Lotus Cars USA Sponsors Lotus Challenge

The Lotus Challenge series was launched in 2008 by enthusiasts Jim Navarro, Jack Fried and Robb Bonanno, with eight track events in California and Nevada.

This year, the series is expanding to 10 events in the West and four in Texas, including such venues as Laguna Seca Raceway and Willow Springs Raceway. The group plans to expand in the South and East in 2010.

Participants compete in the Lotus Elise, Exige, Exige Cup Car 255 and 2-Eleven.

In announcing the company's title sponsorship of the series, Arnie Johnson, Lotus Cars USA director of operations, said, "The Lotus Challenge Series [provides] Lotus owners a fun, safe and positive environment in which to enjoy their Lotus vehicles and improve their driving skills."

Inside Line says: A heaven-made match for cars that were born and bred for the track. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent