and had no less than 24 Top 10. He also entered a few events in the Canadian Castrol Championship and earned two wins by the same token.“I had a pretty busy calendar this year, claims Wittmer, and it was filled with success. My brother Nick and I have been with very good teams in the last years and we have elbowed our way up in the standings over the best racing facilities in North America. Nick suffered a few mechanical gremlins this year while I was lucky not to DNF a single event. In the Koni Challenge, I teamed up with Peter Cunningham: we didn’t have the fastest car but we stayed out of trouble and were always among the leaders.” “In the World Challenge, RealTime Acura was obviously the best team and we fought for the title among us (Cunningham and Kleinubing). It came down to the last lap of the last round where each could come out the winner. Finally, I ran a few events with Lombardi Honda Racing in the Canadian series in order to develop a strong car for 2009 and I earned a few victories in the process.

I want to thank both teams, i-Moto and RealTime Acura for their fast machines and some sponsors. But mostly my family who has been involved in motorsports for more than 40 years! “ Kuno, more than a decade in racing After a few karting years, Kuno entered single seaters in formula 1600, Renault and Atlantic. He started with touring cars in the Motorola and Hankook series (Quebec touring champion in 2002). He took part in the Honda Michelin series and was national champion in 2005. He is among the best touring car drivers in North America. Bertrand-Fabi Memorial Trophy honors the memory of a young and brilliant driver who died in a Formula 3 race in England in 1986, on his way to a promising formula one career. In the past, this coveted award was given to drivers like Richard Spénard, Claude Bourbonnais, Alex Tagliani and Patrick Carpentier.

Kunick Autosport preparing 2009 For the Wittmer brothers, 2009 could be as busy and propositions are being considered: “We have to look at the rule changes, the cars and the teams involved”, he concludes. “The two main touring series are in the picture but there could be some class changes. We – Nick and I – will also drive for Lombardi Honda Racing in the Canadian series. But until the Test days in January, we will enjoy the off-season break.”

-30- Source: Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Third in both American Touring championships
Kuno Wittmer completes a stellar season

October 4th, 2008 - Virginia International Raceway, Virginia.— Kuno Wittmer put an end to his long season with a grueling double header weekend in Road Atlanta and Virginia International Raceway in both season final rounds of the SCCA World Challenge and the Grand-Am Koni Challenge. He came in fifth Friday in Georgia but that was not enough to finish ahead of his teammates Peter Cunningham and Pierre Kleinubing in their Realtime Racing Acuras. Also third last year, he trails Cunningham by only nine points. He joined brother Nick and driver owner Glen Bocchino Saturday in their i-Moto Acura for the Six Hour ST finale in Virginia: they finished a distant 17th with a broken half shaft but Kuno earned enough points to get third place in the standings, only two from second place. Finally, the i-Moto trio took to the track a BMW M3 in the GS finale on Sunday but their outing turned into a long six hour setup session.

“Sure was a long weekend, admitted Kuno afflicted by flue. Friday, I was never able to find the right settings and I started from 11th place. I was in fifth when I tried to overtake Peter for position three corners from the stripe. That position would have given me the title: but it wasn’t to be. I end up nine points short. I traveled all night to Virginia after the year-end banquet and was on time for the morning sessions at VIR. Our starting order didn’t matter much with a six-hour endurance ahead. I still managed to lead a few laps and Nick did the same but we had to slow down because of a broken half shaft. I finish the season in 3rd again but i-Moto claims third best team and Glen was very happy. We knew we couldn’t win with the Bimmer on Sunday because the car was too hard to drive. But we used all six hours to tune and learn as much as we could. That could help in the future if we race this machine again.”

“It was a thrilling season racing for both titles even if I came up a bit short. I had only a few weekends off since I also raced in the touring championships in Québec and Ontario, with some success I might add. Peter won his 5th title, Realtime was best team and got the marques award for Acura. We are already working on 2009. I think I can afford to take some well earned holidays to nurse that flue under the sun!”

“It was a tough season, claimed Nick. After we won the season opener in Daytona, we had ups and downs and many mechanical breakdowns. I was happy to join Lombardi Honda Racing in their new Civic late in the season. And we enjoyed the Kinetic Motorsports BMW for a few rounds. Now we look forward to next year and I hope this one will be as successful for both of us as it was this year for Kuno!”

Silly season ahead

The Wittmer brothers are working on their 2009 racing schedule. World and Koni challenges are highly considered with occasional stints in the Canadian touring championship. “One thing is clear, completes Kuno. We will attend the Daytona test days in January were we were one and two. But we have to look at every option and see if we will be competitive. As much as possible, we would like to be part of the same program.”

-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Kuno second in Koni Challenge standings

Kuno 8th in Koni Challenge at Miller

Miller Motorsports Park, Utah.— Brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer were back in action last weekend for the penultimate round of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge in their i-Moto Acuras at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City. An outing they found to be rewarding with Kuno taking 8th place and stepping to second place in the season’s standings.Although Nick settled with 24th overall in class, he admits taking a chance with an early driver change that could have been beneficial but did not materialize when he ran out of fuel with four minutes in the race. Altogether, Team i-Moto took back second place in the team standings, Acura can still vie for the manufacturer’s title and Peter Cunningham has a sizeable lead in the Rookie of the Year chase.

“Our cars were very quick this weekend, agreed Kuno. We found a lot of power we were lacking in New Jersey. But the turbo cars were even faster: they were in high altitude and had no restrictor limitation. Nevertheless, Peter and I managed our race quite well to take 8th at the stripe. In the last lap, we were clearly pushed off the track and had to loose one place and it would be nice if the officials gave us back our position. Peter has a 29-point lead going into the last round and could become the 2008 Rookie.”

“We had a different strategy, followed Nick. Glen (Bocchino) and I used an early full-course yellow to change driver. But there were no more yellow flags and I couldn’t make it to the end. I ran out of the precious liquid with four minutes to go! Otherwise, we were right on Kuno’s tail. At least, we’re in the hunt for best team and best manufacturer.”

Virginia and Road Atlanta : busy weekend

The Wittmer brothers racing schedule comes to an end on October 3 to 5 with a double header staged at VIR and Road Atlanta. Kuno will enter the last round of the World Challenge on Friday in Georgia, trailing Peter Cunningham by a mere three points. Both will travel to Virginia for the Saturday qualifying session of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge last round, the 6 Hour VIR finale that will take place on Sunday. “I stand a better chance in the World Challenge because I have to race my teammates with equal equipment, says Kuno. But I have to beat Peter. For the Koni Challenge, I have a 29-point deficit and the leader has to fall early in the race to keep my chances alive. Still, I want to complete my season with the best possible results. I have raced this season with many teams, won with all of them and had more than my share of success. Nick and I are already setting up things for 2009. And we could come up with a few surprises! ”

-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Kuno still third in Koni Challenge standings

Wittmer brothers, tough Jersey weekend

Sept. 2nd - Thunderbolt Raceway, New-Jersey.— Brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer last outing at New-Jersey’s newest facility Thunderbolt Raceway was not what they expected in the 8th round of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge in the i-Moto Acura machines. They were racing against more powerful cars and could hardly follow the leaders. The fact that this round included both GS and ST classes turned the race into a string of full-course yellow situations and less than 45 minutes of green-flag racing was done out of the scheduled 2:30 hours. Even with a 9th place overall, Kuno remains 3rd in the series standings with two races left; Nick finished a distant 28th.

“We were short on power all weekend, argued Kuno. The situation is some cars were allowed to race this year with very limited restrictions, while we have not changed anything from last year. So, we are a bit behind on power and it shows over long distance racing like Grand-Am. We hope to run up front for the next round in Utah at Miller Motorsports Park. Nevertheless, I’m now alone in 3rd in the standings, only seventeen points out of first place going into the last two rounds.”
“I’m out of the championship race since the #31 i-Moto Acura was sidelined a few times with mechanical gremlins, adds Nick. It’s pretty disappointing to see a 2:30-hour race with 70 cars on the track come down to barely 45 minutes of racing. We were going in circles while the GS cars were taken off the track and some track repairs had to be done. Glenn (Bocchino) was in first place for a while but we couldn’t take advantage of that positioning to have a good pit stop and we finished in 28th. During my drive, I had some fuel feeding problem and had about 75% of the usual power.”

Salt Lake City, Virginia and Road Atlanta
The Wittmer brothers will take a few weeks off and return to Grand-Am Koni Challenge round nine from September 19 to 21 at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. Then, on the first week of October, both Koni and World Challenge will hold their season finale. The Koni ultimate round will be held in Virginia and the SWC will be at Road Atlanta. “I have the possibility of doing both races that weekend, concludes Kuno, just like I did last year. I am 17 points away from the top in Koni and only 4 behind my teammate (Peter) Cunningham in Speed World Challenge. I stand a very good chance of winning both championships and it is my goal to go for both.”

-30-
Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Kuno Wittmer, seven points from the lead
Montreal, Quebec.— Brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer will take to the track this coming weekend at New-Jersey newest facility where the 10th round of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge will be held. They will be back with their usual i-Moto co-drivers Peter Cunningham and team owner Glenn Bocchino in the #31 and 32 Acura TSX. Kuno is seven points shy of first place in the standings with three rounds to go and he hopes to take advantage of the twisty Thunderbolt Raceway to earn his first victory this season ahead of very powerful machines. “Thunderbolt is a new racetrack for everybody, claims Kuno, and we will use every minute of the practice sessions to learn the track and find the proper setup for the cars. There are going to be more than 70 cars on the track – GS and ST classes. We do not have s specific outing for our class only before the official qualifying session Saturday morning. But I think New-Jersey could favor us because it is quite winding: our suspension and excellent brakes could give us an edge. Peter and I only have in mind to be ahead of the three drivers leading the points standings. Since Nick is not involved in the championship because of his mechanical mishaps, he will help us reach the best setup. Let’s not forget Acura is leading the manufacturers championship and we are also involved in this fight.”

