SPECIAL VIDEO EVENT (GERMANY) Alternative Fuel Volvo Wins at Nürburgring

NURBURGRING, Germany - September 20, 2007: Competing in the “alternative fuels” division, a converted Volvo S40 using bio-ethanol recently won a 6-hour race in Nürburgring, Germany. Team HEICO SPORTIV’s two drivers Patrick Brenndörfer and Martin Müller took turns to help steer the vehicle to victory. This is the second consecutive year the Nürburgring race has sponsored a race with an alternative fuels division. However, racing officials say it will still be some time before major races compete using only environmentally-friendly fuels.

More than 46.000 spectators attended the 7th running of the endurance race around the Nürburgring. After a morning practice session of 230 teams, the maximum allowed number of 210 cars started the race. HEICO SPORTIV hit a milestone in June 2007 by finishing the 24h race. Now a new target - to become the first class winner with bio-ethanol - was the goal. Up to this point the SP11 class has been dominated by powerful diesel cars.

During timed-practice, the Toyo-tire shod Volvo ran lap-times of 9:41.960 min. around the 24,358 kilometer long combination of Sprintcourse plus Nordschleife. The 350 hp HEICO Volvo secured the 3rd starting position behind two BMW`s (135d and 335d) within the SP11 class.

The flying start was at 12:00 p.m. Martin Müller held his ground and followed the BMW 335d like a shadow. During the 6 hour distance the HS4 ODIN shined with absolute reliability and constant lap times. Just tires and driver had to be changed on schedule, along with BioFormula85 by Brüggemann Alcohol during refueling stops.

After an early breakdown of the BMW 135d, the final driver Patrick Brenndörfer caught up to the leading BMW 335d to take over the lead shortly before 18:00. With this pass, HEICO SPORTIV Team from Weiterstadt insured the first victory for their bio-ethanol vehicle in the alternative fuel class. In overall standings, ODIN finished in position 35 out of 210 cars.

"This is a historical win. Finally it is proven that environmentally friendly fuels are available and are able to succeed versus difficult competition. With the HS4 ODIN we drive CO2 neutral but nevertheless at a high level against purebred touring race cars" HEICO SPORTIV director Holger Hedtke commented.