Sierra Sierra signs American Jonathan Bomarito

Jonathan Bomarito

In conjunction with this evening’s Mazda North America Operations holiday party and 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Rotary engine, Sierra Sierra Enterprises announced that it has signed Jonathan Bomarito to contest the 2008 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. Bomarito and team owners Dennis and Diane Kottke were present at the Mazda celebration.

Bomarito brings a strong record of success to Sierra Sierra Enterprises with 31 career Atlantic starts, two victories, one pole position and a total of eight podium finishes. In 2007, Bomarito finished fifth in the championship with a victory after starting from the pole position in San Jose, and he is looking to be a front runner in the championship sprint for 2008 first place title.

Jonathan Bomarito

“When I received the call from Richard [Raeder, Sierra Sierra Team Manager] I was thrilled," Bomarito said. “I’m so excited to start working with the team and to test in the spring. This was the best news I could have hoped for."

Bomarito joins American rookie Dane Cameron, the 2007 Star Mazda Champion, on the two-car Sierra Sierra Enterprises team, which claimed its first Atlantic championship in 2007 with driver Raphael Matos. Both Bomarito and Cameron hail from California.

“We are really looking forward to hearing the National Anthem playing from the podium – hopefully after every race," said Diane Kottke. “We are very proud to be in a position to work with talented drives like Jonathan and Dane. We are very excited to get this season started!"

“With a championship title to defend there is definitely more pressure to perform," added Raeder. “Having a team with both an experienced driver and a rookie is a great way to develop talent and build on our success. We are really excited to have a driver of Jonathan’s ability on our team, and 2008 is shaping up to be a great season."

With both drivers hailing from the Golden State, the season opener in Long Beach is certain to bring the local crowd of supporters out in force. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place on the weekend of April 18 – 20.