Woodhouse Performance News :: World Challenge Racing

WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE TEAM TURNS IN TOP PERFORMANCES

2010-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Wittmer Takes the Checkered Flag and Courtney Finishes 4th at Season Finale Tooele, Utah (October 4, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupeheld his own in a hungry field to finish 4th at the final race of the 2010 season of the World Challenge GT Championships. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe turned in fantastic times and captured the checkered flag, the first win for the team since Long Beach in April.

“What a fantastic result to the year end,” said Wittmer. “My Dodge Viper was simply outstanding.”

“Right out of the box, the cars were set-up great,” said Courtney. “The team did an excellent job, again, of preparing the cars for Utah. All weekend, I was really happy with my car and the set-up.”

After a couple of media rides in both the No. 99 and No. 13 cars, trouble reared its ugly head. Courtney’s No. 99 car dropped a cylinder and Wittmer’s No. 13 car needed a rear differential replacement. It would be another all-nighter for the Woodhouse Performance Team of Rick Maxwell, Matt Bejnarowicz, Todd Albrecht, Jack Kulick and Mark Barton.

“We could not have been successful without the hard work of this team” said Courtney. “The team worked throughout the night to change the rear differential in the No. 13 car and put a backup motor in my No. 99 car.”

Expectations were high after Courtney qualified for a 4th place start and Wittmer qualified for 2nd. “I got a fantastic start and a great run down the inside, but a good blocking move on the inside by one of the K-Pax Volvos killed my momentum, forcing me to drop back, creating a gap I could never close.” After an intense race, Wittmer pulled off the win and Courtney finished in a season-best 4th.

“The race was a nail-biter for these 1000 plus Viper fans,” said Wittmer, “but for me it was a lot of fun. I live for racing hard!” With this win, Wittmer sealed his 2nd place position in the Drivers’ Championship as well. “Finishing 2nd in points was a great ending to our year. It really proved that our team is capable of winning a championship. We got close, next time it’s ours!”

The Woodhouse Performance Team really came together over the weekend, dealing with mechanical issues and coming out ahead. It was a Viper weekend to remember, with huge Viper fan attendance, a win for the Woodhouse team in a go-karting event, and Crew Chief Rick Maxwell walked away with the prestigious Zimmerman Cup for outstanding performance as crew chief. The Zimmerman Cup is an annual award presented in the memory of multi-time Championship winning crew chief Jerome Zimmermann (1967-2003) at season’s end to the crew chief that best exemplifies the similar passion, dedication and success Zimmermann had in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge.

“Rick certainly deserved this award, which basically amounts to a Crew Chief of the Year award,” said Team Owner Bob Woodhouse. “I am incredibly proud of Rick, and the entire team, for this year’s accomplishments.”

“Congratulations to Rick,” said Courtney. “After all we’ve been through this season, no one deserves the award more than him. All-in-all, this weekend was a lot of fun,” said Courtney. “It was a great way to end the season. Thanks to the team, and to all our sponsors, KENDA, RecStuff, Dodge, Coins of America, JG Wheels, Oakley Performance, G-Speed, Bell Helmets, and Foerster Signs.”Watch this nail-biting 2010 season finale on Versus on Saturday, October 30 at 3:00 pm (EST) and stay tuned to http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4721060:7099589632:m:1:191896110:2486F4EF02F44D2990B2814AAD06BBC2 and http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4721061:7099589632:m:1:191896110:2486F4EF02F44D2990B2814AAD06BBC2 for all the latest racing info.

Wittmer Caps World Challenge Season With Victory

2010-10-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

TOOELE, Utah – SCCA Staff - Montreal’s Kuno Wittmer grabbed a season-ending World Challenge GT victory during the Toyo Tires Utah Grand Prix Presented by Bondurant at Miller Motorsports Park on Sunday. Peter Cunningham, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Robert Stout, of Brownsburg, Ind., capped GTS and Touring Car Championship seasons with wins in their respective classes.

Wittmer’s No. 13 Dodge Motorsports Dodge Viper started second and held that position through the first corner, chasing polesitter Randy Pobst. After falling behind by just over a second early in the race, Wittmer took the lead from Pobst, the newly crowned Drivers’ Champion, on lap nine as the pair encountered traffic in Turn Five. That pass earned Wittmer the MTM Special Ops Watch Best Move of the Race.

Once in the lead, Wittmer had a mirror full of Pobst’s No. 6 K-Pax Racing/Safe + Secure Volvo S60 and his teammate, Andy Pigrim, just behind. Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., moved his No. 8 K-Pax Racing/Safe + Secure Volvo S60 past Pobst on lap 12, and from there set sail to challenge Wittmer for the lead.
Wittmer and Pilgrim pulled away slightly from Pobst, and the remainder of the race was a two-car, nose-to-tail battle between the Viper and the Volvo. Wittmer ran a mistake free race, however, and finished the 22-lap, 67.056-mile race ahead by just 0.346-second.

It was the second win of the year for Wittmer, who finished the season second in the Drivers’ Championship. Wittmer averaged 90.941 mph in the race, which ran caution-free.

“We’ve been fighting all season-long to win this Championship,” Wittmer said. “We couldn’t win it, but we were able to get second place, so what could be better than Champion than being vice-Champion. We’re really, really proud. This Viper has been really fast and consistent all season long. We’ve had highs and lows, but it’s been mostly highs. To win at Long Beach and then to finish off with a win it just shows how outstanding this team has been.”

The Viper’s win came on a weekend that was shared with the Viper Owners’ Group and their annual gathering.
“We’ve got a thousand-plus people here supporting us,” Wittmer said of the seemingly endless parade of Vipers at the facility. “It’s just incredible. I’ve met so many people over the course of the weekend and they’re incredible, family people and that is just great for the [Viper] product.”

Despite a valiant effort, Pilgrim fell just short of his second-consecutive World Challenge win. Pilgrim’s seventh podium of the season left him fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.

“Randy did a brilliant job getting pole, but with all that REWARDS weight, he was going to come back and it was going to obviously hurt his tires,” Pilgrim said. “It was up to me to try to stay with Kuno. He got caught in traffic and I’d catch him up. I’d get caught in traffic and he’d pull away a little bit. It was definitely a concertina deal. He had good straightaway speed, so I couldn’t make anything up there. But I seemed to have better brake and turn-in. I could stay with him, but to try to pass him would have taken a real low-percentage move and it probably would have taken us both out.”

Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., finished third to end a season that included his fourth World Challenge GT Championship and a boost, with Pilgrim, to Volvo’s first Manufacturers’ Championship. Pobst also turned the fastest lap of the race around the 3.048-mile, 15-turn “Outer Course” at Miller Motorsports Park with a time of 1:58.936 (92.258 mph).

Jeff Courtney tied a career-best finish of fourth in his No. 99 Kenda Tires Dodge Viper, joining his teammate Wittmer as the second Viper in the top four positions.
James Sofronas finished fifth in the No. 14 GMG Porsche 911 GT3 to become the top-finishing Porsche and finish third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Jason Daskalos (No. 5 Daskalos Developments Dodge Viper) and Rob Morgan (No. 46 TruSpeed Motorsports/Querencia Porsche 911 GT3) crossed the finish line in sixth and seventh.

Fred Roberts (No. 89 Direct Energy Home Services Dodge Viper) tied his career-best finish with an eight-place and clinched the GameStreamer GT Rookie of the Year title.

Cunningham ended his record-setting season with eight wins after his 3.810-second victory in the GTS class at Miller Motorsports Park.
Starting on the GTS pole in his No. 43 Acura/RealTime Racing Acura TSX, Cunningham fell back to sixth in class on the standing start going into Turn One. Cunningham had made three of those positions back by the end of the first lap, but when the No. 79 UPR.com/Jamison Eng Chevrolet Corvette of Kyle Kelley went by on lap two, Cunningham was back in fourth. Both Kelley and Cunningham passed the No. 27 Winkler Automotive Service Ford Mustang FR500S of George Winkler, from Frederick, Md., on lap four.
When Kelley’s tire went down on lap six, Cunningham was in second and set sail for Ben Crosland in the No. 25 RPMotorsports Ford Mustang FR500S.
The 17-year-old Crosland, running his third World Challenge race less than 30 miles from his home in Salt Lake City, held off the six-time World Challenge Champion until lap 13.

Once Cunningham went by Crosland, he opened up a slight gap to the checkered flag for his 40th career World Challenge win, extending his record.
“It was tough, for sure,” Cunningham said. “I got shelled at the start. I don’t know how far I fell back at the start—maybe eighth place, but I got a few back right away. I started to pick them off one at a time. Some were more difficult than others.

“Ben Crosland raced me very clean and was doing an excellent job keeping the tires underneath his car—congratulations to him and that team. Congratulations to Acura to finish out the year on a strong note and to RealTime Racing for giving me a car that didn’t fail me.”

Crosland held on for a second-place finish, topping his previous best of fourth at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August.

Winkler held on to finish third, the second of the Mustangs converted from the recently-completed Ford Racing Mustang Challenge based at Miller Motorsports Park, to cross the finish line.

Nick Esayian capped a career-best runner-up season in the Drivers’ Championship with a fourth place finish in Utah. Driving the No. 34 Acura/RealTime Racing Acura TSX, Esayian also teamed with Cunningham to bring Acura a record ninth World Challenge Manufacturers’ Championship, breaking a tie with Porsche.

Oli Thordarson finished fifth in his World Challenge debut behind the wheel of the No. 23 Alvaka Networks/Exposites.com Chevrolet Corvette.
Ernie Jakubowski was one of the cars who passed Cunningham at the start from his sixth position on the GTS grid, but cut a tire on lap one and finished 13th in GTS. That finish, however, clinched the GameStreamer GTS Rookie-of-the-Year award for Jakubowski.

Stout’s Touring Car win in the Series finale was an exclamation point to the rookie’s first season of professional racing.

Stout started sixth in the Touring Car class and got a tremendous launch from the standing start, propelling him past polesitter Taylor Hacquard, Jeff Mosing (No. 08 Frank’s International Mazda RX-8), Eric Meyer, Pierre Kleinubing, and Robb Holland and into the lead on the opening lap to earn the Optima Batteries Best Standing Start award.
In the lead, but not clear of the field, Stout’s No. 18 DG-Spec/Scion/TRD/Lucas Oil Scion tC, locked into a wheel-to-wheel battle with Hacquard’s No. 31 Mazda/Cybernation MAZDASPEED3 and Holland’s No. 22 3Zero3 Motorsports/Track Pro/Emich VW Volkswagen GTI. Hacquard officially led lap five, and the trio continued to battle – so closely that Stout’s right-side mirror was knocked loose.

Stout and Hacquard swapped positions numerous times, with the 18-year-old Stout claiming the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race award on lap seven with a Turn 15 pass for the lead. Holland remained just behind, ready to capitalize on any mistakes the leaders may have made.

Bad luck struck Hacquard and Holland in separate lap 10 instances, however. Holland had the hood of his VW fly open on the front straight and pulled off the track in Turn One, while Hacquard was shown a mechanical black flag and forced to pit to repair defective rear brake lights. The developments essentially left Stout alone on the track and relegating the two front-runners to the end of the Touring Car field at the finish.

Despite the No. 1 Mazda/Cybernation MAZDASPEED3 of Kleinubing lurking seconds behind for most of the race, Stout maintained his lead and crossed the finish line with a 6.909-second margin of victory. Stout also earned the Sunoco Hard Charger award for improving eight positions overall from start to finish.
The win punctuated a season that saw the 18-year-old become the youngest World Challenge Drivers’ Champion, the GameStreamer Touring Car Rookie of the Year, clinch a Team Championship for DG-Spec, and a Manufacturers’ Championship for Scion.

“This has been such a fantastic season,” Stout said. “Lucas Oil and Rockstar Energy have been so supportive of us and helped us win the Championship, Rookie of the Year, the Team and Manufacturers’ Championships. Almost everything you can get, I was able to claim this year and I couldn’t do that without so many people helping me out.

“I got a great start, and didn’t expect to have the first spot in Turn One, but I managed to. Rob Holland and one of the I-MOTO cars [Hacquard] were right there and we were swapping positions left and right. Next thing I know, the I-MOTO car is getting black flagged and Rob had some technical trouble and I just was able to pull a gap over Kleinubing and we came out with the victory. What a fantastic way to end the season.”

Kleinubing, of Coconut Beach, Fla., finished second in his first race in the World Challenge Championships in 2010. Kleinubing was, however, entitled to run the No. 1 plate as a nod to his 2009 Touring Car Championship.
Meyer, of Indianapolis, Ind., finished third in the race behind the wheel of his No. 32 XOWii/Samaritan’s Feet/Delvira Mazda RX-8, leaving him second in the Drivers’ Championship.

Tom Lepper, a teammate to Stout, finished fourth in the No. 36 DG-Spec/Scion/TRD/Lepper & Associates Scion tC, followed by Branden Peterson in the No. 64 Competition Clutch/Supertech Performance Honda Civic Si.
Michael Pettiford (No. 41 Go 4 It Racing Schools/Hawk Volkswagen Jetta GLI) finished sixth, followed by Mosing.

The Toyo Tires Utah Grand Prix Presented by Bondurant will be broadcast along with the doubleheader from VIRginia International Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. (Eastern) on Versus

WOODHOUSE TO ROCK THE HOUSE

2010-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Head to Miller Motorsports Park for Season Finale Milwaukee, Wisconsin (October 1, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is energized and ready for the 2010 World Challenge GT Championships Utah Grand Prix Finale at Miller Motorsports Park this weekend, October 1-3. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is also coiled and ready to unleash his Viper fangs on the 4.5 mile, 24 turn course.

“I’m really hoping that the track will be a good match for the Viper,” said Courtney. “A good track may help even out the playing field a bit. The last time we were here, in 2008, I clocked in the fastest race lap and my teammate at the time, Tommy Archer, won the race. Hopefully, we can do even better this weekend.”

“I’m looking forward on returning to Salt Lake, I like this place a lot,” said Wittmer. “It has a variety of different corners, so our Dodge Vipers should be great here.”
The higher elevation of the mountain-top course should also be beneficial to the Vipers, or at least give them less fits than the rest of the field, including the turbo-charged Volvos.
Courtney is holding onto a 6th place position in the 2010 Championship Points Race and Wittmer is clinging to 3rd, hoping to move into 2nd.

“I want this 2nd place in the championship race more than anything. This will be a hard race as it is the last one of the year and all of the competition will be going all out.” Leaving no choice for the Woodhouse Performance Team but to leave it all on the track as well.

“There are so many Dodge events planned throughout the weekend and with all the Dodge fans that will be in attendance, should bring great inspiration,” said Courtney. “I think I can speak for both Kuno and myself when I say that we are going to hang it all out this weekend.”

“A victory would be solid in front of our loyal Dodge Viper owners,” said Wittmer. The Viper owners and fans will be out in droves as this weekend is the Viper Owner’s Invitational and Dodge Viper Cup. If you can’t get trackside at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah this weekend, check out http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4691576:7044404641:m:1:191896110:52FC4905528A6747C409CF1381EDC1D7 and http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4691577:7044404641:m:1:191896110:52FC4905528A6747C409CF1381EDC1D7 for all your Viper action and moment-by-moment racing information. Drivers will be getting the green lights for their standing starts at 2:55 (MST).

HATS OFF TO WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE CREW

2010-09-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Praise the Team Effort Alton, Virginia (September 13, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe has nothing but good things to say about the Woodhouse Performance Team after their spectacular display of teamwork and effort put forth at this weekend’s Round 10 and 11 of the World Challenge GT Championship at Virginia International Raceway. Despite chasing car setups, the team was also handed multiple mechanical issues to deal with. Due to the huge efforts by the crew, Courtney was able finish 7th on Saturday and 6th on Sunday, moving him up to 6th place in the Drivers’ Points championship after starting the weekend in 9th. Teammate Kuno Wittmer also owes the Woodhouse Performance Team a debt of gratitude after their hard work on his No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe helped him earn a 4th place finish in Saturday’s race.

“I have always had the utmost respect for the Woodhouse Performance Team of Rick Maxwell, Matt Bejnarowicz, Todd Albrecht, Jack Kulick and Mark Barton,” said Courtney, “But after the difficulties at VIR, they impressed me with their professionalism and their dedication to the team. They worked virtually around the clock to get the cars set-up after running into some problems.”

“It was a roller coaster weekend,” said Wittmer. “The team worked late all weekend long.” Friday night went into 3 AM (Saturday) as the team changed the motor in the No. 13 car for Saturday morning’s race. “During Saturday’s race, it began to sprinkle on certain parts of the track. I was pushing hard and didn’t see the wet area ultimately tagging the tire wall.” Despite this, we were able to end strong with a 4th place finish.” The Woodhouse team had another long night of repairs ahead.

“I felt a win in Sunday’s race would reward the team for all this hard work,” said Wittmer. “Unfortunately, after the first lap I was about 8 seconds back of the leader and managed by lap 9 or so to be .5 seconds back, pushing hard, unfortunately I tracked off course and tagged the wall.”

Courtney also struggled with getting everything he could out of the powerful Dodge Viper and the team chased the setup all weekend. “I question whether we ever really got the setup, or if we are just pushing the car too hard to compete. I feel like we are having to drive our cars 110%, 100% of the time, trying to make our cars competitive. Even with the 50-pound weight reduction we received, there is no doubt in my mind that we are having to overdrive and hang it out on every lap in every turn to stay competitive.”

Courtney, along with the entire team, is now focused on the season finale in Utah. “When I think of Utah, I can think of no other crew I’d rather go with.” Wittmer agrees, “Our goal in Salt Lake will be to secure the second position in the driver’s championship. This is professional motorsports and things don’t come easy, but with a team like ours, we can do it!”

On Sunday, as the team prepared to leave, team engineer Matt Bejnarowicz turned to team owner Bob Woodhouse and said, “Bob, you should be proud of your team, we gave it our all, and despite everything these cars got to the pit with a good setup every time.” Woodhouse remembers that moment with emotion, “My eyes watered up, not because of the disappointing results, but because of the pride in these people who rose to the occasion and kicked the tar out of every challenge. Here’s an example: a noisy rear differential was discovered 30 minutes from qualifying. In 28 minutes the No. 99 Dodge Viper Comp Coupe and Jeff Courtney were taking their position on pit lane with a fresh differential in the car.”

Watch these amazing races, and this fantastic team, on VERSUS on October 30, 2010 at 3:00 pm (EDT). Catch all the latest news on the World Challenge GT Championship 2010 season at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4630152:6927803499:m:1:191896110:21CC3A6D919BC8D8A7FDC4D66891CE35.

WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE TEAM HEADS TO VIR

2010-09-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Plan for the Podium September 9, 2010 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Jeff Courtney is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of his No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for Rounds 10 and 11 of the 2010 World Challenge GT Championship at Virginia International Raceway this weekend. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is also excited to improve on the team’s standings, and his own second place position.

