Kia to enter World Challenge’s GTS class

Kia Racing has announced its driver line-up for the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge, with Michael Galati and Colin Braun set to drive the team’s GTS class Kia Optima SXs in the US-based GT & touring car championship.

Michael Galati, fifth in last year’s Contintental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner class and a former World Challenge drivers’ champion will drive the No.36 car, with 23-year-old Colin Braun in the No.38 turbocharged Kia Optima SX.

“Getting to drive for Kia Racing and Kinetic Motorsports again is a fantastic opportunity,” said Galati. “We experienced great success last year in GRAND-AM with the Forte Koup winning Kia’s first-ever road racing championship, and hopefully we can keep that momentum going in World Challenge with this new turbocharged Optima racecar. The car already handles exceptionally well and is incredibly fast, despite the limited testing we’ve done. I can’t wait to get on the track at St. Pete.”

The GTS class features ex-World Challenge Touring class runners such as RealTime Racing’s Acura TSX with Nick Esayian and Peter Cunningham driving for the team, as well as a number of Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros.

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of such a successful team, and to play a role in Kia’s expansion into World Challenge is truly exciting,” said Braun.

“The Kia Optima Turbo racecar is absolutely stunning and while it’s still very early in its development, I’m totally psyched for the 2012 season and showing this car off around the country to all the World Challenge fans.”