Stats:

» 2001 California State Champion
» 4x IKF "Screaming Eagle" Winner
» 2005 IKF Grand National Champion
» 2005 STARS of Karting West Coast Champion
» 5x IKF Region 7 Class Champion
» 2x Stars of Karting Class Champion
» 2x SKUSA SuperNationals Champion
» 2007 Florida Winter Tour Champion
» Official TonyKart Factory Driver
» Competed full-time in Europe for 4 years
» Several Top-10 Finishes in European WSK Euro Series
» 2009 - Top-10 Finish - European Championship
» 2009 - Top-10 Finish - World Championship
» Jim Russel Future Driver Scholarship Award Winner

Meet Gustavo Menezes:

Gustavo Menezes has been racing for nearly a decade and it's safe to say that he represents the future of American talent in open wheel racing. Before most kids his age received their driver's license, Gustavo raced at the world's highest level in the ultra competitive sport of go-kart racing.

Gustavo is a factory driver for the famous Italian based Tony Kart, which has seen the likes of talented drivers such as Formula 1 veteran Jarno Trulli, current Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, and 7x world champion, Michael Schumacher. Gustavo is just one of a handful of American born drivers to have ever been accepted into the prestigious outfit.

At the young age of 16, Gustavo is an accomplished racing pilot with a resume that reads of a driver twice his age. He is fluent in several languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English and is a consummate professional.

Gustavo is any sponsor's ideal spokesperson and already has a proven track record with recognized corporate entities, like Red Bull and Oakley. Menezes' conduct and demeanor on and off the track ensure any partnerships are worthwhile and of tremendous value.

Fast Facts:

Date of Birth: September 19, 1994

Hometown: Marina Del Rey, CA

Height/Weight: 5'8"

Job: Racecar Driver

Years Karting: 11

How did you get started in racing? I've always loved racing. When I was six years old I saw a kart track and yelled stop the car to my parents and pointed at the kart track we had just passed. We went by to see what it was and I've been driving ever since.

What has been the high point in your racing career? It's been getting better and better. I would say it would be between standing on the podium in Iowa, and wining in Europe.

What are your goals in racing? To be become a professional open-wheel motorsports driver.

In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Calm but aggressive

Favorite Track: Spa Francorchamps, Belgium

Favorite form of professional motorsports: IndyCar and Formula One Racing

Favorite professional driver: Dan Wheldon

Favorite vacation/activity spot: The Caribbean, Trois-Rivieres, or Mammoth Mountain

Favorite food: Brazilian food

 

Latest News:

MENEZES JOINS TEAM PELFREY'S CHAMPIONSHIP EFFORT IN 2012

November 30, 2011

Team Pelfrey has added another piece in its pursuit of top honors in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, signing returning series standout Gustavo Menezes for the upcoming 2012 season. The Californian, who will be part of a talented multi-car effort by the Florida-based squad, joins the reigning Team Champion following a superb rookie season of car competition.

As Team Pelfrey showed in 2011 - scoring four wins and capturing 13 podium finishes en route to the team title in its first season of Star Mazda Championship action - pairing talented rookies with skilled series veterans is a winning combination. With Menezes signing with the highly-rated outfit, that trend is poised to continue this coming season. The 17 year-old joins Team Pelfrey having stood on the podium once, finished in the top-five twice, and earned nine top-10 finishes en route to eighth in the Star Mazda Championship title fight as a 16 year-old in his inaugural season of car competition. The young up-and-comer will be part of a multi-car effort by Team Pelfrey, joining British rookie Jack Hawksworth.

"We are thrilled to welcome such a talented young driver to our team," commented Team Pelfrey Team Manager Geoff Fickling. "Gustavo is a great kid with a ton of talent, and we're very excited to begin working with him. I couldn't be happier with how our team is shaping up heading into the new year."

"I am very happy to say that next year I will be a part of Team Pelfrey," added Menezes. "They are a great team to be a part of and are awesome to work with. This past season they did a great job, especially for a rookie team, winning the team championship and more. I think I will learn a lot with such an experienced crew and with my new great teammates. I am so stoked to work with one of the most familiar faces in my racing career, Rocky Moran. Geoff has got a solid team for next year, and I cannot wait for the first race of the season next year to see what happens.

"I had a great time with Juncos this past season and learned so much. I wish them the best of luck next year as our competitors, and I think we will have some good racing."

Menezes, despite his young age, enters his second full season of Star Mazda competition with good deal of motorsports success on his resume. The Santa Monica, Calif., resident began racing karts at the age of six, winning at both the regional and national level. Prior to making the transition to junior formula car action, Menezes contested an international karting schedule in 2009 and 2010, racing in the WSK International Series and contesting various major events in Europe and the U.S.A. In addition to running the entire 11-race Star Mazda Championship last season, Menezes competed in Europe in his first season of car competition, running selected events in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps Championship.

Menezes recently commenced his new partnership with Team Pelfrey via private testing, and will continue preparations for the upcoming season over the coming weeks with more off-season testing. The 2012 Star Mazda Championship gets underway in the spring at a yet to be confirmed event in Florida. Further announcements regarding Team Pelfrey's multi-car line-up are expected in the coming weeks.

MENEZES CONCLUDES HIS MAIDEN CAR RACING SEASON IN BARCELONA

October 10, 2011

BARCELONA, SPAIN (October 10, 2011) - The Circuit de Catalunya in northeastern Spain is renowned as one of the most challenging tracks in Europe - for drivers and race engineers alike. It certainly lived up to its billing this weekend for rookie racer Gustavo Menezes. The 17-year-old Californian struggled with the mechanical setup of his TrueCar/Interwetten.com Junior Team car during the final two races of the intensely competitive Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 season but once again displayed promising pace to finish among the top half of the huge field.

Whereas all of his rivals have been contesting the full series and have been testing regularly during the season, Menezes has been attempting to broaden his learning curve by splitting his time between Eurocup Formula Renault and the Star Mazda Championship in North America.

"It's been tough because I don't know any of the tracks and all the other guys have been racing on them before and testing," said Menezes. "It was even more difficult this weekend because this was a tough track and we didn't have very much track time. We struggled to get the right setup on the car, and then qualifying was interrupted by some red flags, so we didn't get into a good rhythm."

The team elected to start the Saturday qualifying period with enough fuel for five flying laps, but after the interruptions and restarts, that proved not to be enough. When the car ground to a halt, out of fuel, Menezes was stranded in 27th place on the grid among the 39-car field.

Undeterred, he made what he described as a "fantastic start" which vaulted him past six cars before the first corner. Menezes continued to work his way forward before taking the checkered flag in 18th, just one position behind his much more experienced Danish teammate Timmy Hansen, who was placed fifth in the drivers' points ranking prior to the weekend.

