PitFit Training Inc.

Indianapolis, Ind. (February 8, 2008) – For more than a decade, renowned fitness trainer Jim Leo has helped race car drivers and other athletes extract their maximum potential by improving their physical and mental capabilities. Last month, as part of his burgeoning commitment to talented young drivers, Leo and his staff at the PitFit Training headquarters in Indianapolis put 2007 Team USA Scholarship winner Patrick Barrett through his paces.

It was an experience the gifted 18-old-year high school senior from Los Osos, Calif., will not soon forget.

“I spent five days straight – boxing, swimming and rock climbing – and worked on improving my weight and cardiovascular training,” recounts Barrett. “Each day I would participate in a different activity, working on different muscles and improving my endurance and strength. Ryan Von Rueden taught and trained me throughout the week, helping me push through as many activities as possible. Each workout was rigorous, as expected, but gave me a good perspective on areas that I can continue to work on throughout the year.

“One of my favorite activities was the boxing class, taught by Kristy Follmar. She is a former professional boxer who was the Indiana Golden Gloves champion in 1999 and 2000, and NABC Featherweight champion in 2002 and 2003. She retired in 2005 and currently hosts boxing classes with PitFit clients. It was the most intense class/workout I’d participated in, but the techniques involved with boxing made it an enjoyable class. You’re constantly moving, conserving your energy until you need it the most, and keeping focused on the target. Of course, you don’t box another opponent in this class, which is what my dad thought. ‘Oh yeah! I knocked out that guy I raced against last week!’ No, we used punching bags… Man, those things are relentless!

“To cap off an exciting and painful week, myself, Ryan and a fellow driver went indoor rock climbing. It had been six or seven years since I had last attempted rock climbing but I was excited about trying a new sport. It was an awesome feeling climbing all over the place, but toward the end of the day, we started getting a little serious and began challenging each other to climb up certain walls. It was all fun and games, but we kept each other busy one-upping each other.

“Overall, it was an enjoyable experience from day one. I learned a lot of new workout activities that I can use at home, and even met up with some drivers in Champ Car Atlantic and Indy Pro. I made a few new friends through PitFit and hope to get more involved with one of the programs they have to offer soon.

“I want to thank Jim Leo for allowing me the opportunity to experience what PitFit has to offer, and Ryan Von Rueden for pushing me and keeping me up and running throughout the routines.”

Other Team USA Scholarship supporters include Doug Mockett & Company, Champ Car World Series, American Honda, Snap-on Stars of Karting, Silicon Salvage, Dyson Racing, Integrated Performance Technology, Pacific Coast Motorsports, Andersen Racing Team, PitFit Training, iRacing.com, AutoRacing1.com, Metalore, Sparco USA, Cooper Tire, Cosworth USA, Champ Car Atlantic, Star Mazda, Buttonwillow Raceway, RACER magazine, FormulaCar Magazine, Pfanner Communications, Speedstar Management, Manifest Group, The Print Network and an array of past Scholarship winners.

For anyone who still doubts that race car drivers are athletes, perhaps they should box a few rounds with Wade Cunningham, row against Scott Dixon, run a triathlon with Tony Kanaan or go on a bicycle ride with Ed Carpenter.

“When you get to the level that IndyCar Series drivers are, you are looking for every competitive edge that you can find,” said PitFit Training president Jim Leo, who has been training Indy-car racing drivers since 1994. “The teams spend vast amount of resources on the car, the engines, the tires and wind tunnel testing. These teams have done everything they can possibly do with the mechanical machine. The next thing you turn to is how to improve the human performance aspect.”

Leo has seen the correlation of cardiovascular conditioning to success on the racetrack.

“In the days long ago, drivers could just get in the car and just drive the car and their pure driving skill would compensate for a lack of physical fitness,” Leo said. “I think that’s how it was in the 1960s and 1970s. When you started to see drivers see the money increase, the resources increase and the technology expand, you started to see this influx of Formula One drivers come over in the mid- to late-1990s and having success. Guys like Mark Blundell and Alex Zanardi and Mauricio Gugelmin and Gil de Ferran. These guys came over and part of their everyday routine was a stringent physical fitness program.”

Leo has worked with drivers in all forms of racing. IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series drivers currently in his program include Dixon, Cunningham, Darren Manning, CR Crews, Sarah Fisher and Chris Festa.