“I recently had my first experience racing at that track,” said Courtney, referring to his debut as owner/driver in the Viper Cup Series on July 10th and 11th of this year where he earned a second place finish. “It was a fast track, I really enjoyed racing there and after getting a taste of the podium, I’m looking to return to the podium this weekend.”

“We are looking forward to VIR,” said Wittmer. “It's a fast track with a lot of high speed corners. The Dodge Viper loves these types of corners."

Wittmer, along with crew chief Rick Maxwell and team engineer Matt Bejnarowicz, made a special trip to the Virginia track to do some advance testing and make preparations for the upcoming race. Expectations are running high as opportunities to advance are slipping by. “The championship will come down to the line in Salt Lake. Randy [Pobst] has not won this battle yet and we are nowhere close to giving up! We’ve got three races to go, anything could happen,” said Wittmer.

Team Owner Bob Woodhouse is also enthusiastic and optimistic for the upcoming race, “As for our drivers, Jeff and Kuno, they both love this track, have plenty of time on it and I doubt you can find drivers that are quicker.”

Woodhouse was also happy to report that the Vipers have found some relief on restrictions. “After an excruciatingly painful long length of time, the tech department has issued a 50 pound reduction in the base weight of our Dodge Viper Competition-Coupe. We are grateful for this, yet we know that it is too late to be significant in our chase for the championship. But don’t think otherwise, the pedal is on the floor and we’ll deliver all we got!”

It will be a double-race weekend and with so much on the line, fans everywhere will be excited to see who walks away with the checkered flags.

Cars will get the green light for their standing start of these World Challenge races on Saturday, September 11, at 2:35 (EST) and Sunday, September 12, at 1:35 (EST). Be sure to catch moment-by-moment racing action at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4601591:6879717564:m:1:191896110:DE905CF9BA3DBAA94630BA46248139D1.

TOP FIVES ALONG WITH A FEW BRUISES FROM MID-OHIO

2010-08-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Woodhouse Performance Team Fights Hard in Rounds 8 & 9 Lexington, Ohio (August 11, 2010) – The Woodhouse Performance Team was well-prepared for the Optima Batteries Mid-Ohio Grand Prix but after some brushes with bad luck, they fell short of their podium finish goals. Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe finished 13th in Saturday’s Round 8 and returned to finish 5th in Sunday’s Round 9. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe finished 4th on Saturday and was unable to finish the race on Sunday due to an incident with a touring car.

Highlights of the weekend include support from KENDA Tires owner, employees, and fans. “I always look forward to having the KENDA people out in person at this Mid-Ohio event,” said Courtney. “ I appreciate the fact that owner Jimmy Yang was able to take time out of his busy schedule to make the Saturday event along with family and friends.”

Unfortunately for the Woodhouse Team, the podium eluded them this time. “I felt the cars were good, good enough to podium,” said Courtney. “On Friday, I didn’t hit the qualifying, but in Saturday’s race I had an awesome start and picked up three positions by turn one where I tucked in behind teammate Kuno Wittmer. I felt confident we would continue to pick up positions.”

Things then went awry, “That’s when, in my opinion, Tony Gaples made a very low percentage move on me entering the keyhole where we had contact and it forced me to pit to change a tire. I had to re-start at the back of the pack.” Courtney charged through the pack, but was only able to push his way up to a 13th place finish.

Sunday’s race brought much better results for Courtney. “Matt [Bejnarowicz] and Rick [Maxwell] made a few more adjustments to the car and it was handling fantastic. I think we really nailed the set-up this time, the car’s balance was good beginning, middle and at the end of the race. I felt that the only thing stopping us from the podium was heavy traffic.” Courtney charged to a 5th place finish after starting 10th in the 40-car field. “I really wanted that podium, we just ran out of laps.”

Things went well in Round 8 for Wittmer. “On Saturday, we had a great blast to the front of the pack. The team knew what had to be done after qualifying in order to make the Viper work great. I battled hard all the way to the end, putting pressure on Dino [Crescentini] for the majority of the laps. I finally passed him in the last corner of the last lap.” That last pass put Wittmer within striking reach of a podium finish, but he was forced to settle for 4th place.

“In the Sunday race, things were working out great,” said Wittmer. “My car was ever so sweet as we just passed 3rd place with about 10 laps to go. Unfortunately, a racing incident with a slower touring car placed us out of the race with a broken rear knuckle.” Wittmer, ever positive, is not going to let this slow him down for the remainder of the season, “This is motorsports, and issues like these do arise. We just need to learn from them, turn the page and move on. I have more fire in my eyes than ever to win this championship. We are heading into the last stage events and they will be great! I am looking forward to the next events now more than ever.”

Don’t miss these two exciting Sports Car Wars on the VERSUS channel, broadcasting on August 28, 2010 at 4:30-6:00 pm (EST). Check out all the latest news and action at www.world-challenge.com. The Woodhouse Performance Team will be back, better than ever, for their next race at Virginia International Raceway on September 10-12, 2010.

WORLD CHALLENGE SPORTS CAR WARS AT MID-OHIO

2010-08-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

We are ready for World Challenge Sports Car Wars at Mid-Ohio, rounds 8 and 9
Rounds 8 and 9, back to back races of the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge are about to happen this week end August 6 and 7th at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. I love this event, 125,000 people on grassy knolls, drinking a cool one and watching Sports Car Wars from World Challenge, the Indy Racing League and American Lemans. If you love road racing, this is an incredible event. But it's not all ooh and aaawe for Woodhouse Racing. We came to work, (some of you may not call it that), there are a couple of Dodge Vipers that need to be up front and that takes more than you want to hear about. I do hope you have been following the slaughter we are experiencing on our quest for the Championship. If not you could catch up by backtracking on the site here or www.world-challenge.com. We have had some good success too; now it is time to combine our efforts with some luck. This is where you and the Viper Nation come in. There is no better way to bring us luck, than attending, cheering, following us on twitter, facebook and being a Dodge lover. OK, about keeping up, we are fighting for a GT Championship against Volvo, Corvette, Porsche, Nissan and others. Kuno Wittmer; driver of the #13 car is second in points with Jeff Courtney in 9th. Can't stress enough how hard they have both worked to be there. But it is time for a bit of luck, these guys are talented drivers, no question, so are another two dozen guys in this series. Bring us your support, even if it is putting www.viperheadquarters.com in your browser favorites so you can check it often. Need another teaser? Here is an example of what happens when you get involved in the Viper Nation and come to World Challenge events. Back at Long Beach a Dodge dealer got involved in the Grand Prix festivities and before he could leave he said "Bob, let's make a World Challenge Edition Viper ACR for the street". This is the result of that conversation:
Two of these are our Competition Coupe race cars and two are 640hp street going bad boys licensed by World Challenge. Send an email for details bobwoodhouse@woodhouseperformance.com and I will hook you up.
Thanks for taking your precious time to follow this. Bob Woodhouse

WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE TEAM IS HUNGRY

2010-08-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Prepare to Take Charge at Mid-OhioMilwaukee, Wisconsin (August 5, 2010) – Jeff Courtney , driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is gearing up for rounds 8 and 9 in the exciting Sports Car Wars of the World Challenge 2010 season. The entire Woodhouse Performance Team, including teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver for the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe has spent the last couple of weeks preparing the Vipers for a double-header race weekend in the World Challenge Championships at the famed Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and they are looking to produce some strong finishes.

“I’m really looking forward to this double race weekend,” said Courtney. “We’ve had some past successes at this track and we are looking to be more competitive here this weekend. I’m particularly excited to be right in KENDA’s backyard.” KENDA Tires, a long-time sponsor of Courtney, is located in Columbus, Ohio. “It is going to be great to have the KENDA people out and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.”

Wittmer is also excited for the upcoming races, “I’m looking forward to the Mid-Ohio road course; this type of track should be good for our Dodge Vipers. This competition will be harder than ever, but I have been training hard for this championship. It will pay off!”

When asked about the team’s readiness for the Mid-Ohio races, Team Owner Bob Woodhouse responded with typical gusto, “Mid-Ohio, a double race weekend in front of 125,000 people. Are we ready? Dang right we are! This Volvo dominance is getting really old and we need people to see a couple of well cared for Dodge Viper Competition Coupes driven by a couple of the best drivers just standing on the gas and out in front. Ron Fellows has been doing an incredible job as well with that Corvette he’s driving, I need to walk over there and look for the “press to pass” button.”

“We are not far off the top spot in the points race,” said Wittmer. “As a team, we are tight—tighter than ever and we really want this. It’s time to turn up the wick on this competition and fight them hard.”

The Woodhouse Performance Team is bringing both barrels to the track this weekend, and you will not want to miss the action from the standing start to the flying finish.

Catch all the action at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4483816:6704678421:m:1:191896110:6C2B242ADBAACC9801114567418C8C58, races start at 10:15 on Saturday, August 7, and at 11:00 on Sunday, August 8, (EST). Stay tuned to cheer on Dodge and the Woodhouse Performance Team and hear all the latest news.

WOODHOUSE RETURNS TO BATTLE

2010-07-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Take on TorontoToronto, Canada (July 16, 2010) – Jeff Courtney returned to the wheel of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe last weekend for Round 7 of the 2010 World Challenge Sports Car Wars after a bruising run at Watkins Glen. Teammate Kuno Wittmer was also back in his completely remade No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Courtney earned an 8th place finish while teammate Wittmer finished 6th.

“Things were looking up for the Woodhouse Team when we got to Toronto,” said Team Owner Bob Woodhouse. “Watkins Glen left us with two cars not fit to be seen on the bad side of town, it is times like this where a team’s strength is really shown. Huge thanks go out to the team, first to Crew Chief Rick Maxwell, then Engineer Matt Bejnarowicz and many other key people for their incredible rebuild of the No. 13 Viper. It was a day and night scrambling to make the repairs and be at Toronto on time. I am just delighted to be around such smart and committed people.”

Wittmer echoed the praise. “The team deserves a big reward. They basically built a brand new car for me, amazing effort! My Dodge Viper was well set up all weekend.”

Courtney looked forward to returning to the Streets of Toronto course, “It’s been a while since I’ve raced here and I was really looking forward to the track. It was good to be back in a Viper again.”

Wittmer was also enthusiastic about the course. “The Streets of Toronto has always been a favorite street course for me but last weekend the tight streets of Toronto were very hard to get around. The pavement seemed to have been more favorable to our competition.”

Mid-way through the 2010 season, the competition really heats up. “The Volvos with the engine, brakes and AWD advantage were hard to beat, just like the past six events,” said Wittmer. “The championship is our goal. We will try to bring our A game to the table in every remaining event in order to gather all those vital points. Woodhouse voiced his frustration with the results of Toronto and is focused on the future. “The Honda Toronto Grand Prix tied us in knots. After Rick Maxwell, Matt Bejnarowicz and the rest of the team made an incredible re-incarnation of Kuno's #13 Dodge Viper Competition Coupe we felt we had a pair of top five cars. Jeff has been simply smokin’ off some great lap times, in the zone let’s say, and Kuno, well few drivers have more laps in and know more about the surface of the Toronto course than he does. The two of them were chasing each other finding more and more speed on the course by the time qualifying showed up on Saturday. So you can see why we had lofty hopes for great finishes.”

Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed. “Both of our drivers lowered their times substantially in qualifying, problem was, the Volvo's literally blew everyone off the asphalt. This is getting irritating, I can't say that any nicer,” said Woodhouse. “We had two incredible cars for the race with two well driven races, no flaws existed other than how we finished, 6 and 8. We felt we came with more than that. This course did not respect our big bad Vipers; it favored the short wheel base, lower center of gravity cars. We fell back in the short square and slow corners. Stay tuned, this is not acceptable.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Hilton Toronto, Toronto’s premier, urban, contemporary Hotel in the heart of Toronto sponsored Courtney, Wittmer and the Woodhouse Performance Racing Team last weekend at the Acura Sports Car Challenge of Toronto.

“We were honored to have the Hilton Toronto and Ruth’s Chris Steak House as a sponsors and part of our racing family last weekend,” said Courtney.

Edwin Frizzell, Hilton Toronto General Manager said, “We were excited and proud to partner with Woodhouse Performance Racing Team and we extended our support and visibility at Toronto’s premier racing event while at the same time we supported Jeff Courtney and one of Canada’s top drivers, Kuno Wittmer. Many of our current customers and staff are huge race fans. This partnership offered a unique opportunity to support fans and the racing community at large.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, official sponsor of the Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupes of Jeff Courtney and Kuno Wittmer for the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto & Acura Sports Car Challenge is pleased to serve guests the finest aged, corn-fed, USDA Prime beef available. Enjoy award-winning cuisine and gracious hospitality .The meat is cooked to perfection in broilers at 1800 degrees and served sizzling. In addition to USDA Prime beef, they offer Veal Chop, Chicken, Lamb Chops, Lobster, Crab Cakes and much more! Private Dining is available for lunch or dinner with seating for 10-100 guests.

Watch all the racing action of this hot street course on VERSUS on July 31, 2010, 3-5 pm (EST) .

DODGE VIPER CUP DEBUT

2010-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Debut Has Highs and Lows at Virginia International RacewayMilwaukee, Wisconsin (July 16, 2010) – Jeff Courtney played the dual role of both owner and driver July 11th and 12th at Virginia International Raceway in the debut of the Dodge Viper Cup and climbed the podium to the 2nd place position on his first race of the series. In the second race of the series, Courtney ran into some trouble with his No. 99 JCR Motorsports Dodge Viper ACR-X and was unable to finish.

“Saturday we started out pretty good,” said Courtney. “I thought we had a shot at winning it, the first lap of the race opened up an opportunity that as I look back I wish I would have taken.”

This was Courtney’s first time racing at the well-known Virginia International Raceway (VIR). “I’ve had multiple opportunities to run the track, but something always came up. I’ve seen the track on TV, and I’ve always wanted to run it. This is also great experience for me when I return here in September for the World Challenge race.” Courtney will be driving the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe in rounds 10 and 11 in the World Challenge Sports Car Wars on September 10-12.

“Being new to the track, it was great to have a friend to help me out a bit. Tom Long really gave me some good advice on his home track,” said Courtney.

On Sunday, Courtney was looking to improve on his 2nd place finish, but things did not work out as planned. “We qualified 3rd, but then the car was too low so I had to start from the back. It was frustrating, we kept trying to adjust for the car settling, but we could never get it adjusted up enough.”

Courtney started at the back of the pack and made some good headway as he charged through the field. Things were looking positive, Courtney was hoping for a return to the podium. “The car just got too hot, I had to pull off and take the DNF.”

“I want to give a shout out to Todd Albrecht and Cindy and Fred Lux and all the guys at Lux Performance,” said Courtney, who paddocked with Lux Performance. “These guys worked really hard, and although we thought we were better prepared, you don’t really realize until you get there how much you weren’t prepared!”

Look for an announcement soon on who will be driving the No. 99 JCR Motorsports Dodge Viper ACR-X in the next event of the Dodge Viper Cup series at Hallet Raceway on August 14-15, 2010.

DRIVER AND NOW OWNER

2010-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Courtney Switches Gears Milwaukee, Wisconsin (July 9, 2010) – Jeff Courtney is announcing his entry as car owner in a hot new racing series: the Dodge Viper Cup. Courtney will open the 10-race, five-event series by driving the No. 99 JCR Motorsports Dodge Viper ACR-X at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) July 10-11.

As a driver in various racing series for many years, 4 years under the direction of team owner Bob Woodhouse and the Woodhouse Performance World Challenge Team, Courtney is now playing the dual role of both driver and owner. “My commitment is still to Woodhouse Performance and World Challenge,” said Courtney. “Bob and the whole Woodhouse team have been very helpful in guiding me on this new venture.”

It was an opportunity that Courtney said was too good to pass up, “Dodge has put out an excellent new Viper in the ACR-X and this spec series has a lot to offer for drivers, owners, and fans. We have a great package, including VERSUS TV coverage and the same production as World Challenge.”

The spec series will showcase a field completely comprised of 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X vehicles, allowing for head-to-head competition between drivers while keeping costs down.

The series will run two 30-minute sprint format races per weekend and will be sanctioned by the North American Road Racing Association (NARRA). The rules and technical aspects of the series have been established by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

After the first race at VIR on July 10-11, the season continues at Hallet Raceway on August 14-15, Pocono Raceway on September 11-12, the Miller Motorsports Park on October 2-3, and will culminate in the final race of the 2010 season at Spring Mountain Raceway, October 23-24.

As Courtney dips his toes into the owner’s pool, questions remain as to who will be driving the No. 99 in future races. “It’s still an unknown at this time,” said Courtney, “but watch for some big name drivers to bring the No. 99 to podium in the balance of events.”

For Dodge and racing fans everywhere, this series is sure to become a must-see favorite. Stay tuned for racing action and updates!

WATKINS GLEN NY PIT REPORT

2010-07-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

World Challenge Round 6, Woodhouse Pit Report from Watkins Glen, NY 7/3/2010

We have all had one of those days: The mood is buoyant, the world is full of sunshine; suddenly.......... crash; we are talking literal here. Friday July 2nd at Watkins Glen Int. Raceway was that day. Not just one Woodhouse Performance/ Dodge Viper Competition Coupe hit the wall; two. Within 15 minutes of each other both of our cars were wounded in separate one car incidents. What are the odds?

The drama began with Dodge Motorsports manager Gary Johnson and yours truly chasing to the Kuno Wittmer crash site just in time to witness the ambulance with lites flashing boiling down the gravel road to the medical facility. After a quick corner worker interview to get their take on "What happened?" We are off to see Kuno at the medical building only to find him AWOL; released, what a relief. (Later when we caught up to him we learned a sore neck, stiffness, and some swelling at the juncture between his legs was the extent of it. The situation earned him a new nickname by the Realtime AcuraTeam; "Walnut", Draw your own conclusions.)

Arriving back at the transporter we locate the red #13 Dodge Viper CC looking like a Humvee after an encounter with a land mine. This focused our attention so much that it left no room for the brain to process the blue #99 Dodge Viper sitting just feet away on the alignment rack appearing as if a Grizzly attacked it sitting there with half the nose and splitter lopped off.

This is racing and stuff happens; but let me explain why this was a defining moment: We are in this to bring our drivers and Dodge Motorsport a Championship. This is midpoint in the season with driver Kuno Wittmer ranked #2 in points and Jeff holding top ten as well. If we DNF this race we are no longer a contender for the 2010 season.

No time to dally. Need a game plan. Qualifying is one hour away. From the team meeting came a decision by Jeff Courtney to put Kuno Wittmer in his #99. That was a huge decision on his part. My eyes got watery. By doing that he gave teammate Kuno a shot at the championship.
Every member of the team spoke few words for the next 60 minutes as drivers and crew focused on mending the nose and splitter of the blue #99 Viper Competition Coupe and converting it to #13 car for Kuno. The car made pit lane with 3 minutes to spare and as qualifying runs closed Kuno was sitting in 4th and Jeff was sitting on his thumbs. OK time to fix that, off I go to shop for a suitable rent-a-race-car for Jeff. With less than 24 hrs until the race, this would be a daunting task.
Our competitors Tony Gaples, owner/driver and Ray Sorenson crew chief of Black Dog Racing served up a Corvette and the deal was sealed. It just doesn't seem right to have a good Viper driver in a Corvette but hey, ya do what ya gotta do. First you put on our sponsor lettering, KENDA tires, then you take a large Dodge label and place it on the rear end over the Corvette name. Done in fun but you should have heard the Corvette fans howl. All Images © SCCA Pro Racing, Inc.

