NEW YORK, NY June 25, 2004 -- The inaugural AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES “FESTIVAL OF SPEED” will take place on Wednesday, June 30th from 10am-7pm at the World Financial Center Winter Garden in lower Manhattan. The event, featuring exotic road cars as well as racing sports car from the American Le Mans Series, is sponsored by Manhattan Motorcars, Ray Catena Imports, Premier Financial Services and Miller Motorcars and is free to attend.

Festivities begin Wednesday as a select group of 25 exotic cars and motorcycles take positions on the plaza of the prestigious Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. The World Financial Center overlooks the Hudson River and is home to some of the world’s most prominent corporations including both American Express and Merrill Lynch.

Exotic cars placed for display include the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley GT Coupe, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago, Porsche GT Carrera, Ferrari 360 Spider and other high-end exotics. Aston Martin, the car of choice for James Bond will roll out two of it’s most important recent achievements. The only DB 9 Coupe and DB 9 Volante in the United States are being brought in special, for this spectacular one-day event. In addition the very rare AR DB1 Zagato roadster, of which there are only 99 in existence, will be placed for display.

American Le Mans Series racing teams and drivers will be in the New York area in advance of the July 2-5 New England Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in nearby Lakeville, Conn. Event information will be available.

Professional race cars/teams on display at the World Financial Center will include Intersport Racing (24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 class winner, Lola Prototype ), Petersen Motorsports (24 Hours of Le Mans GT class winner, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR ), ADT Champion Racing (24 Hours of Le Mans Third overall placement , Audi R8 Prototype ), British American Motorsport (BAM!, Porsche 911) and Panoz Motor Sports (Panoz Esperante GT-LM). Drivers will be on hand during the day to talk with the press and public as well as sign autographs for fans. Attending drivers include, Clint Field, Leo Hindery, Craig Stanton, David Murray, Gunnar Jeannette, Chris Dyson and possible others.

In addition to the cars, a selection of Ducati motorcycles will be placed for display.

Later that evening (7pm-10pm) a reception will be held at the Grill Room Restaurant. With it’s panoramic sunset views, the Grill Room is a financial district favorite for both Wall Streeters and their clients. Guests will gather for a very special evening as they enjoy cocktails from a premium brands open bar and indulge in a wide array of culinary delights. Guests will toast to the 100-year anniversary of Rolls-Royce Motorcars, 50 Years of Ferrari in America and to the race teams of the American Le Mans Series for recent wins at the 24 Hours at Le Mans race in France and to future success in the ALMS series here in America. A silent auction benefiting the Arts & Events Program will take place with 100% of all proceeds going to the charity. Tickets to the reception are available, but limited. For information contact event organizers at 352-385-9450.

What: Press Conference and Luncheon with American Le Mans Drivers and Teams

Pit Stop Competition following the luncheon at Noon

Who: Petersen Motorsports (Le Mans Winner): Craig Stanton/David Murry BAM! Leo Hindery (Founder/former Chairman, CEO of YES Network) Intersports Racing (Le Mans Winner): Clint Field. Panoz Motorsports: Gunnar Jeannette

When: Wednesday, June 30th 10:30am – Noon

Where: Southwest NY, 2 World Financial Center, Street Level, 212-945-0528

Contact: Kristine Groft 770-601-7834


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