A difficult GP3R weekend

The last weekends have not been as easy for the Wittmer brothers: they had to settle for 5th place in the Koni Challenge round at Trois-Rivières, which they had won outright last year. “We were a tad short on power, adds Nick. Compared to last year, some cars were so fast on the backstretch that we couldn’t pass them.” In the Canadian Touring series, Kuno fell early in the Lombardi Honda Civic. “I was starting from first row of the 40-car grid, follows Kuno, but some guy made a desperate move from three rows behind and thought he would get away with it. He collected me and another car and our day was done. In the second race, our start position was determined by the results of the first: so I started way back and inched my way through the pack into 5th overall before a mechanical gremlin from the previous race sidelined me again.”



A 4th in Mosport

Back on his favorite track in the World Challenge series, Kuno Wittmer came away with a deserving fourth place in Mosport last weekend. “Some tracks are easier for some manufacturers, he adds, and this year we had to drive to our limits to keep up with the leaders. Peter and I took advantage of cars going off in the last lap to take 3rd and 4th. Peter enjoys a 4-point lead over me in the standings but we have locked the manufacturer’s title for Acura. We still have one round at Road Atlanta to determine the champion, but it will be a Realtime driver.”



The Wittmer brothers are at New-Jersey Thunderbolt Raceway this weekend in the Acuras of Team i-Moto in the Grand-Am ST class Koni Challenge. Two practice sessions are scheduled Friday at 1:00 and 4:10 PM. Qualifying session will take place Saturday at 10:25 AM. The 2:30-hour race will go green Sunday morning at 8:45.

-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Acura Secures 7th Manufacturers' Title

Wittmer 4th at Mosport stripe
August 24, 2008 - Bowmanville, Ontario Canada

A fortuitous third place finish today by RealTime Acura team owner Peter Cunningham assured Acura of its unprecedented seventh Manufacturers' Championship in the SCCA Speed World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

Round Nine of the ten-event road racing championship for production-based touring sedans was held north of the border at the historic Mosport International Raceway. After qualifying ninth, Cunningham steadily moved forward in a tight field whose fastest race laps were only separated by 0.813 of a second.

While pushing hard to what appeared to be a fifth place finish and in sight of the finish line, the third place BMW decided to attempt a pass on the second place Mazda.

As the two spinning cars were trying to regain their footing, Cunningham and Canadian teammate Kuno Wittmer took the checkers in third and fourth, scoring enough Manufacturers' points to seal the deal for Acura with one event remaining on the 2008 calendar.

"Our objective today was to do everything in our power to place one of our cars in the top four, which would clinch the championship for Acura," said Cunningham. "It was apparent after Qualifying that that task was going to be difficult, and when 27 and 7/8ths of the scheduled 28 laps were complete, we were resigned to the fact that we'd have to wait for the finale to ice the title. When the melee emerged in front of me and I made it safely through into third, I started cheering in my helmet!"

Coming into the weekend, the chase for the title among the top three drivers was closer than ever before, with only five points separating them. The best of the RTR pilots in Qualifying was four-time driving titlist Pierre Kleinubing in fifth. He collected two more points for that result, tying him for second with Cunningham and only three points behind Wittmer for the lead heading into the race.

Unfortunately for Kleinubing, series race officials busted him for ‘creeping' at the start line before the lights were extinguished, forcing him to the pits to serve a drive through penalty. In courageous style, he fought back and was credited with a remarkable sixth place finish.

Dino Crescentini finished one spot behind in seventh after qualifying 11th and team newcomer and Rookie of the Year contender Patrick Lindsey moved up one spot from his qualifying position to finish 11th.

The final round of the season will take place at the Petit Le Mans weekend, October 1-3 at Road Atlanta.

"Now, all five of our drivers can relax just a bit at Road Atlanta, enjoy the weekend knowing our first priority for any season has been achieved," noted crew chief Paul Truess. "With the Drivers' tally as close as it is, it will be a one-race shootout to see who will be named the 2008 Drivers' Champion."

The RTR boys head to the finale with Cunningham atop the Drivers' points standings, looking for his fifth title with the team which he founded. If he outscores his teammates but fails to win the race, he will become the second driver in four years to assemble a season filled with enough consistently-high results that he wins the championship without winning a race.

Wittmer has three wins here in his third season of Touring Car competition and sits second in the points, four behind Cunningham. Kleinubing has one victory of his own this year and runs third, 16 markers out of first.

The SPEED TV broadcast of the Mosport race airs this Wednesday, August 27 at Noon ET.

The RealTime Acura team is sponsored by Acura, Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Red Line Oil, Eibach Springs, buyBrakes.com, Sparco, Hawk Performance, Brembo, A-SPEC, BOSCH, Total Auto Body, PACT and A-YES.



Leading again the SWC standings

Kuno Wittmer, third win at Mid-Ohio

July 20, 2008 - Mid-Ohio, Lexington, Ohio.— Kuno Wittmer was back at Mid-Ohio last weekend and had an almost perfect outing in the World Challenge #44 RealTime Acura, winning his third race of the season and leading again in the standings. Starting on front row beside pole sitter Peter Cunningham, he had a quick launch and was in the lead by the second turn.He was pressured for the remaining 27 laps by Cunningham but managed to hold his teammate and won by a one-second slim margin. Now in his third season in the World Challenge, the 25-year old Montreal driver sits atop the standings with a 23-point lead on Cunningham and 57 more than fellow RealTime teammate Pierre Kleinubing who did not score points after he was taken out of the race by another competitor.

“That’s what I call pressure!” admitted Wittmer. “I had a very strong start and was side by side with Peter in the first turn; that carried us into turn two where I was inside and took advantage of my position to take the lead. I was stretching my lead to a few seconds when we had a full-course yellow. From then to the end, I had Peter filling my mirrors and had to be perfect. Any error would translate into third or fourth place. At RealTime, we respect any one of us who is leading a race but not to the point of slowing down if he goes off. And I’m truly sorry for Peter: he was taken out on the second lap by another car that lost control and did not score points. This is not the way we want the championship to be decided; we want to fight it off on the track. Finally, I have to thank the RealTime crew who gave us exceptional cars: the lead we have in the Manufacturers standings is a tribute to their hard work.”

Kuno: the time of his life

Wittmer is having his best year ever. The numbers are self-evident: he has entered three very competitive series (18 races) with different cars, earning 5 outright victories, 12 podiums, 15 Top-5 and no DNF. He is the first Canadian to score three wins in World Challenge – previously Richard Spenard had two. He is the first Canadian to lead the standings in this series.

His brother Nick is also doing pretty well after 8 races. He took part in three series with two different machines : that spells 3 class wins and 6 Top-10.

Road America and Iowa Speedway coming up

It will be a few weeks before the Wittmer brothers are racing again. Programs are scheduled at Road America and Iowa Speedway on the weekend of August 8 to 10. Kuno will head to Elkhart Lake for the next SCCA Speed World Challenge round in his #44 Realtime Acura while brother Nick will be in Newton for the next meeting of the Grand-Am ST Koni Challenge. On Sunday, Kuno and teammate Cunningham will travel between venues to start their I-Moto Acura from the back of the field. “Grand-Am races are long and we can start from the back since we cannot be in Newton for the qualifying session” he says.

The Wittmer brothers will take to the track next at Road America and Iowa Speedway from August 8th to 10th. Their web site is accessible at http://www.kunickautosport.com.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Nick gets 5th in Koni Challenge

Kuno Wittmer, podium in rainy Mid-Ohio

June 23rd, 2008 - Mid-Ohio, Lexington, Ohio.— Brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer were back in action in their I-Moto Acura at Mid-Ohio racetrack last weekend with their usual codrivers, Peter Cunningham and Glen Bocchino. After qualifying both cars in 11th and 12th places, Peter and Glen took the green flag for the first stint. Peter charged hard through the field and gave Kuno a third place car while Glen had a little encounter with another car that changed his handling and used a full course caution to hand Nick an 8th place machine. A few laps later, the skies opened and they had to switch to rain tires. They started reeling in the front runners until they were in second and third place. Kuno remained second while Nick had to settle for fifth when the handling gremlins haunted him as the tarmac was drying again. With his second podium this season, Kuno is now within 10 points of first place in the standings while Nick lies 6th overall.

“Peter was absolutely awesome in the first hour, told Kuno. Very few drivers know this track like he does and he just carved that field. He was within three seconds from the lead when a full course yellow called for driver change. Most of my stint was under hard rain and second was the best I could do only five seconds behind an all-wheel drive turbo car in front. I’m impressed every time with the car we get from our crew and how hard they work. But again, Peter was outstanding in the first hour.”

“We were going for a podium finish too, argued Nick. I came back in 22nd after the driver change but the rain helped me. I did charge until I was behind Kuno because I love to drive in the wet. We were going home with second and third but the track got drier in the last 15 minutes and the car was pushing. One of the RX8 and I made contact and I lost a few places, but I’m happy with 5th since that puts me in 6th place in the standings.”



Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio revisited

It will be two weeks before the Wittmer brothers are back in their I-Moto cars at the Glen in Upper New-York for the fifth round of the Koni Challenge. But Kuno will have to sit another month before he heads back to Mid-Ohio again to steer his #44 Realtime Acura in the SCCA Speed World Challenge. “I will take some time to relax somewhere on holidays where there are no racetracks!, smiled the 25 year-old. I also have a double header coming in a few weeks with Lombardi Honda Racing at the new facility called ICAR just north of Montreal on Mirabel airport.”

The Wittmer brothers will take to the track next at Watkins Glen from July 3rd to 5th with the I-Moto Acuras in the Grand-Am ST Koni Challenge. Their web site is accessible at http://www.kunickautosport.com.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Kuno now second in standings

Wittmer brothers net a podium in MosportJune 16, 2008 - Mosport, Ontario.— Kuno and Nick Wittmer teamed up in their I-Moto Acura and took to their favorite track, Mosport International Raceway. After a flawless race, they earned their second podium of the year after Daytona. Nick qualified in 9th place and gave his older brother a very good car after his 90-minute stint. Kuno came in fourth overall but the team was awarded third place after a competitor was disqualified. One race wasn’t enough and Kuno raced a Lombardi Racing Honda in the Castrol touring championship to fourth place on Saturday and second on Sunday. Nick had his way in the second Lombardi car on Sunday: starting from last on the 36-car grid because he had no qualifying time, he charged to a satisfying 7th overall. They agreed their weekend was a token of appreciation for their father.

