A record number of entries highlights the first race of the 2006 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin, one of the fastest growing race series in North America. No less than 44 Porsche Cup cars are entered for the season-opening race at Sebring International Raceway on March 17, including a large number of the new 2006 Porsche 911 GT3 Type 997 cars.

�In the first year of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin, we had a tremendous amount of interest and competition throughout all five rounds,� said Tim Mayer, IMSA Chief Operating Officer. �With an expanded schedule that features seven rounds, plus the introduction of the new Porsche GT3 Type 997, the series is poised for another terrific year.�

The first 45-minute race of 2006 is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. on Friday, March 17 as part of the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin also will visit such prestigious tracks like Mid-Ohio, Miller Motorsports Park, Road America, Mosport International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

�It�s a great schedule. More track time never hurts,� said defending series champion Jay Policastro, who will drive the No. 44 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche 997. �Being included at Sebring, Salt Lake City and Petit Le Mans in 2006 should make it a great season. The seven races we have are all quality races, so it should be fantastic.

�We saw a lot of guys who ran well last year and have gained some new guys with great experience,� Policastro added. �The racing should be as close as ever, but with more cars. From a fan�s perspective, it�ll be spectacular. From our standpoint, the competition is going to be as tough as ever.�

To add to the thrill of this year�s IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin, there will be two classes of competition: one for drivers with Porsche Type 997s and another for drivers with Porsche Type 996s. The series will award separate points and podium positions at each event in 2006. That will only increase the excitement of each series race, especially with a field as large and competitive as Sebring.

�It�s impressive, to be sure,� said Warren Chang, who will pilot the No. 34 AASCO Motorsports Porsche Type 997. �I�m not surprised by the popularity of the series. I got my first Cup car from the factory in 2002. As soon as I got it, I told my friends that this was the way to go and would like to see a Cup series in the U.S. As soon as my friends drove my car and got their own, they agreed. We�re so happy to see it finally here.�

The first round of the 2006 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. EST March 17 at Sebring International Raceway. Qualifying will be held at 1:50 p.m. EST March 16. Live Timing & Scoring will be available at www.imsaracing.net.