Hyper Sport Brings Lotus Back to SPEED World Challenge
BUFORD, Ga. (Jan. 16, 2008) - Hyper Sport Engineering has announced the
construction of a Lotus Exige S for competition in the 2008 SCCA Pro
Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship.
The Lotus Exige S is the newest Lotus model to hit the streets. The
Hyper Sport Engineering racecar will utilize the same light weight,
forced induction 1.8 liter engine and sophisticated suspension design of
the stock Exige. Kirt Wightman, Owner and Director of Hyper Sport
Engineering, is convinced the ultra fast and nimble Exige will be right
at home in SPEED GT.
"I am excited about the fantastic potential of this new program,"
Wightman said. "SPEED World Challenge is the right series to showcase
the outstanding capabilities of the Lotus chassis."
Lotus' participation in World Challenge dates back to the series'
inception in 1990. The marque has recorded eight race wins with the
Lotus Espirit Turbo, but has been absent from World Challenge
competition since 2000.
"To welcome back a manufacturer with such a renowned motorsports history
like Lotus is a real honor for SCCA Pro Racing," SCCA Pro Racing
President and CEO Bob Wildberger said. "In fact, I got my own start in
SCCA racing a Lotus Europa in the 60's. The addition of the Exige S to
SPEED GT gives our diverse grid even more depth and I'm certain the
series will provide Lotus and Hyper Sport with a perfect stage for their
new car."
Hyper Sport, a sister company to Hyper Sport Engineering, is already an
established team in the Koni Challenge and Rolex Series. Team Owner Joe
Foster was the GS Class runner-up in last year's Koni Challenge and will
jump behind the wheel of the Lotus Exige for the 2008 SPEED GT
Championship, sharing driver duties with SPEED Touring Car standout
Charles Espenlaub. Wightman will serve as the team's Technical Director
and Race Engineer.
"This will be a great honor for me, helping bring Lotus back to World
Challenge competition, as well as furthering my relationship with Joe
and the mad scientist Kirt," Espenalub said.