September 28, 2009

We wish to share with you some exciting news: the IsoTorque® equipped Phoenix Performance Solstice won the 2009 SCCA National Championships at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on September 25, 2009. The Phoenix Performance Solstice GXP took the checkered flag 2.65 seconds ahead of Jason Ott and his BMW Z4 M Coupe after the 13 lap, 53 mile race. Eighteen of the best racers from all across the country who qualified for this event were allowed to compete. This Solstice was the only car equipped with the IsoTorque differential in this race.

It was an exciting race, pitting Marty Grand’s all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Evolution, Don Knowles Solstice, and Jason Ott’s BMW Z4 M Coupe in a 3-way battle for first place, trading positions throughout the race.

Don Knowles superb driving coupled with the IsoTorque’s traction and handling benefits allowed the Solstice to keep up and overtake more powerful cars in the class. Don qualified in second place .3 seconds off the poll position and finished the race 9.2 seconds ahead of 2008 National Champion, Andy Wolverton and his Solstice GXP. The only equipment difference between the two Solstices was Torvec’s IsoTorque differential.

“We tried to run a smart race. We figured that we’d run out of brakes if we ran as fast as we wanted to. I figured Marty would be very difficult to pass because the all-wheel-drive car comes out of the 90-degree corners so well and he’s got more motor than we do and he’s got Brembo brakes which are very good.” – Don Knowles

The IsoTorque furnished by Torvec to the Phoenix Performance Solstice is directly compatible with the Cadillac CTS & STS. This win helps solidify the IsoTorque’s advantages not just on the race track but on the road as well.

We would like to thank Don Knowles for his excellent driving, Joe Aquilante, President of Phoenix Performance for his cooperation and support, John Heinricy (former director of GM High Performance) for setting up the car and bringing Phoenix Performance and Torvec together and the rest of the crew and staff of Phoenix Performance.

Photo: John Steflik