So what happened that both of these Viper beasts that they would crash at nearly the same time? Coincidence mostly, Jeff and the blue #99 had an "off" in the "bus stop" portion of the track while working on an alternative line. In the case of Kuno and the red #13 car, the data retrieval told part of the story. People like Kuno Wittmer are rare human beings. They get all the goodie out of a car at every brake zone, every corner and every straight, and do this lap after lap. If a car makes a hiccup, there is no safety net or 5% window left for recovery. A wheel speed sensor decided not to participate for whatever reason. When that happens the ABS brain says this is getting complicated so it drops out of the game leaving less stopping power.

After putting closure on the Friday from Hell, the team focused on getting a good result out of round 6 of the Sports Car Wars brought to you by World Challenge on Saturday the 3rd at 4:15. Kuno finished 2nd behind Ron Fellows and in front of Randy Pobst the points leader. Jeff did all he could with a car he sat in for the first time that day and brought it home 12th, both maintaining their position in the points chase. The end result brought a good feeling for stepping on the gas when one of life's speed bumps pulls you off the road. Find more at www.world-challenge.com. Next.............we have seven days to make this all good and be in the paddock at the Toronto Grand Prix. Lets hope Dodge and all of you will stay our friends and support us through this. Thanks for being there Dodge people. Stay tuned to see if we make it.

Bob Woodhouse of Woodhouse Performance Racing Team.

WATKINS GLEN THROWS UNEXPECTED PUNCHES

2010-07-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Woodhouse Performance Team Remains Standing Watkins Glen, New York (July 3, 2010) –There were some bumps in the road for the Woodhouse Performance Team this weekend at Round 6 of the Sports Car Wars at Watkins Glen. Both drivers, Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and Kuno Wittmer in the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge /Viper Competition Coupe sustained damage to their cars during practice rounds. Just moments before qualifying, the No. 13 car was not drivable. True to form, the Woodhouse Team rose to the challenge and worked as a team to put two drivers in the race on Saturday, and Courtney and Wittmer retained their hard fought for top-ten positions.

“It was quite a weekend,” said Courtney. “We had some car issues right out of the box on the first day, and just when we thought we had things worked out, more issues came up on day two.”

During the last practice before qualifying was when the team hit the wall, literally. “I was coming through the carousel into the laces when I saw that Kuno had hit the wall,” said Courtney. “I slowed down to see if he was alright before I went on. I needed to make one more check on my car, and it was on the next lap when I was coming out of the carousel again that I brushed the wall. Thankfully, the damage to my car wasn’t as severe as Kuno’s.”

The Woodhouse Team found itself approximately 1 hour before qualifying with two damaged cars. The team gathered to determine what, if anything, could be done, and Courtney made the decision to focus on the No. 99 car—for Wittmer to drive.

“To me it was a no-brainer,” said Courtney. “He is currently 2nd in the drivers’ standings, with a legitimate chance to win the 2010 championship; it is just the best thing for the team. Giving up my car was just the right thing to do.”

The Woodhouse Team went into overdrive, scrambling to fix the damage on the No. 99 car and changing stickers for Wittmer. Team Owner Bob Woodhouse, never one to sit still, arranged a last-minute deal for Courtney: he would drive Tony Gaples back-up Corvette. Literally, minutes before the race, Courtney was introduced to a completely new car.

“I’d never driven the Corvette before, and there is definitely a learning curve!” said Courtney. “If I’d had had a couple of more laps to get the braking system down, we could probably have done better.” Without an ABS system, Courtney had issues with locking up the brakes and flat spotting his tires. “Eventually, I figured it out, but by then my tires were pretty square.”

Despite being physically battered from his earlier crash, Wittmer ran another fantastic race, climbing the podium yet again to 2nd place. “I drove one of my best races to date this year. Trying to pass the Volvos has become a very difficult thing, especially on speed and braking. My plans are now stronger than ever to try and win this championship," said Wittmer.“

All things considered, we did surprisingly well,” said Courtney. “Watkins Glen threw its best punches at the Woodhouse Team, and we are still standing.”

Racing fans need to watch this race. Broadcast time is set for July 17, 2010 at 11:00am-12pm on VERSUS.

READY FOR ROUND SIX

2010-07-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Return to World Challenge Sports Car Wars at Watkins Glen Milwaukee, Wisconsin (July 2, 2010) – World Challenge drivers around the country are ready for Round Six of the 2010 World Challenge GT season at Watkins Glen International during this holiday weekend. Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is prepared to snatch a top-five finish to build on his consistent top-10 finishes in the first portion of the season. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is also excited to build on his impressive start to the 2010 season where he currently holds the 2nd place position in the Championship Points’ race.

“It has been a long break,” said Courtney. “The beginning of the season is always a little hectic, and this mid-season gap has been good for the entire team, the opportunity to take a deep breath and focus on the rest of the season.”

“In our last race in Mosport, we came out scoring some good points. We are very pleased with that,” said Wittmer. “A podium effort is what we are looking for at Watkins Glen. The Porsche's will be fast on this course and so will the Volvos, but we have the best product in our hands with the Viper Comp Coupes. We should be able to run constant laps back to back all weekend and walk away with our plan achieved. "

The Woodhouse Performance team has really raised the bar this season; things have been working smoothly allowing Courtney and Wittmer to turn in some terrific times. “Rick and Matt have been really spectacular this season,” said Courtney. “I know they have continued to work hard over this bit of a break, fine-tuning the cars and doing some testing so we have our game face on for the rest of the season.”

“The race at Watkins Glen this weekend should be thrilling; when drivers return after a long break it tends to produce some surprises, both ways if you get my drift,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse. The standing start for this Sports Car War will be at 4:15 (EST) on Saturday, July 3. Catch the moment-by-moment racing action at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4372955:6538341211:m:1:191896110:8A703B9586E684723D5A8821FC6AFEE1 and cheer on Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team.

TEAM WOODHOUSE COLLECTS FOUR MORE TOP TENS AT MOSPORT

2010-05-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mosport, Canada (May 23, 2010)— Jeff Courtney drove the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe to two top-ten finishes this weekend at Round Four and Round Five of the 2010 World Challenge GT season. Courtney finished in 6th place and 7th respectively. With these finishes, Courtney stands in 9th place in the drivers’ points race. Teammate Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe also turned in good results, coming in 2nd and 4th in rounds four and five, respectively. Wittmer is currently in second place in the drivers’ point race.

“It felt really good being back on home soil,” said Canadian native Wittmer. “This track has such legendary traits, it’s always a blast to drive fast—the faster we go, the bigger my smile gets!”

“It was a busy weekend with a packed schedule,” said Courtney. “The entire team really worked hard to put two excellent cars on the track. On test day, we felt as though we had the cars to beat. Then in qualifying, as well as the race, things didn’t work out as planned.”

Wittmer battled with Randy Pobst in the No. 6 Volvo for the checkered flag on Saturday. “Randy set a blistering pace during the race, but my Woodhouse Performance prepared Dodge Motorsports Viper was reeling him in,” said Wittmer. “In the last 10 laps my power steering pump broke, forcing me to use much greater physical force than normal. Still, a 2nd place finish feels really good! Two podiums in four races!”

The double-header was a widely anticipated battle in the Sports Car Wars and things on the track heated up fast. “I had expected traffic to be a major factor on the street courses of St. Petersburg and Long Beach and I was surprised that traffic was much more of an issue here at Mosport,” said Courtney. The speed differential between the various classes has provided opportunities for some drivers, struggles for others, and has certainly made racing action exciting for spectators. “It definitely makes it interesting!” said Courtney.

Courtney and Wittmer are steadily racking up points, both in the drivers’ points race and in the manufacturers’ points race. Dodge is currently sitting in the number three spot with 26 points, just two points behind Porsche and nine behind Volvo.“I feel very positive about our team right now and I expect that we will continue to improve throughout the season,” said Courtney.

Watch the Mosport double header on VERSUS July 31, 2010, 3pm-5pm (EST). Don’t forget to follow all the racing action at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4281642:6383917594:m:1:191896110:A4FAB4216FA6C1824EF4B8D382112F99.

WOODHOUSE TEAM PREPARES FOR MOSPORT

2010-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Aim for Podium Milwaukee, Wisconsin (May 20, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is preparing to return to the track in this season’s second double header at Mosport Victoria Day Speedfest this weekend, May 21-23. Courtney and teammate Kuno Wittmer, hot off his flag-to-flag win at Long Beach, look to be strong contenders for the podium again this weekend.

“Mosport is a fast track,” said Courtney, “I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel this weekend. Since Mosport is considered Wittmer’s home track, I’ll be looking to my teammate to give me some magic track tips,” joked Courtney.

“Home track? Yeah, I guess you could say that!” joked Wittmer. “It will not be an easy event, as a matter of fact, none of these World Challenge events are easy in any way. Home track advantage, when running up against world-class drivers doesn’t really mean much.” Wittmer and Courtney are relying once again on the standard of excellence supplied by the Woodhouse Performance Team.

“We will need to push hard from the start of the weekend,” said Wittmer. The schedule for this weekend is tight; there will be almost zero time between sessions. There won’t be any time to make adjustments. “The team has really done a great job preparing and adjusting the cars for this weekend,” said Courtney. “I am very confident that the brake issues I struggled with at Long Beach have all been resolved, we will be ready to take on the competition at Mosport.”

Even though the competition will be fierce, and there has been a lot of talk in the Sports Car Wars about bragging rights between popular Canadian natives, Wittmer in the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe and Ron Fellows in the No. 2 Corvette. “I will have a lot of fan support coming up to cheer me on. I cannot express how much I appreciate that,” said Wittmer, “but focusing on the team and the race will remain my top priority.”

The Woodhouse team is focused and prepared for both wet and dry conditions. “When you are racing Mosport in May, you need to be prepared for rain,” said Courtney. “It seems like every time I’ve been there, rain has been a factor.”

Let’s hope that the weather is as sunny as the team’s outlook for this upcoming race. Driver’s will get the green light for rounds four and five of the World Challenge 2010 season at 2:50 on Saturday, May 22 and at 12:45 on Sunday, May 23. Find moment-by-moment racing action at http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4245986:6326396286:m:1:191896110:DA8AE2955D96283CA7F942006709E93B.

LONG BEACH PIT REPORT

2010-04-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Wittmer Wins From Pole in Mopar-Powered Dodge Motorsports Viper Comp Coupe at Long Beach 4-19-2010 - Dodge Motorsports driver Kuno Wittmer 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 on Sunday, April 18. The native of Montreal, Canada is now second in the World Challenge GT standings, just one point out of the lead.
Wittmer’s race weekend was nearly perfect in the Mopar-powered No. 13 Dodge Motorsports Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, as he earned the pole with a new track record and cruised to an 8.475-second margin of victory. He averaged a record 80.787 mph over the 29-lap, 57.072-mile race. Wittmer also turned the fastest lap of the race at 1:25.797 (82.576 mph), a new Long Beach race record.
Jeff Courtney placed seventh in his No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse Dodge Viper Comp Coupe. Jason Daskalos improved five positions on the opening lap in the No. 5 Daskalos Developments Viper Comp Coupe to earn the Optima Batteries Best Standing Start and ended the event in the No. 12 spot. Fred Roberts steered his Viper to a sixteenth-place finish.
The race from Long Beach will be broadcast May 1 at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) on Versus. The World Challenge Championships return to action with a doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway, May 21-23.

COURTNEY AND WITTMER HEAD FOR THE BEACH

2010-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

World Challenge Round 3 at Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (April 15, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is preparing for round three of the 2010 World Challenge season held on the historic Long Beach street course. “I’m very excited to be heading to Long Beach again,” said Courtney. “It is one of the coolest overall events on the circuit. It has a 36 year history and they do an excellent job of engaging the drivers and teams with the fans.”

Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe is also enthusiastic about the next round. "I drove there, about 10 years ago in an open Formula Atlantic car,” said Wittmer. “Coming off a recent street course race, things are still fresh in mind and the team has been working hard in the past 2 weeks. The most important thing this weekend will be to maximize on the short 20 minute sessions. A podium effort would be a superb goal! "

Activities start on Thursday night with a free street display called "Thunder on Pine" where the fans enjoy a race car display from the three main race series of the weekend, driver interviews and autograph signings and a chance for teams to interact with the fans. At least one Woodhouse Performance/Dodge/Viper Competition Coupe will be in the display representing the World Challenge GT Series that will race at 4:15 Pacific on Sunday the 18th.

There will be plenty for Dodge fans to absorb over the long weekend. Executives from Chrysler Group LLC will be in attendance including Dodge President and CEO Ralph Gilles who will be visiting with owners in the special reserved parking Corral for registered Dodge or SRT owners.

“It’s a great event,” said Courtney, “with a huge following of over 100,000 attendees, a historic venue, what’s not to like?”The Woodhouse Performance Team has been working since the opening of the season at St. Petersburg to apply all the power from the Vipers. It has been a challenge getting off the tight turns on the street courses; the competition that has all wheel drive or an engine over the rear wheels seem to do better in that parameter. Between races, the Woodhouse Performance Team has worked hard to improve corner exit acceleration for the upcoming Long Beach street course.

“I want to thank the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort for joining with us for this race, we really appreciate their support,” said Courtney of one of the finest hotels in the area. Dodge owners will also enjoy a cocktail party at the Hilton on Saturday night. The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort of Huntington Beach California has joined with Jeff Courtney/JCR Motorsports and the Woodhouse Performance Team for the Streets of Long Beach race.

"This is as close to a "dream team" as I have been with in my career." said Bob Woodhouse, team owner. "Every member of this small overworked and understaffed team has exactly the skill set and is the kind of person that we need. We have talent in every corner; we are all bent on getting the job done. Come and watch this incredible season unfold, you'll be glad you did."

World Challenge brings you the Sports Car Wars from the Streets of Long Beach on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 4:15 pm (Pacific). Catch the racing action on http://webmail.woodhouse.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4142914:6152428696:m:1:106282691:ABFA90370748864D8358DE23FB1C9470 or the live broadcast on VERSUS May 1, 4:30-6:00 pm. # # #

Jeff Courtney RacingN174 W21030 Alcan Dr.Jackson, WI 53037Business: 262-677-9381Mobile: 414-651-1160
http://www.jeffcourtneyracing.com/

Jeff Courtney Racing Sponsors:

Kenda Tires – A leading manufacturer for specialty and automotive tires. www.kendausa.com Dodge Motorsports – www.dodgemotorsports.comRecStuff.com– Features a complete selection of boat, snowmobile, horse, stock, camper, and utility trailer OEM and replacement parts. www.recstuff.comCoins of America– Specializes in collectible coins, commemoratives and fine jewelry. www.coinsofamerica.comJG Wheels – Manufacturer of specialty steel wheels.Oakley – Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. www.oakley.comG-Speed – For Marketing and Hospitality Partnership Opportunities contact Berle Smith Marketing Director: Jeff Courtney Racing 425-478-704 berle7@hotmail.comBell Helmets – More world champions have worn Bell Helmets than all other helmet brands combined. www.bellbikehelmets.comFoerster Signs – Custom signs, car graphics and more. www.foerstersigns.com

About Woodhouse Performance – Woodhouse Performance is a two-car race team competing in the World Challenge GT Series, the Pro-Racing division of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Woodhouse Performance is in its seventh consecutive season of competition in the road-racing series with the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Woodhouse Performance runs the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Dodge Viper and the No. 13, Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper. Woodhouse Performance is in Blair,NE www.woodhouse.com www.woodhouseperformance.com.

PIT REPORT - PRE LONG BEACH

2010-04-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

4-14-10 Its 4:30 am, I hear the clank of Viper parts packed inside my luggage as I drag it out the door headed for the plane to LA. This will be the 36th running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, considered America's # 1 street race. If you won't be there, tune in to VERSUS at 2pm on Sunday, the 18th. That way you will understand why my luggage has clanking metal sounds. You will be watching World Challenge present Sports Car Wars at St Petersburg FL. That happened two weeks ago. Since then the Woodhouse Performance team has been hell bent on squeezing a couple drops of Venom from our Dodge Viper Competition Coupes. Being astute race fans that you are; in the show you may notice we weren't exiting off the corners well. (We are the Red and Blue Vipers.) Street courses with slow speed corners offer the all wheel drive and rear engine cars the upper hand. Thus this short two weeks our whole team has been humping full out; thus what prompts the noisy luggage. Yup; this Sunday Long Beach is a tight cornered street course. I'm just sayin; Viper guys; we are taking this fight serious; Dodge deserves to be up front. It takes your help. If you can't be there, get connected; support Dodge baby and watch this war unfold. If you need help, email me or somebody for goodness sake and get in the game.

Bob Woodhouse of Woodhouse Performance.
http://www.blogger.com/www.world-challenge.com

PIT REPORT ST PETERSBURG GRAND PRIX POST RACE

2010-03-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

3-30-10 I'm four stories up on open air grandstands at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. You can see most of the track from here. It is 30 minutes into the second World Challenge race of the weekend. I am adrenaline dizzy like a teenager on his first date. My chewing gum is so flat you could roll a joint with it. This is intense. Did I mention I "live" for this?

Both of our Woodhouse Team Dodge Vipers are running 10 tenths, battling for their piece of real estate in the 31 car field. Jeff Courtney in the blue and white 99 KENDA/Dodge/Viper Comp Coupe is in 9th position, off his rear bumper is the Nissan GtR of Tony Rivera acting like a male dog sniffing a bitch in heat. Kuno Wittmer in the 13 Dodge Viper Comp Coupe is behind the Jason Daskalos Viper keeping his nose ever so politely in the back side of his crotch.

My adrenaline attack peaks when Kuno gets a run on both Jason and one of the Porsches going into turn one, he squeezes into an inside line ahead of the other two, right on the butt of Andy Pilgrim in the Volvo, the double pass is in the bag, or is it, Pilgrim "brake checks" allowing the outside double line through the corner to pull away. I surmise a bit of Washington politics in Mr. Pilgrim, you owe those that helped you get there. Aargh!! This is killing me, but hey; see for yourself, you don't have to put up with my tirade.

