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The 2008 Formula BMW Americas Championship begins the weekend of May 16 -18 at Laguna Seca Raceway and includes races at the Canadian Grand Prix with Formula One, Lime Rock Park, Road America and New Jersey Motorsports Park, before concluding at the Brazilian Grand Prix with Formula One in November.

Alexander Rossi in 40 Seconds: From only 62 formula car starts to-date, 16-year old Alexander has netted 20 wins, 34 podiums and 22 poles. Multiple track records to his credit include; Miller Motorsports Park, Laguna Seca, Reno-Fernley, Sebring International, Portland International Raceway and Trois Rivieres. In the 2007 Formula BMW USA Championship, he finished 3^rd in overall in points with three wins, two 3rds and two 4^th place finishes. In 2006, he bested 59 of the nation’s top karters to become the youngest driver, at 14, to win the prestigious Skip Barber National Scholarship and a fully-funded season in the Skip Barber National Series. He finished 3^rd overall, winning the Western Region Championship and Rookie of the Year titles. Additionally, in 2006, he was the winner of the Pit Fit Scholarship. In 2005, he caught the attention of corporate giant Red Bull, finishing 3^rd overall from more than 1000 participants in the Red Bull F1 drivers search .In 2004, Alexander was an IKF National and Regional karting champion and the youngest driver, at 13, ever in the 2004 Red Bull F1 Driver Search. In 2003, he was a Jim Russell International Karting champion. Alexander has completed high school with a 4.0 GPA and is currently enrolled at Sierra College where he is pursuing his Associate Degree.

FROM HITTIN’ THE BOOKS TO TOPPIN’ THE CHARTS – ALEXANDER ROSSI READY FOR LAGUNA SECA

Fastest in all pre-season tests, including five college exams, 16-year old Alexander Rossi, of Nevada City, Calif., is ready for the 2008 Formula BMW Americas season to begin this weekend at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway.

The fastest driver at the first two tests at Virgina International Raceway and Miller Motorsports Park in April; Alexander’s final test last week at Thunderhill Raceway Park was a very short one. Choosing not to delay his Sierra College exams, he spent one day in the classroom rather than the racetrack. He then made the most of his limited time at Thunderhill, setting the quickest time of the test in the final session.

Rossi finished third overall in the 2007 Formula BMW USA Championship, winning three of the season’s final six races.

"Following the test, the team spent the weekend rebuilding the car for Laguna Seca,” said Alexander. “I am confident we are well-prepared. I’ve spent some time in other cars at Laguna and it is my favorite track, especially turns six and nine. I would not be surprised if these turns decide a race. Anything can happen, but hopefully my experience and our preparation will make the difference."

His home track, Alexander and Team Rossi Motorsports will have a large number of supporters and special guests at Laguna Seca, among them Rich and Maddie Testa. The winners of the Team Rossi Motorsports’ Ultimate Race Weekend, the Testas were chosen from some 500 entrants in a contest sponsored by The Union newspaper.

A special group of hometown partners support Alexander Rossi and Team Rossi Motorsports including; The Larkin Cottage, Meyers Investment Group, Armstrong and Associates, Emagine Design, Seghezzi Enterprises, Robinson Enterprises, Real Life Fitness, Diamond Baker LLP, Emagine Design, John Deere Credit, BP Landscapes, Villagio Di Vigneto, Grass Valley Sign, Sierra Foothills Construction, Specialized Travel, Alaska Coffee Roasting, G. Russell Enterprises, McSweeney and Associates, Big O Tires of Grass Valley, Trapster.Com and The Union.