“We’ll give the hardware to our father Patrik, agreed both brothers. He has been instrumental in our careers and he is still our best fan. We owe him a lot.”

“We ran the wheels off our cars this weekend, added Kuno. We gave it our best shot but some cars are so powerful, there is little we can do. They come with turbos or all-wheel drive while we have to run an almost production car. On a track like Mosport, they just run away on the back stretch. But we will leave this for the officials to look after that.”

Good outings in Castrol series
“I’m so proud of this Lombardi team, claimed Kuno. This is my second double header with them and they keep improving. We were again underpowered to the winners but a fourth and a second are not bad at all. I think we still have some time left in the setup and under the hood but I truly think we can win some races with that Lombardi machine.” Nick Wittmer on the other hand entered his maiden round on Sunday. “I was starting from behind and had no pressure, he said. So, I did my best and it turned into a seventh overall. I agree with Kuno, these cars are quick and fun. Hope I can get another shot sometime this season.”

In the standings, Kuno is now in second place in the Koni Challenge.

Next stop : Mid-Ohio

The schedule doesn’t give the Wittmer brothers much time for holidays. They head for Mid-Ohio this coming weekend. Kuno will be back in his #44 Realtime Acura on a track this team calls home. He will try to forget his bad outing at Watkins Glen where he finished 9th and slipped into second place in the standings. Both brothers will team up with their regular partners in the next round of the Koni Challenge, Nick with I-Moto driver owner Glen Bocchino and Kuno with Peter Cunningham.

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Wittmer earns victory and 5th place at Lime Rock

May 27 - Lime Rock, Connecticut.— Kuno Wittmer had very good outings in the World Challenge double header held at Lime Rock on Memorial weekend. Saturday, in his #44 RealTime Acura, he became the first driver this season to record two victories, tying his teammate’s record (Kleinubing) of five consecutive podiums. Monday, with a 95-pound mandatory addition, he came out with a rewarding 5th place in the second round to keep the lead in the 2008 World Challenge standings by a slim 6-point margin. On the same program, he teamed up with Peter Cunningham in the Grand Am Koni Challenge to earn 8th place in an overheating car he had to nurse to the checkered flag. Nevertheless, both drivers are now lying second in this series standings.

“I was racing with two hard working teams this weekend but we had our share of problems, declared the 25-year old Montreal driver. It started on a brilliant note when I registered the best time in practice on Saturday. Then Pierre (Kleinubing) edged me for the pole. At the start of the first round, I jumped into the lead and concentrated on reeling in good laps until the last lap for my second victory. In the other round, my car came to a halt on the track with a throttle sensor problem after I registered only one lap, still good enough for 6th place on the grid. In the Monday race, I managed to inch my way into fourth before I was punted by another car. From then, handling was precarious and all I could do was nurse the car to 5th at the stripe.”

“In the Koni Challenge, Peter and I were starting from a distant 21st place. In the last hour, as I was charging to the front, the car experimented some overheating and I had to ease the pace. Getting away with 8th is nothing to be ashamed of in such conditions. We are now second in the Koni standings.”

Engine hiccups for Nick
Nick Wittmer came to Lime Rock with a Daytona win under his belt. Codriver and owner Glen Bocchino placed the I-Moto Acura 9th on the grid and started the race for a long stint before he came into the pits under yellow for the usual driver change. Nick took to the track in 13th place and was heading for a Top 5 or even a podium after clocking the fastest lap in the race. Then the engine started sputtering; he had to back off the pace dramatically and finished way back (34th). “I tried everything from running in lower gears to engine reset but to no avail. What a sad end after a good start. I’m putting this behind me and I’m already looking forward to the next round at my favorite track, Mosport!”

Next : The Glen and Mosport
The Wittmer brothers won’t be idle for long with events within driving distance from home coming next. Kuno will head to Watkins Glen next week (June 6-7) for the 6th round of the World Challenge. The ensuing week, both brothers will drive north of Toronto to Mosport (June 13-14) for the 3rd race of the Koni Challenge. “Kuno and I feel like home in Mosport, says Nick, one of the most respected facilities in America. We look forward to this weekend.”

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Still first in the SWC standings
Third consecutive podium for Wittmer

May 19, 2008 - Tooele, Utah.— Kuno Wittmer has a perfect record : three podiums in as many races! Last weekend on the long Miller Motorsports Park race track, he drove to third place and kept the lead in the 2008 World Challenge standings. After topping the charts on Friday with the best time overall in his #44 Realtime Acura, the 25-year old driver suffered a setback to sixth place in qualifying and had to take to the start from third row. He had a rocket start and was well in third place by the second curve but had to defend his position throughout the race. Nevertheless, he ran flawless to the stripe and earned his third consecutive podium. The Realtime Acura team still leads the standings after three rounds and Kuno is ahead of Kleinubing by 12 and Peter Cunningham by 48 points in the drivers’ column.

“I’m happy with the end results but I had to work really hard to get there, claimed Wittmer. I spent the race looking in my mirrors because Charles (Espenlaub) and Peter (Cunningham) where pushing very hard. I didn’t block them but they were a bit faster on the straights: so I was braking deeper and using the awesome handling of the Realtime Acura in the curves to pull away from them. Miller is the kind of track I like a lot and I was prepared to fight for that position. There was nothing to do with the two cars ahead and I finally got some relief when Peter passed Charles for fourth. The three Acuras finished behind Jason (Saini) who was the class of that field. It’s nice to be leading again the championship: my goal is to get the best results in each round and do my share in the manufacturers’ championship.”

Sixth in qualifying
Wittmer was still in VIR shape when he took to the track for practice sessions on Friday, earning the best time of the day. Unfortunately, he had to settle for 6th in qualifying. “The crew gave me a perfect car, he adds, but I thought there was still half a second left in it. So we tweaked some settings but took the wrong direction. As soon as I drove a few turns I knew the pole was gone because I didn’t have the same car balance. And I never got a clean lap around Miller with fresh tires. So I took sixth and knew I would get a better car come race time.”

Lime Rock coming fast
Kuno Wittmer will have a busy schedule this coming weekend at Lime Rock. The Speed World Challenge will stage a double header in Touring class and he will team up with Peter Cunningham in the Grand Am Koni Challenge in a I-Moto Acura. His brother Nick, who won the maiden race in Daytona, will partner with Glen Bocchino. Finally, Kuno could also take part in the Grand Am GT class with Kurt Kossman in a Mustang. “My priority now is the SWC championship, says Wittmer. I want to concentrate on this series. I was already committed with Peter in the I-Moto car and I will not change my mind. But Kurt knows that if I have to drop a race, Nick can fill in at any time.”

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

First in the World Challenge standings
Kuno Wittmer drives perfect to maiden victory in VIR

April 27, 2008 - Alton, Virginia.— Kuno Wittmer stayed out of the trouble around him and drove flawless to his first World Challenge victory on the VIRginia International Raceway in his #44 Realtime Acura. Starting from third place on the grid, the 25-year old Montreal native was in second spot by the first corner of the 3.26 mile facility. For eleven laps, Wittmer kept pressuring race leader and pole sitter Chip Herr until he braked too late coming into a corner. At the same time Kleinubing took control of the race and Wittmer was still in hot pursuit. When his teammate went slightly off course, he claimed the lead with three laps remaining and managed to hold off a charging Seth Thomas to score his first World Challenge victory and take the lead in the current standings.

“I witnessed a lot of action around me but kept my nose clean until the stripe, cheered Wittmer. I put a lot of pressure on Chip (Herr) in the opening laps: he was very strong but I kept coming at him in the braking zones. And then he made the mistake that set him back. Meanwhile, Pierre (Kleinubing) was running hard behind me: when I slowed down to avoid Herr, he was right inside me and in the lead. I had to start over again until he went wide in a corner and gave me the lead. The track was damp in some areas and I had to hold off Seth (Thomas) in the final laps. He was very quick but I kept braking very deep into the corners to stay ahead. I got the checker by only 0,090 second but that will go down into the books as a win no matter what. I have to thank the Realtime Acura crew that gave me a well balanced car all week. We increase our lead for the manufacturers’ title and I jump atop the season standings. We still have a long way to go and I must earn as much points in every round but it feels pretty good to be in first place at this point



Next rounds in Utah and Connecticut

Kuno Wittmer will take to the track next time in Tooele, Utah for the 3rd round of the World Challenge on May 16. “This is one of my favorite tracks, he says. Very technical and not allowing any mistakes.” The week after, Kunick Autosport will be busy with brothers Kuno and Nick entering the Grand Am Koni Challenge in Lime Rock. “I’ve got a crazy schedule for the Memorial weekend, adds Kuno. Two rounds in the World Challenge, a Koni Challenge ST race and now a GS race with Kurt Koosman. There is no race on Sunday in Lime Rock and I’ll be resting!”

-30-



Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



First round of the SCCA World Challenge
Kuno Wittmer, 2nd in season opener in Sebring

Sebring, Florida.— Kuno Wittmer started his World Challenge season on a high note with second place in the 2008 maiden race in Sebring while the Realtime Acuras wrapped all three podium spots. The 24-year old driver who hails out of Montreal, Quebec set the pace in both practice session when he topped the charts.

But Brazilian teammate Pierre Kleinubing was fastest in qualifying with Wittmer second and team leader Peter Cunningham in third. In the 45-minute race, the Realtime trio lead all the way and kept the same order until the stripe. Third in the 2007 final standings, Wittmer confirms his intentions to vie for victory in each round and contend for the title.