Watch it on VERSUS, April 18th at 2PM. Is this stuff good or what? You will see Patrick Lindsey's Porsche get punted from behind and turn full sideways in the middle of the field creating a ski jump for the punter, Mr. Ott in a Nissan GtR. He all wheel drives up the side of Lindsey's Porsche showing his underbelly to the crowd before landing on the far side. Hollywood, you cannot outdo this. Watch it. If you can't then go to www.world-challengetv.com and pick it up on line a bit later. Viper Racing, Yeah Baby! Series details at www.world-challenge.com

Bob Woodhouse 402 657 5613bobwoodhouse@woodhouseperformance.com

WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE TEAM OFF TO GOOD START AT SEASON OPENER IN ST. PETERSBURG

2010-03-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Turn Out Four Top-Ten FinishesSt. Petersburg, Florida (March 28, 2010) –The Woodhouse Performance Team put up some respectable numbers in the World Challenge 2010 season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg with four top-ten finishes. Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge finished 10th after a 12th place start in the first round on Saturday. On Sunday, on the second round of the WC season, Courtney moved up the field to finish 9th after again starting in the 12th position. Teammate Kuno Wittmer made an impressive debut with a 6th place start on both Saturday and Sunday, he maintained his position to finish in 6th on Saturday, and improved on it on Sunday, finishing in 5th. Wittmer has racked up 155 points in the Championship race, Courtney has earned 124.

The WC season opened on the sunny streets of St. Petersburg with a crowded field. This year the series has included all three divisions, GT, GTS, and TC, in one race. “With the new added twist of all three classes running together, sometimes traffic is you friend, sometimes not, but at the end of the day you just hope it all balances out,” said Courtney.

“It was great to be back in the car,” said Courtney, who has not been behind the wheel of a racecar since October of 2009. “Thanks to the Woodhouse Performance Team for getting these cars ready on very short notice,” said Courtney. “St. Pete is a great event, with a lot of 2nd gear turns, we struggled all weekend to get the power down.

”Wittmer was also pleased with the season opener, "This is a great start to the season; the Woodhouse Performance Team did a great job getting the cars ready for both races. We were reliable, fast and consistent on this tight, tricky street course."

The Woodhouse Performance Team has a short break before their next race in Long Beach, California, April 16-18, 2010.

Courtney, Wittmer and the Woodhouse Performance Team would like to thank the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park again for their support and hospitality.

Watch the exciting Streets of St. Petersburg races, round 1 and 2, on VERSUS on April 18, 2010, 2 pm – 3:30 pm, after the initial broadcast, you can catch the racing action at http://webmail.woodhouse.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4103450:6095077283:m:1:106282691:06B22594A65E01EEB92453C650EF1638 . Follow round 3 on http://webmail.woodhouse.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/4103451:6095077283:m:1:106282691:06B22594A65E01EEB92453C650EF1638 on April 16-18, 2010. # # #

Jeff Courtney RacingN174 W21030 Alcan Dr.Jackson, WI 53037Business: 262-677-9381Mobile: 414-651-1160

Jeff Courtney Racing Sponsors:
Kenda Tires – A leading manufacturer for specialty and automotive tires. www.kendausa.com Dodge Motorsports – www.dodgemotorsports.comRecStuff.com– Features a complete selection of boat, snowmobile, horse, stock, camper, and utility trailer OEM and replacement parts. www.recstuff.comCoins of America– Specializes in collectible coins, commemoratives and fine jewelry. www.coinsofamerica.comJG Wheels – Manufacturer of specialty steel wheels.Oakley – Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. www.oakley.comG-Speed – For Marketing and Hospitality Partnership Opportunities contact Berle Smith Marketing Director: Jeff Courtney Racing 425-478-704 berle7@hotmail.comBell Helmets – More world champions have worn Bell Helmets than all other helmet brands combined. www.bellbikehelmets.comFoerster Signs – Custom signs, car graphics and more. www.foerstersigns.com
About Woodhouse Performance – Woodhouse Performance is a two-car race team competing in the World Challenge GT Series, the Pro-Racing division of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Woodhouse Performance is in its seventh consecutive season of competition in the road-racing series with the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Woodhouse Performance runs the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Dodge Viper and the No. 13, Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper. Woodhouse Performance is in Blair,NE www.woodhouseperformance.com.

VIPERS COILED AND READY TO STRIKE

2010-03-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Wittmer Head for the Streets of St. Petersburg for 2010 Season Opener Milwaukee, Wisconsin – (March 24, 2010) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse/Dodge Viper has his engine revved and ready to take on the twists and turns of the Streets of St. Petersburg this weekend along with teammate Kuno Wittmer in the No. 13 Woodhouse/Dodge Viper. “After a long off-season, I’m excited to get back behind the wheel,” said Courtney. “I haven’t been at St. Petersburg since my rookie year in ’06, I’m anxious to go back, this time in a Dodge Viper.”

Wittmer is just as enthusiastic. "After having driven this wild street course back in 2006, I look forward to coming back and tackling every session alongside my new teammate,” said Wittmer. “The Woodhouse Performance Team has put in a lot of hours over the winter season and I couldn't be more pleased to be working with a great group of people.

"The Streets of St. Petersburg provide racing at its best, with unforgiving corners and straight-aways that run between tall apartment buildings along the waterfront including the long runway of a small airport. The views around this St. Petersburg street course are fabulous.

Team Woodhouse has been working overtime to get these cars prepared for the WC opener. “The cars were completely disassembled and every part scrutinized for their integrity to make our machines hug the asphalt and get maximum speed out of the corners,” said Team Owner, Bob Woodhouse. “All of this is pointed at helping to bring Dodge a manufacturers’ championship this year —they deserve one.

”You might not recognize the Woodhouse Performance Vipers this year; they’ve made some visual updates for 2010. Courtney’s No. 99 will be a metallic blue with white racing stripes, Wittmer’s No. 13 is identical, but in red. “There are a lot of new changes for this season. If all goes to plan, the Woodhouse Vipers should be very recognizable after this event,” said Courtney.

“I’d also like to thank and welcome aboard the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park for their support for this race,” said Courtney. The Hilton Carillon Park welcomes Jeff Courtney/JCR Motorsports during the St. Petersburg Grand Prix the weekend of March 27-28. "Our hotel has been ranked the #1 Hilton in the Americas for the past three years for customer loyalty, satisfaction and product." The staff welcomes teams and fans alike. Located only fifteen minutes from the track, you can learn more at www.hiltonhotelstpete.com or by calling 727-540-0050.

Check out www.world-challenge.com for live moment-by-moment racing action that begins with the green light this Sunday, March 28 at 10:15 am (EDT), the race will also be broadcast on VERSUS and SpeedCast.com on Apr. 18, Sun 2 pm.

Jeff Courtney RacingN174 W21030 Alcan Dr.Jackson, WI 53037Business: 262-677-9381Mobile: 414-651-1160
http://www.jeffcourtneyracing.com/

Jeff Courtney Racing Sponsors:
Kenda Tires – A leading manufacturer for specialty and automotive tires. www.kendausa.com Dodge Motorsports – www.dodgemotorsports.comRecStuff.com– Features a complete selection of boat, snowmobile, horse, stock, camper, and utility trailer OEM and replacement parts. www.recstuff.comCoins of America– Specializes in collectible coins, commemoratives and fine jewelry. www.coinsofamerica.comJG Wheels – Manufacturer of specialty steel wheels.Oakley – Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. www.oakley.comG-Speed – For Marketing and Hospitality Partnership Opportunities contact Berle Smith Marketing Director: Jeff Courtney Racing 425-478-704 berle7@hotmail.comBell Helmets – More world champions have worn Bell Helmets than all other helmet brands combined. www.bellbikehelmets.comFoerster Signs – Custom signs, car graphics and more. www.foerstersigns.com
About Woodhouse Performance – Woodhouse Performance is a two-car race team competing in the World Challenge GT Series, the Pro-Racing division of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Woodhouse Performance is in its seventh consecutive season of competition in the road-racing series with the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Woodhouse Performance runs the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Dodge Viper and the No. 13, Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper. Woodhouse Performance is in Blair,NE www.woodhouse.com www.woodhouseperformance.com.

PIT REPORT - ST PETERSBURG

2010-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

3-24-2010 - With a bazillion things you could be doing at this moment I feel honored that you would check in for an update. The whole team is vibrating like a guitar string in anticipation of our first race. St Petersburg Grand Prix is virtually hours from now. This will be the acid test right out of the gate. First it is a street course with concrete barriers around this two mile coarse. Second, this is the first time in recent history that World Challenge has run not two, but three different car classes in the same race. Mix in driver anxiety from a long winter, a half dozen new team entries and we have a recipe for carnage. If you can’t be there then get to http://www.blogger.com/www.world-challenge.com and learn three other ways to be part of this. Now if your heart rate is still not picking up the pace, get this. We race twice, once Saturday at 5 PM, again at 10:00 AM Sunday. If this gets ugly Saturday there will be a lot of crew people with sleep deprivation. Just sayin; you can't get more drama than this. Tune in; don't make me come get you.

OK; Next report: how you identify great drivers from good drivers. And by then I expect you all to have seen our new DODGE livery on our two Viper Comp Coupes, one red, one blue. Whadyathink?
Bob Woodhouse

COURTNEY RETURNS IN THE #99

2010-03-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – (March 18, 2010) – Jeff Courtney returns to the Woodhouse Performance Racing team and Dodge for another adrenaline pumping World Challenge season. “This will be my fourth year in a Dodge Viper,” said Courtney. “It’s been great working with Dodge and Gary Johnson; they give the Vipers the technical support to stay in the game.” The Woodhouse Performance Team is focused on the Manufacturer’s Championship for Dodge this year.
With the return of Courtney, a Viper veteran in the No. 99 car and Kuno Wittmer, a seasoned Canadian driver moving into the #13 Dodge Viper from Touring Car, the driver duo for the Woodhouse Team shows great promise for the 2010 season. “I am so pleased to have a full-time teammate this year; especially a quality driver like Kuno,” said Courtney. Matt Bejnarowicz, this year's team engineer, known for his factory Dodge Viper development, will be joining Rick Maxwell and the rest of the team for the season.

Along with having a full-time teammate for 2010, this will be the first time the Courtney has had the opportunity to work with an engineer for a full season. “I’m really excited to be able to work with Matt along with Rick and the rest of the Woodhouse Performance Team,” said Courtney.

Kenda Tires remains a principal sponsor for Courtney in the 2010 season. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Kenda’s continued support along with my other supporting sponsors,” said Courtney. Courtney’s additional sponsors include Dodge, RecStuff.com, Coins of America, JG Wheels, Foerster Signs, Bell Helmets, and Oakley.” “To step up our marketing program, this year I am announcing the addition of Berle Smith, as marketing director to help our team, and our sponsors enhance, create and execute marketing plans.” said Courtney.

There are a lot of new changes in the Series for 2010 including a new TV package that has been increased to 90 minute broadcasts that will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays. The season has been extended to 12 events at 8 venues, with some venues running double races. Another change will be the addition of the GTS class and all three classes will be running on the track at the same time. “Some of the changes to the series bring their own challenges,” said Courtney, “and I’m interested in seeing how this is all going to play out. It will definitely increase the action out there, that’s for sure.”

Go to www.world-challenge.com for the races and dates of all broadcasts on VERSUS and SpeedCast.com.While you’re watching the racing action, another twist for this season is the new guise on the Woodhouse Performance Team cars. Courtney’s lime-green No. 99 has been redone in blue; Wittmer’s No. 13 is red. The first race on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, is the weekend of March 26-28, 2010 or watch it on VERSUS, Apr. 18, Sun 2 pm
# # #
Jeff Courtney RacingN174 W21030 Alcan Dr.Jackson, WI 53037Business: 262-677-9381Mobile: 414-651-1160
http://www.jeffcourtneyracing.com/

Jeff Courtney Racing Sponsors:

Announcing the Woodhouse Race Team Pit Report

2010-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

“Hello Viper Nation” (don’t you love that; it sounds like Viper people have a second citizenship). I hope this reaches all motorsport enthusiasts, but I must begin with a disclaimer:

The reports that follow will be written to the Viper Nation and Dodge enthusiasts. You may discover bias, controversy and sympathetic emotion to that cause; i.e. I may not represent all of the facts all of the time.

Some of you older Viper people might remember the newsletter I used to write, called the Woodhouse Windshield. The purpose was to share with all our Viper friends, the thrill of Sports Car War we were waging in World Challenge GT and to bring you under the tent for a look at the “dirt behind the curtain” you know the stuff that gets televised if you golf and your name is Woods. See already a stretch.

Consider this the new "Windshield".

The Woodhouse Performance Racing Team got off to a scuffed up beginning in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT Championship Series. To have a peak, check out some short clips (here) George you can fix yes?”

I was asked by a few Viper friends of questionable wisdom to bring the Windshield newsletter back only this time make it accessible to the entire Viper Nation and Dodge who share the racing passion. If you want to be alerted when these are being posted, notify Susan sdunklau@woodhouseperformance.com, our team director, no worries, Woodhouse Performance will not share your information.

Woodhouse Performance has been competing in World Challenge the last six years with the factory built Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. It remains as competitive today as it was in the beginning.

One record we unofficially claim is the most raced Viper of any, consequently the most crashed and perhaps the toughest. This car has seen hundreds of hours of track time and along the way the chassis number went from #10 to #47 resulting from a crash that took the complete chassis.. You might recognize it as car #13, yeah, good or bad this number gets associated with luck, and we have had a lot of both. If you get close to Blair, Nebraska stop in for a visit and experience the wall of Viper body panels, about 50 of them no longer useable. After all, World Challenge is NOT “Flag Football”.

Literally, this will be Sports Car Wars; we need you there and part of an army of Dodge fans involved in the events. We have a big job ahead and this is where you come in; no joke...Get off the couch, on your computer, check out your local car club schedule. They could be organizing a World Challenge track outing for you. If not, grab some friends and make it happen. If you can’t be at the track, you can find the schedule at www.world-challenge.com for the races and the VERSUS broadcast times. Set the recorder. Don’t make me hurt you.

Bob Woodhouse, Team Owner

Wittmer Joins Woodhouse Performance for 2010 World Challenge Effort

2010-01-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

BLAIR, Neb. (Jan. 28, 2010) - Woodhouse Performance announced today that Montreal's Kuno Wittmer will pilot the team’s No. 13 Dodge Viper Competition Coupe in the 2010 World Challenge GT Championship.
The team is entering its seventh year of competition in the World Challenge GT series, which begins its season with a double race weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., March 26-28.
"We are thrilled to have Kuno in our Dodge Viper full time,” Woodhouse Performance owner Bob Woodhouse said. "His past experience in multiple levels of competition along with the solid foundation this team has established will produce a great combination for success. We're on track to deliver great results for the 2010 season.”
"It is a great feeling and a dream come true, to be part of this effort,” four-time World Challenge Touring Car race winner Wittmer said. “The team and I are really looking forward to a strong off season testing program in order to be as competitive as possible."
Officials of Dodge Motorsports and Woodhouse Performance are pleased to continue their alliance. Matt Bejnarowicz of Pure Dynamics will provide engineering support and Rick Maxwell will serve as Crew Chief. The team hopes to announce the driver of its second factory-built Dodge Viper Competition Coupe soon.
“We’re excited about working with Dodge Motorsports,” Team Director of Operations Susan Dunklau said. “They’ve built a very solid World Challenge Series program over the past several seasons. We’re looking forward to working with Kuno.”
Wittmer made one start with the team in 2009, earning a front row starting spot at Road America. For more information, please visit www.woodhouseperformance.com.
For additional World Challenge information, including a television schedule for the series on Versus, please visit www.world-challenge.com.

GT FINALE IN CALI

2009-10-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Monterey, California (October 11, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe had the best set-up of the season at this weekend’s SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship finale, clocking one of the fastest times of the race, yet fell prey to a late-race collision from behind. Courtney was dropped from top ten contention while battling for fourth, fifth and sixth, and was forced to settle for an 11th place finish.

“The car had never been better this year, it was the best we’ve unloaded so far,” said Courtney. “Matt [Bejnarowicz] and Rick [Maxwell] worked extremely hard on the set-up and it paid off. We had good practice times and good feedback, it was really an outstanding effort from the whole team.

”Courtney qualified 10th on the grid and had a great standing start, “The good start and Viper torque helped me pick up a couple of positions up the hill,” said Courtney. In lap nine, Courtney set the fastest lap of the race up to that point with 1:30.995. Courtney was optimistic for a good finish on this season-ender, “Things were going great, the car was handling awesome, the conditions were perfect.

”In the last few laps of the race, Courtney was battling with Eric Curran and Brandon Davis for the fourth and fifth positions, the cars were running nose to tail and the action was fast and fierce. “Late in the race, everyone has worn their tires and their cars out, but from where I was at, I felt I had the advantage on corner exit. I thought I could make a possible run on these cars in the last laps,” said Courtney. Unfortunately, on the white flag lap, a Porsche that was a lap down, driven by Dino Crescentini, made an aggressive move at the top of the corkscrew and ran into the back of the No. 99 Viper and shoved Courtney off the track and out of contention. Courtney ended up finishing 11th.

“Obviously, I was very upset with Dino,” said Courtney. “He was a lap down at the time of the hit, and it’s the second time this year he has ran into the back of me. Dino was very apologetic after the race, but for me, it’s hard to take because it just adds to the struggle of my 2009 season.”

Teammate Charlie Putman brought home another top-ten finish, driving the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe to the stripe in eighth. “Charlie did fantastic, I’m really happy for how well he did,” said Courtney.

“Congratulations go to Brandon Davis for winning the GT Championship as well,” said Courtney. “I also want to give a shout out to the RealTime Acura team for again winning the Manufacturers’ Championship for Acura and another Drivers’ Championship for Pierre [Kleinubing]. Congratulations!”

This was a finale like no other, a knock-down-drag-out fight that racing fans cannot afford to miss. Catch the action when it is broadcast on the SPEED channel on Tuesday, November 3, at 2:00 (EDT).

SEASON FINALE AT LAGUNA

2009-10-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Courtney Prepares to Charge in CaliforniaMilwaukee, Wisconsin (October 8, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, prepares for his final race of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championships 2009 season at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, this weekend, October 9-11.

“It is a great track, I really love racing on it,” said Courtney. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best of luck on it.” In the three races that Courtney has competed on this track, all have ended in a mechanical failure, yet Courtney remains optimistic, “Hopefully we can kick that gremlin to the curb.”

There has been a short turnaround for SCCA Pro Racing SPEED GT drivers; just over a week ago the teams were leaving Road Atlanta. The Woodhouse Performance Team has been working overtime to get the car on pace with the other brands. The No. 13 car, driven by Charlie Putman, has been a particular challenge, but they are focused on putting forth cars that are competitive.

“Charlie had the car from hell at Road Atlanta last race,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse. “When things aren’t going as well as you want them to, there is only one way out, work at it harder.” This team is doing that now, working hard to make the No. 99 and No. 13 cars competitive. Crew Chief Rick Maxwell and team engineer Matt Bejnarowicz have worked on a setup that they feel positive about, after a short test at a local track, they came away with smiles. “We made a few more adjustments but didn’t have time to return to the track, so we put Jeff and Charlie on bail notice in case the street test doesn’t go well,” joked Woodhouse.

“I know Bob, Susan, Rick and Matt have really been working hard on the cars’ setup. I’m anxious to get behind the wheel at Laguna,” said Courtney. “It is a renowned track, and it’s my last race of the year,” said Courtney, “I really want to end the year on a positive note.”

