Source: Valley Motorwerks
Date: 11/14/2007

Valley Motorwerks of Rancho Cordova, one the finest independent BMW/Mini service shops in Northern California, is putting the finishing touches on their latest BMW race car. The BMW E30 325is will return to the longest endurance road race in the world. National Auto Sport Association’s 5th Annual 25 Hours of Thunderhill will be December 1-2 in Willows California. So far, 75 cars entered from all over the country with drivers from all over the world. A good mix of small independent teams and full fledged factory teams will compete on the three mile road course found just an hour north of Sacramento.

“We’re really excited about this year’s race,” says Walter Ford—owner of Valley Motorwerks. Having won the regional Spec-e30 championship, and placed 9th in the nation in a similar car, Valley Motorwerks knows how to make these cars fast and reliable. Last year was the team’s first effort in the 25 hour endurance race; they placed a respectable 5th in class and 17th over-all. Having learned from last years event, Walter and the team have good reason to expect great things.

Most of last year’s team is returning with several welcome additions. Leslie Lipscomb—car owner, confesses that “last year we had no idea what to expect, this year we are ready. We still have the best Crew Chief—Robert Campos, the guy kept 15 race cars on the track each week at Mesa Marin Raceway for five years. And he does what ever it takes to keep Valley Motorwerks’ car on the road.” Additional racing experience continues with Ed Anderson and Mike Lipscomb assisting and welcomes John Creehe additional racing knowledge.

In addition to the fantastic crew Valley Motorwerks offers an impressive list of drivers.

Leslie Lipscomb returns for another season’s race as racing has been a part of Leslie’s life for 30 years. “I have pictures of me in my Dad’s race car when I was 2,” says Leslie. “With a new baby, new house and everything else, my wife says I can race once a year. I choose this 25 hour race to get as much racing in my system as possible.”

Rocky Elli rejoins the team as driver bringing several master BMW technicians from his BMW dealership above the border, in Vancouver Canada, eh. Having over 75 race weekends under his belt, at major events all over the country Rocky says, “last year’s 25 hour was a definite highlight.”

After winning the Spec e30 championship for Valley Motorwerks with co-driver Donny Edwards, Kevin Brochers looks forward to competing in his first 25 hour race “I have a little bit of endurance racing under my belt,” Having owned and raced nothing but BMWs Kevin is a welcome addition.

Ken MacAlpine of Ontario Canada hopes to escape the cold Canadian weather for the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. His racing experience includes “most of the main North American circuits, also a number of international races in China, Europe and Santa Domingo. One of the highlights was taking part in & completing the 2005 Daytona 24hr race.” Should we mention Willow’s nights are usually about 35 degrees?

Robert Orcutt brings extensive racing experience which includes winning the 25 Hours of Thunderhill and leading in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He says, “I’m looking forward to a good result...count on me for what ever it takes...”

Valley Motorwerks looks forward to a great day and one hour of racing; check back in December for results!!!

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