Hey everyone! I hope your Monday is going well.

Here is a great video to get you motivated, very powerful!

LONG BEACH, Calif. — As the longest road race in North America, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill requires a solid driver lineup to be successful.  Veteran pro endurance racer Craig Stanton and Gram-Am standout Ryan Eversley will join team owner/driver Dan Gardner as well as regular Scott Webb to handle driving duties at the prestigious event. 

“Our DG-Spec Scion tC racecars have raced about everywhere possible on both a club and pro level,” said Dan Gardner. “Still, we’ve never taken on the 25-Hour, and I wanted to ensure we had the very best guys behind the wheel.  I can’t think of two better drivers than Craig Stanton and Ryan Eversley, and it’s our honor to have this caliber of driving talent on the team.”

Stanton has won the 25-Hour overall, and clearly knows what it takes to win the event.  He has won the 2004 Koni Challenge GS Championship as well as the 2005 Rolex GT Championship, and has wins in nearly every conceivable sports car pro series in North America, including ALMS.

“I drove the Scion with Dan in Grand-Am in a huge 50-car ST field a few years back,” recalls Stanton.  “I’ve always thought about coming back to drive for Dan and Scion.  This is that chance.  As far as development goes, I’d put this DG-Spec team up against any in the paddock, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of the whole thing.”

In 2004, Eversley competed in ALMS in the extremely quick LMP2 class, taking one win during the season.  In 2010, he claimed eight top-five finishes in Grand-Am’s ST class.  This past Grand-Am season, Eversley really came into his own, finishing second in the standings for ST, a scant three points away from the championship.

“I’ve run against Dan as a competitor in the past, and I’m excited to join DG-Spec and Scion Racing.  I’ve never run the 25, but have done the 24 Hours of Daytona four times,” explained Eversley.  “From what I’ve seen, I think we’re going to have the most tested car in the class, and I’m thrilled to represent the team and the brand.”

The 25 Hours of Thunderhill takes place in Willows, California the first week of December.  It begins at 11 a.m. Pacific on Saturday, December 3rd, and the checker will fly at high noon on Sunday, December 4th.  Information on the event as well as live timing and scoring can be viewed at www.NASA25Hour.com. 

Photos, videos, and updates on the team can be found on DG-Spec’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/DG-Spec/202937143062874 as well as their YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/DanGardnerSpec. 

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:

• Scion-supplied OE parts

• TRD front big brake kit

• Garrett by Honeywell GTX-series turbocharger

• Burns Stainless exhaust and aluminum intake

• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• Dezod-supplied turbo kit, AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, and injectors

• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning

• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps

• Enkei RPF-1 17x8 wheels

• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks

• Vogtland springs

• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits

• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant

• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear

• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors

• AEM sensors, fuel pressure regulator, boost solenoid, EMS, and dry flow air filter

• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights

• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing

• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel

• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch

• Goodridge complete suite of fittings and lines

• Carbotech Performance Brakes

• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts

• HoseTechniques silicone hoses

• NST Braille batteries, and shifter bushings

• SquareSkull designs

DG-Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG-Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street. www.DanGardnerSpec.com

I am sure everyone has already heard that Magnus Racing and I have decided to go our separate ways for 2012. It is always a little disappointing to leave a team, but part of being successful is to know when it is time to go in a new direction. Both Magnus and I knew it was time.

So with that in mind, I already have big plans in the works for next year with a new team based out of Orange County. This will be great for me since it is so close to home and I will be able to spend much more time with the team. I don't have a lot of details on it yet, but I will definitely share any news as soon as I can.

We're still working on some potential Grand-Am or ALMS rides for next year as well, but at this point I don't have anything concrete or in writing, we are still weighing our options. I'm working hard to find something for Daytona since we ran so well there last year, I feel like I always have a shot to win when I roll in through the tunnel.

A few years ago I was able to do some off road racing, and that is something I would love to revisit in 2012. The Baja 500 and 1000 are extremely huge events that are every bit as prestigious as Daytona or Sebring, and I would love to get involved. I am always up for a new challenge, and joining an off road program, or even starting my own, would certainly be a great challenge.