Don’t miss the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED GT finale this weekend; drivers get the green at 2:45 p.m. (PST), set your DVR to catch this thriller and watch the live timing and scoring action on www.world-challenge.com.

TRACK HEATS UP AT ROAD ATLANTA

2009-09-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Courtney Fights for 7th Place Finish and Earns Sunoco Hard Charger AwardBraselton, Georgia (September 25, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe earned another top-ten finish this weekend at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship held at Road Atlanta this Friday, along with the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing five positions during the race.

“We had some fast practice sessions as we adjusted on the chassis set up,” said Courtney regarding early morning track time on Wednesday. “But then it all changed as the track heated up in the afternoon, everyone slowed down some.” For the late afternoon qualifying, temps on the track escalated as speed increased, creating hot, slippery conditions for drivers. Courtney qualified for a 12th place start.

On race day, the hot and humid conditions increased. Courtney got off to a good start and came out on top of a two-lap battle with Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 71 Mercedes-Benz SLR. Courtney was able to make headway and gain positions on several cars, earning himself the Sunoco Hard Charger award.

“It was a hot track, it made for a tough drive,” said Courtney. After charging ahead and gaining positions, Courtney found himself in the difficult position of being alone on the track. With no one bearing down on him, and the leaders just out of reach, Courtney battled with his car as he tried to pull everything he could from his machine. Racing becomes a head game, and coupled with fatigue and extreme heat, it takes a toll on the driver.

“I could see the leaders a head of me, and I would try to make some ground on them, but then I would feel the car slipping, I was just pushing it too hard,” said Courtney. When the tires got too hot, Courtney needed to ease off and let things cool for a couple of laps before making another push. “I was trying to reel them in, I felt like I was making progress, but I just needed more time and laps than the race had. I don’t think the Viper could have given me much more,” concluded Courtney.

Teammate Charlie Putman did not fare as well as Courtney, instead he struggled with handling issues with the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and finished in 15th on race day.

“I’m looking forward to Laguna with Charlie,” said Courtney, “It should be a better situation there for him.” The final race for the SCCA SPEED GT Championship series will be held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 9-11.

Watch the penultimate round of the SCCA SPEED GT race on the SPEED channel on Tuesday, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).

SEASON NARROWS TOWARDS END

2009-09-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Courtney Looking Forward to Petit Le MansMilwaukee, Wisconsin (September 21, 2009) - Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is preparing for the 9th round of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championships at Road Atlanta. Courtney welcomes back friend and fellow racer Charlie Putman in the No. 13 car for the final two events of the season.

"I'm really looking forward to Road Atlanta," said Courtney. "The Petit Le Mans event is an all-around great event and I love being a part of it." The Road Atlanta track is a favorite for many drivers as they race down hills at high-speed into exhilarating turns.

"It is really a spectacular event," said Bob Woodhouse, Woodhouse Performance Team owner. "We've had a really good year, not only as a team, but as a series." Even in these tough economic times, the SCCA series has reported an increase in attendance at events. Families and fans are getting back to basics and enjoying the live-action racing at venues all around the nation.

Returning to the team for the last two events of the SCCA SPEED GT events is Charlie Putman. "These two drivers are a great asset to the team, they both push each other to be the best they can be," said Woodhouse.

Last year at this event, Courtney earned the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award after advancing three positions in the first lap. Unfortunately, the race was cut short for Courtney who was hit by another competitor which dropped him out of the race. "Last year we had some great expectations, and this year is no different," said Courtney. "Except this time, we're planning to bring it all the way to the finish.

"Catch the moment-by-moment live racing action for next Friday's GT race at www.world-challenge.com. Green light is scheduled for 4:15 EDT.

GOOD TURNOUT AT ROAD AMERICA

2009-08-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Courtney Disappointed with Finish
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (August 16, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe entertained sponsors and friends at his home track of Road America this weekend at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship. Things didn’t go as planned and Courtney finished 13th after a 12th place start. Kuno Wittmer, driver for the RealTime Acura Touring Car team, also became Courtney’s teammate in the GT race with the No. 13 Viper. He had trouble with a suspension part and was unable to finish the race.
“I really have compassion for the team including Jeff and Kuno,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse. “Jeff worked hard for his sponsors and friends to place a great weekend in front of them. Then to have the race turn out with these results, we all need to shrug it off, say ‘that's racing,’ and move forward.”
“I was off my game this weekend,” said Courtney. After Friday morning’s practice session, Courtney needed to have his clutch replaced in his No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. The team worked hard late Friday night to replace the clutch, missing the final and most important practice session. As the cars lined up on the grid, Courtney prepared for the standing start by pulling the slack from the clutch when the car crept forward few inches prior to the start. He was penalized for that roll forward before the lights went out. During the race he was required to come into the pits for a quick stop-and-go.
“When I heard about the penalty, I was really frustrated,” said Courtney. “I radioed back to the team that I wanted to wait and try to come in under a yellow. I was distracted going into turn 14 and spun the car.” Courtney’s No. 99 Viper spun out on the grass and returned to the track, backwards. Spectators held their breath as Tony Gaples’ Corvette headed right towards him. “Tony had a great last minute maneuver, a big thanks to him for excellent driving around me. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened,” said Courtney. Both cars were unscathed.
After that, there was little Courtney could do. He reported to the pits for the penalty and returned to the track, but the race went green from flag to flag so there was no opportunity to make headway on the leaders.
Wittmer in the No. 13 car was also dealt a poor hand. Making his debut in the SCCA SPEED GT Championships, Wittmer qualified for second on the grid. After a great start and some promising first laps where he was able to pull out the lead, Wittmer was forced back to the pits due to a broken upright, part of the rear suspension. “It’s too bad for Kuno. When he approached me a couple weeks ago about a ride in the No. 13 Viper, I wasn’t very sure we could get it to happen,” said Woodhouse. “That was before Peter Cunningham [RealTime team owner] said, ‘Bob, I really think a lot of this kid and his talent. Let’s see if we can find a way.’” After the fog of the Grey Goose wore off, Woodhouse found himself driving an Acura TSX in the SCCA SPEED Touring Car race on Saturday and Wittmer racing the No. 13 Viper on Sunday for round eight of the SCCA SPEED Championship races.
Watch the race, and the spin that left us all on the edge of our seats, on September 11 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on the SPEED Channel.
As the season nears the checkered flag of its own, one cannot help but note that the Vipers have been curiously missing from the podium throughout this 2009 season. In fact, in all of the 24 podium positions of the season, a Viper has only been represented once. An unusual statistic when considering Dodge Vipers tend to make up about one third of the grid. One would expect their statistic to mimic Porsche’s, who have stood on the podium nine times this season, or even Ford, a single car entry that has been on the podium six times this season. When we go back to the 2008 season, the statistics remain stark, Vipers, a main competitor in the SCCA SPEED GT races, were represented on the podium only three times. As race fans all know, this series attempts to level the playing field by adjusting the weight and air intake restriction of each brand. The question looms on about the Vipers; are they getting a fair adjustment? Shouldn’t the competition staff identify the restrictions to the Vipers as unfair? This writer cannot help but notice these discrepancies, and finds it odd that no one else has reported on them. Am I breathing too much exhaust from an idling Viper? Perhaps not.

COURTNEY CONTINUES TO CLIMB

2009-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

#99 Finishes 6th at Mid-Ohio
Lexington, Ohio (August 9, 2009) - Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe locks in his season's best finish this weekend in round seven of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship. With three races left to go, the heat is on to build on success and make the climb to a podium finish.
"It was a great weekend, I'm really thankful for the additions to the team that came on board for Mid-Ohio," said Courtney. The Woodhouse Performance Team now includes team engineer Matt Bejnarowicz along with Charlie Putman, driver of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. "Charlie was impressive, at his first time out on the GT circuit he had a top ten finish." Putman finished just behind Courtney in seventh place.
Courtney qualified for the tenth position, "I was off a bit in qualifying from last year, in my opinion, Series adjustments to the Vipers are not allowing us to compete with the front running cars at this point. But I was happy with how the car handled."
After a strong start, Courtney felt the heat from behind as defending champion Randy Pobst moved through the field from his last place start position. "I had a good multi-lap battle with Pobst, in the tight part of the track he just wore me and the rear tires of my Dodge Viper out as that all-wheel drive Volvo can come off those corners so strong. I could stretch out on him on the straight-aways, but in those tight areas he had the advantage," said Courtney. "I felt good about our finish as the team received the top two finishing positions of the six Vipers entered at Mid-Ohio."
The August heat and humidity didn't dampen the record crowd that turned out in support of their favorite teams. "It was great to see so many people out there, it was especially important for me to see so many of the KENDA faces again. I would just like to thank KENDA again for all their support on and off the track," said Courtney.
There is very little turn-around time for the Woodhouse Team, who are making their way to Elkhart Lake for round eight. "Road America is my home track and I'm really looking forward to a good race there. Some of the high-speed turns at Road America should suit the Viper well," said Courtney. "I feel like our team is really coming together, now we need to make things happen."
"I'd also like to thank Woody Alverson of Accurate Metal Products for coming on board as a race sponsor for the Road America Grand Prix," said Courtney. Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance team will be entertaining friends, family, and local sponsors for this next race.
The Toyo Tires World Challenge GT Mid-Ohio Grand Prix will be broadcast on the SPEED channel on September 1, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
Catch the local action at Road America in Elkhart Lake this weekend, August 14-16. Courtney gets the green light at 9:35 a.m. on Sunday.

KENDA TIRES ROLLS OUT RED CARPET

2009-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Jeff Courtney Returns to Mid-Ohio
Milwaukee, WI (August 5, 2009) - KENDA customers, employees, family and friends will be in attendance at the Mid-Ohio race as KENDA Tires rolls out the red carpet in support. There will be 75-100 guests in attendance, all cheering and pulling for Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99
KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. "I really want to thank KENDA Tires, they've been a long-time sponsor of mine and I cannot thank them enough for all they do," said Courtney.
Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team are preparing to return to the track at Mid-Ohio for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship race. In 2008, Courtney had his best qualifier here, starting in 3rd place. The loss of transmission oil in Courtney's No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe killed any chance of a podium finish.
"That was a bad break for us last year," said Courtney. "But I love this track and I can't wait to give it another go."
Last season, teammate Tommy Archer took the checkered flag at the Mid-Ohio race, this year the No. 13 car will be driven by Charlie Putman. "It's great to have Charlie on board, this will be a fabulous venue to have him join the team," said Courtney. Courtney and Putman raced together in the Grand Am and Panoz series. The past few years, Putman has raced in the TC class, Mid-Ohio will be his first GT start.
Also new to the Woodhouse Performance Team is Matt Bejnarowicz. Bejnarowicz was instrumental in the tuning of the Viper Competition Coupe and the new Viper ACR street performance model.
Courtney was interviewed recently on Jim Tretow's Racing Roundup which airs on ESPN Radio 540 am, taped live from Paulie's Pub & Eatery located across from the historic Milwaukee Mile to promote the upcoming race at Road America. "I was excited to be asked to help promote the upcoming Road America event," said Courtney. "Jim's a great guy I had a lot of fun on the show." Courtney's spot on the show was arranged by Julie Sebranek, communications director for Road America. Racing Roundup makes the most of every opportunity to support local tracks and highlight local drivers. Check out Racing Roundup at www.racingroundup.net.Watch live moment-by-moment racing recaps at www.world-challenge.com. Courtney gets a green light at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 9.

COURTNEY TAKES EIGHTH

2009-07-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Autobahn Gives Thrill Ride for GTs
Joliet, IL (July 26, 2009) - Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe ran at the first-ever professional race held at the Autobahn Country Club, the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Grand Prix. Courtney completes his second top ten finish of the season.
After a few practice runs on the 3.56 mile road course, the Woodhouse Performance Team made some adjustments to the Viper which turned in consistently better practice times. When the team made the switch from the old practice tires to fresh tires for qualifying, it set the team back on lap times. "The car was definitely running different on fresh tires, we miscued a bit on qualifying," said Courtney.
Courtney qualified for a 15th starting position and quickly moved up the field after the mad rush start. "It was an all-out, brawling Chicago bar-fight out there," said Courtney. "We had several double-yellow flag laps, we were moving up in the field near the end so a few more green flag laps would have helped us."
A double-file restart added to the melee; Courtney watched as cars came flying in from the back, crashing into one another. "I was forced to go really wide in the grass to avoid major contact," said Courtney. "I lost some ground there, I had to fight my way back through the field."
Later in the race, Courtney took another substantial hit in the right rear-wheel and quarter panel from a late-breaking Porsche and sustained minor damage.
Courtney charged his way back to a respectable 8th place position, which he held to the end of the race.
"All in all, it was an exciting, scrappy race," said Courtney.
Courtney and the Woodhouse Team had the opportunity to meet the sponsors from Empress Casino. "They were great, it was really nice to meet them, they did a fabulous job and we really appreciate their support," said Courtney.
The No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition coupe was idle this weekend, but that all changes for the upcoming races of the 2009 season. At the next SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT event at Mid-Ohio, Charlie Putman will join the Woodhouse Performance team as the No. 13 driver. "It's going to be great to have Charlie on board, we raced together in the Grand Am and Panoz series and I'm looking forward to teaming up with him again."Racing action is certainly heating up here in the Midwest and race fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the Mid-Ohio race set for August 7-9, 2009. Watch this weekend's Autobahn Grand Prix on the SPEED channel on August 18, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).

READY TO ROLL

2009-07-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Woodhouse Performance Prepare for Autobahn Grand Prix
Milwaukee, WI (July 22, 2009) – Jeff Courtney is anxious to return to the driver’s seat of his #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for round six of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship series at Harrah’s Autobahn Grand Prix in Joliet, Illinois, this weekend, July 24-26.
“I’m ready to go, I’m really looking forward to the next five events,” said Courtney. “Obviously, the first half of the season did not produce the results we were hoping for, but both me and the team are very positive about the balance of the season,” said Courtney.
The future looks bright for Courtney, who will be racing close to home for the next three races, beginning with the Autobahn in Joliet, Illinois, followed by the races at Mid-Ohio and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in August. “It’s really good to be racing at venues that are so close, it’s great when friends and family can get there to see the races,” said Courtney.
Woodhouse Performance and Jeff Courtney would like to welcome the Empress Hotel and Casino, who has come aboard as a sponsor for Harrah’s Autobahn Grand Prix this weekend. Log onto www.world-challenge.com to get live moment-by-moment race updates and follow Courtney in the #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe as he takes to the track on Sunday, July 26, 3:10 p.m.

TESTING, TESTING ...1, 2

2009-06-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jeff Courtney and Bob Woodhouse Take First and Second at June Sprints

June 21, 2009 Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin - Jeff Courtney, driver of the #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, took first place, and set a new track record, for the STO class at the June Sprints, the first round in the SCCA Triple Crown Series. Jeff Courtney and Bob Woodhouse take 1st and 2nd2009 June Sprints Presented by the Chicago Region SCCAELKHART LAKE - ROAD AMERICA
"As a team, we decided to run the June Sprints in place of the July Watkins Glen race, there was a lot of exposure here, plus it was a great testing venue for our upcoming race here at Road America in August," said Courtney. The exposure was indeed great, there were large crowds in attendance and more than 500 entries.
The Woodhouse Team used the weekend to get some testing on the #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. "We learned a few things that we can put into practice at the upcoming races. Not as much as I would have liked because the traffic was pretty heavy, but I'm feeling optimistic for the rest of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge series," said Courtney.
Courtney skipped the Saturday qualifier, and ran Sunday morning to qualify for the number two position, team owner Bob Woodhouse running in the #13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe took the pole position.
"I can't tell you how much fun it was to run with team owner, Bob Woodhouse, 'The Boss'. I tried to stay glued to his back bumper and harass him in the opening laps," said Courtney. In turn eight, Woodhouse went wide and into the grass and Courtney made his move to the outside. "When we went into the carousel, we had a little contact and we both simultaneously spun sideways, probably great entertainment for the corner workers!" said Courtney. After that incident, they both got their cars under control and Courtney took the lead and never relinquished it.
Courtney finished in first place, setting a new track record in the STO class of 2:20.443.
"It was a great time, a great race, a great track. I'm really glad we invested our time and energy into this event. After a tough start to the year, maybe this is what we needed to turn things around," said Courtney. Courtney is looking to return to the podium during the remainder of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship season. Courtney is preparing to do some testing on the Autobahn Country Club track in Joliet, Illinois, to be ready for the first SCCA race there. "The Autobahn Country Club track is a new addition to the SCCA series this year," said Courtney.

MOSPORT HOPES FALL FLAT

2009-05-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Courtney Loses Tire at Mosport International Raceway
Toronto, Canada (May 17, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the Woodhouse Performance #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, got his wheels wet on Mosport’s International Raceway this weekend at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship. The weekend opened up cold and rainy which made car set-up difficult.
“Friday went well, we were happy with our initial testing runs,” said Courtney, “Saturday, however, was another story.” The rains on Saturday kept many drivers off the course, but not the Woodhouse Performance Team. “We tried some new things on the car, but we may have tried too hard. I felt like between trying new things and the rain changing the track conditions, somewhere along the line we lost our set-up,” said Courtney.
Courtney qualified for a 10th place start on race day. While running in 9th place, chasing down Sonny Whelen for 8th, Courtney suspected there was a problem because he had some difficulty maneuvering the car. Turns out, Courtney had cut a tire. “I had a hard time communicating with the crew. Especially in some of those turns, the reception was just not there.” In turn 8, Courtney drove the car hard into the turn and felt the tire go. “I could feel the tire just roll over and peel off,” said Courtney. By the time Courtney got the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe back to the crew, it was too late for him to return to the track.
“It’s disappointing, we worked really hard. Rick Maxwell and the whole Woodhouse Performance Team really put a lot of hard work and effort into this race. You just can’t plan for a flat tire,” said Courtney.
Jason Daskalos took home his first win in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship series this weekend at Mosport. “It’s great for Jason, I’m really happy for him. He’s a great guy and a great driver and he deserved the win,” said Courtney.Courtney caught some additional on-camera action during an interview with Tom Hnatiw. “It was cool, Tom’s a great announcer,” said Courtney. “World Challenge has really raised the bar this year, it’s a privilege to be in the series.” Catch the interview and the race action on the SPEED channel; look for date and times to be posted on www.world-challenge.com.

COURTNEY CROSSES BORDER FOR ROUND FOUR AT MOSPORT

2009-05-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

Vipers Will Breathe a Little Easier
Milwaukee, WI (May 15, 2009) – Jeff Courtney is getting ready for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship to return to the Mosport International Raceway near Toronto, Canada this weekend for the 2009 Mosport Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend.
Last year at Mosport, the Dodge Vipers were hit with an additional 10% air restriction for the event, this year it is being reduced by the same amount, from 40% to 30%, allowing the Vipers to breath a bit easier on the track.
Courtney, driver of the Woodhouse Performance #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, is looking forward to the event. “This is a driver’s track, it’s got some great downhill, high speed, eye-opening turns,” says Courtney. “This track demands your respect at almost every turn.”
Drivers will take to the course this weekend with the race scheduled for a 1:20 p.m. (EDT) start time on Sunday, May 17, 2009. Check out the moment-by-moment race action online at www.world-challenge.com and cheer on Courtney in the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe!

