Jim Lowe has successful January test at Daytona with StarWorks DP team

Roar Before the 24 — Day One
        Starting off the “Roar before the 24,” Grand Am’s official three day test leading up to the season-opening Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (January 29-30, 2011), Jim Lowe summarizes his thoughts about his new teammates, the StarWorks Motorsports team, and especially the driving experience in the #8 Ford Riley Daytona Prototype.
         “We just completed the first day of practice here at Daytona International Speedway at the Roar Before the 24, and my first day with the new team was, in a word, awesome. The car was fast right off the truck, and co-drivers Ryan Dalziel and Mike Forest ran some of the session’s fastest laps. I’m proud to say that we finished the first day P2 in practice.”
        As far as his own initial experience in the DP, Lowe had this to say: “I feel like I made great progress and got more comfortable with the car. The No 8 Ford Riley Prototype is real easy to drive and, during each of my stints, I felt like I was driving it, instead of it driving me. It’s nice to be going around the GT cars for a change.”
        Lowe is also getting his first quality time in with the StarWorks crew and team: “Working with Peter Baron and the StarWorks team has been an enjoyable experience so far. This is a real laid back crew and everyone is melding together nicely. Tonight Ryan and I will go over the data from today and find those spots where I can pick up time and then get more comfortable with the longer stints. Tomorrow will include night practice, which everyone is looking forward to. This weekend is all about seat time and really getting comfortable with the car and the added speed over the GT cars. I am really confident and looking forward to tomorrow.”

Roar Before the 24 — Day Two
        With the help of his teammates and engineer Bill Riley, Lowe made good progress with his laptimes on Day two of the test: “After reviewing the data from day one, we found lots of room for improvement. When you compare it to the fastest guy on the property, Ryan Dalziel, it’s clear to see where I am braking too early or lifting. Most of my time is lost in T1 and the Bus Stop, like anyone else who is off the pace a bit. However, it is reassuring to see the areas on track where Ryan went flat through the kink and you say, “I can do that” and then give yourself permission to go deeper and faster in the places where you want to be better.”
        “Probably the best part was actually seeing results on the timing sheet, as I shed over one second off my previous time to 44.5, whereas yesterday my times were 46’s and 47’s. The car is really easy to drive and it is just so perfectly balanced, and the braking is simply outstanding. You are not arm wrestling the car; it behaves well everywhere on track.”
        After completing the evening test session, Lowe observed, “I am so excited to be back here at Daytona for night practice. My favorite thing to do is drive at night, especially at Daytona when I have not been here for a year. It looks a bit different, it smells a bit different. It’s been going great and all the guys are scrambling for better times. We’ve been running P1/P2 all day. I am really pleased with this weekend’s test days so far, and look forward to a strong result in the Rolex 24 Hours with the StarWorks Motorsports Team.”

Roar Before the 24 — Day Three
        The final practice sessions on day 3 left Jim Lowe feeling confident and ready to come back to race at the end of January for the 49th running of the Grand-Am Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. “My sessions really helped me establish a good personal race pace; I know where I need to go, and how to get there. The No 8 StarWorks Motorsport Ford Riley is set up so well and ran near flawless with the exception of a 5 minute suspension part change on Saturday night. It was exciting to see the car run up front all weekend. To top it all off, Ryan Dalziel established an unofficial track speed record today of 1.39.780, with the fastest time of the whole weekend. What else could you want?”
        Lowe also noted his simple enjoyment to be back on track in the DP: “Managing time in traffic was easier today with the slower GT cars, as everyone is getting used to the track and settling into a solid rhythm. Driving the Porsche GT3 here at Daytona is a huge challenge and has its own set of thrills, but being in the Prototype was even nicer. Each time I passed that Mazda I thought “Woo hoo!” It’s not that difficult being faster in the Ford Riley DP, but it is just so much fun!”

        Jim Lowe will be returning to Daytona International Speedway the weekend of January 29-30, 2011 for the 49th running of the Grand-Am Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, driving in the No 8 StarWorks Motorsport Ford Riley Daytona Prototype along with co-drivers Ryan Dalziel, Mike Forest, Tomas Enge and Colin Braun. Be sure to tune into SpeedTV to cheer Jim and his teammates on during their run to the podium!

Top Ten Finish for JLowe Racing in New Jersey!

JLowe Racing—NJMP 250 race report

MILLVILLE, NJ, July 19, 2010 – The JLowe Racing Team started the #64 Porsche GT3 Cup from the twelfth spot on the grid for yesterday’s NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal for the Rolex Sports Car Series at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The severe heat of the prior two days continued, and was expected to be a factor in the race and in the team strategies. Like most of the competitors, the JLowe team planned two driver changes instead of the customary one.