Some changes to the car's setup for Sunday qualifying unfortunately did not have the desired effect, resulting in excessive understeer and 30th position on the starting grid.

In front of a huge raceday crowd, Menezes made an ever better start than the day before.

"I was on it," he declared. "I passed about 10 cars before the first corner, but unfortunately someone clipped me - I didn't see who it was - which sent me off the road and I lost all the places I had gained. It was really disappointing."

His car was undamaged - and handling far more to his liking than in qualifying - so Menezes fought back once again, turning some laps almost on a par with the leaders in the closing laps before finishing 22nd.

"The results might not show it but this was the best I have done in the Eurocup," he concluded. "Qualifying is everything at this track, and unfortunately we didn't qualify well. But I'm still learning a lot and I was quite happy with the way the weekend ended.

"It's been an amazing year. I have learned so much. I can't thank everyone at TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts and CXC Simulations enough for all they have done for me this year. I am staying on in Barcelona for another day of testing with the team today and I hope to be able to make a decision about where I will be racing next season within a couple of weeks."

Gustavo Menezes
At just 17 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in then KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and is campaigning his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager is also running a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data.

TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES CLAIMS TWO TOP-SIX FINISHES ON HIS RETURN TO FORMULA RENAULT

October 3, 2011

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, BELGIUM (October 3, 2011) - Rising American star Gustavo Menezes returned to action in Europe this weekend at the famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium as he continued to develop his talents during a transition year from karting to car racing. In his first events as a 17-year-old and having concluded his Star Mazda Championship campaign in North America two weeks earlier, Menezes once again showed the fruits of his efforts by claiming a pair of top-six finishes in the latest rounds of the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS series.

The weekend began with three practice sessions on Friday. Menezes quickly acclimated himself to the slightly different driving style that was required of his Interwetten.com Junior Team Formula Renault car compared to the TrueCar Star Mazda he had been campaigning in recent weeks. By the end of the day he had posted the third fastest time around the classic 4.3-mile road circuit that sweeps uphill and down through the Ardennes countryside.

"This weekend was definitely a huge step forward from the last ones here in Europe," he said. "We were able to see the progress right away as I led part of the session and ended up in third, only 0.088 second off the fastest time. I felt really comfortable in the car."

Qualifying on Saturday morning didn't go quite so well, but ninth on the grid still represented a good step forward and Menezes remained with the lead group once the 12-lap race got underway. He made up one position on the opening lap, and on Lap 7 found a way past championship-leading Spaniard Javier Tarancon, whose title ambitions therefore remained unfulfilled.

Menezes eventually finished a strong fifth. Furthermore, his fastest lap was within 0.4 second of the pace-setter, Even more impressively, he was quickest of all through the first sector, which included the daunting flat-out-in-top-gear Eau Rouge corner.

"The setup was a little off for qualifying," related Menezes, "but the crew was able to get everything right for Race 1 and I managed to drive up to P5 and fought to make it onto the podium. Unfortunately, there was a bit of contact toward the end so I stayed in fifth, but it was good to be able to challenge some of the top guys who also race in the Formula Renault Eurocup."

Menezes started sixth for Sunday's Race 2 with high expectations, only to be shuffled back to ninth place on the opening lap. Worse, the track conditions had changed dramatically overnight, so even though he quickly clawed his way back to sixth, he was unable to stay with the leading group.

"We fought with the car throughout Race 2," he said. "I lost some places on the first lap but I managed to drive my way back to sixth and held the position for the rest of the race. I think I have definitely progressed a lot over here on the other side of the pond and the results show that. I am very happy with the team's performance this weekend and now we have to take on a whole new challenge this coming weekend in Barcelona!"

Menezes would like to thank TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts and CXC Simulations for the support that has enabled him to make the step up from karts into car racing this season. He will remain in Europe this week for the final rounds of the Formula Renault Eurocup at the Circuit de Catalunya, home of the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix.

MENEZES DISPLAYS EXCELLENT PACE BUT IS UNABLE TO CAPITALIZE ON RACEDAY

September 18, 2011

BALTIMORE, MD. (September 18, 2011) - Gustavo Menezes once again showed he is capable of running at the front when the Star Mazda Championship headed to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in his home state of California this weekend. The teenager topped the times for much of the two practice sessions on Thursday and Friday in his #28 TrueCar machine and went into the weekend confident of being able to challenge for top honors on the day before his 17th birthday.

Unfortunately, a mechanical issue hindered his progress in qualifying and restricted him to a disappointing 10th position on the starting grid. Undeterred, Menezes made a fine start, vaulting to sixth on the opening lap, only to struggle as the balance of his car deteriorated. He eventually lost control and crashed with just eight laps remaining.

"Unfortunately it was a crash but it's the first and only one of the season, so I think we shouldn't be too disappointed," he said. "This weekend started out very, very good. We were fast; we've definitely got the speed so there are a lot of positives to take away from the weekend."

Menezes set the pace through most of the first practice session on Thursday before ending up with the second quickest time, just 0.189 second behind his more experienced Juncos Racing teammate JV Horto. He was fast again on Friday -- third behind only Horto and champion-elect, Frenchman Tristan Vautier.

The Star Mazda teams had a day off on Saturday, when the action was centered on a six-hour American Le Mans Series race, but were back out onto the track bright and early on Sunday for qualifying. Strangely, Menezes' TrueCar racecar suffered a faulty coil which left him significantly down on straight line speed and restricted him to a starting position on Row Five.

With the engine restored to full health, Menezes made his best start of the year, launching past three cars before the first corner and then overtaking another rival into Turn Five on the opening lap. "I finally figured out how to get the starts down. That's my secret now!" he quipped.

He continued to move forward, passing Horto for fifth on Lap 11, but then his car lost its balance - in significantly hotter weather conditions than had prevailed throughout the practice days. After losing one position, Menezes eventually lost control as he attempted to hold onto his hard-earned sixth place.

"I just pushed a little too hard and put my right-front wheel a couple of inches off the track, and from there it was a ride," he said. "It's wasn't too fun but I guess that's part of racing. We really pushed the car to its limits this weekend and that's important because I've never been so close to the front and we were really on it. Unfortunately, it bit me in the butt but at least I know we can do it.

"The crash took me out of the race today but again I'm happy; I learned so much and things happen. Tomorrow, I'll be on my way to Europe to finish off the Formula Renault season - firstly in Spa, Belgium, which is the most amazing track. I know going around Eau Rouge the first time will definitely cheer me up from this race, and then we get to head over to Barcelona, Spain, for the last race in the Eurocup. I'd like to thank TrueCar, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts CXC Simulations, my parents and everyone who has been helping me this season happen. I feel good about being to finish off the season with some strong results."