On top of all of that, I am making a big push to increase my karting for next year as well. Not only do I plan to do a bunch more Craig Stanton Kart Days at CalSpeed in Fontana, CA, but I also plan to get my TaG and shifter kart out a few times. Karting is the best way to stay in top racing form since a kart can require more physical endurance than a car. Karts really pull a lot of G's so it is not only hugely beneficial to me as a racer, but also a ton of fun.

I'm really excited about what we already have for 2012. We have a great new program and car in the works, and I am really happy with where we are at as a team already. By the time the season starts we should be looking really good.

Craig

Salt Lake City, UT (November 10, 2011)- Following a two-year partnership that included everything from the team’s debut at the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona, four podium finishes, a pole position, and countless top-10’s, Magnus Racing and lead driver Craig Stanton have decided to seek new opportunities from one another in 2012.

Stanton, residing in Long Beach, California, has been an instrumental part of the team’s morale and enthusiasm since the decision to enter the top levels of sportscar racing in the winter of 2009. With nearly two decades of experience at the top levels of the sport, the 2005 GRAND-AM Rolex Sportscar GT series champion was involved with the team from the first laps taken at Daytona in December of 2009, all the way to their last race of 2011 in Mid-Ohio. Brought in for his experience, speed, and incredible reputation for being positive and encouraging, Stanton’s roots in the teams are very well engrained.

Magnus Racing, owned by co-driver John Potter who drove with Stanton in 2008 and 2009 with another team, benefited immensely from Stanton’s input. Beyond helping with the organization and morale of the team, Stanton has acted as a development coach for Potter for nearly four years, a partnership that will continue on even as the two go their separate ways.

For Team Owner John Potter, the amicable parting of the two is a strong tribute to the immense mutual respect between everyone.

“Craig has been a major part of our team from the start,” stated Potter. “For a team just beginning at the highest levels of sportscar, Craig was the perfect partner. Not only did his experience and network bring a lot of credence and immediate respect within the paddock, but as a driver he brought us multiple podium finishes, pole positions, and a shot at the championship during a great 2011 season. Craig’s role in the team’s foundation will be felt for a long time, and we look forward to seeing his own future successes.”

For Craig Stanton, new opportunities for 2012 are the focus to move forward.

“Magnus Racing is like a family for me, and I wish them all nothing but the best. We’ve been through a lot together since this whole thing started, and the spirit and family that is this team deserves great things. They’re a team that is fully capable of race wins and championships, and no one would like to see that happen more than me. I also want to personally thank John Potter for the experience. John has been nothing but courteous, respectful, and extremely conscious of everyone on the team. It’s rare you work with a Team Owner who is genuinely concerned with everyone’s well being, it’s a truly great organization.”

While neither Magnus Racing nor Craig Stanton are prepared to make any announcements regarding their respective 2012 plans, both are hard at work in developing their goals.

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.

Dodge and Daytona obviously go really well together, all you have to do is look at that big winged, pointed nose, all out racecar from the early 70's to know why.

My Dodge from Lux Perfomance, didn't have quite as large of a wing and it didn't have a Hemi, but it did have an enormous V10.

I always look forward to a race at Daytona because it is such hollowed ground and I have a ton of laps there. I always know going in that I will have a good shot at victory. On top of that, I knew that the crew with the Pennzoil Viper would give me top notch equipment. Sure enough, we were fast all weekend.

We had two races over the weekend and in each I had the great chance to team up with NHRA Pro Stock legend Allen Johnson. It was really awesome to have the chance to work with Allen and he really gets it. Racing is in his blood and I think we both learned a lot from each other coming from very different racing backgrounds.

I had a bit of an issue in my first race at the start, so I essentially started last. I battled back and managed to get into the top 5 by race end. Definitely not a bad result.

The Viper really suited my style. Compared to the Porsche that I normally race, the Viper allows you to get up on the wheel a bit more, especially on corner entry. With the engine hanging over the rear axle in the 911 you really have to baby it in and run a late apex to get maximum speed with the grip available. The Viper has the engine out front, but it is almost entirely behind the front wheels so it performs very neutral. It was really a blast to drive.

