VICTORY IN ITALY FOR MARCELLI

(Imola, Italy) July 5th 2011 – Making his debut into Europe, Race Driver Kyle Marcelli, the 21-year old Canadian emerged victorious from this past weekends Le Mans Series/ Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race at Imola.

While in the middle of a break in the American Le Mans Series schedule, Marcelli was recruited to drive alongside American Chapman Ducote and Frenchman Nicolas Marroc in the #99 JMB Racing/Merchant Services Ltd. Le Mans Series Imola entry. For Marcelli this would mark his first experience racing Europe.

As this was a new circuit for Marcelli, he along with teammates Ducote and Marroc took advantage of a track walk with the team engineers. Official practiced allowed Marcelli and teammates to become familiar with the race circuit at speed and begin to develop the race cars set-up.

Following a successful qualifying performance by Frenchman Nicolas Marroc who placed the car 2nd in class on the grid. The JBM racing team selected Marcelli as the lead and starting driver of the 6-hour race. Kyle got off to a clean start and immediately began placing pressure on the race leader. Kyle then made a late brake overtaking maneuver into turn one for the race lead. From there Marcelli continued to push the #99 Merchant Services Ltd. race car setting the fastest lap of the race.

After Marcelli’s initial 2-hour stint, it was a pit-stop for fuel an tires where he then passed with wheel off to American driver Chapman Ducote. Ducote executed his stint just as planned, keeping the car clean, running consistent laps and working through lap traffic.  Following Ducote, was Frenchman Nicolas Marroc that took the wheel. Nicolas did a nice job running a competitive pace throughout his long stint. With just under one hour to go in the race, it was during the final pit-stop that the team opted to get Marcelli back into the drivers seat to go after the win.

The young Canadian raced out of the pits in second position about 22 seconds behind the race leader. Having selected to spend some extra time in the pits for new tires, Marcelli was on a tear for the last hour. With emotions flying, about 12 minutes to go Marcelli took the race lead a never looked back crossing the stripe to win the European Le Mans Series 6-hours of Imola.

With little time to rest, Race Driver Marcelli will now prepare himself for the next American Le Mans Series round in Lakeville, Connecticut at Lime Rock Park July 8th -10th where he will resume his full time position with Intersport Racing in the #89 LMPC entry.

Kyle Marcelli would personally like to thank his corporate partners: Lafarge (Turbo), DynaPep Energy (7/11), Barrie Trim & Mouldings, Simcoe Building Centre, Thermo Seal Insulation Systems, Braille Battery, Merchant Services Ltd, Sailun Tire, Spherion Staffing Solutions, 104.1 The Dock, Leaf Racewear and Intersport Racing.

About Kyle Marcelli:

(Kyle Marcelli, Born February 23rd 1990 in Ontario, Canada) At just 21 years of age, Canada’s Kyle Marcelli – Professional Race Car Driver, has already established himself as a successful auto racer and has proven to be one of Canada’s stars in professional auto racing across the globe. Kyle made his rookie debut into sports car racings “big show” in 2010 driving for Intersport Racing in the American Le Mans Series where he earned two 2nd place finishes along with four front row qualifying performances. Currently Marcelli drives full time for Intersport Racing, competing in the LMPC class of the American Le Mans Series. Kyle has the capabilities of making history in 2011 as the youngest American Le Mans Series champion.

While Kyle’s second home is the podium, his more permanent residence is Barrie, Ontario. Following his career aspirations of professional auto racing; he’s a consummate professional both on and off the track.  Kyle represents his passion, sport, sponsors, supporters and fans proudly and effectively.  He’s winning, engaging and always visible.

For more information please visit: www.kylemarcelliracing.com