Gustavo Menezes
At just 16 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in then KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and is campaigning his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager is also running a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data.

TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES CAPS ANOTHER STRONG WEEKEND WITH FOURTH PLACE IN BALTIMORE

September 4, 2011

BALTIMORE, MD. (September 4, 2011) - Rising young American racer Gustavo Menezes finished a strong fourth today in his #28 TrueCar Star Mazda following a bruising race on the downtown streets of Baltimore. The result served to prove that the 16-year-old's front row qualifying effort at Infineon Raceway in California just one week earlier had been no fluke.

The inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix drew massive crowds over the weekend, and the atmosphere surrounding the track that was centered on the Inner Harbor area of the city drew rave reviews from spectators and drivers alike.

"I really loved it," said Menezes, from Marina Del Ray, Calif. "It surprised me. The organizers did a great job. Unfortunately we had some track time taken away on the first day because of some delays getting the track finished, so it was a bit difficult right away. We didn't get a lot of track time and I was still figuring out the track in the race! But it's a phenomenal track and the crowd is amazing; the people are awesome here. It's very exciting, very motivating."

The late start on Friday led to the complete cancellation of one session for the Star Mazda contenders, followed by a decision to switch what was scheduled to be qualifying on Saturday into an additional practice session. The final grid for the race was set according to championship positions, which meant Menezes would line up sixth for Sunday's 40-minute race.

He moved his TrueCar Mazda up a place early before engaging in a spirited duel with Brazilian racer Joao Jardim. After trading places a couple of times, their battle became more heated following a full-course caution during which Menezes' car received a solid bump from behind, breaking its diffuser and bending some rear suspension components. Despite that, the car was still handling well.

Soon after the restart, Menezes once again was assaulted from behind, this time at the exit of the Turn Three hairpin. Jardim continued to use his strong-arm tactics, moving briefly into fourth before being out-fumbled on the exit of the corner. Menezes then appeared to have the optimal line as they raced toward Turn Five, only for more contact to be made.

His car knocked sideways in the braking area, Menezes had no alternative but to head into the escape road. At that point he assumed his hopes of a top finish had been dashed, but when he emerged from the "cut-off" he realized a multi-car crash had transpired and the track was blocked.

"It was, like, hallelujah, we got a second chance," he exclaimed after emerging still in fourth place, which is where he remained when the race finished under the caution flags two laps later.

"It was a good result," he declared. "I definitely had the speed this weekend and I'm pretty happy. The Juncos/TrueCar guys gave me a great car. We were really catching the leaders and P4 is never a bad result at the end of the day. Plus, of course, we are really learning a lot. That's the most important thing right now because the goal is to win this thing next year, hopefully. We’re really finishing the season strong and I'm really happy to be going to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca like this for the final round of the championship in two weeks' time."

Menezes is extremely grateful for the support from TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts and CXC Simulations. His intensive first season of car racing will see the former karting star back in action next in his home state – at the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.

Gustavo Menezes
At just 16 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in then KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and is campaigning his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager is also running a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data.

TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES QUALIFIES A CAREER-HIGH SECOND ON HIS RETURN TO STAR MAZDA

August 27, 2011

SONOMA, CALIF. (August 27, 2011) - After what he considered a breakthrough Formula Renault 2.0 race last weekend at Silverstone in England, Gustavo Menezes flew back to his home state of California confident of a strong result for Juncos Racing's #28 TrueCar entry on his return to the Star Mazda Championship at Infineon Raceway.

He did not disappoint. The 16-year-old rookie was among the pacesetters from the moment official practice began on Friday afternoon. Menezes was fastest of all for much of the second session and led the way also during the 45-minute qualifying session on Saturday morning before finally earning his first-ever front row starting position – a mere 0.064 second away from pole-sitter and championship leader Tristan Vautier.

"I learned some different driving styles in Europe that really helped me," related Menezes. "It worked for me at Silverstone and as soon as I got here on track [at Infineon Raceway] I was way up front. It was cool to hear my team on the radio saying, 'Gustavo, you're P1 by six-tenths!' I was running in P1 most of practice and we were P1 most of qualifying so we definitely showed that we could be fast.

"It was a little frustrating to lead up until almost the last lap and then lose out by such a small margin but I was still happy to be starting on the front row of the grid."

After relinquishing one position at the standing start, Menezes immediately settled into third place in his TrueCar Star Mazda, sandwiched by the two Team Pelfrey cars of second-year Star Mazda contenders Connor De Phillippi and Nick Andries. A few changes made to the car between qualifying and the race didn't quite have the desired effect, so Menezes began to fall away from the pace set by Vautier and De Phillippi, but he fought off the intense pressure from Andries until some in turn 9 which is a very tight chicane on Lap 22 caused Menezes to lose control.

A problem refiring the stalled engine dropped him all the way to 11th place, whereupon Menezes once again put his head down. He recovered to ninth by the checkered flag.

"Unfortunately, the start wasn't perfect but it wasn't bad at all; I fell to third and stayed there until the 22nd lap. I saw that we weren't fast enough to keep up with the leaders and I thought, you know, there's no reason to waste my tires trying to catch up because there was still 25 minutes to go, so I was driving my race and Andries was there the whole time. It wasn't easy; I was working my butt off. There were points we were side by side for three or four turns in a row! We threw each other to our limits and I think it was really good racing up until, unfortunately, we had some contact. It's a shame but things happen, you know?

"I'm still happy with Juncos Racing and my TrueCar machine. We really stepped it up this weekend and showed people that we can run strong, and I'm learning so much. This learning curve has been very steep and I'm very happy with the way it's going. I'm glad we're going to Europe and doing the Star Mazda Championship, because the seat time is really paying off. We've got two races left here [in Star Mazda] and two more in Europe to go, so I still have some time to show what I've got."

Menezes is extremely grateful for the support from TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, and CXC Simulations that has enabled him to make the step up from karts into car racing this season. He will be racing again next weekend in Round 9 of the Star Mazda Championship on the streets of Baltimore, Md. The event once again will be held in support of the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Gustavo Menezes
At just 16 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in then KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and is campaigning his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager is also running a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data.

TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
Juncos Racing, www.juncosracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES CONTINUES TO MAKE SOLID PROGRESS AT SILVERSTONE

August 21, 2011

SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND (August 21, 2011) - The official race results might not show it, but 16-year-old former Karting phenom Gustavo Menezes continued to make gains on his steep learning curve this weekend when he contested a pair of immensely competitive Renault Eurocup 2.0 races at the famed Silverstone Circuit in England. The wealth of experience he accumulated at the home of the Formula One British Grand Prix left Menezes eagerly awaiting his next outing in the Interwetten.com Junior Team's Formula Renault car at Spa, Belgium October 1-2 weekend.