At the start, Johannes van Overbeek immediately began reeling in competitors. In the first lap alone, he passed three cars to move into ninth place. Coming by the start/finish line after the second lap, he was up to eighth. Johannes was running consistent laps and holding his position lap after lap. On lap 11, a DP competitor went off course at the end of the front straight, bringing out a full course yellow. The JLowe Racing team took advantage of the caution to bring in the #64 Porsche GT3 Cup for a “splash and go,” thus fulfilling the mandatory first stop requirement.

Johannes went back out in 14th and quickly brought the #64 Porsche back into the top 10. On lap 24, while running in tenth, a DP contacted the #64 causing damage on the right side. Johannes was able to continue, but his lap times fell off a bit. Johannes continued battling until lap 41 when the JLowe Porsche pitted for a complete stop: driver change, tires and fuel. Team owner Jim Lowe was ready take his turn behind the wheel.

Jim went out and joined the intense battle, running consistent, quick laps during his stint. He felt good in the car in spite of the long layoff since his last GRAND-AM race. He was able to keep the Porsche in the top 15 throughout his run. With the high heat in the cockpit, and the clock running down, Jim came into the pits for the final stop of the race. Feeling cooled down and refreshed, Johannes got back in with less than an hour to go.

Johannes was again a man on a mission. He worked his way back into the top ten and looked like he could hold the position until the end. But a late yellow period, enabled many of the GT competition to get fresh tires. The race went back to green with 20 minutes to go. It would be a sprint race to the finish. In spite of his tires going away, Johannes was able to bring the #64 JLowe Racing Porsche home in tenth place, for a great finish to the weekend.

Jim Lowe was clearly pleased after the finish. “This is an excellent way to get back in the series. Roger Reis put a great team together and the whole crew worked hard. And we had a fantastic effort on the part of Johannes. He’s an amazing driver. I really couldn’t be happier. I thoroughly enjoyed this weekend and being back here at NJMP.”

Johannes van Overbeek was hydrating after the race and reflected on the whole effort. “Considering where we started this weekend, tenth is a great result. All the guys on the JLowe Racing team worked non-stop and continued to improve the car. Jim was fantastic—running his best times of the weekend in the race! All in all it was a great weekend and a really good result.”

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About JLowe Racing
JLowe Racing is a professional sports car racing team established in 2006 by driver/owner Dr. Jim Lowe. Running primarily in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the team fields Porsche GT3 Cup cars in the GT class. With an early history of top-10 and podium finishes, JLowe Racing has already established itself as a driving force in the GRAND-AM series. Additional information is available at www.jlowe-racing.com or JLowe Racing on Facebook.

JLowe Racing #64 Porsche Qualifies 12th at NJMP

JLowe Racing—NJMP 250 qualifying report

MILLVILLE, NJ, July 17, 2010 – The JLowe Racing Porsche GT3 Cup took to the hot Thunderbolt track during Saturday’s qualifying session, with team driver Johannes van Overbeek behind the wheel. Johannes was determined to give the team a good starting position for Sunday’s race and he delivered as promised. In addition to the dramatic improvement from Friday’s lap times, the #64 JLowe Racing Porsche was the fastest Porsche in the session.

Team owner and co-driver Jim Lowe watched from pit lane as Johannes continued to improve, until turning 1:22.864 on his sixth lap. Lowe was pleased with the result. “Considering where we were last night, we’ve made huge gains. I’m very happy with 12th on the grid. Roger and the crew did a great job in improving the car and with the help of Johannes, they put us in good position for the race. We’re the fastest Porsche and what we see in front of us on the grid doesn’t scare us. We’re all looking forward to tomorrow’s race.”

Johannes van Overbeek felt he could have posted an even quicker lap, but was held up by a slower car on one of his hot laps. “Normally I would be very upset with 12th, but considering where we started, this was a really good result. My best lap today was two seconds faster than yesterday’s best lap. My hat is off to the JLowe crew. They continued to work it and now we have a very competitive car for tomorrow.”

The NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal for the Rolex Sports Car Series takes the green flag on Sunday at 1PM, televised live on SPEED.
Follow Jim on his Facebook page: JLowe Racing or jlowe-racing.com
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About JLowe Racing
JLowe Racing is a professional sports car racing team established in 2006 by driver/owner Dr. Jim Lowe. Running primarily in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the team fields Porsche GT3 Cup cars in the GT class. With an early history of top-10 and podium finishes, JLowe Racing has already established itself as a driving force in the GRAND-AM series. Additional information is available at www.jlowe-racing.com.