MOVING UP Courtney Climbs to Top Ten Finish at Long Beach

2009-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Long Beach, California (April 19, 2009) - Jeff Courtney, driver of the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe took to the streets at the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in sunny California. Courtney pushed through the field to a 10th place finish.
"Long Beach is a great event, I had a great time here," said Courtney. "We struggled with some suspension failures during early practice. This took away from valuable set-up time, especially considering very limited practice time at this event," said Courtney. Courtney ended up qualifying mid-pack in the 15th position.
"Despite qualifying 15th, I love the challenge of trying to gain positions against such stiff competition," said Courtney. "I was pushing for better than a tenth place finish but I felt as if I really used up a lot of the car and tires moving forward and advancing through lap traffic."
The Long Beach track winds through city streets and leaves drivers with little recourse. Drivers need to use extra caution to avoid crashes.
The Long Beach track is the only street course SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT runs in 2009. "I'm always glad to come out of a street course in one piece, as you know, the concrete walls get very narrow," said Courtney. "I'm glad to have the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe come out of Long Beach intact."
Despite a 12th place qualifications and high expectations, teammate Dave Welch suffered some tough luck suffering a brake failure sending him back to 19th position.
Check out the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship race on the historic Long Beach track on the SPEED channel on Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m. EST.

HEADING TO LONG BEACH Courtney Prepares for Second Race of Season

2009-04-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (April 13, 2009) - Jeff Courtney, driver of the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is preparing for the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. After a promising run at the season opener at Sebring, Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team are looking forward to a good finish.
"I don't want to dwell on Sebring," said Courtney. "The team and I just want to answer back with a great run at Long Beach." Long Beach is an historical street event that gives drivers little chance to maneuver. "At Long Beach you really can't make mistakes; if you do, you can pay for them big time," said Courtney. "So much is going on at Long Beach, it's just a cool, all-around event -I'm really looking forward to it."
The television broadcast of the Sebring race encountered technical issues so look for a new schedule date for that race at http://www.world-challenge.com/ airing on the SPEED television network. Watch Courtney in both the Touring Car and GT races.
Courtney again teams up with David Welch in the #13 Numerix Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for the Woodhouse Performance Team. "I'm looking forward to racing with Dave again, he's a good driver and teammate," said Courtney.
Part of SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championships' new partnership with Internal Combustion Group is the new live audio streaming of race weekends. If you can't travel to California to the race, tune in to the World Challenge website to hear Tom Hnatiw's exciting moment-by-moment broadcasting of the race as well as interviews with special guests. It's the next best thing to being there; listen at www.world-challenge.com on Sunday, April 19th by clicking on the goracetv.com link on the left side of the event page.

WELCH AND NUMBERIX DEBUT WITH WORLD CHALLENGE GT SERIES

2009-03-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sebring FL March 20, 2009 - David Welch from Kirkland, Wa. achieved his goal in the SPEED World Challenge GT season opener at the historic “Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring” March 19, 20, 2009. David drove the Numerix/Viper Competition Coupe of Woodhouse Performance and achieved his first top ten of the year on his way to a Rookie of the Year Championship.

David arrived in Sebring, Fl. with humble expectations. He was learning a new car, a new race track, and struggling to solve a mysterious handling issue. With help from the Woodhouse Crew Chief Rick Maxwell and visiting driver celebrity Tommy Archer, David was able to earn a respectable 15th qualifying position. He was familiar with standing starts and got a great launch but misjudged the top of first gear and was immediately passed by teammate Jeff Courtney.

David quickly moved up to tenth place where an epic battle broke out with Andrew Aquilante for what seemed like an eternity with neither driver making a mistake or giving ground. In the first ever Speed World Challenge double file restart five laps from the finish, David drove the Numerix Viper up to 6th position heading into turn one but was punted from behind by Andrew who in turn was clobbered in the rear

“With two laps to go I could have made it challenging for teammate Jeff Courtney to pass me” said David “but this comes back to haunt you and I want Jeff to know I am a team player.” David finished in 8th position but the official results awarded him 7th due to his teammate’s 5th position car scaling 6#’s light on the front axle causing a disqualification.

“We came to Sebring seeking a top ten finish, top rookie, and be the first Viper across the finish line. We are blessed to achieve those goals in our first outing." said Berle Smith, Promotional Director. “We hope to test prior to Long Beach and get a handle on the dynamics of the Viper rather than take a chance within the confines of the Long Beach concrete canyon walls. Every time David has gets in the car he goes faster; we need to keep raising the bar until he is in a position to podium consistently.” said Bob Woodhouse, team owner. Our new partner to these efforts is Numerix, a derivative analytical programming software design company that provides information systems for financial institutions to make calculated decisions.

GOOD START TO SEASON LOST AT SEBRING Courtney Gets Double-Duty at Historic Sebring

2009-03-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sebring, FL, March 20, 2009 – The 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge racing season opened at the famous Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring this last weekend with veteran driver Jeff Courtney competing in the #99 KENDA Tires Viper Competition Coupe. Even though the Woodhouse Performance Team had spent many hours during the off-season preparing for the 2009 season, they were met with frustration during practice runs and qualifying. The Woodhouse Team struggled to get the chassis set up on the #99 KENDA Tires Viper, battling a strong front-end push. Ultimately, Courtney qualified a dismal 16th place starting position. “After qualifying, we spent hours pouring over the data to find more changes to make before the race to make us competitive,” said Courtney, “The whole team worked very hard to come up with a solution.”

At the green light, Courtney had a great start and picked up a few positions, but early in the race had a quick spin in turn 17. “I was still frustrated with the way the car was handling and tried to force the issue. Very upset with myself after the spin, I knew I needed to clear my head and stay focused the rest of the race,” said Courtney. “I did manage to pick up a few more positions, but I knew we would need a yellow flag to tighten the field.” A late race double yellow set up the field for its first ever double-file restart. “The field started to accordion up, it was crazy,” said Courtney. “I was just looking for a hole and trying to stay out of trouble.” Courtney received a slight nose-hit during the restart shuffle, others suffered more. “I felt fortunate that all we had was a little ding to the nose, for others it was worse,” said Courtney. “The series was searching for more action, and with the double-file restarts, they found it!” Courtney finessed his way through the field and gained a few more positions and remained strong during the last five laps to finish in fifth place overall and received the Sunoco Hard Charger award, a great end to a frustrating few days.
However, the post-race technical inspection of the #99 KENDA Viper Competition Coupe found that the front axle was six pounds under weight, disqualifying Courtney’s position and awards.

Earlier in the day, Courtney had an opportunity to race in the Touring Car competition thanks to Peter Cunningham and the RealTime Acura Racing Team. Courtney drove the #45 Acura TSX Acura/RealTime/Red Line Oil finishing 10th overall. “I want to thank Peter Cunningham for the opportunity to drive one of his cars, I had a great time and I really enjoyed the experience,” said Courtney.
A half-hour before the TC qualifying, Cunningham approached Courtney about racing the #45 car. “I had almost zero experience in a front-wheel drive touring car and I was a little hesitant,” said Courtney. “But then I realized that if I was ever going to drive one, the best case scenario would be one of RealTime’s cars.” Cunningham, in the #1 Acura TSX Acura/RealTime/Red Line Oil finished 9th, just ahead of Courtney. “Yeah, I did the politically correct thing and finished behind the eight-time champion/boss,” joked Courtney.
“We had a new co-driver with Jeff (Courtney) on the team named David Welch who drove for Numerix, a new sponsor to our series. This was Dave’s first race professionally in about four years so we were proud of how well he jumped back on the horse with a 7th place finish.” Said Bob Woodhouse owner of Woodhouse Performance. Welch drove the number #13 car for Woodhouse Performance.
If excitement is what you want, find it in the SPEED World Challenge series. Go to www.world-challenge.com to get race times for SPEED TV and www.goracetv.com for other video options. Sign up for World Challenge Fantasy Racing. Next is the famous Long Beach Grand Prix in the streets of Long Beach, California April 16-19, 2009.

COURTNEY AND WOODHOUSE SET THEIR SIGHTS ON SEBRING AND THE 2009 SEASON

2009-03-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (March 10, 2009) –Jeff Courtney is anxious to return to the SPEED World Challenge GT Series at the track in Sebring, Florida. Kenda Tires is again teaming up with Courtney for 2009, as Courtney’s major sponsor.

“I’m really excited to have Jimmy Yang and every one at Kenda Tires back on board,” says Courtney. “Kenda’s support has been very important to me over the past few years, as well as my other supporting sponsors, Coins of America, RecSTUFF.com, JG Wheels and Badger Components.

In the 2008 season, Courtney finished 8th in the points standings overall and this year he is pushing to pass that benchmark. “Last year we had some great opportunities that unfortunately slipped past us, this year our goal is to capitalize on every chance for success,” said Courtney.

“I’m also glad to be back in the familiar seat of the #99 Viper Competition Coupe with the support of the entire Woodhouse Performance Team,” says Courtney. He is currently slated to race the #99 car for the first two races in Sebring, Florida and Long Beach, California.

When asked about any changes to the cars this year, Courtney replied, “The Woodhouse Performance Team always does a great job, I’m confident in what we will bring to the track.”

SPEED World Challenge has teamed with WC Vision for increased marketing and merchandising operations. Internal Combustion Group will be producing the broadcasts of all of the SPEED World Challenge races with enhanced video and audio features.

“I look forward to a great season,” says Courtney, “I can’t wait to get back to the track!”

Catch the race on Friday, March 20th, at 4:55 EST. Get live lap updates at www.world-challenge.com. Broadcast times TBD.

WOODHOUSE WINDSHIELD

2008-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

2008 End of Season Report - Viper friends, car enthusiast friends and just good friends; the 08 season transitioned me from being your scribe; as I did responsibly for you in 2005, 6 and 7, to one of an occasional brief on say 5 events at once. None of the reasons for this involved caring any less about you motor sport friend:
2008 became our most successful year yet. Let me fill in the missing half season, then look at what is ahead in 2009.
I left you hanging just before the Mid-Ohio race in July. That entire event was full of firsts. The largest crowd in the history of the Mid Ohio track. A strong World Challenge presence. Our Woodhouse Performance team had drivers Jeff Courtney and Tommy Archer there. Jeff had an incredible outcome considering the challenges he endured during the race. We completely fried his transmission leaving him only two gears then one gear in the closing laps. An off track excursion took a bite out of the front splitter leaving him scrambling to maintain position after one of the best qualifying efforts he had all year. His crew Eric Messley and Eddie Martin hugged him and called him Mr. Perseverance, when he got out at the end. (Jeff thinks they might be gay J).
Tommy, what a professional, his skill and experience along with his suspension tuning knowledge put us in the Winners Circle and made this a Cinderella week end. John Mills, Engineer; Rick Maxwell Crew Chief, and Ashley Wick Car Chief made a combination that no one could touch. Tommy started and stayed up front for the entire race giving us our 2nd win for the season.
Mosport; an hour east of Toronto Canada located in a beautiful rural setting, and loved by drivers, due in part to the danger associated with high speed turns and vertical drops. Due to our success at Mid Ohio, the #13 Viper Comp Coupe driven by Tommy Archer received more weight and more air intake restrictor putting the potential for a win out of reach. The long uphill straight saw our intake restricted motor incapable of lugging that extra weight up the hill next to our competitors. We maximized the set up for corner speeds and hoped for the best which was a 4th for Tommy and 7th for Jeff. Much needed points.
Road America, a track that easily qualifies for a National Park with its beauty. Despite problems in practice and qualifying Tommy and Jeff got the job done. Tommy put the car on pole and won the race (the 3rd one for the year), that made our competitors sputter a lot, Andy Pilgrim you rarely see grumpy but he and the Remington Cadillacs had a bad day, with an engine goin up in an explosive fireball.
Due to an electrical glitch in Jeff’s car that killed his qualifying effort, he gridded for the race in last place. He made his standing start for the race look like a horse spooked by lightning. He started picking up positions immediately. By lap 13 he was reaching the top ten. That was when a couple hundred bucks changed hands among his guests since they were betting on which lap he would get to the top ten. He finished ninth receiving Hard Charger Award in the process. Jeff gave them a show, he was everyone’s hero in front of a crowd of over 250 invited guests and sponsors; they were having a real hoot.
As we approach the last three races of the season I need to be open and tell you the budget needed to be managed. With our primary partner FOAMETIX, we made a difficult decision and let Tommy Archer step out of the #13 FOAMETIX/Viper Competition Coupe. A manufacturers championship was hi potential, but financially we were unable to carry the additional budget.
The Detroit Belle Isle race takes place on an island in the middle of the Detroit River just downstream from the GM Renaissance Center. Wow, this week end had all of our Viper Friends in town with the Viper Owners Invitational. Talk about a great supporting crowd, Chris Marshall got the auction bug and raffled off the flag girl position for Vipers in the race garnering about $1500 for the honor. It went to the club silly. This track is not considered a place Vipers can win at, yet Cindi Lux did a great job of putting a Viper in the middle of the top ten. Accolades to her. Porsches on the other hand do well, something associated with the lighter weight, center of gravity, polar moment; all that “engineer speak.”
Our drivers were Brian Simo known from Trans-Am and NASCAR in the#13 Viper and Jeff Courtney in the #99. We had some wall damage err I mean car damage in practice with the #99 car ending up throwing it together barely in time for the race.
New Jersey Motorsports Park, a newly constructed track just one hour from Philly and Atlantic City. Jeff and Brian got along well here with Brian finishing 5th and Jeff in 6th.
The Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. Keerieminettly ………what an ending to a spectacular season. The Petit LeMans, a biggie in U.S. Road Racing; 115,000 attended and we did our part to amuse and dazzle. The down side is we came home with two broken race cars and two DNF’s. This was not our week to play power ball. After an engine loss in the #99 Viper in first practice we followed that up with a 100 mph bump and slide down the concrete wall on the front straight in the #13 car, coming to rest at turn one looking like an Alaskan King Crab after a half dozen blows with a 5# sledge. Oil, water and crunched up car parts everywhere. The car managed to propeller along the wall applying both ends at intervals. There was no fire but that took the edge off a good day.
While Rick and the crew went about deciding if we had enough pieces to remake a race car, we enrolled Claudios’ Rolex spec Porsche 997 in the hunt and after one practice session we knew this was a knife in a gun fight. Claudio Burtin and I then went paddock shopping for options; like what could we rent to replace it with, or what could we place our famous and soon to be more famous FOAMETIX logos on?
In the end Jeff Courtneys 99 Viper carried the branding, along with KENDA and TJM. So we decided to go into the Friday race with only Jeff’s car. Although Jeff never finished the race he came away with the Hard Charger Award for passing three cars on the opening lap. On lap 10 the Green Viper #18 of Jason Foster come across the inside of turn 10a to punt Courtney at the driver door and off into the gravel. The left rear suspension was torn up leaving no option of re-entering the race.
Even though this event left little to brag about, it was enormously exciting and helped define what good people are made of.
On to 2009: If you watch much news, you could be influenced to think the world is coming to an end. I agree that the business climate has changed, largely a result of poor leadership, greed, entitlement thinking, and lack of integrity. But hold on here, 90% of the world is still doing business from one good person to the other. And we intend to be part of that.
We are not bending to the unthinking “me too” or “herd” mentality that accelerates this financial mess. You may know we formed a company called the WC Vision LLC that took the marketing and funding responsibilities for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge. Co Chair Peter Cunningham and I are about 5 months and two additional great employees into this new adventure with five other investors. You are about to see the best 2009 WC season in recent history.
Throughout my previous 33 years in the automobile business, there were several down turns. We emerged out with more market share than going in. Positive attitudes trump negative thinking. This is good stuff so listen up. The trick is “don’t lift”; a good driver knows when he is on the edge and a lift will cause a tail spin. Keep the pedal on the floor. Live, love and get all the gusto; see you in 09.

JEFF COURTNEY RECAPS 2008 SEASON

2008-10-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisc. (October 24, 2008) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, along with the entire Woodhouse Performance Team, is decompressing and re-grouping after a tumultuous season in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series. “It was intense, we suffered our share of bad luck, but a lot of great things happened,” said Courtney. For the second year in a row, Courtney finished in the top ten in Championship points.
Although Courtney was unable to climb the podium, he was awarded the Sunoco Hard Charger Award and the Racing Electronics Holeshot award a couple times this season. “We had a lot of twists and turns this season, but for a relatively small operation, Woodhouse Performance has done amazingly well. The only thing that would have made it better was if I would have gotten a win, not just for me, but for the entire team,” said Courtney. “I know that Erik (Messley) and Eddie (Martin) wanted a win as badly as I did.”
In between action at the track, Rick Maxwell and Ashley Wick worked hard to keep both the No. 99 and the No. 13 cars ready for upcoming races across the country. Countless hours were spent going over the cars and making adjustments to obtain peak performance on race day. “Everyone worked really hard this year, and it really showed in the results. I’m very proud of my team,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse.
Woodhouse Performance did collect three checkered flags this season from driver Tommy Archer in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper.
“There are so many behind-the-scenes people to thank too,” said Courtney. “Susan Dunklau, Andrew Richmond and Louise Woodhouse, they all helped so much from making travel arrangements to washing race suits between events.”
Another key component was John Mills, whose engineering experience was pivotal and helped the team earn honors this year.
“In addition to the crew and the team, I have to thank all of my sponsors. Without their support, I would not be able to participate in this great series,” said Courtney. Courtney’s sponsors include Kenda Tires, TJM Integrated Wealth Management, Coins of America, Badger Components, Karavan Trailers, JG Wheels, Eibach Springs, and Foerster Signs. I would also like to thank the following sponsors who sponsored special single events this year, such as Accurate Metal Products, Kapco Inc., and Foametix.
“MPI has done a great job of promoting me this year, a special thank you to LesleyAnn Neulrich, Dave Wied and Emily Golden for their promotional and marketing efforts,” said Courtney.
“I want to leave everyone with my appreciation,” said Courtney. “Thanks to all who have supported me, whether on television, at the race, or in the pits, all of my family and friends, it took all of you to make this work. See you again next year.”

