Youngest Driver, Eric Lux, to Race for Team Sahlen in The Grand-Am Cup 200 at Daytona Hours

Eric Lux, 16 years old and youngest race car driver in The Grand-Am Cup 200 at the Daytonna 24 Hours, will be driving a Porsche GT3 Cup car for Team Sahlen and Phoenix Promotions, the 2003 and 2004 Grand-Am Cup Grand Sports Team, Driver and Manufacturer Triple Crown Champions.

Buffalo, NY February 2, 2005 -- Joe Sahlen, owner of Buffalo-based Sahlen Packing Co. and sponsor of Team Sahlen, joins the Nonnamakers and Phoenix Promotions, from Massillon, Ohio. Its an honor to drive with racing champions like the Nonnamakers, and I look forward to driving a car sponsored by fellow Buffalonian, Joe Sahlen. said Lux.

Lux will be co-driving with racing legend and personal mentor, Dave White, of Tampa, Florida, winner of the IMSA GT championship for 1978, former BMW factory driver, winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1976, and co-founder with the late Bob Akin of Akin/White Racing in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk series from 1986-1991.

Im giving this race all Ive got because this will be a memorable race for both of us, said Lux. This will be my first professional race at Daytona, and Mr. White drove at Daytona in the first race ever to be held at the Daytona Intl Speedway in 1959. Ive known Mr. White my entire life and Im so fortunate to have him as my racing mentor, coach and friend.

According to Dave White, This is emotional for me because Ive known Eric since he was born. Ive watched him grow up. Even as a little boy he talked about racing some day. He would hang around the cars and ask questions non-stop. He would help our crew work on the race cars. Ive seen his talent as a driver evolve and Ive had the pleasure of coaching him and co-driving with him.

February 4-6 will be a busy weekend at Daytona for Lux. In addition to racing in The Grand-Am Cup 200, he will also be competing in the 43rd Rolex 24 At Daytona. Lux commented that, The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports car races. 24 hours is a long time to be running a car at top speeds. Im looking forward to the challenge.

Lux is also an accomplished freestyle snowboarder and a competitor in the US Amateur Snowboarding Association (USASA.) He has competed in rail, half-pipe and boarder cross competitions since 1998, and has obtained over 20 top-3 finishes. He is a snowboard instructor at HoliMont, in Ellicottville, NY. Lux is currently sponsored by The Board Room, in Ellicottville, NY and by Salomon Sports/USA.

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