After testing his TrueCar Star Mazda last Tuesday at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. Calif., in preparation for another race next weekend, Menezes drove to San Francisco where he boarded a plane bound for London, England, and then switched gears mentally to adapt himself back to the Renault Eurocup car.

A mechanical issue on the first lap of Saturday's race caused him to drop to the back of the huge 38-car field, whereupon Menezes' predicament was further complicated by a short but sharp shower of rain. Despite remaining on slick, dry-weather tires, he managed to make up several positions to secure an impressive 22nd position by the time the checkered flag fell.

"It was a difficult race," said Menezes, who had qualified 11th in his group and 21st overall. "I made a good start and passed two cars off the line, but then we had a gearbox problem so I fell all the way to the back of the field. It began to rain at half-distance and the car was really difficult to drive on dry tires, but the track soon dried off again and it was good to be able to pass several cars."

Working for the first time with a different race engineer, Martin Young - albeit someone with whom he had a prior relationship in Karting - Menezes made some changes to the car for Sunday's qualifying session. The new setup didn't quite have the desired effect, as he qualified 30th, but some more tweaks ensured that Menezes was far happier following his second race of the weekend. Martin is a specialist in analyzing data and delivering the information to Gustavo to absorb, understand and apply.

"I had a phenomenal race personally," he said. "It was very good to work with someone like Martin, and he really got the car dialed for today's race. I think I learned more in those 12 laps than I had in the entire season so far. The TrueCar Renault Eurocup car is completely different to the TrueCar Star Mazda I drive at home in the U.S., and I finally found myself feeling entirely comfortable. For the last five laps of the race I was among the top-five fastest cars on the track and I had some really good sector times, so I was able to navigate my way through the field. I think I passed about 10 cars in the closing stages, and I finished in 20th.

"I am really excited about how this weekend went and I can hardly wait to get back in the Renault car again to show how much I have learned."

Menezes would like to thank TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts and CXC Simulations for making it possible for him to make the step up from Karts into car racing this season. He will now return to the United States for Round 8 of the Star Mazda Championship at Infineon Raceway next weekend. The event will be held in support of the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Gustavo Menezes
At just 16 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in then KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and is campaigning his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager is also running a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data.

TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES CLAIMS A PAIR OF SIXTH-PLACE FINISHES AT HISTORIC TROIS-RIVIERES

August 7, 2011

TROIS-RIVIERES, QUE., CANADA (August 7, 2011) - Gustavo Menezes emerged with a pair of sixth-place finishes in his #28 TrueCar Star Mazda when the Star Mazda Championship held a pair of 45-minute races this weekend as part of the famed Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.

Circuit Trois-Rivieres is one of the most storied venues on the North American racing schedule. The tight and unforgiving street circuit in the picturesque Quebecois town on the banks of the St. Lawrence River has hosted racing since 1967. It is also renowned as one of the most challenging tracks in the world.

Menezes, 16, from Marina Del Ray, Calif., performed admirably on his first-ever visit to the circuit and was able to move up to sixth place in the overall championship standings, just 22 points behind Sage Karam, his main rival for Rookie of the Year honors.

Saturday's race was relatively uneventful, with Menezes starting and finishing in sixth place in his TrueCar Star Mazda car, albeit less than three tenths of a second behind overall title contender Connor De Phillippi as the top six positions remained unchanged throughout the 39-lap race.

"Today was a strong but difficult day," said Menezes. "The track is amazing and fun, but it is by far the hardest track of the series to pass on. Everyone struggled with the same issues. I was able to put down some good laps, and at the end I was one of the quickest so I felt good. We have some tweaks we will try in the morning warm-up so we can have an even stronger car tomorrow."

Sunday's race was rather more exciting, with several changes among the leading positions. Menezes again started sixth, which he maintained at the start, but was embroiled in an exciting battle for much of the way.

After some shuffling of the order in the early stages, Menezes closed down a deficit to Brazilian Joao Jardim while at the same time having to fend off a challenge from Karam, who won last year's USF2000 National Championship. Menezes had to cede his place to Karam on Lap 19, but regained sixth position just seven laps later when both young Americans found a way past Jardim.

Menezes remained in sixth to the finish, despite some mechanical issues.

"It was a great race, one of the longest of my life," he recounted. "My clutch started slipping on the warm-up lap. Initially I was in the top five in my TrueCar Star Mazda race car, but as the race went on it got more difficult. I lost no-lift shift and couldn't go full-speed and yet still managed to be the fastest car on track at some points, but I couldn't push too hard because I wanted to make sure I finished. At the end I put down some quite fast laps, especially considering our problems. The car's handling was perfect all race long and I think we had a good chance of being on the podium this weekend. But I am very happy and very thankful to have the Juncos Racing Team guys at my back. Without them I wouldn't have finished today. I think I made the best of it this weekend."

Menezes is extremely grateful to TrueCar.com, Kolae, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts and CXC Simulations for making it possible for him to make the step up from karts into car racing this season. His intensive season will continue at Silverstone, England, on the weekend of August 19/20/21 when he will compete in the next two rounds of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup. Gustavo tests at Infineon on August 17.

Gustavo Menezes
At just 16 years of age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in the KF3 and KF2 categories.

For 2011, Menezes moves up the motorsports ladder and will campaign his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager will also run a limited six-race campaign in Formula Renault 2.0 with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team.

Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day drive in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.
Website: www.gustavomenezes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar, Inc.
TrueCar, Inc. is an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience while helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs.

TrueCar.com is a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data. TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers to agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.

TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 5,000 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations. These partnerships include American Express, AAA, USAA, and more than 60 others. Collectively, these audiences represent over one million in-market customers each month.

TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2005, and has been profitable since 2009. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth TrueCar has driven over 250,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information.
TrueCar on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/TrueCar
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TrueCar
More information: www.TrueCar.com, or contact Chintan Talati, (210) 884-3675 or chintan@truecar.com

Kolae
Launched in Fall 2010, Kolae (pronounced ko-lay) is an edgy, chic, and glamorous lifestyle brand formed by partners, Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Focusing on high quality and supremely versatile pieces, Kolae's separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.
Website: www.kolae.com

More information on:
Interwetten Racing, www.interwettenracing.com
K1 Race Gear, www.k1racegear.com
Oakley, www.oakley.com
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20
Safety Park, www.safetyparkvalet.com
Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, www.starmazda.com

MENEZES SHOWCASES RACECRAFT SKILLS IN FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 ALPS AT IMOLA

May 9, 2011

American teenager passed seven cars in race two of Italian doubleheader to earn eighth place finish

IMOLA, ITALY (May 9, 2011) - Rising junior formula car talent Gustavo Menezes continued the European portion of his busy 2011 race schedule this past weekend (May 7-8), racing in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS championship at the famed Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. In what was an up-and-down educational affair, the talented American teenager ultimately showed both pace and racecraft behind the wheel of his Interwetten.com Junior Team entry, earning 13th and eighth place race results.