END OF THE ROAD

2008-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Up and Down Season Ends at Road Atlanta
Atlanta, GA (October 3, 2008) – The Woodhouse Performance Team descended on Road Atlanta unified with a strong desire to finish on the podium. For Jeff Courtney, river of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, it was the last chance this season for a checkered flag. The SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT finale was sponsored by FOAMETIX, a state-of-the-art foam building insulation supplier owned by teammate Claudio Burton, driver of the No. 13 FOAMETIX Dodge Viper, who with a large crowd of supporters also planned a good finish. When hopes are so high, anything less is disappointing, and the Woodhouse team felt the piercing disappointment of two cars in the DNF category at the end of the race.
On Tuesday after only three laps into the first practice session, Courtney’s No. 99 car lost the motor. The team scrambled to install the back-up motor, which was found to be a bit down in power. “In the last practice session Tuesday, I ran it three laps to shake it out, but it was still a little slow in the straight-aways,” said Courtney.
During the second practice session, Burton had an unfortunate crash in the No. 13 car and the Team struggled to determine whether to attempt to fix the No. 13 in time for the race, or to try and find an alternate car to run. As Foametix was sponsoring the finale, pressure to see the branding in the race was acute.
The race day, it was decided that Courtney would carry the FOAMETIX branding on his No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT finale. Along with the additional logos, Courtney’s car would be equipped with the SPEED Channel camera, giving the No. 99 car increased visibility. “I was proud to carry the branding for [Burton],” said Courtney. “I really wanted to make a good run for both [Burton] and FOAMETIX, it was just an unfortunate weekend for both of us.”
After a very limited number of practice laps, the No. 99 car made a great start on race day, earning Courtney the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award as he advanced three positions in the opening lap of the race. “I had a great start,” said Courtney. “I would gain a lot of ground in the technical sections of the track, only to lose it on the straight-aways. I still feel we could have finished in the top ten.” A top ten finish would have kept Courtney in the sixth place position in the 2008 Drivers Championship Points race, but he had to settle for eighth after being slammed from the rear and taken out of the race.
During lap 8, Jason Foster’s Dodge Viper came into turn 10 carrying excessive speed and used Courtney as a brake, crashing into the left rear portion of Courtney’s car, knocking the wind out of him. A full course caution allowed the other cars to circulate while the two wrecked cars were flat-bedded back to the pits, marking the end of the race for Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team.
“It wasn’t how we wanted to go out, I had great hopes for this race,” said Courtney. “But as I’ve said before, that’s racing. I can’t stress enough how much work the whole team was forced into this weekend and how much I appreciate all they did. No matter what happened, they kept their chins up and worked hard.”
“Although disappointing, the results from Road Atlanta were not a measure of the Woodhouse Racing Team’s ability to perform during this amazing 2008 season,” said Courtney. “The entire team accomplished fantastic results during the season, and that is what should be remembered.”
Watch the race on the SPEED Channel on Wednesday, October 15 at 1 pm (EDT).

THE FINISH LINE

2008-10-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Road Atlanta Last Chance for Checkered FlagMilwaukee, Wisc. (Oct. 1, 2008) – The final race of the SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge GT race is this Friday, October 3 at Road Atlanta, followed by the awards banquet Friday evening. This will be the last opportunity for drivers to capture that elusive checkered flag or podium finish. The Woodhouse Racing Team is ready.

Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper heads into Road Atlanta optimistic, he has some previous success at this track and is looking to make the last race count with a podium finish. Courtney, along with all Viper drivers, was hoping for some help from SCCA to lift some of the Viper restrictions, but so far the SCCA is silent.

“I don’t want to sound desperate, but I can’t tell you how bad I want to be standing on that podium in Atlanta,” said Courtney. “Some terrific opportunities slipped away from us this season, I honestly expected us to have been to the podium holding a checkered flag already.”

Teammate Claudio Burton will be driving the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper for the Road Atlanta race. Burton’s company, Foametix, makers of high-quality, environmentally friendly spray foam insulation will be sponsoring the finale.

“It should be a great event, especially for Claudio. I hope he has a great race in front of his 30 plus guests,” said Courtney. Courtney, currently in a tenuous 6th place in the SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge Championship Points race, will have a battle to defend that position against Mike McCann, who trails Courtney by only three points.

The race is set to begin on Friday, October 3, at 12:20 EDT.

Foametix® to Sponsor SPEED GT Finale

2008-09-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

TOPEKA, Kan. (Sep. 28, 2008) - SCCA Pro Racing is excited to announce that Foametix®, makers of high-quality, environmentally friendly spray foam insulation, will sponsor the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Finale at Road Atlanta.

Already familiar to SPEED GT fans as the sponsor of the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper, Foametix has signed on to be the presenting sponsor for the final round of the SPEED GT season at Road Atlanta. The SCCA SPEED GT Finale Presented by Foametix will be part of the 11th Annual Petit Le Mans Presented by the Totally New MAZDA6.

Foametix Spray Foam Insulation is a series of light density, polyurethane foam insulation designed for residential and commercial use. In addition to being one of the most efficient forms of insulation on the market, Foametix is healthier and more eco-friendly. Based in nearby Cartersville, Ga., Road Atlanta is a home track for Foametix, as well as for the driver of the No. 13 Foametix/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper, Claudio Burtin.

“We are thrilled to be a part of an exciting program like SPEED World Challenge,” Foametix President Scooter Delaune said. “We’ve had great success exposing our brand and product this season, thanks in large part to the great success that the Woodhouse team has had with their multiple wins this year. It’s a great opportunity to take a more involved role and expose Foametix to tens of thousands of race fans at one of the country’s most famous road courses.”
“We truly appreciate Foametix’s support of SPEED World Challenge,” SCCA Vice President of Marketing and Communications Eric Prill said. “We’ve already seen the Foametix name in the SPEED GT winner’s circle on the No. 13 car, and we’re delighted to welcome them as the presenting sponsor of the SPEED GT Finale.”

The SCCA SPEED GT Finale Presented by Foametix begins with two practice sessions on Wednesday, Oct. 1, followed by a 1:35 p.m. (EDT) qualifying session on Thursday, Oct. 2. The race will get underway at 12:20 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. Additional event information, including live timing and lap notes, are available at http://www.world-challenge.com/. The race will air on SPEED, Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. (EDT).
About FOAMETIX®

As the industry leader in spray-on foam insulation, Georgia-based FOAMETIX® has recently begun a revolution in the world of home insulation. Not only does the product apply much quicker than fiberglass or cellulose insulation, it is more efficient, safer, and cheaper in the long-run than traditional insulations.

FOAMETIX® is a series of light density, polyurethane spray-applied foam insulation systems designed for residential and commercial/industrial building applications. FOAMETIX® superior insulation systems create an air tight barrier that conserves energy, blocks moisture, decreases noise, and reduces the influx of outdoor pollutants and allergens. FOAMETIX® is energy smart insulation providing you with a healthy, comfortable, more energy efficient indoor environment. http://www.foametix.com/.

WET AND WILD

2008-09-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

Thunderbolt Millville Starts Soggy, Finishes DryMillville, NJ (Sept. 27, 2008) – The thunder came to the newly opened Thunderbolt Millville track and it brought the rain. The wet weekend dampened speeds, but it did not dampen spirits as the Woodhouse Racing Team finished in the top ten again, with Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper finishing the race in 6th place. Teammate Brian Simo, in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper, finished 5th.

The rain did bring a reprieve from the much talked about dirt and dust along the track where grass has not yet been established.

It was a wild qualifying session, starting off wet, finishing dry, with a crash ending the session early. During qualifying, lap times were dropping dramatically each lap as the track dried. “Qualifying was pretty exciting, you could be in the top five on one lap and in the next you could be 15th” said Courtney. On Courtney’s last qualifying lap, he almost aborted the lap because of a crash ahead of him. Instead, Courtney held the course and clipped off over a second and a half on his time to get the 7th place on the grid.

“It turned out to be a good weekend for us,” said Courtney. “It was pretty wet in the beginning, we only had one good dry practice session.” The wet conditions and forecast for a rain race kept the team’s focus on rain set-up. “We anticipated a wet race, that was what we were prepared for,” said Courtney. “I was nervous about a dry race, we didn’t really have enough dry track time to get the car properly set up for a dry race.”

“I got a great jump at the start,” said Courtney. “I was able to move up and battle with teammate Brian Simo for position.” Mid-race, Courtney was turning in competitive lap times with the leaders, despite struggling with a front-end push. During a late-race re-start, Courtney got another great start and an opportunity to pick off a few more positions. Courtney battled with Simo and Jason Daskalos in the No. 5 Coastal Pet Products Dodge Viper. Courtney and Daskalos bumped going into turn one, forcing Courtney off the raceline into the dirty part of the track, allowing Simo to get up alongside at the exit of turn two. Courtney could not hold the line and slid back again, losing his position. “I was having fun racing Brian and Jason hard,” said Courtney. “But I was also aware that I was racing for points and Brian was not.”

“Big thanks to the entire Woodhouse Team for once again doing a great job through adverse conditions,” said Courtney “Three days of rain creates all kinds of difficulties for the team and crew, they did a great job, as usual.

The checkered flag went to James Sofronos, a huge win after 99 previous attempts. “I would like to congratulate James on his first World Challenge victory, great race,” said Courtney. “I love my car number 99, but I don’t want to wait through 99 starts for my first victory!”

There is no rest for the weary, the Woodhouse Team heads directly to Road Atlanta for this week’s final SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge GT race.

“I'm looking forward to Road Atlanta, it is one of my favorite tracks and events. It will be a great place to end the season,” said Courtney.

As Courtney heads to Road Atlanta, he moves up to 6th place in the SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge Championship points race.

Watch the Thunderbolt Millville race on the SPEED channel on Wednesday, October 15, at noon, EDT.

THUNDER ROLLS

2008-09-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

New Track Brings New Challenges

Milwaukee, Wisc. (September 24, 2008) – Storms of controversy and praise converge over the Thunderbolt Raceway, part of New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. Developers of this new track planned an elite facility. The racing surface contains challenging turns along with exhilarating speed and for many, it has not disappointed. Others point to blinding dirt and dust that drivers kick up at the edge of the track due to grass not being established yet. The track was also shut down for repairs after driver Scott Pruett carved his car into pieces on the guardrail that separates the track from the pit crews. This happened during practice for the Supercar Life 250 a few weeks ago. An additional 240 feet of guardrail and sand barrels were installed near the pit lane entrance.

“It is hard to know what to expect, it’s a totally new track. I’m looking forward to testing it out this weekend,” said Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper.

The new facilities are top of the line and luxurious, including a banquet hall and suites along the frontstretch and pit road. The track keeps drivers on their toes, exacting skill and finesse to maneuver the unique turns and elevations.

Team owner Bob Woodhouse comments: “I expect the New Jersey facility to be a bit more demanding due to the dirt issue, but that is a small price for being part of this incredible facility that is bound to get better going forward; it sits in a high population area making it a great place to bet our future on.”

After a break of a couple of weeks, the racing schedule is tight again for the Woodhouse Team. There will be no rest these next two weeks for the Woodhouse Performance Team. After leaving New Jersey Motorsports Park they head directly for Road Atlanta in Atlanta, GA for the October 1-4 finale with the Petite Lemans ALMS signature event.

“Once again, all the teams will feel the pressure to leave New Jersey intact for the next race in Road Atlanta,” said Courtney. “I really want to end this season with a couple of great races.” Courtney remains in 8th place in the SCCA World-Challenge Championship Points race."

Watch live-time updates of the race this weekend at www.world-challenge.com, the green flag is scheduled to wave at 1:00, Saturday, September 26, EDT.

BELLE ISLE Great Atmosphere, Tough Track

2008-08-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

Detroit, Michigan (August 31, 2008) – Motor City lived up to its name this weekend as thousands of racing fans and enthusiasts poured in to attend the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. In conjunction with the race was a nearly weeklong 10th Annual Viper Owners Invitational. Approximately one thousand owners came to the city for the Dodge sponsored festivities, bringing with them more than 400 of their beloved street cars from all over North America. Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper welcomed the opportunity to meet the fans and enjoyed signing autographs, “It was a lot of fun,” Courtney said, “The place was packed. I couldn’t believe how enthusiastic everyone was. It was great.”
Dodge had a plethora of events and entertainment planned; including factory tours and chances to check out the Chelsea Proving Grounds and watch the Viper owners tear up the track.
The highlight of the weekend’s events was the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT race held on Sunday afternoon. This was the first time in years the series has been on the Belle Isle track and it proved to be daunting. “The track is narrow with high concrete barriers making it difficult to pass on. If you do not qualify well, it is tough to finish well,” said Courtney.
“I can’t ever remember our cars being so far off the pace this season,” said Courtney. The Vipers were running around 2 and a half seconds back of the leaders. Knowing how important a good qualifying spot would be, Courtney pushed the car hard and went just a tick over its limits coming into Turn One, but kept the slide off the wall for more than 100 yards before the bottom of the car caught on the raised concrete and twisted the car into the wall, damaging the suspension and brake lines. “I got lucky there, it could have been much worse. Along with a close call in Saturday’s practice, when the steering wheel came off in another spin, I really got a couple of breaks by not further damaging the car, or myself,” said Courtney. The team was forced to use the first lap time, putting the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper 14th on the grid.
With only three hours between qualifying and the start of the race, the Woodhouse Team did an unbelievable job putting the car back together. “I really need to thank the whole Team, Erik Messley, Eddie Martin, Ashley Wick, Rick Maxwell and Bob Woodhouse for getting my car ready for the race,” said Courtney. “I do not like putting our team and crew in that position.”
“Detroit was tough for me; passing was a challenge, almost impossible with the intake restriction we have now. I was fighting a soft brake pedal due to the damage from my qualifying spin,” said Courtney. “That, and the fact that the Vipers were just not as competitive at this venue, it was nearly impossible to move through the field.” Courtney finished the race in a frustrated 11th position, but maintained his 8th place standing in the Championship Points race.
Brian Simo, new to the Woodhouse Racing Team, stretched his racing muscles in his first SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT race this weekend. “I think Brian did well for his first time in a Viper,” said Courtney. Simo finished 10th.
The Woodhouse Team is readying the cars for the New Jersey Motorsports Park near Millville. “It is another new track for me and a chance to make things right. I look forward to the challenge,” said Courtney.
You can watch the Detroit Belle Isle race on the SPEED Channel September 12 at noon, (EDT).

VIPERS CONVERGE ON BELLE ISLE Jeff Courtney prepares for a new track and new teammate

2008-08-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisc. (August 29, 2008) – The engine has barely cooled in his No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper as Jeff Courtney prepares to hit the track at Belle Isle near Detroit, Michigan this weekend. Fresh off of a 7th place finish, Courtney hopes to add another top ten, or better, finish to the Woodhouse Racing Team’s accomplishments this season and improve his current 8th place standing in the SPEED World Challenge Points race.

The raceway at Detroit Belle Isle is organized and promoted by a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, of which Roger Penske is chairman. Under his direction, Belle Isle underwent some major modifications. Another new addition for 2008 is the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship that is set for this weekend. “I’ve never raced on this track before. I don’t have a clue as to what to expect at this track, but as with any challenge, I look forward to taking it on,” said Courtney. These next two races, both here at Belle Isle and Thunderbolt Millville in New Jersey, are unknowns for Courtney, as he has never raced on these tracks that were newly added to the SPEED World Challenge series.

Another addition has been Brian Simo to the Woodhouse Racing Team. Simo will be driving in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper, which Tommy Archer drove to three checkered flags this year. “I’m really going to miss Tommy, he’s a great driver and we had a lot of fun. I wish him all the best,” said Courtney. “Simo should be a good addition to the team, he brings NASCAR experience, and he’s a former Trans Am Champion,” said Courtney. Although Simo is new to SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT racing, his experience, particularly on the Belle Isle track, will come in handy this weekend.

Detroit has been flooded with Dodge Vipers this weekend as over 400 customer-owned Vipers are in attendance at a four-day Viper customer appreciation event sponsored by Dodge. The Viper Club of America, which started in 1994, is opening its very own Hall of Fame this year; Woodhouse Racing Team owner Bob Woodhouse is one of the first ten inductees. “It’s a great honor for Bob,” said Courtney. “Congratulations, he deserves it.”

For the Labor Day Weekend, Belle Isle has a long list of entertainment planned as well as racetrack action. Root for Courtney and the entire Woodhouse Team while getting live lap notes at www.world-challenge.com. The race is set for Sunday, August 31, at 12:45 pm

2008 Mid Season Windshield Report

2008-08-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Blair NE August 25, 2008. The sun is beautiful as it sets in the western sky while this is getting written from 28,000 feet on the way home from Mosport, a well known Canadian race track outside of Toronto. Our little Woodhouse Performance team finished 4th for Tommy and 7th for Jeff.

Sunsets make one reflect, I’m thinking back on the first part of the year and feeling a warm glow. This was the year we raised the bar. Our little team was incredibly challenged as it entered the racing competition in March at Sebring, Florida.

We remain survivors but not without the bruises, the discord and learning about how to get along with each other in a high stress environment. Add in a portion of car damage, five broken engines, 7 transmission failures along with the back bone of the transport trailer cracking open somewhere between Omaha and Orlando, and one begins to recognize a challenge.

This team reminds me of that children’s book about the “Lil Engine That Could”. They’ve been just that and more.

It is said the value of any prize is related to the sacrifice made to achieve it. The third race of the season Tommy Archer brought us a first place……….. I couldn’t contain it, eyes gushed. Everyone tried so hard, it was awesome.

At the same time, things are good; Tommy Archer gave the team a total of three wins in five for the #13 Viper Competition Coupe. The bad news is we lose Tommy in the car for the rest of this year. Detroit Belle Isle Gran Prix and the Viper Convention will not be the same without the Dodge Road Race King.

The good news is we get to continue with Jeff Courtney and his KENDA sponsor along with FOAMETIX, who has been Tommy’s main support all year. We also get to continue with Brian Simo, ex-trans am champion and Claudio Burton the president of Foametix. So hang on, the ride is but half over.

To see in car Video from the windshield of Jeff Courtney go to www.world-challenge.com If this can’t convince you that the SPEED World Challenge is better than drugs and just as addictive then you have no driving passion at all.

Written in Tribute to the fine Woodhouse team of people that made this happen: Rick Maxwell, Crew Chief; Susan Dunklau, Team Manager; Ashley Wick, Lead Technician; Erick Messley, Car Chief; Eddie Martin, Certified Viper Tech; Andrew Richmond, Marketing; Claudio Burton, pres of FOAMETIX; and part time Driver; Jeff Courtney, Driver; incredible Tommy Archer, Driver; John Mills, engineer and the race car equivalent to Einstein.