“What a great week the Realtime Acura team had, claimed Kuno. We had a very good off-season and test sessions with my new TSX revealed it’s a very healthy car and much easier to set. The car was perfect for this track in practice sessions and Pierre (Kleinubing), Peter (Cunningham) and myself were like a freight train in qualifying with the top three sports. We had only one team order for the race and that was not to take one another off the track. The Realtime Acuras were evenly matched and we just paced ourselves to the end. We enjoy a nice lead in the manufacturers championship and we want to keep the pace all season. Personally, I was seventh last year in the season opener, so it’s a better start.”

Next round in Virginia
Brothers Kuno and Nick Wittmer are part of Kunick Autosport and are entered in the World Challenge and Koni Challenge. Next round for Kuno will be in Virginia at the end of April while both brothers will team up in the next Koni round at Lime Rock in May.

-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

1st and 2nd in Koni Challenge ST class
Wittmer brothers storm to Daytona podium
Jan. 26, 2008 - Daytona, Florida.— Nick and Kuno Wittmer held their promise: after their test days last week, they felt very positive about their 2008 inaugural race on the Daytona road track and thought they were podium contenders. In the i-Moto Acura TSX #32, Kuno earned pole position – 20th on the 97 car grid – half a second in front of driver/owner Glenn Bocchino, himself almost a second clear from other ST cars. After three hours of racing in the Fresh from Florida 200, Glenn’s codriver Nick Wittmer took the chequered flag with almost a lap in front of Peter Cunningham who had slipped into the Acura #31 after Kuno. Out of 75, an i-Moto Acura lead the race for 60 laps. For the Montreal duo, this has to be the most important victory of their career.

“This is outstanding team work, smiled Nick. Glenn started the race behind Kuno, remained in the Top 5 for his stint and was in the lead when he turned the car to me. I took to the track with almost a full lap in front and simply nursed the Acura to the stripe in the last hour. I let Peter pass so he could unlap himself and that paid off because he stormed back to second place. We were just kidding last week when we said we were all podium bound, but it’s a wonderful feeling to materialize it. I give all the credit to Glenn and the crew for strong cars and Cobalt Friction for that braking edge.”

“It wasn’t that easy for us, claimed second place Kuno. I started from pole but the throttle got stuck in the first corner. I had to work the switch to make the first curves while getting the throttle free with my foot. That put me in 15th place before I went racing. It took 15 laps before I regained first place and held it until I turned the car over to Peter. He came back in heavy traffic and carved his way again to the top in the last 80 minutes of the race. Peter is experienced, quick and patient, three qualities that pay off in the end. It’s nice to start the season on a high note with another podium in Daytona, thanks to Glenn and the i-Moto team.”

Bocchino: “An amazing weekend”
For driver owner Glenn Bocchino, the Daytona Koni Challenge round marks the biggest accomplishment in the i-Moto history. “The test days in Georgia with Nick, Kuno and Peter really paid off. It’s true we can count on the outstanding Cobalt Friction Performance brakes but we were perfect on the track, stayed out of trouble and made the best with our Acuras. The next round of the Koni Challenge is four months away but the wait is going to be easier.”

Next round at Lime Rock in May

Nick and Kuno Wittmer will team up for the next round of the Koni Challenge at Lime Rock on May 25 – 26.

For the Wittmer brothers, 2008 means a switch to a new label, KUNICK Autosport. “Tying up our names says it all, because we will drive together this year, states Nick. Ste-Rose Honda remains one of our main sponsors. The third generation of our family has definitely taken over. There has been a Wittmer involved in motorsports for more than 40 years.”

-30-



Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

January 21st, 2008
Wittmer brothers to campaign with i-Moto
Montreal, Quebec.— Nick and Kuno Wittmer will take to the track together in 2008, sharing driving duties in an i-Moto Acura TSX in the Grand Am Sport Touring class of the KONI Challenge series. The Wittmer duo had outstanding outings last year with several podiums – Daytona (3rd) and Iowa (2nd) –, but their main accomplishment remains their outright victory at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, where they also earned pole position.

In his rookie season in this highly competitive touring car series, younger Nick was the surprise of the field with four 4 podiums on tracks he had to learn in the process – except in Canada –, including the fastest lap on occasion. Nick was the driver with the most laps led from both classes (GS and ST), even with three combined class races, where he could not lead a single lap. These results will obviously make him one of the drivers contending for the title in 2008.

“When I look back at my maiden season in Grand Am, says Nick, I have to be pretty proud of the results. Starting grids are impressive and contacts are always on your mind. You have to be able to hold your position in your class, let faster GS cars by and pass a number of slower cars after a pit stop. The team did a great job along the way: we were always fast and kept improving our pit stop strategy race after race. Still, the “dream come through moment”, remains my victory with Kuno in Trois-Rivières. For 2008, it will be exciting to team up with my brother as of race two.

“I am thrilled to share an i-Moto Acura TSX with Nick for the season, adds Kuno. Glenn (Bocchino) worked very hard on the cars in the off season and we should once again be able to rely on our Cobalt performance brakes, like those we had for our win in Trois-Rivières. I’m waiting to see what will happen with my season in World Challenge, but it’s nice to know that Nick and I will be in Daytona this weekend, on the same i-Moto team and together for the rest of the schedule.”

Nick with Bocchino and Kuno with Cunningham
Breaking news has it that for Daytona Koni Challenge round, Nick will team up with driver owner Glenn Bocchino while Kuno pairs with SWC team mate Peter Cunningham. “We tested the cars at Roebling in Georgia over the last days because we wanted to be ready, claims Nick. We were quite satisfied with the new setups. Glenn was a strong 5th last year and is looking to step on the podium this year. The i-Moto foursome is ready to take the cars to the stripe and the best scenario would have all four of us on the podium!”

The new Kunick Autosport era
For the Wittmer brothers, 2008 means a switch to a new label, KUNICK Autosport. “Tying up are names says it all, because we will drive together this year, states Nick. Ste-Rose Honda remains one of our main sponsors. The third generation of our family has definitely taken over. There have been a Wittmer involved in motorsports for more than 40 years.”
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

3rd in final SCCA World Challenge standings
Sophomore year no jynx for Wittmer

Oct. 31, 2007 - Montreal, Quebec.— In his second year in the Speed World Challenge in 2007, Kuno Wittmer had an outstanding season. Steering the # 44 RealTime Racing Acura RSX, the 24-year old driver from Vaudreuil, Quebec ran like a clock all season long : he qualified 8 times in the Top Ten with a pole position in Toronto and finished 6 times in the Top Five with a season end podium at Laguna Seca.

The former Quebec Touring and Canadian Honda Challenge champion garnered no less than 230 points and completed the 10-round calendar in third place overall and was the best RealTime Racing driver.

“I knew at the beginning of the season I would drive a strong contender with a RealTime Racing Acura, declares Wittmer, compared to last year when everything had to be done. The team is one of the best in America and you know you can take to the track with a good machine every time. But I still had to deliver good outings among a bunch of fierce competitors, some of them my temmates. And I have to admit I’m pretty satisfied with the turnout. I was hoping to win in Toronto or Mosport where I was familiar and had won before. In Toronto, I was leading when I made a little braking mistake and finished fifth. In Mosport, I was quickest but the rain spoiled the weekend and the all-wheel drive cars ran away.

When I started at Sebring in March, my goal was to finish each round and try to match Peter (Cunningham) and Pierre (Kleinubing), our team leaders. Then I realised I could earn a sport in the Top Five : I kept raking in good results, except for a bad outing at Watkins Glen. The team always gave me a perfect RSX. In Laguna, we had a full RealTime Racing podium but Pierre was slammed by the officials which gave me a second place in the race, a third in the overall standings and best RealTime driver. I feel like Christmas is early this year!”

Impressive victory in Trois-Rivières

Kuno also partnered on a few occasions with brother Nick in Grand-Am events. They had a few podiums but the season highlight came at the only event in Quebec when they won the ST race outright at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. “To be honest, I would have preferred a victory in the World Challenge, he said, but to win with my brother in Trois-Rivières has to be our season high. Just a perfect weekend that was.”



Getting ready for 2008

The Wittmer brothers are looking at a few proposals for 2008 and Kuno would like to set something before Winter. “ The RealTime Racing RSX will not be eligible next year, he adds, and I have to move up to a TSX. I would like to stay in the World Challenge and RealTime is showing a lot of interest. I think we could come to an agreement soon. There are some possibilities with Nick again in Grand-Am, but he will also have to come to an agreement. We should come up with a definite program within a few weeks.”

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio and Honda Ste-Rose.

-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



SCCA World Challenge
Kuno Wittmer rewarded with 4th place in Mosport

Grand Prix of Mosport, Ontario.— Kuno Wittmer was on a roll after winning in Touring Class with his brother Nick at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières last week and he was steering his # 44 RealTime Racing Acura RSX on his favourite track, Mosport, Ontario. In practice session on Friday, Kuno did what most expected with fastest times in both runs and was looking to top the charts all weekend. But the track was soaked at the time of the qualifying session, giving a definite edge to all-wheel-drive machines and Kuno had to settle with seventh on the starting grid.

In the race, he charged to fourth within a few laps but had to sit behind teammate Kleinubing for the last 20 laps, unable to pass the defending champion. Wittmer now lies sixth in the standings.

“The rain spoiled everything, smiled Wittmer. I knew I would be fast on Friday, but to top the charts by 0,75 second was a real tribute to the Realtime crew who gave me a strong car. I was expecting to ride the wave all through the weekend, but that’s what we got, a big wave of water on the track and the all-wheel drive machines prevailed in the qualifying session with the top three places. I was seventh on the grid but had a very good start to move up a few positions in the first laps. Then I was fourth behind Pierre (Kleinubing) and really diced with him for some 20 laps. The only team order we have at Realtime is not to knock one another off the track: I tried many times to pass him for third but to no avail. Suprinsingly, Pierre had his quickest laps at that time. I manage to hold my fourth place at the end, even if a strut tower had broken over the curbs in turn 8. I’m pretty happy with this fourth: I’m now sixth in the standings and look forward to the next race at Road Atlanta in early October.”