One week after making his Formula Renault 2.0 debut at the historic Circuit Spa-Francorchamps in the highly-competitive Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series, Menezes was back behind the wheel at another famed European road course, taking part in Rounds Three and Four of the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS series in Imola, Italy. The Californian, as part of an intensive race curriculum that also includes a full Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear campaign in North America, spent the three Friday (May 6) test sessions and two Saturday (May 7) practice runs on the 4.909-km track not only getting acclimated to the fast undulating configuration, but also working with the Interwetten.com Junior Team crew to fine tune his racing steed. Menezes in the end impressed many by placing eighth on the timecharts in the lead up to qualifying.

With Menezes continually gaining experience and confidence behind the wheel, the stage was set for a strong outing in the lone qualifying run on Saturday (May 7) afternoon. Things however did not go according to plan. A sudden unexplained drop in straight-line speed and erratic handling in tight corners left the 16 year-old American and his crew stunned and frustrated. Unable to match the pace seen in testing and practice, the No. 16 TrueCar/K1 Racing/camas10/Oakley/SafetyPark/Interwetten.com Junior Team entry was ultimately classified 13th.

After a long night of data evaluation and subsequent changes to the car, with team principal Michael Schneider leading the charge, Menezes returned to the driver's seat confident he could work his way forward in the races. The highly-rated American, after an entertaining, albeit uneventful affair in race one, promptly made his mark in race two. Menezes, showcasing ever-improved skills behind the wheel, passed seven racers in the 16-lap affair, earning a well-deserved eighth place result when the checkered flag waved for Round Four of the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS series in Italy.

"I was able to pass other drivers much better today after the changes," stated Menezes. "My car just got better and better. I was also getting more comfortable, and was able to push the car and be more aggressive. You are pushed to the limit here, so it will help when I get back to the Mazda series. I can't wait to race at home again."

Menezes next resumes his pursuit of top honors in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear series on May 28th, making his oval racing debut at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana. Prior to race three on the 11-race calendar, the Juncos Racing rookie will take part in official series testing at the historic Milwaukee Mile oval on May 21st.

Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website - www.gustavomenezes.com - or by following him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28 For direct contact, please contact Rod Campbell at rod@canam44.com

###

About Gustavo Menezes:
At just 16 years-of-age, Santa Monica, California's Gustavo Menezes is considered one of the most promising young race drivers in America. Menezes began racing in karts at the age of six, earning multiple championships, both at the regional and national level. In 2009 and 2010, Menezes contested an international schedule that included the WSK International Series and various major events in Europe and the United States, running for Italian karting manufacturer Tony Kart in the KF3 and KF2 categories. For 2011, Menezes will move up the motorsports ladder and campaign his rookie season in the Star Mazda Championship with defending series champion Juncos Racing. The talented teenager will additional run a limited Formula Renault 2.0 campaign with the championship-winning Interwetten.com Junior Team. Menezes' ultimate goal is to one day become a driver in the IndyCar Series and win the Indianapolis 500.

For more information on the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series: http://renaultsport.com/en/racing/fr_20/
For more information on Interwetten Racing: www.interwettenracing.com
For more information on TrueCar: www.truecar.com
For more information on K1 Race Gear: http://www.k1racegear.com/
For more information on Oakley: www.oakley.com
For more information on SafetyPark: http://www.safetyparkvalet.com/

MENEZES READY FOR FORMULA RENAULT DEBUT IN SPA

April 29, 2011

16-year old to make European formula car debut at the famous Belgium circuit

Sixteen-year-old American driver Gustavo Menezes, from Santa Monica, California, will debut in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup series this weekend at the famed Spa-Franchorchamps Belgium race circuit.

Menezes will drive six European race events in the 2011 season with the Interwetten Race team, which is based in Vienna, Austri - three in the Eurocup series and three in the ALPS Cup series. The Interwetten Racing team is a top-rated team in both series and finished second in the Eurocup championship in 2010. During last week's Interwetten race test with its other three drivers, Menezes was the fastest.

"It's going to be fun to race against friends I've already competed against during my European karting career, but now in Formula Renault’s very competitive Eurocup and ALPS Cup racing series," Menezes said. "Racing with such an established team as Interwetten at legendary circuits Spa, Silverstone, Red Bull Ring in Austria, Hungaroring and Imola this season will give me valuable experience to develop my racing skills, which is the goal. I am committed in racing Star Mazda's 2011 season and this additional seat-time should be a big asset. I hope it makes me more competitive."

Menezes' valued Star Mazda corporate partners, TrueCar, K1 Racing, camas10, Oakley and SafetyPark represent his supporters on his Interwetten Eurocup series car. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website - www.gustavomenezes.com - or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

MENEZES RECORDS SECOND STRAIGHT STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP TOP TEN FINISH

April 14, 2011

16-year old continues to impress in first two open wheel starts of 2011 season

Gustavo Menezes recorded his second straight top-ten finish Sunday, April 10 at the second round of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear at the Barber Motorsports Park outside Birmingham, Alabama. In only his second start in an open wheel car, Menezes piloted the TrueCar Star Mazda to a seventh place finish in the 33-lap contest.

The event began Thursday, April 7 with two practice sessions prior to the qualifying round. Menezes, having never visited the challenging 2.3-mile road course, spent the first two sessions getting comfortable in the TrueCar Star Mazda and learning his marks around the circuit. Recording the most laps of the first run, Menezes recorded the eighth quickest lap (1:22.161). After an hour break, Menezes was back behind the wheel for another 17 laps of practice, improving his quick lap (1:22.068) and keeping a consistent pace.

"Practice went really well for me in the TrueCar Star Mazda," commented Menezes. "Since I was unable to participate in the pre-season test, we were behind everyone in regards to knowing the track. We put in a lot of laps and I grew familiar with the course very quickly."

Following practice, Menezes suited up for the qualifying session. With the high temperatures around the Birmingham area, the track changed drastically and affected the handling of the car. While Menezes was a bit off from his practice, he still managed to post the 10th fastest lap in the session. The series was absent from any on-track sessions for Friday and Saturday, allowing Menezes and his Juncos Racing team to study the data and develop the optimal setup for Sunday afternoon's race.