New Jersey Practice report

JLowe Racing—NJMP Friday practice report

MILLVILLE, NJ, July 16, 2010 – The latest Northeast heat wave arrived as practice began for the third NJMP 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The JLowe Racing team tried to make the best of the 142º F track temperatures. Drivers Jim Lowe and Johannes van Overbeek battled very high temps inside the car as the team chased the set-up through Friday’s two practice sessions.

Lowe was hydrating and staying in the shade before his turn in the car. “We’ve got a little way to go and we’ll keep working on the set-up until qualifying tomorrow. The Porsches don’t fare as well with the high temps, as the rear tires tend to go away sooner than on a front-engined car. But we have a great team and engineers. They’ll get it sorted and I’m confident we’ll have a very competitive car for the race.”

Lowe’s co-driver, van Overbeek felt they were making good progress. “It’s good to be back here in New Jersey with Jim. We’re making progress with the car. But, we’re not where we want to be yet. It’s very hard to come into a competitive series like this in mid-season and be right at the front. But I know we’ll be there on Sunday.”

For this weekend’s race, Jim has reassembled his team led by Roger Reis and brought in his good friend, and veteran racer van Overbeek as co-driver. The JLowe Racing #64 Porsche GT3 Cup carries sponsorship of SIEMENS GIGASET, Enviro Packaging Solutions, Porsche of the Main Line and ThinkFirst, National Injury Prevention Foundation.

Qualifying for the GT Class is on Saturday, July 17, at 12:55pm. The NJMP 250 presented by Crown Royal for the Rolex Sports Car Series takes the green flag on Sunday at 1PM, televised live on SPEED. Follow Jim on his Facebook page: JLowe Racing or jlowe-racing.com
________________________________________

About JLowe Racing
JLowe Racing is a professional sports car racing team established in 2006 by driver/owner Dr. Jim Lowe. Running primarily in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the team fields Porsche GT3 Cup cars in the GT class. With an early history of top-10 and podium finishes, JLowe Racing has already established itself as a driving force in the GRAND-AM series. Additional information is available at www.jlowe-racing.com.

JLowe Racing returns to the track at NJMP

Jim Lowe:The World’s Fastest Neurosurgeon comes home to NJMP
July 14, 2010 ­ Millville, NJ

Dr. Jim Lowe spends most mornings in the operating room, conducting a team
of nurses and doctors. As one of the Northeast’s top Neurosurgeons, Dr. Lowe
is used to pressure and excels in it. Most doctors look to their time off to
relax and unwind, away from the stresses of the job, and Jim is no
different.

But Jim is not your average Harvard cum laude Neurosurgeon. On weekends,
instead of playing a relaxing round of golf, Jim trades the scrubs for a
Nomex racing suit. And instead of leading a team of medical professionals,
Jim is surrounded by a race team dedicated to getting him on the podium.

This year, Dr. Jim Lowe’s racing season started with high hopes as he headed
into January’s GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona. He had assembled a stout driver
line-up and impressive crew. The car was meticulously prepared and new
sponsors came onboard to support the effort. All was going to plan with the
#64 Porsche GT3 Cup running in the top five when, without warning, the car
suffered sudden engine failure in the fifth hour. The race was over without
even a scratch on the car’s gleaming red paint.

Fast forward to July. The New Jersey round of the GRAND-AM Roles Series has
been penciled in on Jim’s calendar since last year. As his home track, this
race carries considerable significance for Jim, regardless of Daytona’s
outcome. “I run at NJMP as often as possible. The track is only an hour
from my house so I can drive all day and then sleep in my own bed at night.
The course at Thunderbolt is challenging and fast, putting a real premium on
chassis set-up. We’re very excited to get the team back together after such
a long lay-off. With family, friends and sponsors on hand for the race, we
expect to give them all something to cheer about.” To say that Jim’s focus
remains laser sharp is an understatement.

For this weekend¹s race, Jim has reassembled his team led by Roger Reis and
brought in his good friend, and veteran racer, Johannes van Overbeek as
co-driver. The JLowe Racing #64 Porsche GT3 Cup carries sponsorship of
SIEMENS GIGASET, Enviro Packaging Solutions, Porsche of the Main Line and
ThinkFirst, National Injury Prevention Foundation.