Going to race two I had a little better start, but still not perfect. I had some ground to make up again. I was being careful not to abuse the clutch as the V10 has plenty of torque to destroy a lot of drivetrain parts if you aren't careful. I managed to get through the field again up to second and right on the leaders rear bumper when the checkers flew. Another lap or two would have been interesting, but that is racing.

Being able to drive into victory lane to stand on the podium is always fantastic and this was no different. As I said, Daytona is a special place to me so I made sure to soak in the moment.

I have to again thank everyone at Lux Performance, Dodge, Michelin and Pennzoil for setting me up with a great car that can't be described any better than simply fantastic.

We will be getting back into the swing of a normal routine here now that the racing season is all but over. I will have three kart days coming up in the next two months, Nov. 20th, Dec. 10th and Dec. 14th. We will be sure to put up info on how to sign up shortly.

There will also be plenty more about fitness and nutrition coming up since the off season is the best time to get into a good and healthy routine.

Until next time,

Craig

So, here we are at Road Atlanta running through the motions of a race week, yet unsure if we will actually race. Some might get a little frustrated, but I figure that we are really quick and if we race we will be in good shape, if we don't it will be a bummer but we will move on. Business as usual in the racing world.

Over the past week or so since Mid-Ohio I have been running around like crazy getting ready for the end of the year. I will be in Europe twice between now and the end of November, once for some training and then again in Italy for the Ferrari Challenge at the Mugello Circuit.

I'm really excited for the Ferrari Challenge event, because I will be putting in a lot of time on my Xbox using Forza Motorsport to practice the track layout. I will have a lot of updates and pictures from that of course.

At the end of October I will be back from my first trip to Europe and I will start a new detox program that I have heard a lot of good things about. It is a 3 week program from Sara Pettitt that helps the body go through a "Spring Cleaning." I'll keep everyone up to date on my progress with that so you can see if it is a good program for you. You can find out more at Food Is Medicine.us

You will also start noticing some new content on the side bar of the page. These are my partners such as Asea and HJC Motorsports, it is in construction now, but soon there will be a lot of great products and services there.

That's about it for now, I will have some updates throughout the week from Road Atlanta!

Craig

Hi everyone!

The season is winding down and our last Grand-Am race of 2011 is this weekend at Mid-Ohio. We are really excited to have a shot at the championship, (even if it is unlikely) and it really shows how far Magnus Racing has come in the past year. If we keep up these improvements we should run away with it next year!

Our last race was in Baltimore of course, at the new street circuit. Let me tell you, it was incredible! The crowd was amazing and the track was really cool. Technical, fast and dangerous! The football stadium was right next to the track plus it was the biggest group of race fans that hadn't necessarily been to a race before. So it made the atmosphere really cool, all of the fans were really eager to see a race in their backyard and they were so ready to party!

The chicane on the front stretch was funky, and I thought that the asphalt over the train tracks would never cure, but sure enough it did. Also, the organizers were not racing people at all, I dont know if they googled how to build a racetrack or what, but it came out awesome and they did a great job.

The race went well, John did a great job then when I got in the car we had a knock down battle for the last 40 minutes. The track was really bumpy and dangerous, but it was also very technical and fast, man you had to have your wits about you! It was really easy to make a small mistake and end your day, it was really cool. It was actually the most fun I have had in a while.

Of course, a few days later we headed off to Indy to run Sports Cars at the Brickyard. That was something that I never thought I could do and it was actually really mind blowing. I grew up listening to the race on the radio with my dad, just like he did when he was younger so it was really a cool moment to able to drive on that track and know that next year we will be racing on it! It is just something that you never think you will do as a Sports Car driver.

I'll have a more technical breakdown on that next week for those that are interested.

So back to Mid-Ohio, it is a busy weekend for me. Not only am I running for the GT championship, but I will also be teaming up with Ryan Eversley to hopefully help him take his Honda to the ST championship. The 360 guys always do a great job so I know we will have a great shot.

As for the GT championship, I actualy don't know the points off the top of my head. I need to call my mom and figure out the math, haha! But, we are entering like we always do and going for the win. We know it will take a miracle to take top honors in the points, but if we go out and win then we have done everything we can!