Back with Nick in Utah
The next round in SCCA World Challenge may be only in October, but Kuno should team up with his brother Nick at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah in September. “Nick has a shot at the championship, argues Kuno, and we scored three podiums so far. So there is a good chance we pair up for this round in Utah.”

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-



Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Grand-Am ST Koni Challenge
Wittmer brothers put on a driving clinic at GP3R

Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.— Nick and Kuno Wittmer claimed their most important career victory this weekend when they won outright the Sport Touring class round in the Grand Am Koni Challenge in the 38th running of the classic Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières in the # 31 I-Moto Acura TSX. In the qualifying session in the morning, younger brother Nick set the standard with a blistering pace, earning pole position by a 0,78 second margin.

He started the race and led all 66 laps he drove before turning the car over to Kuno who kept the pace, took the lead back within a few laps and nursed the I-Moto Acura to the checker flag, a the first win for I-Moto team. After a third in Daytona, a second in Iowa, this was the first outright win for the Wittmer boys in Grand Am Koni Challenge.

“I just completed my hat trick! said a smiling Nick. I won in Trois-Rivières in 2004 and 2005 in the Honda Challenge, but this win in the Koni Challenge with my brother is much better. The TSX was perfect and we owe a lot to the Cobalt Friction brakes. Kuno and I knew they could last the whole race and give us the chance to stay ahead. From lap 8, I knew I could keep a difference of a few seconds on the field while saving fuel and brakes. When Kuno took the car, the pit stop was perfect and he rejoined the race in second place. It became obvious we could win if nothing wrong happened.”

“Nick did all the job, added Kuno. He ran like a clock for 66 laps and I had the same power and plenty of brakes to take it to the stripe. At one point, I had 30 seconds over second place. I took it easy in the last 20 laps. I think that if we had raced 100% al the race, we would have lapped the whole field. There were only three cars on the lead lap at the end. We have to thank Glen and the team for providing us such a strong car: the best way to reward them was to give them their first victory trophy. I just hope we can run the VIR 6-Hour race in October together.”

Kuno, another podium in Quebec Touring
The weekend was not over for Kuno, since he was starting in third place with a Lombardi Honda Racing Civic in the Sunday morning Quebec Touring race. His driving was absolutely stellar for the 20-lap event and he managed to step on the podium in third place with a vehicle that was underpowered and had production brakes. “I remembered the days in the Honda Challenge when we couldn’t make a single mistake. I ran perfect lines, saved my brakes and was able to pass for third on the last lap. I think the crew at Lombardi did an outstanding job and deserve much of the credit for the reliability of the Civic.”

Kuno will change series this weekend when he jumps into his Realtime Racing Acura RSX at one of his favourite track, Mosport Ontario. The older Wittmer brother has to be a serious contender for this round in the World Challenge. It will be three weeks before Nick takes to the track again in Utah on the new Miller Motorsports facility. Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.

-30-
Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Grand-Am and SCCA Challenge reports
Nick 5th at Barber, Kuno 10th at Mid-Ohio

Montreal, Canada.— Nick Wittmer and teammate Glen Bocchino were podium bound again in the Grand-Am Koni Challenge Street Tuner class race at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, but bad luck hit them when Nick totally lost his brakes about 15 minutes from the end of the 2:30 hour race. For the last ten laps, the 21-year old driver from Montreal, Quebec had to nurse his car until the stripe, using the engine to slow down his I-Moto Acura TSX. He still ended up 5th, his second best result with team owner Bocchino. Meanwhile, at Mid-Ohio, his brother Kuno had another Top 10 finish in the SCCA World Challenge in his Realtime Racing Acura RSX. The older Wittmer brother claimed cold weather contributed to a lack of top speed.

‘‘I think I had enough steam to earn second place, argued Nick. I had reeled in a number of cars and had a 6-second gap between my Acura and second place. Then, I lost my brakes without any warning. The pedal went to the floor and the brake fluid ran dry in the linkage. From then, I had to slow down and use engine brake to complete the race. And lost two positions to cars I had already passed minutes before. 5th isn’t bad but there was champagne waiting on a podium we felt was ours.”

“Mid-Ohio felt like if it was early May, added Kuno. It was cold and my Realtime Racing Acura RSX lacked some top speed in the race. I was fastest in practice but it did not show in qualifying with 12th place. I had a good start and climbed two places but stuck there until the end. I was quicker in the slower curves but was outpaced in the straightaways.”

Nick with Kuno at GP3R
The Wittmer brothers will be reunited again a month from now in the next round of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge when they take to the track the I-Moto Acura TSX at the famous Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières, on August 17-19. GP3R is the longest standing street course in North America and Kuno and Nick have both been sucessful at this facility. “We’ll be ready, they claimed together. Trois-Rivières has a very special meaning for any Quebec driver and we plan to win this time. We look forward to this 2-hour race on Saturday afternoon.” Meanwhile, the Mid-Ohio World Challenge round will air on Speed channel this Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Grand-Am and SCCA series
Wittmer brothers race strong in Toronto and the Glen

Montreal, Quebec.— Nick and Kuno Wittmer were both entered in their own series this week-end with Nick teaming with Glen Bocchino in Grand-Am ST class on Upper New-York legendary Watkins Glen race track while brother Kuno joined RealTime Racing in his Certified pre-owned Acura RSX on the Toronto street facility. The older brother was in the limelight when he signed his first World Challenge pole position: in the race, he stayed ahead of the pack for the first 4 laps on a damp track before overshooting a corner and loosing some ground.

He rejoined the race and finished fifth. Meanwhile, younger Nick replaced co-driver Bocchino in the i-Moto Acura TSX at the halfway mark but was already two laps down. He charged back through the field and ended seventh overall, a mere 20 seconds from the winner. Wittmer brothers proved again they were among the best touring car drivers in both series.

‘‘We had such a good car, said Nick. We could have ended in a higher position. We must figure out a better pit strategy because this is costing us valuable time. Glen came in after 14 laps because we had no radio communication. Small details that are time consuming. When I took the car, I was two laps down: I got one back as the lucky dog but had to charge a full lap to get even with the leaders. I ended up seventh, which is not bad, but we had the car to step on the podium again.”

“I can’t say it would have been an easy win, added Kuno, because these are long races and everything can happen. But I was leading and I braked too late going in turn three. The track was still damp, we had rain tires and I knew the concrete patches would be very slippery. I stayed outside but my braking point was too late. In this league, this is the kind of mistake you pay for. I came back to fifth place but all the time I figured I could have been up there with Peter (Cunningham) or Pierre (Kleinubing). The good thing is we put three RealTime Racing cars in the Top 5.

“It was so exciting to get that first pole position on Saturday and to have Asset Engineering as a sponsor on-board for the weekend, was fantastic. A big thank you to Asset Engineering for their generous support this weekend”. Kuno also added: “ I give full credit to the team for giving me such a fine racing machine. I move up to sixth in the standings and aim to be at least in the top five by the end of the season.”

Next rounds in Alabama and Mid-Ohio
The Wittmer brothers will take to the track again in two weeks. Nick will be part of a full Grand-Am weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama where each Koni Challenge category will have it’s own 400k or 2.5 hour race. Nick adds: “This is one weekend where we have plenty of track time with a a test day on Thursday, practice and qualifying on Friday, warm-up and race on Saturday”.
Meanwhile in Lexington, Kuno will have a similar schedule at the Mid-Ohio facility from Thursday till the Sunday morning 50-minute race. “Mid-Ohio is a track I like very much. It is home to RealTime Racing and we figure we will repeat many of the previous successes.”

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



Grand-Am Koni Challenge
Nick Wittmer, third podium of the season

Mid-Ohio, Lexington, Ohio.— Nick Wittmer and teammate Glen Bocchino had their best outing together and earned their first podium this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Each driver ran a perfect stint and took the I-Moto Acura TSX up to third place after a 2:30 hour sprint. Glen started the car from tenth place on the grid and carved his way up to fourth before he pitted for the first time.Nick took to the track in 20th place and sprinted to first place with about the third of the time left. He came in again for a fuel splash and went back for another charge, from 22nd to third. He had enough fuel to outlast the front runners but just ran out of time. This is Nick’s third podium after he finished third in the first race of the season in Daytona, and second at Iowa.

‘‘The reason behind this podium is hard work, declared the young driver. The engineers, Glen and I sat down and worked our setup. In the end, the I-Moto Acura was just awesome and we could do almost what we wanted on the track. Glen’s stint was outstanding and he gave me a car that was easy to take to the front again. We stopped for more gas just to make sure we didn’t run dry with a few laps to go. If the race had lasted 2:45 like last year, I think the victory was possible. Than, on the other hand, I had no more brakes for the last 15 laps and had to engine brake the car in many corners. I think we can win any round from now on in this series. We travel to the Glen in two weeks, another wonderful facility.”

Relief driver Kuno dnf’s after pole start
It was Wednesday night when brother Kuno Wittmer got a call from Predator Auto Sport to replace Kurt Koosman. He would pair with Canadian Tyler Gyvogue in a Chevrolet Cobalt. The new duo put the car on pole position and was off to a good start. But after a few laps, the supercharger lost pressure. After a computer reset and a driver change, Kuno ran hard although he had less power until he had to retire with a faulty transmission.
“I learned a lot working with GM engineers and setting up a car I didn’t know at all, said Wittmer. It’s a shame we had some mechanical issues because the car was so much fun to drive.”

Nick, the Glen and Kuno in Toronto
Both Wittmers will be back on race tracks in two weeks. Kuno Wittmer will be back in his Realtime Racing Acura in the SCCA Speed World Challenge from July 6 to 8 at the Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto. Meanwhile, Nick will team with Glen ( Bocchino) at the (Watkins) Glen for round 8 of the Koni Challenge.