Following the morning warm-up Sunday, Menezes pulled the TrueCar Mazda into the 10th grid position to begin the 33-lap contest. Making only his second standing start in an open wheel car, Gustavo pulled off another successful holeshot and in battle for position right away. At the checkered flag, Menezes would cross the line seventh, recording a fast lap just eight-tenths off the leaders best time, further showing the progress Gustavo had made in just two races.

"The TrueCar Star Mazda was great in the morning session and early on in the race," continued Menezes. "Once the fuel load was lighter and the tires had gone away, I had to adapt my driving style to continue the same pace. I managed to stay consistent and learned a lot during the race. The weekend was a big step in my development and seventh is a great result for only my second event. The next challenge to tackle will be making the transition to an oval track, another first for my career."

Next on the docket for Menezes and the TrueCar Star Mazda will be the first of three ovals on the series schedule. Round three will take place at the Lucas Oil Raceway, as part of the 66th annual Night Before the 500 in Indianapolis over the Memorial Day weekend. Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including TrueCar.com, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts, and CXC Simulations. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

MENEZES READIES FOR SECOND STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES START

April 7, 2011

California driver looking to build on top-10 finish heading to Alabama event this weekend

Gustavo Menezes and TrueCar.com made their 2011 debut in the Star Mazda Championship at St. Petersburg on Saturday, March 26. The 16-year old from Santa Monica, Calif. avoided an incident-plagued event on the Florida city streets to navigate his TrueCar Star Mazda to an eighth place finish. This weekend will mark Gustavo's second start in the series as he travels to the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

Unable to participate in the series official spring training test sessions the week prior to the St. Petersburg event, Menezes only laps in the TrueCar Star Mazda car came during two private test sessions with the Juncos Championship Racing operation during the winter months. Menezes, making his first start in an open wheel car following a successful karting career to this point, got his first taste of the street circuit Friday morning (March 25) during the 40-minute practice session one. Menezes completed as many possible laps and recorded the tenth quickest time of the session. The afternoon 35-minute practice round saw Menezes improve his pace slightly, still learning the course and the feel of the TrueCar Star Mazda car.

The qualifying session took place the morning of race day, with Menezes slotted into the first of two groups to take the track. While the session was witnessed a lengthy stoppage, Menezes was still able to improve on his time from practice with a 1:13.249 lap time to start the race from the 13th grid spot.

"While the session was delayed because of the wreck by another driver, the session was more about gaining more track time for me," commented Menezes. "The Juncos Championship Racing team made the right changes for the session and I was more comfortable behind the wheel each time out. I was not happy with the position we ended up but all four corners of the car were undamaged, so that was a positive step for us."

Launching from the 13th grid position for his first Star Mazda Championship start, Menezes was able to get off the line and make it through the opening lap without an incident. The remainder of 29-lap event, Menezes avoided the numerous wrecks on-course while improving his pace from his qualifying laps. When the checkered flag waved, Menezes earned an eighth-place finish.

"It was really good for me to earn my first checkered flag in my first race," said Menezes. "With the little experience I have in the TrueCar Star Mazda car, I feel fortunate to place where I did. I was able to get off the line not having practiced a start before, avoid the accidents through the race, and bring the TrueCar Mazda home in one piece. I'm still learning the limits of the car, and I hope I can continue to learn as the season goes on."

This weekend's event in Alabama will be a unique one for the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear schedule. The series will hit the track April 7 with one practice round and the qualifying during the morning hours. The green flag will wave for round two on April 10, prior to the start of the IndyCar Series event. Menezes, who was unable to attend the pre-season test at the Birmingham facility, will attempt to produce another strong result on an unknown circuit.

"I'm really looking forward to jumping back into my TrueCar Star Mazda machine this weekend," stated Menezes. "I've heard wonderful things about the Barber Motorsports Park and I'm excited to continue my development behind the wheel of our TrueCar Star Mazda racecar. My teammates participated at the test last month, and should help us to begin the event with a solid setup baseline and I'll be able to work with them as I learn the course."

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including TrueCar.com, Clearbook.com, Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, Fitness Concepts, and CXC Simulations. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

TrueCar to Sponsor Gustavo Menezes in 2011 Star Mazda Open-Wheel Championship

March 25, 2011

TrueCar will be sponsoring 16-year-old Gustavo Menezes, a young rising star in open-wheel racing. The sponsorship of Menezes at Juncos Racing in the upcoming Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear represents TrueCar's first foray into motorsports.

Menezes enters this year's Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear with 10 years national and international top-level karting experience. During the past four years Menezes raced primarily in Europe and was a top Tony Kart factory international driver alongside such renowned racing teammates as Michael Schumacher and Buddy Rice.

"We also see Gustavo much like TrueCar. He is young, passionate, pure and full of potential," said Scott Painter, CEO of TrueCar, Inc. "We are thrilled, not only to be getting involved with Motorsports because of our passion for auto, but we are most excited about having found such an inspiring and genuine talent."

TrueCar will assume the primary sponsorship on Menezes' Juncos Racing Star Mazda car as it takes to the track for the 11-race Star Mazda Championship, the second rung of the Mazda Road to Indy driver development program and the third rung of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development ladder. The Road to Indy ladder system gives racers the developmental opportunity to learn the profession and earn their way into an IndyCar ride.

Juncos Racing operates out of a state-the-art facility that houses vehicles suitable for all levels of racing, from go-karts to open wheel Formula race cars. Juncos Racing is one of the few teams in the United States that offers a development program from racing go-karts to racing professional open-wheel race cars to provide younger and older drivers with a foundation upon which they can build a career in motorsports.

Despite his age, the American-born Menezes is a grizzled veteran in racing terms, having been behind the wheel for nearly 10 years. He has been racing at the highest levels in the ultra competitive sport of karting since 2000 and won his first championship (California State Championship) at age seven. He has raced for the prestigious Italian factory racing team at Tony Kart, which has seen the likes of Formula 1 world champions Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. Menezes has already garnered seven domestic karting championships and international wins in world championship karting.

"I'm just thrilled to have an industry powerhouse like TrueCar on my side," said Menezes. "After 10 years of racing karts, the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Star Mazda race car in the Road to Indy ladder system will help me achieve my goal of competing with the world's greatest drivers in the IndyCar Series. It is a challenge I'm really looking forward to."

Menezes will race in 2011 for Juncos Racing, an elite racing team that finished 2010 with a driver's championship and a second place in the team standings. Menezes' associate sponsors include Safety Park, Oakley, Performance Physixx, and Fitness Concepts. Menezes is fluent in three languages - English, Spanish and Portuguese - and lives with his family in Santa Monica, California; find out more about him at www.gustavomenezes.com.