Craig

September 3, 2011 (Salt Lake City, Utah) – In the closing stages of the inaugural American Le Mans Series race at the Baltimore Grand Prix, all eyes were on the battle between the no. 23 Porsche of Leh Keen and the charging no. 77 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3 Cup of Craig Stanton.

After starting fifth in the Magnus Racing Porsche, John Potter was brought to a stop in turn one after the green flag flew for the two-hour race around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. An incident involving two GT class cars blocked the track and Potter could do nothing to escape damage to the front and rear of his Porsche, but he was able to continue and within two laps had made a move up to fourth place.

Avoiding further trouble throughout the rest of his stint, Potter continued to post strong times before pitting under a full course yellow and handing the car over to Stanton. A quick stop by the Magnus Racing crew meant Stanton maintained his fourth place and was on the rear bumper of the no. 68 TRG Porsche of Dion Von Moltke. Once he was able to make his way past Von Moltke, Stanton rapidly closed the gap to Keen and over the final thirty minutes, the two waged war for second place in GT-C.

The two Porsches ran nose-to-tail, with Stanton applying pressure (at times physically) to the rear bumper of Keen’s Porsche, but lost his final opportunity to make a pass on the final lap when he was held up by the no. 16 Dyson Racing Lola-Mazda. Stanton ultimately crossed the finish line to take Magnus Racing’s third ALMS podium in 2011. This would be the team’s third podium in only four races.

“That was a great race, without doubt one of the highlights of the year,” said Potter. “This was a very challenging weekend with the delays we had on Friday and the limited track time, but our guys got the car figured out and I had a blast out there. I could have done without the parking lot in the first turn – getting hit from behind and shoved into the car in front didn’t feel good – but other than that it was an outstanding event. I had a great time racing here and an equally great time watching Craig battle with Leh for second place.”

Stanton, who prepared for Saturday’s race by competing in the 5k race held on the circuit on Friday evening, finished the race only three-tenths of a second behind Keen.

“What a great battle – that was some of the most intense racing I’ve done all year,” said Stanton. “Leh was on it, Alex Job Racing always has a great car but our Magnus Racing Porsche was just a little bit better today. I couldn’t make the pass happen but man, I was trying. I really wanted it for the guys since they gave John and I such a great car. And the fans here in Baltimore are incredible, this is going to be a great event going forward and I can’t wait to come back.

The Baltimore Grand Prix will be broadcast Sunday, September 4, at 4:00 PM ET on ABC. Fans of Magnus Racing can follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/magnusracing) and on twitter (@magnusracing).

More information about Magnus Racing can be found at www.magnusracing.com. Any organization interested in learning more about how to be involved with one of the most unique and visible teams in the American Le Mans Series can e-mail info@magnusracing.com. All press inquiries can be directed to press@magnusracing.com.

*Article Courtesy of MagnusRacing.com

Craig and I had a conversation this week, during which we decided that we should fill his friends and fans in how things work on CraigStanton.com and Craig's Facebook page.

To start I'll introduce myself, I'm Patrick Britain. I met Craig a few years ago at Dromo 1 indoor karting in Orange, CA. A few months ago he decided to get some new ideas for his website and eventually I started taking care of this site and partially helping with his Facebook.

Typically, anything you see on his Facebook is either posted directly by Craig, or something he sent me directly for me to post. If it is not something directly from Craig, it will usually go to his fan page that I also run. Everything on Craig's Facebook fan page is posted by me.

The stories on this site are typically from conversations that I have with Craig and compile, in his own words, into articles. The other posts are from Craig's team, Magnus Racing's website.

Craig's Twitter is run by me as well, but is more often than not thoughts from Craig as well. Any tweet you see that is not from Craig will be followed with my initials, PB. This goes for Facebook posts as well, though as I mentioned, it is very rare for me to post anything not from Craig himself.

So, long story short, everything that is posted on Craig's Facebook, Twitter or this website is posted by Craig or directly from Craig, relayed to me. If it isn't, I will let you all know.

Thanks for all of your support,

Patrick