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Grand-Am Koni Challenge
Nick Wittmer ends up 9th in Mospor
‘Mosport Raceway, Ontario.— Nick Wittmer and teammate Glen Bocchino didn’t have a trouble-free race this weekend at Mosport International Raceway, the sixth round of the 2007 Grand-Am Koni Challenge. The 22 year-old driver brought home the #31 I-Moto Acura TSX in ninth place but ran as high as second in the 400 km/2:30 hours race, had the quickest lap in the race and fought hard until the later laps when he had to pit twice for fuel. He was the big story in the race but ran out of luck and ends up in ninth place. Father Patrik and son Nick agreed this was the best possible Father’s day gift.

Mosport was indeed like coming home, smiled Nick. I’ve never been that confortable in a race car. I felt nothing could stop me. I took the I-Moto Acura TSX around the 30th lap when Glen pitted on a full course yellow. I went from last on the track, 40 seconds from the lead, ran the race fastest lap, up to seventh in the next stint when there was another full yellow. But the crew decided to leave me out there. I started to race with Pierre (Kleinubing) for the lead and our cars touched at one point: : I had to drift sideways into turn two. I recovered the car and from then Pierre and I just took off for the next 20 laps. I had to stop for fuel with only 12 minutes left in the race. But the gas filler did not work well and I had to come in for another splash. Meanwhile Pierre ran out of gas and I managed to complete the event on the lead lap in 9th place.”
“The team took a chance when they keft me on the track. That would have been a clear win. Even if I had come in for more fuel on the second full yellow, I could have won the race because my car was so strong. But that’s racing and we have to put this behind and get ready for Mid-Ohio this coming weekend. I will remember that Mosport round for a long time.”

Nick back in action next week at Mid-Ohio
Nick Wittmer and codriver Glen Bocchino will take to the track again next weekend at the famous Mid-Ohio race facility as part of a full Grand-Am program featuring all catégories. The Grand-Am Koni Challenge will enjoy test sessions from Thursday, official practice on Friday, practice and qualifying on Saturday before a warm-up session and another 2:30 hours sprint race on Sunday afternoon.

Kuno at the Champ Car Toronto GP weekend
Kuno Wittmer, after a short break, will take to the track from July 6 to 8 when the SCCA Speed World Challenge will be part of the undercard of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto.

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Grand-Am and World Challenge report
Nick Wittmer returns to Mosport

Montreal, Quebec.— Nick Wittmer will be returning this weekend on a track he almost calls home for having raced so many times in the last years, Mosport Raceway in Ontario, Canada. The 22 year-old driver will be pairing again with American Glen Bocchino in the #31 I-Moto Acura TSX for the fifth round of the Grand Am Koni Challenge. They will look for a better result than the 12-lap DNF they experienced in Lime Rock some three weeks ago. Meanwhile, brother Kuno Wittmer will take some time off after last weekend’s double header in Watkins Glen where he enjoyed only one good result: the older Wittmer brother was sidelined with a mechanical issue when a cv joint broke on his Realtime Racing Acura RSX but he recovered in the second round to finish a rewarding fourth, to stay within striking distance in the standings.

‘‘Mosport has to be like coming home, claimed Nick. This is one of my favourite facilities even if we will be in Trois-Rivières in August. Mosport, probably with Mont-Tremblant, has to be one of the most challenging race strip in North America and I know Glen and I can do very well. We have put our last race hiccup (engine) behind and are looking forward to a podium finish this time. The crew at I-Moto have put our car in mint shape and we hope the weather stays clear and warm.”

“I came back from Watkins Glen with half a smile, grinned Kuno. The upper-state New-York track is outstanding and I wanted to get closer in the standings. In the first round, I almost took the lead in the first corner and was fighting hard for the victory, at least a podium spot, when one of the half-shaft let go. The results indicate I crashed but the only thing that crashed was a cv joint on my car that keft me very disappointed. In the second race, I started ninth and reeled in a few guys before finishing fourth overall. I’m still seventh in the standings, only nine points away from fifth and third is still within grasp.”

A complete three-day schedule for Nick
Nick Wittmer and codriver Glen Bocchino will enjoy plenty of seat time this weekend with three testing sessions on Friday at 11h10, 1h50 and 3h50. Official practice will take place on Saturday at 8h50 in the morning and 5h30 in the afternoon. Lastly, Sunday will have the qualifying session at 9h00 am and the green flag for a 2h30 hour race shortly after at 10h45.



Kuno back at the Toronto Champ Car weekend
Kuno Wittmer, after a short break, will take to the track from July 6 to 8 when the SCCA Speed World Challenge will be part of the undercard of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Toronto.

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.

-30-
Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



World Challenge and Grand-Am report
Kuno Wittmer settles for 7th at Lime Rock

Lime Rock Park, Connecticut.— Kuno Wittmer made up for a difficult weekend when he settled for a rewarding 7th place after 44 laps of the quick Lime Rock Park racetrack on Memorial Holiday. He started the third round of the Speed World Challenge from 13th place and made up his way to 9th place within a few laps. He was unable to pass for most of the race but finally moved up to 7th by the time the race was checkered.

The Montreal-born driver now sits fifth in the standings, only seven points away from third. Next round will be a double header at the famous Watkins Glen facility in New-York.

‘‘We spent most of the weekend looking for the proper setup, admitted Wittmer. Lime Rock is such a fast track and there so little room to overtake that you need to be perfect. I had my worst qualifying this year and had to start from mid-pack. Early in the race, I moved four positions and, in so doing, I got the third best lap in the race. Then, we decided to team up, Peter (Cunningham), Brandon (Davis) and I, and work our way through the field but there was a slower car ahead we couldn’t pass. I think I had a podium car but we had to just cruise along the rest of the 44 laps. I finally moved into 7th when Brandon went off track in the penultimate lap..”
“ I still earn good points with that result and nurse fifth place in the standings but within striking distance from third (seven points). Next, we travel to a race track I like very much: the Glen. This is the kind of facility that will be more suitable for our #44 Realtime Racing Acura.”

Nick DNFs again in Grand-Am
This was the only time in the season where both Wittmer brothers were racing in their own series at the same race track. But the fifth round for Nick Wittmer did not provide a reason to cheer about. Teammate Glen Bocchino started from 15th place but was only twelve laps into the 2h45 hours race when the engine blew up. “I never got a chance to sit in the car, said the younger brother, but these things happen. The I-Moto Acura TSX is always fast and reliable and we will have to look what went wrong inside the engine. The car was very good and I had the second best time in the morning practice. The next round of the Grand-Am ST class Koni Challenge will take place in two weeks at Mosport, my favourite track where many rounds of the Honda Challenge were held.”

Kuno Wittmer will enter in the fourth round of the Speed World Challenge in two weeks at Watkins Glen while brother Nick will have to wait one more week before taking to the track at Mosport in Canada. They enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463



World Challenge in Utah
Kuno Wittmer gets a career-high 4th

Miller Motorsports, Utah.— Kuno Wittmer started the third round of the Speed World Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah from 5th place and was podium bound with his Realtime Racing Acura RSX but had to settle for a deserving fourth place after 13 laps of the longest race facility in America. The Montreal, Quebec driver jumped into 4th shortly after the start and was reeling in on second place by the sixth lap when the car ahead, and eventual winner, was out of power for a few seconds allowing teammate Pierre Kleinubing to pass him for third place. From then, the cars just drummed along to the stripe and Wittmer claimed fourth place, his best finish in two years.

‘‘I have to be very happy with this result even if I thought I was heading for my first podium, stated Wittmer. Pierre and I wanted to work our way up the field and we were doing just fine. When Jeff’s (Altenburg) car stalled in front of me, I had nowhere to go ; Pierre kept his momentum and managed to split us. That set me back a bit and I lost contact for a few laps and could not get back in their slipstream. It is so important to get big points in this series if you want to contend for the title and help our teammates do well. At this point we’re getting huge competition from the Mazdas but it’s a long season and we’re looking for the wind to change. This weekend, my Realtime Racing Acura was awesome by racetime and I must give credit to our team. I know we have better things waiting for us and I want to start next week at Lime Rock. ”

Nick DNFs with mechanical problem in Grand-Am
Meanwhile, brother Nick was at Laguna Seca teaming up with Glen Bocchino in one of the I-Moto Acura TSX in the third round of the Grand-Am ST class Koni Challenge. They were starting from 5th place also and were looking to improve their position in the field.
Glen kept a fast pace and raced hard for 65 minutes before pitting on a full course yellow and handing the Acura TSX to Nick within striking distance from the lead. Nick wnet immediately to work and was vying for another podium. But for the first time years, a mechanical gremlin was to cut the race short when a half shaft broke on the 69th lap. “I was hoping for amnother podium, said younger Wittmer, with steady lap times in the mid-41. But I lost power to the wheels and the day was done. I very disappointed for Glen who had done such good work. Usually the I-Motos machines are perfect and there was no way we could prevent this mechanical issue. We’ll have to wait only a week before we can try to make up for this misfortune and that will be in Lime Rock where Kuno will also race his Realtime Racing car.”

Nick and Kuno Wittmer will be driving in the same program next week in Lime Rock. They enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Starting from pole position
The Wittmer brothers storm back to 2nd in Iowa

April 22 - Iowa Speedway, Iowa.— Nick and Kuno Wittmer were the class of the field this week-end in the third round of the Koni Challenge at Iowa Speedway. They claimed best time in the free practice session, clocked another best time in the qualifying session that had them start from the best place on the 25-car grid. Younger Nick Wittmer took the start and stayed in first place for more than 100 laps before handing the I-Moto Acura TSX to older brother Kuno.

However the pit stop had to be done under green conditions and Kuno came back quite a distance from first place. He went to work and carved his way up to second place setting the three quickest laps in the race, running out of time when the race was flagged after 2:45 hours, with the leader holding to a mere 0,3 second at the stripe.