GUSTAVO MENEZES ADVANCES TO STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP WITH JUNCOS RACING FOR 2011

December 23, 2010

American karting star jumps to junior open-wheel ranks with reigning series championship team

Competing at the national and international level in karting for 10 years, 16-year old Gustavo Menezes is moving up the motorsports ladder with the announcement of his campaign into the 2011 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear with Juncos Racing. The Californian is making the move to the junior open-wheel ranks and the second step of the new 'Mazda Road to Indy' driver development program after completing his first season at the Senior level in karting. With the ultimate goal of competing in Formula 1, Menezes' move to Star Mazda is the next rung toward that achievement.

"I am very excited to be competing in the 2011 Star Mazda calendar," stated Menezes. "It will be a great challenge for me and I can't wait to get started in St. Petersburg. It is great to be partnering with Juncos again as I raced for them when I was younger in karts. I know they are among the elite teams in this series and I think we will be able to put up a strong fight this season. It is a very big step to come directly from karting to Star Mazda but I am up to the challenge and educating myself each time in the car."

Menezes spent last week in the state of Florida, walking the isle-way of the Performance Racing Industry show floor making contacts in the industry along with representing his sponsor Oakley. Following the show, Menezes met up with the Juncos Racing operation for a private test session in one of their Star Mazda machines, leaving with high hopes on his new venture.

"The car was amazing," commenting on the recent private test. "It is surely the best car I have driven yet. The Goodyear tires give the car immense grip and the downforce is amazing. It definitely has a lot of horsepower and I loved it. I seemed to connect with the team during the test and we worked together very well. One thing different about cars is that the driver to engineer communication is very crucial and their engineer worked really well with me. I think we will have a successful rookie season together and have a very good shot at podiums and possible race wins. I can’t wait to get back in the car."

Menezes spent the majority of his racing 2010 karting season overseas as he contested the CIK-FIA and WSK schedules in his first year in the competitive KF2 division. Following his performance at the 2009 Superkarts! USA SuperNationals, Menezes was awarded a Jim Russell Future Driver Scholarship and was the youngest of the top-20 finalists in the shootout.

Juncos Racing Team Owner Ricardo Juncos had this to say regarding the addition of Menezes to his team's 2011 lineup, "I'm very happy to have Gustavo back on the Juncos Racing team. We have known each other really well for six years now, back from when we were racing four classes a weekend in IKF karting in California, and he was only 11 years old when we did our first JICA races together. Having that previous experience working with each other helps a lot moving forward. We did a test with him few days ago, and he really impressed the whole team. It will be a challenge for him and the team to make the jump from karting to the Star Mazda Championship, but we know that we have a lot to give to him. He will be sharing the 2011 season with a perfect combination of experienced drivers - Tatiana Calderon, Joao Horto and Martin Scuncio - and I really believe that with Gustavo's dedication and talent and the whole team working together in 2011, he will learn so much. That will give us a real chance, no doubt, to fight with him for the 2012 Star Mazda Championship."

Menezes will return with the Juncos operation January 3-4 for more testing at the Sebring International Raceway and followed up with another testing session at the Homestead Speedway later in the month. The series schedule and Menezes' series debut will begin March 27 as part of the IndyCar Series opener at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida. For more information on the Star Mazda Championship series, visit www.starmazda.com

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Racing Team, On Track Promotions, and Oakley.

MENEZES READY FOR RETURN TRIP TO SKUSA SUPERNATIONALS IN LAS VEGAS

November 12, 2010

Former two-time event winner set to battle in KF2 and TaG Senior categories in prestigious event

In less than a week, Gustavo Menezes will travel to one of his favorite events of the season - the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals XIV. Set to take place on a temporary circuit outside the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Menezes returns to take care of some unfinished business from last year's event. The Californian is coming off a solid 2010 season competing internationally where he competed with the prominent Tony Kart Racing Team operation based out of Italy. Set to contest KF2 under the factory team banner while teaming with the Tony Kart West operation for the TaG Senior division, Menezes will hunt for return trips to the podium on SuperSunday.

Menezes spent the majority of his racing season overseas as he contested the CIK-FIA and WSK schedules in his first year in the competitive KF2 division. Menezes most recent trip took him to the WSK World Series finale in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt during the Halloween weekend. Running a clean race weekend, Menezes raced his way to a seventh place finish to help him finish 11th in the final point standings.

Prior to that, Gustavo took on the best drivers on the globe at the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship. With the largest field in recent years, the 16-year old was among those in contention during pre-race testing. When rain disturbed the qualifying sessions, Menezes like many others were caught off-guard and was much lower in the order as anticipated. Putting in solid performances in his three heat races, Menezes came just short of earning a spot in the main event. Moving to the consolation group, Gustavo recorded a sixth place finish against a number of top competitors from around the world.

Now with the SuperNationals just around the corner, Menezes is looking to end the season on top. "This season has been a learning experience," commented Gustavo. "The Tony Kart chassis and Vortex engine have been the best all season, we have just run into some bad luck here and there. The opportunity to race with Tony Kart Racing Team was amazing as they provided me with the best equipment to compete. We showed the capabilities of earning a podium finishes and I learned so much from the group."

"Looking to Vegas next week, I can't wait to get there," continued Menezes. "Winning in my Cadet years at the event in 2003 and 2004, I missed out on the opportunity to win in my Junior years. We came within two corners of the TaG Senior win last year before another driver took me out of the lead, so there is no doubt we will be in the hunt again. Standing on the podium in KF2 as the only American last year was an honor but now I'm looking to score the victory."

The event gets underway Wednesday, November 17 as two days of official practice will allow the drivers to get accustom to the temporary circuit. Friday, November 19 will put the drivers to the test with official qualifying that will line up the fields for the three heat races. The results from those will order the drivers for Sunday's Main Events. Information regarding the event, along with live timing, can be accessed at www.superkartsusa.com or www.ekartingnews.com for live audio coverage.

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

MENEZES TO MAKE HIS BID AT CIK-FIA WORLD KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP

September 15, 2010

Californian to compete for the world title in Spain this weekend

At 15-years old, not many can say they compete for a world title in their specific sport. For American Gustavo Menezes, that dream will be fulfilled this weekend as he will compete for the first time in his career at the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship. The event is set to be contested at the Circuito Internacional Zuera in Spain on September 16-19. The event will utilize the KF2 style engine with 125 drivers set to battling, including Menezes. The Californian, who finished 10th at the 2009 CIK-FIA KF3 World Cup, will be celebrating his 16th birthday Sunday with hopes of holding the trophy on the podium following the main event.

