“I am excited to be a part of the largest single-make series in North America,” said Hembrey. “With an average of 33 bullet-proof Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars per race, all from Porsche Motorsports North America, we have the largest average entries of any similar series in the world. The racing is so competitive on those Yokohama tires, you never know what will happen.”
Hembrey, a Chicago resident, has spent several years in various capacities with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). With deep experience in sanctioning body technical development, operations, and management, Hembrey brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to IMSA’s development series.
Positions Hembrey held with the SCCA included being assistant chief steward of the Playboy MX-5 Cup series from 2007-2008, general manager of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup from 2008-2009, and general manager for the SCCA Trans-Am Series from 2009-2011. Hembrey also served two terms on the SCCA Competition Committee and in the role of Chief of Flagging and Communications for all professional road racing events sanctioned by the organization.
Dale, from Ottawa, Canada, will continue as race director for IMSA’s Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin. He has been a familiar face in race control for several series throughout his motorsports career, which started more than 40 years ago.
The Canadian was once a driver before becoming a successful team manager, fielding cars in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, Mobile 1 12 Hours of Sebring and the LeMans 24 Hours. He transitioned into officiating and has worked for several major sanctioning bodies in various capacities.
Since its inaugural season in 2006, the IMSA Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series has sought to provide both an opportunity for semi-professional racing drivers to compete in world class equipment in premier venues, as well as to provide aspiring professionals an avenue to hone their skills in preparation for a career in the IMSA American Le Mans Series -- Presented by Tequila Patrón.
The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama is the largest one-make series in North America. Featuring semi-professional and professional drivers racing iconic Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in multi-class racing, the series provides the ideal environment for aspiring racers and weekend warriors alike. High car counts and stiff competition characterize the series, which is embarking on its seventh season.
In 2012, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin begins its second season with triple the car count from its inaugural year.
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Contact: Ron Green, GRand Solutions, (317) 341-1820, ron@grand-solutions.net