‘‘It doesn’t get any better”, agreed both young men. “Nick took a fabulous start and stayed in front for 102 laps, said Kuno. We delayed the driver change when there was an early full course yellow and assumed we would have another chance later. But it never happened and we had to pit on green and lost some valuable time. But Nick did an awesome job with the I-Moto TSX. ”

“Kuno was on a mission, followed Nick. He passed back markers and other cars for position like a surgeon. Had the race lasted a few more laps, we had a clean win because Kuno clocked the race two fastest laps in the closing minutes. He was short by just 0,306 second from first place and the car was still outstanding. It was fun to have Kuno driving and setting up the cars this weekend. There will be other times: after a third in Daytona and a second in Iowa, there is only one stop of the podium left.”
Nick’s next event will be at Laguna Seca next month while Kuno will be testing this week with his Speed World Challenge team in preparation for his next race.

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Forced to extra pits stops
Nick Wittmer finishes in 17th place in Homestead

April 15, 2007 - Miami-Homestead, Florida.— Montreal, Quebec driver Nick Wittmer finished a distant 17th today in the second round of the Grand-Am Koni Challenge held at Miami-Homestead Speedway in Florida, Nick Wittmer was teaming with Glen Bochino in the I-Moto Racing Acura TSX but the writing was on the wall when he took over from his co-driver when he took to the track around the half way mark. Early in the ST race, Bochino was hit in the back and his car was propelled hardly into a car in front. With considable damage to the bumper and hood, Bochino had to pit for repairs.

On top of that pit stop, Bochino was penalized with a stop and go penalty and another visit to the pits for repairs on the hood before the series official decided to let the car run without some body elements. When the regular driver change stop was schedule, the I-Moto TSX was already more than a lap down, but Wittmer raced it as if he was among the leaders.

‘‘What an eventful race, to say the least, said the 21 year-old Nick Wittmer. Glen was starting from mid-pack but we had a good car and we easily had a chance for a Top 10. I had the second best time in the morning warm-up but there was no way Glen could prevent a car from pushing him into the car in front of him. Our crew did a great job trying to repair the TSX but there was no way we could fix the body parts. It’s a good thing they let us run without them but we lost considerable time in those pit stops.
What makes be humm is that my lap times with an ailing car were almost as good as the leaders and I managed to keep my position when I ran just a few seconds in front of them. So, I am very confident as we head to Iowa next week for another 400 k or 2.5 hour race with just the St cars on the track.’’

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Les Installations Claude Fournier, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

Kuno Wittmer earns 7th place with RealTime Racing

Sebring, Florida.— RealTime rookie driver Kuno Wittmer earned a deserving 7th place today in the maiden round of the 2007 SCCA Speed World Challenge as part of the 55th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida. The 24-year old Montreal, Quebec driver had qualified his RealTime Acura RSX in third place and was looking for a podium finish but things did not end up the way he expected.

After a contact with another competitor in the early stages of the 18-lap, 66-mile sprint race, Wittmer lost his sixth gear, suffered from misalignment and slowly lost positions but still ended in seventh place. Nevertheless, by virtue of points earned in qualifying, Wittmer stands sixth in the standings, going into next event at Miller Motrosports Park in Utah next May.

‘‘I’m very happy with my weekend although I expected to get a better finish, claimed Kuno Wittmer. The RealTime Acura RSX was very strong and I was happy with a combined fifth in practice and third in qualifying. I wanted to give the Mazdas a real run for their money: they were quicker on the straight but I was able to get closer in tighter corners. After a quick start, I had them in sight until I was contacted on the second lap by another competitor at the hairpin. He ran into my right door; my car alignment suffered in the process and sixth gear was gone. Coming into corner one on the next lap, I went off the track. From then I just survived until the end, using fifth gear to its 7800 rpm limit, keeping the car in straight line. I lost sixth place in the last corners. Since I had to race more than most of the race with a handicapped car, I think seventh in pretty decent.”

Quickest RealTime in qualifying
Taking to the track on his own in practice and qualifying, Wittmer was impressive with a combined fifth in practice and third in qualifying, setting the pace for the RealTime Racing team. “My #44 Acura RSX was so strong and handled so well in corners, continued Wittmer, that I knew I would be in the Top 5. But to set best time ahead of my teammates came as a surprise, considering their experience and the little seat time I had. I have to give credit to the crew for such an amazing car. I think we have nice things lying ahead of us.”

Next round in Utah in May
Kuno Wittmer will have to wait two full months before the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. “Miller is a new facility I like very much, he adds. It’s a long 23-turn track where you always look for the perfect lap. So many things can happen you have to be focused on your car and your track position. I’m not sure if we’re going to have some testing until round two but I’ll be ready for sure.”

Kuno Wittmer enjoys the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio, De Sigi AutoSport, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463

EXCLUSIVE: We Spend Quality Time With RealTime
Written by: Marshall Pruett
Oakland, CA – 3/3/2007

Constant success is the hallmark of any legendary sports figure or team--in World Challenge, that figure is Peter Cunningham, and that team is his RealTime Acura outfit. They've won more drivers’ championships and constructors’ championships than any other team in the history of the series, and it would take the better part of a decade’s worth of championships for another driver or team to surpass what RealTime has achieved.

Respect is due, and is owed especially to the management and mainstays of RealTime—owner/driver Cunningham, Team Manager Nathan Bonneau, and 2006 champion Pierre Kleinubing.

Backing them are two established RealTime pilots, fast and reliable Nick Esayian, and the hard charging Brandon Davis, winner of his first race in SPEED TC last season. New to the family for 2007 is the très rapide French-Canadian, SPEED TC sophomore Kuno Wittmer.

Based on his pace in SPEED Touring Car last year, Wittmer is primed to join Esayian in the quest to earn a maiden World Challenge win before season’s end.

With their driver lineup and cars ready to go, SPEEDtv.com sat down with the RealTime quintet to find out what's new, what's changed, and how they’ll stay motivated to chase an 11th World Challenge championship.

SPEEDtv.com: Peter--what's new with RealTime this year?
Cunningham: “We’ve built one new TSX and rebuilt each of the existing Acura cars from the ground up. As the build-out specs have evolved over the years, we’ve tried to keep the cars identical to one another, but that was not always practical. By stripping the tubs down to bare metal, we were able to make those subtle upgrades and at the same time, make them shiny and new again! The biggest change to the spec of the TSX this year is the conversion to the X-Trac gearbox. The Mazdas have been running theirs for two years now; the reliability of the stock Acura transaxle never let us down, but as the ante continues to be upped, and our competition has used the X-trac against us, we thought it best to join them. The long term benefits should make it worth our while after the first year.”

SPEEDtv.com: Tell us about your new lineup--it looks like RealTime's returning with proven winners and performers, but you've also added some new blood to the team.
Cunningham: “Four of the five band members will return to the fray in 2007. The bad news is, it didn’t work out for Eric Curran to come back. The good news is the 2005 Honda/ Michelin Challenge Champion, Kuno Wittmer has joined up with the team. I’ve said this before, but I think this driver line up is as strong as we’ve ever had.”

SPEEDtv.com: Gang, tell us about the RealTime rookie, Kuno Wittmer—what should we expect from him in 2007? (Kuno winces and braces for impact)

Davis: “With Kuno joining us for the 2007 I see nothing but positive possibilities. I knew him last year and he’s not only a great guy but a very fast driver. He has a lot of past experience in front wheel drive cars so I think he will be able to perform well right out of the box.”

Cunningham: “He had some impressive races last year that were often undone by reliability issues--he always showed speed in the Mercedes, but through no fault of his own, he didn’t enjoy Acura-like reliability in the engine department (grins.) And to his credit, he never let the disappointments of the season affect his demeanor adversely. This year, we’d like to provide him a fast, dependable machine that will further reinforce his abilities right at the front of the pack.”

Kleinubing: “Kuno is a great driver and I am sure that he will be up to speed in no time and not just myself, but all of us here and back in the shop will make sure that it happens ASAP. He is gonna help us get another manufacturers’ championship for Acura. I have no doubts.”

SPEEDtv.com: Kuno, sounds like you’ve got a strong foundation beneath you, especially with Pierre and Peter supporting you.

Wittmer: “For sure. I’ve been watching World Challenge ever since I was age 15 --I NEVER missed a race on TV. To watch Pierre and Peter win races was fantastic; I kind of look up to them. They were and still are the exemplary touring car drivers. To be part of RealTime is honestly a dream come true.”

SPEEDtv.com: How has it been getting to know the rest of the team?

Wittmer: “I met most of them last year at Sebring and every race we went to afterwards was a blast. Even though I was not part of their team, I felt like I was. Brandon and I had some great races against each other last year too, he is a fast and smart one.”

SPEEDtv.com: “Brandon, sounds like you and Kuno will be playing the roles of the young lions in the team this year—any plans on ganging up on the old guys?

Davis: “When it comes to Kuno and I versus Pierre and Peter, I think most of that will be off the track where Peter *especially* loves my age jokes. On the track, we are simply all teammates and its great to have another orange and white car around you during the race.”

SPEEDtv.com: Nick, how would you reflect on your 2006 season for results, and what are your goals for 2007?
Esayian: “2006 was certainly a breakthrough year for me. I really wasn’t happy with my performance in 2004 and 2005. When I landed in World Challenge I really thought I would be competitive right out of the box but I simply lacked experience in setting up the car, lacked the confidence that put me at the front in club racing, and the RSX was not on an equal footing as the TSX, 6, BMW, etc. By 2006 the RSX had the TSX motor and transmission along with a new rear suspension and RealTime worked hard on taking the RSX from being a good reliable car to a great car last year and that was reflected in the great results Eric Curran and I enjoyed.”

SPEEDtv.com: “You've been one of RealTime's most consistent drivers, but I know you’re not just here to be reliable—what can we expect from you this season?”