Qualifying for the GT Class is on Saturday, July 17, at 12:55pm. The NJMP
250 presented by Crown Royal for the Rolex Sports Car Series takes the green
flag on Sunday at 1PM, televised live on SPEED. Follow Jim on his Facebook
page: JLowe Racing or jlowe-racing.com

JLowe Racing Partners with ThinkFirst Foundation

JLOWE RACING PARTNERS WITH THINKFIRST NATIONAL INJURY PREVENTION
FOUNDATION TO RAISE MONEY AND PLANT TREES

LOS ANGELES, January 25, 2010 ­
Dr. Jim Lowe, the ³world¹s fastest neurosurgeon² whose racing team ­ JLowe
Racing ­ will compete in NASCAR¹s GRAND-AM Rolex 24 At Daytona January 30
and 31, announced today that his team will share the proceeds of their
sponsorship dollars with ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation, a
leader in educational programs for preventing brain and spinal cord
injuries. As a spinal surgeon, Dr. Lowe supports the work of this charity
that seeks to educate individuals, community leaders, and creators of public
policy about how to prevent these catastrophic injuries.

In return for each $10 contribution, JLowe Racing will supply donors with a
pine treeplanting kit. In partnership with Siemens Gigaset and Enviro
Packaging Solutions, the team hopes to distribute up to one million trees
this season.

Using the visibility of this month¹s race in Daytona, Dr. Lowe is
challenging his fans to visit www.GigasetVoices.com to learn how to make a
donation and plant a tree. As an alternative, fans can purchase a
tree-planting kit and contribute to a great cause using a mobilephone at
www.mobile.gigasetvoices.com

³Our goal is to sell 100,000 tree-planting kits by the end of the race on
January 31,² said Dr. Lowe. ³We have a tremendous opportunity to raise
money, create awareness for ThinkFirst, and improve our environment.”

About a half million people in the U.S. sustain a brain or spinal cord
injury each year. Infact, injury is the leading cause of death among
children and teens. The most frequent causes of these injuries are vehicle
crashes, violence, falls, sports and recreation. However, most of these
injuries are preventable and ThinkFirst provides school-based programs that
teach children and teens how to reduce their risk. There are 165 chapters of
ThinkFirst in the U.S. and in 17 other countries.

About JLowe Racing
JLowe Racing is a professional sports car racing team established in 2006 by
driver/owner Dr. Jim Lowe. Running primarily in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports
Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the team fields Porsche 911
GT3 Cup cars in the GT class. With an early history of top-10 and podium
finishes, JLowe Racing has already established itself as a driving force in
the GRAND-AM series. Additional information is available at
www.jlowe-racing.com.

About Gigaset Communications USA LLC
Gigaset Communications USA LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gigaset
Communications GmbH and a trademark licensee of Siemens AG. The company with
its U.S. headquarters in Dallas, Texas and its global headquarters in
Munich, Germany, develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality
products under the brand Siemens Gigaset. The portfolio includes
fixed-network phones, Bluetooth and Voice over IP devices. The primary
production site is in Bocholt, Germany, where the Gigaset products are
developed and manufactured under the most stringent quality and
environmental standards. Gigaset Communications GmbH is the clear market
leader in Europe for DECT phones. With its headquarters in Munich, the
company develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality products under
the brand Siemens Gigaset. Its portfolio includes fixed-network phones,
Voice over IP devices, software solutions and home media products. The
primary production site is in Bocholt, Germany, where the Gigaset products
are manufactured under the most stringent quality and environmental
standards. Gigaset Communications GmbH is a licensee of the Siemens
trademark. Gigaset Communications GmbH is an ARQUES Industries AG
(http://www.arques.de) company. Additional press releases are available for
download at http://www.gigaset.com/press. More about Gigaset
Communications at http://www.gigaset.com

About Enviro Packaging Solutions
Enviro Packaging Solutions, EPS, is the leader in sustainable packaging for
retail and big box stores. Specializing in RPET trapped blister, which is
the primary PVC clamshell replacement, our goal is to eliminate PVC
Clamshells in all retail. EPS has manufacturing facilities in Texas,
California, Shenzhen China, and Shanghai China. EPS is proud to support
many major brands and retailers including Costco, Wal-Mart, Staples,
Gigaset, FLIP Video, Jabra, etc. with their sustainable packaging needs on a
global scale. EPS has developed its own proprietary paper, plastic,
adhesive, and machines to create a comprehensive business model that is
unmatched in the world of sustainable packaging. Additional information at

http://www.enviropackagingsolutions.com.

JLowe Racing runs well at the “Roar Before the 24.”

