BGR along with Piper Racecars are pleased to announce the return of 2015 Rookie of the Year Ben Hurst. Hurst, who made his racing debut into the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship as a true rookie with virtually no experience, had a very successful first season which was highlighted by a podium at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. The season had some highs and low as he experienced some issues that often claim rookie drivers. His progression throughout the season was just what the team expected and as his learning curve continues he will become a regular contender for podiums.

The BGR team has spent the winter testing and racing south of the border giving Hurst the opportunity to continue his development as he also learns new race tracks. Hurst, along with new teammate Roman De Angelis, will continue their winter program next weekend as the pair travel with the team to Road Atlanta for the SCCA Majors event. This event, on one of North America's most storied tracks, will feature four on track days for the doubleheader.

"I am very excited to have Ben return for a second season with BGR and Piper Racecars. He made so much progress last season and for a driver who does not have an extensive karting background he performed well. He still has much to learn, but his work ethic and dedication are superb and we are confident he will continue to get quicker and improve his craft", comments team Principal Brian Graham.

"I am extremely excited to be back with Brian Graham Racing for a second season. We have been doing some preseason racing in Florida to help me prepare for the upcoming season in Canada. I can't wait for another great season and hope to bring some good results for the team", adds Hurst.

While the team continues to develop the latest Piper DL7/Quicksilver Honda down south, hard work also continues in the shop with several upgrades planned for the already winning cars. "We are making several updates that we believe will enhance our cars, from aero to mechanical updates. We are working closely with Piper Racecars in several areas of development", continues Graham.

2016 will see the reigning Championship team defend the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and for the first time since 2011, BGR / Piper Racecars will contest the full Quebec based Formula Tour 1600 Series as well. The team has had great success during their visits to the Quebec Championships over the years which have included wins at Montreal, Tremblant and ICAR. Along with podium visits at the GP3R to poles, fastest laps and a ROY for alumni Chris Vlok, this season should prove to be exciting. With both Championships as the goal, 2016 promises to be a very busy season for the multi championship team with announcements with additional drivers coming in the next several weeks.

Next up is the SCCA Majors event at Road Atlanta March 17-20. BGR is the Canadian distributor for Piper Racecars and is a factory supported team of the popular chassis which is built in California, USA. The all new Piper DL7 debuted with immediate success and grabbed its first win at CTMP winning the Al Craighead CanAm Cup. BGR has put more drivers in the winner’s circle than any other team in OFFC history and has an incredible run winning the Rookie of the Year 9 of the last 10 years. With an alumni list that boasts drivers who have gone on to Championships all over North America to several starters in the Indy 500, BGR is well known as the place to begin a career in open wheel racing.

To learn more about the team visit www.briangrahamracing.com

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