05-18-10

Tavares, Florida, Alex Job Racing (AJR) will field Michael Schein in the No. 21 Porsche 911 in the Patron GT3 Challenge Series starting with this weekend's race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday, May 23.  

Schein (Glen Cove, New York) will compete in the remaining six GT3 Challenge events at Laguna Seca, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Miller Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Road America and Road Atlanta.  Schein brings a wealth of experience to the team and the track. 

"The first time I was ever on a race track was when I was about 16," Schein said.  "My dad, brother and I all did a three-day Skip Barber School at Lime Rock. After that I was hooked. From about 17-20 years old I ran at various Ferrari track days along the East Coast, mostly driving a 355 Challenge. I also have had the privilege to drive a Ferrari FXX and more recently a 333SP and F40LM which are both amazing machines.  As time progressed and I became one of the quicker drivers in the field, I wanted to get into competition. My instructor at the time, Bill Adam, introduced me to Alex and I was soon in a 996 GT3 Cup. I got my first taste of actual competitive racing doing an HSR event at Sebring and later moved onto PCA (Porsche Club of America) events. After a couple of solid finishes at Daytona, Road America and Sebring I felt that I was ready to take the next step, and I felt the logical one was to get into a 997 Cup and do the IMSA challenge. 

From the first time I ever went out in the Cup car I loved it. The power and the way it handled were great and I wanted to continue driving a Porsche. Running in the GT3 Cup series is a no brainer. You get to race at world class facilities in front of tens of thousands of people and run against some great drivers. I feel that this series will be a great way to further my race craft and have a spectacular time doing it. As a driver that wants to continue racing for years to come, the series gives drivers the right exposure to further their driving career. 

Running with Alex Job Racing has been amazing. Alex and the whole crew are top notch individuals who take a lot of pride in their profession and it shows in their race history. Racing with the AJR crew allows me to be confident and comfortable in the race car which is vital to any success. I eagerly look forward to continuing my relationship with the whole team."

Schein was a frequent visitor to Laguna Seca, but will turn his first laps around the 2.2-mile, 11-turn track this weekend. 

"Every summer my dad and I make it to Laguna Seca to watch the historic races and we always have a blast. However, I have never had the chance to experience the track from the driver's seat. I love the whole atmosphere at Laguna and I am really itching to get out there and turn some laps." 

Alex Job Racing has a year of Patron GT3 Challenge under their belt last season helping Mitch Pagerey to a third place finish in the series in 2009. 

"I am looking forward to introducing Michael to the Patron GT3 Series," Alex Job, team owner said.  "We have a good grip on what the series is all about and how to help our drivers be successful in this tough spec-class of racing.  Michael has a long history of racing, but this will be his first run in a professional series.  We have all of the data on the tracks and we will be supporting him every lap of the way.  We are looking to have a very successful rest of the year with him." 

The 45-minute Patron GT3 Challenge race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will run on Sunday, May 23. 

Alex Job Racing is one of the most successful teams in IMSA history with 37 wins.  This record is supported by 45 pole positions and 75 podium finishes.   The team has won three championships (GT in 2002, 2003 and 2004) complimented by their two GT class wins at Le Mans.  The team also boasts seven Sebring 12 hour wins. 

For more information please refer to www.alexjobracing.com or contact Kyle Chura at (248) 821-0468, chura@aol.com.