Daytona Beach, FL, January 13, 2010 – The JLowe Racing team made the annual trek to Florida’s legendary Daytona International Speedway for the “Roar Before the 24,” the official test days preceding GRAND-AM’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. Considered the unofficial kick-off of the North American racing season, The Rolex 24 is one of the world’s great tests of man and machine. This year’s test however was one for the record books. Historic low temperatures, sleet, and snow made the conditions difficult at best.

For the 2010 Rolex 24, Dr. Jim Lowe has assembled a first-rate team of drivers and crew, comprising some familiar faces with a few new ones. Team drivers Lowe, Jim Pace and Tim Sugden are joined by GRAND-AM veteran Eric Lux and series’ newcomer James Walker. The crew is led by Crew Chief Roger Reis and Engineer Steve Bunkhall, along with a core group of seasoned professionals. The team arrived in Daytona on Thursday with the #64 Siemens-Gigaset, Enviro Packaging Solutions Porsche 911 GT3 Cup fully prepared and ready to go right off the transporter.

Unfortunately, Friday’s low temperatures were not exactly optimum for grip on the high-speed combined road course and oval, so the assembled GT and DP teams were cautious as they turned their first laps of the year. While there was not a lot of set-up information to be gained due to the conditions, the JLowe drivers quickly showed their experience, as the #64 cracked the top ten in GT Class lap times. The opening day also gave the new members of the team a chance to get to know the veterans, and it was clear there was great chemistry amongst the assembled group.

Saturday was to be the longest day of the test, with cars running right into the evening. However, arriving at the track for the morning session, the teams were greeted with record low temperatures, and ice. Out of safety concerns, Grand-Am officials canceled the morning practice session. When the cars finally took to the track for the second session, the JLowe crew was ready. The drivers took turns in the car while the crew made some adjustments to optimize the set-up. Coming out of formula cars, James Walker impressed everyone with how quickly he adapted to the Porsche and the Daytona road course, both of which were new to him.

Sunday’s temperatures moderated a bit and climbed into the mid-forties, which enabled the team to work on the set-up, as the drivers again rotated through the car. As the weekend wrapped up, the #64 was in great shape and the drivers reflected on a strong lead-up to the biggest race of the year.

Continued:

Driver notes:

Dr. Jim Lowe: “It’s truly hard to imagine having a better test than we just had, unless you’re talking about the weather. From an overall point of view, the JLowe Racing team really gelled this weekend. We consistently ran in the top ten, improving steadily with each session. Jim Pace, Tim Sugden, Eric Lux and James Walker all really got the best out of the #64 Siemens-Gigaset Porsche, even considering the tough conditions. I even got in on the fun with a personal-best time, so it was smiles all-around. I was also very proud of our crew, who worked their butts off despite the frigid conditions. We left with the car in perfect shape, and everyone excited about the end of the month. We’re ready to make our charge to the top of the podium!”

Jim Pace: “The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a unique event in racing. World-class drivers from around the globe come together in a grueling competition against time for the treasured top step in Victory Lane. I am as excited about the 2010 JLowe Team effort as I was my very first time twenty years ago in 1990.”

Tim Sugden: “Firstly I was delighted to be back at Daytona—the race is so special with an atmosphere like nowhere else. This is now my third year with JLowe racing and I can truly say that every year it is such a pleasure to work with the team, everyone works so well together. This year we have two new drivers—Eric is a great guy, very fast and a team player whilst James is much better known to me as I have managed him for the past nine years. James is fast, professional, and will do a fantastic job, although this is his first GT race and certainly a baptism of fire! As for Jim and Jim, I love driving with these guys so much—Jim Lowe was running really good times in the test, and very consistent, whilst Jim Pace is always fast as anyone out there and with two Daytona wins, has calm experience that this race needs. All in all I can’t wait for the end of the month—we have a fantastic team and a fantastic chance of finally getting the watch!!”

Eric Lux: “I’m very excited to be able to join JLowe Racing for this historic race. Jim Lowe has put together a great team; after completing the test days I am confident that we have one of the best teams, a great car and a stellar driver line-up. This will be my sixth attempt to come out of this race on the top step and I feel that we have a package to do so! The Mazdas are clearly a dominant car at Daytona, but hopefully they will drop out as the race reaches the later stages.”

James Walker: “It was great to finally work with the JLowe Racing crew. For me, this test was all about me getting up to speed and learning about the car. The entire team made me feel right at home and I’m really looking forward to race day. Having never driven a GT car before I didn’t know what to expect. I have to say the car felt great and I think the team has a great chance of a good result.”

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