Your grateful team owner Bob Woodhouse

BORDER CROSSING: Mosport Track near Toronto, Canada Produces 7th Place Finish for Courtney

2008-08-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Toronto, Canada (August 23,2008) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper took to Mosport International Raceway near Toronto, Canada this weekend in the 7th race of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series. An additional 10% air intake restriction and a limited qualifying time did not keep Courtney from attacking the field and walking away with a 7th place finish overall.
During practices, the Woodhouse Racing Team had gotten the car to a reasonable point, Car Chief Erik Messley and Viper Tech Eddie Martin had planned on making a few more adjustments during the qualifying laps, but they were cut short due to a crash. “We had some ideas on what it was going to take to improve the handling, but we did not get the chance to test them in the qualifying session. We still had a good car considering our restrictions,” said Courtney who qualified the car 11th on the grid.
Courtney aced the standing start and jumped ahead of a couple cars. During the first lap of the race, Courtney saw an opportunity to make a move and gain three more positions. “Down in turn five, the field kind of bunched up. I expected three cars to push wide and so I took a gamble and went down into second gear,” Courtney said. “Instead, I got pinched off and went up on the curb and missed my shift. Instead of making up three spots, I lost three spots. That move may have been a little greedy on the first lap, but hey, that’s racing.”
Courtney battled with James Sofronas in the No. 14 Porsche 911 GT3. “Sofronas defended well, I kept harassing him, hoping he would make a mistake, but he never did anything I could capitalize on,” said Courtney.
Late in the race, the Corvette of Brian Kubinski lost the motor, blowing oil all through turn nine, in front of the Aston Martin driven by Tommy Milner Junior, the Porsche of Sofronas and the Viper of Courtney. Sofronas and Milner spun out, but fortunately Courtney made it through unscathed. “We got lucky to get through that, some didn’t,” Courtney said. “That was a wild ride, I just hung on in the car, completely sideways; I just got lucky and saved it, inches from the pavement edge.”
The yellow flag stayed out while the checkered flag flew for Eric Curran in the No. 30 Whelen Engineering Corvette.
“It was a good race, for what we were given to work with weight, restrictor and all, we did a good job,” said Courtney.
The Woodhouse Team barely has time to catch their breath before they head over to the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, August 29-31.
Catch this weekend’s race on the SPEED channel on Wednesday, August 27, at 1 pm (EDT).

WOODHOUSE RACING HIT WITH RESTRICTIONS

2008-08-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisc. (August 18, 2008) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, tore through the field at his home track of Road America in Elkhart Lake last weekend, advancing 18 positions and earning the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award as well as the Sunoco Hard Charger Award. Courtney started last on the grid, which provided the opportunity to showcase his ability to move to the front. Despite losing one transmission in practice, the electrical glitch in qualifying, and again losing fifth gear near the end of the race, Courtney garnered an 8th place finish. “From the start of the race on it seemed as if all the breaks fell our way, allowing for the eighth place finish,” said Courtney.

“Road America was a turning point for us, I feel,” said Courtney. “We’ve struggled a bit in the past couple events, but Team Woodhouse has really provided a great car, some of these things are out of our control. But, we’re confident that we have the team and the equipment to get the job done in spite of additional adjustments that are coming for Mosport. We were just informed of an additional 10% air intake restriction and an additional loss of 50 pounds to the Porsche teams. We as a team need to do everything that much better if we plan on improving in the point standings.”

As Courtney and the team head over to Mosport International Raceway near Toronto, Canada, there are several things to be mindful of. This track has earned the respect of several big name drivers, partially due to the danger and difficulty it offers. Two of the 100 mph high-speed corners here are terribly unforgiving. Turns two and four are blind as you approach them, then they drop down a hill as they turn, lessening the car grip. If you lose it, the chance of leaving on a tow hook is excellent.

Courtney hopes to turn the season around here, to finish in the top five, but he is also aware of the necessity of keeping the car in one piece, since the Detroit Belle Isle Gran Prix is the following week, with no time to fix a major crash. “I feel a responsibility to keep the car whole and to keep team moral high,” said Courtney.

Teammate Tommy Archer is expected to drive the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper for the Woodhouse Team. Archer has already collected three of the elusive checkered flags in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Series. This time, Courtney hopes to give Archer a run for his money.

You can catch live action updates at www.world-challenge.com for Saturday’s race at 6:30 pm (EST)

TURNING POINT? After Bad Luck in Previous Races, Courtney Makes the Turn and Picks Up Awards at Road America

2008-08-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Elkhart Lake, Wisc. (August 10, 2008) – Jeff Courtney was determined to put on a great show for the hundreds of fans and supporters invited to the race this weekend. The overwhelming consensus was that he succeeded. “First off, I personally want to thank the people that were responsible for making the hospitality event happen. Jim Kacmarcik from Kapco, Inc., Woody Alverson from Accurate Metal Products, Andrew Schwartz and John Riechers of MPI Coin/Coins of America and Tom Multerer from TJM Integrated Wealth Management,” said Courtney. “It was a great event and I really thank them for their support and for all of the friends and family that made it out. I also want to add a special thank you to LesleyAnn Neulreich of ProMPI for all of her hard work in putting the event together.”
On Saturday after several successful and promising practice runs, there was an electrical failure in Courtney’s No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper. Car Chief Erik Messley and Technician Eddie Martin rushed to fix the problem, but it could not be diagnosed in time to make a qualifying lap. Courtney was forced to start the race on Sunday at the back of the pack. “Our car continually got better throughout the week. The car was fast; I felt we had a top three car. Then the electrical failure. It’s the old racing cliché, you can lose it all on a 20 cent part,” said Courtney. “The whole team takes it really hard when something like this happens, it is hard for me to watch them feel so down. This was something that could not have been diagnosed during normal car preparation.”
Courtney blasted out of start and immediately began to make up for their dead last start by weaving through traffic to pull his way up to the leaders, advancing seven positions in the first lap to earn himself the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award. “We got the kind of start that we needed, we knew that a lot of things needed to work in our favor to move our way through the field,” said Courtney.
A couple of yellow flags also worked in Courtney’s favor, bunching up the cars. “To come up through a field filled with such talented drivers, we needed to get a few breaks,” said Courtney. In lap 15, the No. 8 Cadillac of Andy Pilgrim lost its engine and the car started on fire as it came into turn 5, crashing into the tires. Oil slick on the track forced the remaining cars to gingerly make their way through an all-course yellow, which remained for the finish of the race. Courtney had advanced a total of 18 places, earning himself the Sunoco Hard Charger Award and a respectable 8th place finish.
“Normally, I am a driver that NEVER wants to see a race finish under a yellow. This time, we were wounded, with fifth gear gone and fourth was questionable. I was just holding on when the yellow popped out. This was the second trans failure of the weekend. When my Car Chief Erik Messley radioed me that the race was going to finish under yellow, I was ecstatic. I felt like we were a sitting duck out there.”
“All things considered, things really worked out for us, maybe our luck has finally turned,” said Courtney.
“Jeff did what he does best, stayed patient and came from behind,” said Team Owner, Bob Woodhouse. “The electrical failure was unfortunate, but nobody could predict that. He did the best he could with what was handed to him, it doesn’t get more thrilling than what he did today! I’m really proud of him.”
Things are looking up for the Woodhouse Team, Courtney’s teammate Tommy Archer in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper took his third checkered flag of the year, a win even more remarkable considering he was not even expected to race here this weekend but was asked by team owner Bob Woodhouse if he could fill in on short notice.
“Tommy, well what can you say about Tommy? He is phenomenal. I just can’t say enough about our guys,” said Woodhouse. “Success is in the details, our entire team is fully committed and striving for perfection at every race.
”Courtney maintains his 7th place standing in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT points race.
Catch the Road America SPEED GT race Wednesday, August 20 at noon (EDT) on the SPEED Channel.
The next race is Mosport Canada, August 21-24.

IT'S GOOD TO BE HOME Courtney Hoping Hometown Fans Will Help Get Season Back on Track

2008-08-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisc. (Aug. 5, 2008) -"The disappointment is still there, but we need to turn the page," said Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, whose unfortunate transmission failure forced a 15th place finish at Mid-Ohio. This was in spite of qualifying on the second row and running third at the beginning of the race. "I have confidence in the Woodhouse Team that the car will be ready for the race at Road America," said Courtney. "I'm really motivated to get my season back on track."

The Woodhouse Team can still taste the thrill of victory, along with the agony of defeat. While teammate Jeff Courtney struggled to finish using only the fifth gear, teammate Tommy Archer in the No. 13 Foametix/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper took the checkered flag at Mid-Ohio. "We're coming together as a team now and I am even more determined. We will rise from this," said Courtney.

Immediately after the race at Mid-Ohio, Crew Chief Rick Maxwell and Lead Technician Ashley Wick took the Vipers to the Wind Tunnel in Detroit, Michigan where aerodynamic performance tests were done. Time slots in the Wind Tunnel are difficult to come by and are highly sought after. "It was a great opportunity for us," said Courtney. "Both Rick and Ashley seemed pleased with the results."

Thanks to Erin Cechal from SCCA Pro Racing and Julie Sebranek from Road America, Courtney was scheduled for a live radio interview on "Racing RoundUp" hosted by Jim Tretow and John Puestsow on Monday, July 28 on ESPN Radio 540 AM. "The show was a lot of fun, it is a great way to bring exposure to our series, our sponsors, our team and myself," said Courtney.

Attentions have now turned to the upcoming race this Sunday at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where hundreds of Woodhouse Racing and Jeff Courtney supporters are expected.

"It is going to be awesome," said Courtney, regarding the upcoming hospitality event hosted by Jim Kacmircik of Kapco, Inc. and Woody Alverson of Accurate Metal Products along with regular sponsors Andrew Schwartz and John Riechers of MPI Coin/ Coins of America, and Tom Multerer of TJM Integrated Wealth Management.

Jeff Courtney has further teamed up with MPI by adding ProMPI's LesleyAnn Neulreich as his marketing and event promotion coordinator. "LesleyAnn has done a great job working on this event," said Courtney, "She hustled between setting up for Mid-Ohio and now this event at Road America. I want to thank her for all her hard work."

On Friday night, many of the Woodhouse Performance Team, including Courtney and team owner Bob Woodhouse, will be participating in the Tour de Road America, a bike race along the track to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

On Sunday, guests will be able to meet and greet the drivers, technicians and team owner, Bob Woodhouse, as well as participate in a special question and answer session with Courtney.

Tickets for events from Thursday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10, are available at the gate, or you can order them online at www.roadamerica.com. Racing at Road America is truly an exciting family-friendly event, children 12 and under are free with a paid adult admission and parking is included in the ticket price. Road America is also running a special promotion this weekend with the Salvation Army. For those who bring in a non-perishable food donation valued at $5.00 to the gate will receive $10.00 off the price of their admission ticket.

"It's a great effort for a great cause," Courtney said. "I really encourage all who can come out to Road America this weekend to support the Salvation Army."

Come out and cheer on Jeff Courtney as he sets his sights on the podium at his home raceway; be among the privileged to watch the Woodhouse Racing Team continue to tear up the track!

Mid-Ohio SPEED GT to Archer

2008-07-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

LEXINGTON, Ohio (Jul. 20, 2008) By: SCCA Staff - Tommy Archer, of Duluth, Minn., led every lap Sunday to win the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course SPEED GT Presented by Remington race, Round Five of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship. Brandon Davis, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., completed the top three.

Starting from the pole in his No. 13 Foametix/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper, Archer got away cleanly from the standing start to lead second starting Davis' No. 10 ACS/Sun Microsystems Ford Mustang Cobra. Davis was never far from Archer, but he was unable to mount a challenge for the lead despite the race being slowed by three cautions.

Archer beat Davis by 1.224 seconds, averaging 77.075 mph over the 29-lap, 65.481-mile race.

"It's really rewarding for Foametix, the sponsor, who didn’t get on the podium at Watkins Glen and the Woodhouse Performance team who are all working so hard,” Archer said. “I’m a pretty picky guy. I wanted everything right on the car, because at this track, if you get behind somebody you’re in trouble. I knew going into qualifying we had to get up front as far as possible to keep a clean track.”

While it was Archer’s second win of the season and Davis’ third podium, two new faces graced the top three throughout the race before falling back, allowing Pilgrim to remain perfect in 2008 podium appearances in his No. 8 Remington Shaving and Grooming Cadillac CTS-V. Third starting Jeff Courtney ran third in his No. 99 KENDA/JTM/MPI Coin/Badger Dodge Viper before a lap-six spin put him well back to an eventual 15th place finish.

Courtney’s spin promoted hard charging Tommy Milner to third in his first series appearance in the No. 21 Rahal Letterman Racing Aston Martin DB9. Milner set the race’s fastest lap of 1:28.072 (92.297 mph) as he reeled in the lead duo. For over 15 laps, the top three were nose-to-tail until Milner dropped a wheel and spun out of contention in the Carousel on lap 22.

Milner’s departure coincided with Archer pulling out a slight advantage over Davis, one that would never shrink en route to the 2004 Champion’s ninth series win.

“The Viper hasn’t been the hottest car the last couple of years, so if feels good to put the car up front and be racing with these guys again,” Archer added.

For Davis, Mid-Ohio was a race to get back into the points chase after a mechanical failure eliminated him from the most recent race at Watkins Glen.

“We pushed and pushed, but were never able to get close enough to Tommy,” Davis said. “I think the second restart was the only time we really had a shot at it. We ran a great race flag-to-flag and when you’re racing at this level with guys like Andy and Tommy, they don’t make mistakes, so it’s good to come away with second, especially after our troubles at Watkins Glen. Hopefully we’ll get ourselves back in the Championship.”

At a track that has never been kind to the Cadillac CTS-V, with no wins in five tries, Pilgrim was pleased with his third place finish.
“It’s a surprise to be here that’s for sure,” Pilgrim said. “I qualified eighth and I wanted to qualify in the top 10, so I was happy with that, but I didn’t know what today would bring. Michael [McCann] had a bad start and I got by him. Randy [Pobst] went off in the Keyhole, so I got by Randy. A little bit later Jeff Courtney went off course and I got by Jeff. Then [Tommy] Milner went of track and I got by Milner. I had a little bit of a battle with Michael Galati, so I passed one car and ended up in third. There must be something on the front of the car that people see and they just drive off the road.

“The Remington guys are here and we just took a picture on the podium with all of them so I’m really happy to be here. It’s always good to make your sponsor smile.”

Milner fell to sixth after his spin, but worked back to fourth after an exchange with Michael McCann’s No. 16 Remington Shaving and Grooming Cadillac CTS-V and Michael Galati’s K-PAX Racing Porsche 911 GT3 reminiscent of great Trans-Am battles from the past. The trio went three-wide into Madness on lap 27, with all three cars emerging in a different order with only minor battle scars on the other side.

Galati completed the top five, with teammate and point leader Randy Pobst finishing sixth after running as low as 11th in his K-PAX Racing Porsche 911 GT3.

Dino Crescentini (Porsche 911 GT3) advanced seven positions from 14th to finish seventh, one better than teammate James Sofronas (No. 14 Global Motorsports Group Porsche 911 GT3), who advanced 21 positions to take the Sunoco Hard Charger honor. Sofronas also advanced 12 positions on the opening lap to earn the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award after failing to post a qualifying time due to a water pump failure on Saturday.

Fifth-starting McCann recovered from a poor start to reach the top five with three laps to go, but faded to ninth. Tony Gaples (Chevrolet Corvette) completed the top 10.

Pilgrim cut into Pobst’s point lead, and now trails at the season’s mid point by 13 (503 to 490). Davis remains third, with 455, followed by Galati (404) and Sofronas (352).

Despite its fifth-place finish, Porsche maintained the lead in the SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine. The German manufacturer has 31 points to Cadillac’s 29, Ford’s 28 and Dodge’s 23.

Today’s race will be broadcast Thursday, July 24 at 1 p.m. (EDT) on SPEED. The series next travels to Elkhart Lake for the Road America SPEED GT Presented by Remington Aug. 8 - 10.

STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY Jeff Courtney and Woodhouse Racing Overcome Obstacles and are Ready to Race at Mid-Ohio

2008-07-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee, Wisc. (July 14, 2008) – “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Those four words bring about a burst of adrenaline for racing enthusiasts everywhere, especially when there has been a long break since you’ve last heard them. Jeff Courtney and the Woodhouse Racing Team are excited to get back on the track at this weekend’s SPEED World Challenge GT race at Mid-Ohio.

“It’s good that we had this break, we definitely needed the time to repair cars and work out some engine issues that we had at Watkins Glen. After a lot of hard work from Team Woodhouse, especially the crew back at the shop in Nebraska: Rick Maxwell, Ashley Wick and Susan Dunklau, I am confident we will be ready for Mid-Ohio,” said Courtney.

Although Courtney finished the race at Watkins Glen, his No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper struggled over the finish line with the engine belching a cloud of white smoke. A bump into the wall early on in the race threw Courtney and his car off and he was never able to recover. Courtney finished in 13th place.

“After a tough day like that, you really want to get out there again and prove yourself. I’m looking forward to getting back to Mid-Ohio, it is one of my favorite tracks,” said Courtney. Courtney had his first professional race win at Mid-Ohio in the Panoz GT Pro Series.

“I’m also excited to be racing near the home office of one of my main sponsors, Kenda Tires out of Reynoldsburg, Ohio,” said Courtney. “Kenda employees, along with Kenda customers and dealers, will be coming out over a hundred strong in support of us this weekend,” said Courtney. “We will do our best to put on a great show for them and give them a reason to be proud of their car and driver.”

After a long break, and a few rounds of golf, Courtney says, “I’m definitely ready to get back in the race car. The competition really heats up at this point in the season. We have a brutal schedule in August, so we are looking for good, strong, clean finishes in these races to maintain, and even improve on our present 6th place position in the championship points.”

The SPEED World Challenge GT race at Mid-Ohio is this Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 4:00 pm, don’t miss it!

TOMMY ARCHER LEADS THE WOODHOUSE PERFORMANCE TEAM TO FIRST CHECKERED FLAG 13 CAR STARTS IN THE POLE AND NEVER LET UP

2008-05-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake City, UT (May 18, 2008)

Woodhouse Performance was catapulted onto the leader board this Sunday with Tommy Archer in the No. 13 Foametix/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper taking the checkered flag and teammate Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/MPI Coin Dodge Viper charging up to a 6th place finish from a disappointing 19th place start.

After some great practices, Archer fought through the qualifying race on Saturday to earn the pole position on Sunday. Archer had a clean start and he maintained the lead throughout the race. Team owner Bob Woodhouse was thrilled with the win, a first for Woodhouse Performance.

Archer came on board as one of the drivers for the No. 13 Foametix/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper and the ten World Challenge races will be split with fellow driver Claudio Burtin. Archer will race the next race at Watkins Glen.

“Tommy is a great driver; he is really half engineer, half driver. He can make adjustments, he can interpret the car and relay it to the engineers,” said Woodhouse. This capability contributes to the skills of the other team members bringing all of us up a notch.

After substandard practice seesion and a dismal 19th position qualifying start, Courtney and the team made some heavy adjustments to his car for race day. “I was hanging my head pretty low on Saturday,” said Courtney. “I met with the team and we decided to make some heavy changes. It was a gamble, but it paid off.” The car drove so well on Sunday, Woodhouse wondered what Courtney could have done had he qualified in a better. “He was under 2 seconds from 4th place finisher Cindy Lux at the end.”

Courtney also earned admiration from the Woodhouse Performance team for his Sunoco Hard Charger award. He thundered from 19th place to finish in 6th. “He just chewed one lap off at a time,” said Woodhouse.

“The team is doing an incredible job, they are very talented people learning to work well together.” said Woodhouse, “it’s great to be doing so well.”

This was the second trip to the podium for Woodhouse Performance.

Welcome to a new area!

2008-05-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

We are moving are press releases to a new portion of our website. If you'd like to view old press releases, please visit here.