The 2010 season has been Menezes' first full-year aboard a KF2 package as part of the prestigious Tony Kart Racing Team. Following three years of campaigning the United States and European ranks in the KF3 (Junior) category, Menezes has shown the speed to compete against some of the best in the world. Menezes currently sits 12th in the WSK World Series KF2 championship standings following up and down performances in Portugal and the United States. Menezes was at the front of the field for both events, however, contact took him out of contention for podium finishes in each outing.

"The 2010 season has been a learning experience," stated Menezes. "Moving to the KF2 category has been an easy move from the KF3 package, as I have adapted to the extra speed and the racing prowess of the drivers I'm racing against. The Tony Kart chassis and the Vortex engines have been awesome, we just have not been able to catch a break. I'm looking forward to racing in my first World Karting Championship as this year's field is like no other but include many of the same drivers I have raced against all season. My goal is to post a solid qualifying lap and stay clean through the heat races in order to line up on the main event grid with a chance at the podium come Sunday. That would be a great birthday gift."

The event will begin Thursday with a full day of practice. More track time will be offered Friday with qualifying set to take place 4:30pm local time. The order will spilt the field into groups for three rounds of heat races set to run on Saturday. Results from those qualifying races will set the field of 34-drivers for the Prefinal and Final to take place Sunday. The main event is set to be televised live on Eurosport International channel from 11:45am to 12:45pm local time. Information regarding the event, along with live timing, can be accessed at http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/zuera.htm

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

MENEZES PREPARES TO DEFEND HOME TURF AT WSK WORLD SERIES IN NEW JERSEY

July 27, 2010

Californian to compete in the United States for second round of WSK World Series

This weekend, the second stop of the inaugural WSK World Series will visit the United States, bringing the best drivers from all over the world together. American Gustavo Menezes has been making a name for himself in Europe for the past few seasons after numerous successful years as a Junior driver in North American karting. Menezes' progression will continue as he will look to defend his home turf in the competitive KF2 category at the New Jersey Motorsports Park with the prestigious Tony Kart Racing Team.

Menezes comes into the second round of the three-event program 19th in the championship following an up and down opening weekend in Portugal. Menezes proved he had the speed to compete against the best in the category, scoring solid results in his heat races to sit inside the top-10 of the Prefinal grid. After placing 11th in the Prefinal - scoring 2 championship points - Menezes suffered engine failure, as did a number of other top contenders, in the dusty and hot conditions of the Final after running near the top-five.

"We were certainly on pace all weekend," commented Menezes reflecting on the WSK World Series opening weekend. "We were in position to get into the top-five when the engine let go. With almost half the field retired due to engine problems, it reminded me of a national race we had in Arizona where the dust around the track was a major issue all weekend. Our Tony Kart/Vortex package was quick and we continue to learn more each time out."

To warm-up for the WSK World Series event at the F1 New Jersey karting circuit in Millville, NJ, Menezes took part in the WSK North American Series event this past weekend teaming up with the Tony Kart West operation, led by Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice. Menezes had not yet competed on the fairly new circuit, thus taking advantage to gain as much track knowledge to get the edge on the rest of the world competition. The first round of action was looking good as Menezes qualified on pole and won the Prefinal. The Final would see Gustavo in a tense battle for the lead when on lap seven, contact was made that sent Menezes around. This put Menezes back to seventh in the order but the determined 15-year old drove forward. Putting his head down and working to cut into the gap, Menezes ran the fast laps of the race by four-tenths of a second on the 1.7km course. Eventually, Menezes had caught the top two. Working around for second with an amazing move, Gustavo closed in on the final circuit to the leader but came up just short to claim the runner-up position.

The following day, Menezes was once again quickest in qualifying before running second in the Prefinal. Gustavo would not have a chance to gain victory in the Final due to a massive rain storm that tore through the area, damaging a number of tents in the paddock and cancelling the remainder of the event. With the Final points awarded based on the Prefinal, Menezes garnered enough total points on the weekend to score the overall victory and earn the $1,000 check for his efforts.

"This weekend in New Jersey felt great as it does anytime you come away as the winner," commented Menezes. "Though I did not record a victory in the main events, I think I had a great chance at getting the win had Sunday's not been cancelled. We certainly have a solid baseline for the World event as the Tony Kart chassis is awesome and the Vortex power is stout. Though we will be switching from the Bridgestone tires the USA series runs to Vega tires for the world event, I've gotten used to the gripper tires and we should be good to contend for the podium this coming weekend."

With solid results this weekend, Menezes will have a chance to jump into the top-10 in the championship hunt before heading to the series finale in Egypt on October 28-31. A complete schedule of the event can be view at the series website - wskarting.it. You can follow Menezes progress throughout the weekend live with the series scoring feed: www.wskarting.it/livetime.asp

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

MENEZES READY FOR INAUGURAL WSK WORLD SERIES EVENT IN PORTUGAL

June 28, 2010

Californian to tackle the world at opening round of new world championship series

Next week will mark a new era for international karting with the inaugural event of the WSK World Series. American karting star Gustavo Menezes will travel to the Algarve International Karting Circuit in Portimao, Portugal for the first round of the three-race world championship. Menezes will make his third start as member of the prestigious Tony Kart Racing Team and will challenge to claim the first world title in the KF2 category.

To prepare for the opening round of the WSK World Series - set for June 30-July 3 - Menezes ran the final two WSK Euro Series events aboard his Tony Kart chassis powered by Vortex. The two races would be the 15-year olds first KF2 starts in Europe, having run the KF3 division in the previous three seasons.

The last race in Sarno, Italy was Menezes' best showing. Starting out classified 21st in qualifying out of 56 drivers, Menezes posted top-10 results in his four heat races to earn the 20th grid spot for the Prefinal. Menezes was involved in an incident to fall back to the tail of the field. From there, he advanced back forward to finish 18th in the difficult 12-lap run. Top cap off the solid weekend, Menezes was moving forward in the main event, up to 12th only to be hit again and dropped to 22nd. In the end, Menezes managed to cross the line 16th in the final tally, just one spot out from earning a championship point.

"Sarno was a great weekend for me and the Tony Kart Racing Team," commented Menezes. "I was able to overcome some adversity and produce my best results in KF2 thus far. The Genk and Sarno weekends were a great warm-up for the World Series. I'm looking to racing on the new circuit in Portugal and begin battling for the world championship."

The event is set to begin Wednesday, June 30 with practice. Qualifying will be conducted on July 1 with the heat races to take place on July 2. The Prefinal and Final races will run on July 3. A complete schedule of the event can be view at the series website - wskarting.it. You can follow Menezes progress throughout the weekend live with the series scoring feed: www.wskarting.it/livetime.asp

Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley. Additional information on Gustavo Menezes can be obtained from his personal website, www.gustavomenezes.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gustavom28

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