GT FINALE IN CALI

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

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

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

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

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

#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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.