Esayian: “Maybe it is my advanced age (laughs) but I’m here with the goal of winning a championship by elevating my performance in 2007 without compromising my consistency. Certainly upgrading to the TSX along with another year of experience puts me in a great position to succeed. SPEED World Challenge Touring Car is the most competitive sports car racing in America, period, so consistency is key to good results. You can’t afford to crash, compromise the car early, or burn the car to the ground making up for mistakes.
“There are just to many quality teams and drivers in this series that will take advantage of any error. Over the last few years we have seen some flashes of greatness from talented drivers in individual races, only to struggle in the Drivers’ Points due to reliability issues, poor judgment, or simply bad luck. That’s not my style.”

SPEEDtv.com: What do you think it will take to get you onto the podium?
Esayian: “Last year I was consistently in the top ten but I always found myself struggling in qualifying and having to work hard early during each race to get back to the position I was capable of have qualifying in. You just can’t spend the first three to five laps mired in traffic when the leaders are driving away and expect to make that time up.
“I need to focus my efforts on qualifying better and putting myself in a position to win. Add my four talented teammates in and it will be a real challenge but one that I am up for. I’ve been racing for fifteen years now, and have my share of wins and podiums, but the World Challenge version has yet to come. A lot of time, resources, etc. have gone into getting to this point, so it is a moment I look forward to earning this year.”
Cunningham: “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see him on the podium this year, but beyond his on-track performances, Nick does a lot to represent RealTime and Acura in a positive light through his charity work, not to mention his comedy routines about life, parenthood and politics!”

SPEEDtv.com: Brandon, looking back to 2006, and with the 2007 World Challenge season about to start, what can we expect from you this year?
Davis: “With regards to 2006, I had a great year and accomplished my goal
of getting my first race win. Looking to this year, I am aiming again to return to victory lane and to the podium more than the two visits I had in ’06.”
Cunningham: “Brandon has really surpassed all of the team’s expectations these past couple of years. In 2005, when Pierre and I were loaded down with REWARDS weight, he looked pretty smart, but I rationalized that it was the weight difference. Then, last year when we were at similar weights, he was still giving us fits!”

SPEEDtv.com: How about you, Kuno—you’re the only one here making a big change between teams and cars for 2007. What are you aiming for?
Wittmer: “My 2006 season was a difficult season. I am not going to say that It was a sad or disastrous season but in fact, I did learn a lot about the series and how tough the competition is. My team last year did the best they can and gave their best to get my car to the grid. Contrary to 2006 where I did not have any team mates, this year I am very fortunate to be running along side four fast and competitive team mates.”

SPEEDtv.com: Is the switch from your rear wheel drive Mercedes to the front wheel drive Acura something you expect to take a while to adapt to?
Wittmer: “Well, like Brandon said, I come from a front wheel drive background, so the Mercedes was the unusual car for me to adjust to. In 2005 I won the Honda / Michelin championship in Canada, so racing in a Honda or Acura is almost like second nature to me. Last year, when the Mercedes ran right, we did show to be fast at some tracks; this year, just by jumping into an Acura my confidence level is already sky high.”

SPEEDtv.com: Pierre, it would be hard to improve on your 2006 results—a drivers’ championship and a lot of wins to help bring Acura a sixth manufacturers’ title. Are there any new goals for this season?
Kleinubing: “For 2007 the goals are the same as 2006. That's what I try every year: win the championship and help Acura on the manufacturers’ battle as much as I can; I know I have the team to do it. I think that the fans can expect one of the hardest fought years ever and I know that RealTime is more prepared than ever for the fight.”
Cunningham: “Pierre is now in his 11th year with Acura and RealTime, and I don’t mind saying that in that time, he’s built a resume more impressive than any other driver in World Challenge. He’s four for ten in Drivers’ Championships, and likely would have had an even better record than that if bad luck hadn’t gotten in the way. He’ll have his hands full defending the crown in the coming year, including from those within his own team. Outside of RealTime, in alphabetical order, Audi, BMW, and a slew of Mazdas will try to make his life miserable.”

SPEEDtv.com: Peter, same question for you, kind of. Your team and co-driver delivered you titles last year, but for the first time in ages, you didn’t have a win.
Cunningham: “RealTime Acura’s Team Manager Nathan Bonneau has informed me that I’m on thin ice—If I can’t find my way to victory circle this year, I may not be invited back to the team in 2008. He says that after winning the championship in 2005, I spent all last season just riding around out there. That kind of pressure should provide enough incentive for me to push a little harder on the gas pedal this year…”

SPEEDtv.com: Nice! Guys, what’s RealTime's greatest strength?
Kleinubing: “I think it starts from the top. Peter knows what it takes and associates the team with great individuals that make this operation one of the best. Acura builds great machines and keeps making them better and better.”
Esayian: “I’ve been involved with team sports for a long a time and have yet to see any team, collegiate football included, be managed in the way RealTime is. It’s a mix of very talented people, organizational skills, the proper resources, and team players that all add up to a synergy that’s difficult to explain. I look at a mechanized military unit like the Blue Angles or the Thunderbirds and see the same precision and well thought out procedures like we have here. Don’t get me wrong, we still make mistakes and sometime rub each other the wrong way, but the entire team strives for perfection and constantly looks to improve. I think the 10 championships reflect that.”
Davis: “Personally, I think RealTime’s strength is their balance. They are extremely talented at squeezing every ounce of speed from the car while making sure it can run at that level for a long period of time. One big reason I came back to RealTime is because of the crew. They are great to work with, they give me a chance to finish well every weekend, and make me feel like I’m part of a family.”

SPEEDtv.com: Finally, Peter--you've run out of fingers and toes to wear RealTime’s championship rings. What’s the plan if RealTime wins an 11th ring this year?
Cunningham: “I’m not even going to touch that one.”

Marshall Pruett is Automotive Editor for SPEEDTV.com. Pruett also covers the SPEED World Challenge series and provides other racing features and commentary. Marshall grew up at "Pruett's Olde English Garage," his father's shelter for abused foreign cars, and spent his childhood being dragged across the West Coast to help with his dad's amateur racing exploits. A rather predictable fascination with cars and working for racing teams soon followed.

He's since retired from that career in motorsports, but continues to play with street cars and race cars for a variety of auto manufacturers. He can be reached at marshall.pruett@speedtv.com.

In SCCA Speed World Challenge
Kuno Wittmer joins RealTime Racing

Montreal, Quebec.— AutoSport de Sigi is proud to announce that driver Kuno Wittmer will join RealTime Racing in the Speed Touring Car Championship in 2007. The winningest team in SCCA World Challenge with 10 championships, RealTime will put Wittmer in its Acura RSX Type S for the 10-race calendar starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring weekend next month.

The 24-year old Hudson, Quebec native and team owner Peter Cunningham came to an agreement and the 9-year race veteran will start his second season in the most competitive sedan series in North America in a RealTime race car.

‘‘This is like a dream come true, claimed Kuno Wittmer. I’ve been looking at RealTime like the role model team in sedan racing and joining them is the best thing that could happen to me in 2007. It is so exciting to join a team with drivers like Peter (Cunningham) and Pierre (Kleinubing), to share Acura factory cars and to be able to contend for podiums and victories as a RealTime driver. Being part of the best and most-professional World Challenge team is a great feeling. I look forward to working hard with my four teammates to help achieve 2007 team goals. A great thank you to RealTime for giving me this opportunity."

‘‘RealTime is also excited to welcome Kuno Wittmer, a new driver to the five-man group, added Cunningham. A former Mercedes-Benz Touring Car standout, Kuno was the 2005 Honda/ Michelin Challenge Drivers' Champion and is sure to be a significant contributor for RealTime this year.’’

An Acura RSX for Sebring
Kuno will steer the lighter #43 RSX along with the TSX sedans of Cunningham, Kleinubing, (Nick) Esayian and (Brandon) Davis. Each machine features a four-banger producing some 260+ horsepower mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, Brembo brakes and all the go-fast hardware and software. “The R&D in each vehicle is amazing, says Wittmer. When you take one of theses cars to the track, you realize all the years of experience behind it. Then you understand why they stay ahead of Mazda, BMW and Audi.”

Wittmer will head out to Sebring next March for a full test day on Tuesday the 13th and take part in his maiden race the ensuing Friday at 11h00 am as part of the 12 Hours of Sebring ALMS weekend.

Kuno Wittmer and AutoSport De Sigi enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Les Installations Claude Fournier, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.



Nick and Kuno Wittmer earn first podium in Daytona

Daytona International Speedway, Florida.— After being forced to start from last place on the Grand-Am Koni Challenge grid in the maiden race of the 2007 season, Nick Wittmer stormed through the field with the i-Moto racing Acura TSX and took the ST class lead by lap 29. The 21 year-old Hudson, Quebec driver used the next yellow flag to pit and hand the car to older brother Kuno who took back to the track in ST tenth place,only to carve his way up one position at a time.Slowed by backmarkers,

Wittmer ran out of time and was in 3rd place when the checkered flag was waved after the 3 Hour mark. Nevertheless, the Quebec pair earned their first podium together and proved they should be considered for class wins later in the season.

‘‘We had a fabulous weekend, said Nick Wittmer. In fact, an outstanding month! For the test days earlier in January, I clocked the best time and the i-Moto Acura TSX was fast and reliable. We knew we would be racing for the podium in Daytona. Then my brother teamed up with me. I knew then we would be able to win. We were denied our qualifying time because we had original side skirts on the car: so, we had to start from 104th on the grid and 43rd in ST class.’’

‘‘Nick was perfect out there, claimed brother Kuno. With all that traffic, you have to be very careful when passing cars and not get caught when a yellow is displayed. He was 10th within a few laps and slowly moved up until he passed for the lead on lap 29. With a yellow coming out, the moment was perfect for a driver change and we called Nick in the pits.’’
‘‘Kuno had heavy traffic ahead of him, continued Nick, and there were a few full-course cautions that prevented him from moving up. Third is pretty exciting since we had to start dead last. We’re not sure yet if Kuno will join the team for other races but we know we can fight to win with the I-Moto TSX.’’

Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Les Installations Claude Fournier, Uniformes Vittorio, Honda de Sigi and Honda Ste-Rose.
-30-

Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy (514) 942 – 8463