Kia Racing Scores Winning End To Pirelli World Challenge Season

Korean automaker makes mark in first year in prestigious racing series.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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When the Pirelli World Championship series ended last weekend in Sonoma, it did so with two top five finishes from rookie team Kia Motors. Driver Michael Galati regularly hit the podium throughout the summer, ably piloting his Infiniti Audio Optima. In Sonoma, Galati secured his sixth top five finish of the season, ending in fourth place for total points among all drivers. Team mate Mark Wilkins took fourth, marking the seventh time in 12 events that both Kia Racing cars landed top 10 finishes.

It was the end to an incredible year in the PWC, the premier race series for manufacturers to prove their production products. "The Kia Optima is such a great car," says Galati of his ride, "We surprised some people by finishing fourth in the Manufacturer and Driver standings, but with a little more development over the off-season, I believe the Infinity Audio Optimas will be ready for more in 2013." 

Toast team Kia's success while revisiting how much we enjoyed the Optima.

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[via World-Challenge]

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