There are many ways of reaching cardio fitness goals, and the methods are as diverse as the IndyCar Series drivers.

“Every driver has their own particular favorite activities they like,” Leo said. “Cycling is a popular activity with just about every driver. It’s fast-paced. You get somewhere. Sports like cycling are very popular. Running and triathlons have been very popular with our program for a long, long time because you train many different disciplines and it keeps them from getting stale. Rowing is very popular. We do indoor rowing.”

Dixon, the 2003 IndyCar Series champion who nearly won the title last season, has turned the exercise into competition.

“I wouldn’t say I’m an expert rower but I think it is fun,” Dixon said. “It’s four people and that can be fun. My biggest cardio is running by a long shot, then cycling and then rowing. We row on rowing machines. They aren’t even on the water. We do four people for 2,000 meters. We are only on there for a minute-and-a-half each.”

Some others like the hand-eye coordination and cardio benefits of boxing.

“Wade Cunningham likes to spar, but boxing is a huge part of our program,” Leo said. “The physical demands that you encounter with something like cycling or swimming or rowing, the aerobic benefit is huge but boxing offers a very unique kind of training. It develops the core and the shoulder area of the driver, which are two of the biggest areas they use in the race car.”

Helio Castroneves has long included boxing into his overall fitness routine.

“I have to say it’s one of the hardest things you have to do because you are not only applying jumping and pushing but at the same time you are working your shoulders arms and neck,” Castroneves said.

“My normal workout routine is from 9-11 a.m. We normally do stretching, warming up and then go through the normal routine of lifting weights, not as heavy as you want to be a big guy but enough to have endurance and the cardio is doing sprints, 10 times at 100 yard with one- or two-minute rests. That makes a big difference improving your cardiovascular fitness.”

Carpenter likes to get a good workout by averaging 20 miles an hour for 2 hours at a time on his bike.

“That’s the length of our races so it’s a good fit,” Carpenter said. “It’s not too high intensity, it’s like we are in the car and what we face in the car. You are averaging around 20 miles an hour over the ride. I’m more watching the time than how many miles I’m going.

“I think a lot of that comes down to your personality, what things get you flustered, how you do under pressure. That is one of the things that training and cycling helps. To have a hard workout cycling you have to be on the bike for a long period of time. That is what tests you mentally is when you are doing something for a long period of time and start to get fatigued and staying mentally sharp and focused when your body is fatigued you stay strong and get through the situation.”

http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=10501

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) today announced it has added four training plans to the extensive library of pre-built exercise plans offered through TrainingPeaks. Each plan is designed and tailored for Motorsports specific needs.

Jim Leo, Founder and President of PitFit Training noted that series specific programs are available for Sprint cars, SCCA, karting, and Formula car racing. Coming in the next few months will be off-road/rally, motorcross and Moto-GP style plans for two-wheeled competitors.

As with all PitFit Training programs, each plan is excellent for any racer and is designed to evolve the driver in an aggressive yet safe way. The plans will focus on the same heart rate zones experienced during a race and concentrate on specific strength exercises. The detailed, weekly program includes every component taken into consideration including cardiovascular training, strength training, reaction training, flexibility training and rest time. These programs ensure training at the correct intensity and difficulty level in order to be challenged and progress to the next level.

“We are constantly looking for ways to train drivers around the world with the best racing fitness plans possible,” stated Leo. “These plans are the result of years of training and research.”

To learn more about the motorsport specific training plans, click here: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/trainingplans/pitfit/

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the Indy Racing League, Champ Car World Series, Champ Car Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, Formula BMW, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PitFit Training Announces Scholarship Winners for 2008

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) today announced winners of the 2008 PitFit Training Driver Memorial Scholarship. The winners are Kelsey Bauer (Karting), Kristine Daggett (Karting), Michael DeNino (Skip Barber), Kyle Hamilton (USAC), Jeff Oleen (Ford Focus/Western USAC), Miranda Throckmorton (USAC), and Stars of Karting JICA West and East Division Champions Gustavo Menezes and Brendan Langlois.

“Once again, it was quite a challenge to choose the 2008 Scholarship winners,” noted PitFit Training President Jim Leo. “The quality of the applications, especially the essays improve year after year. This year’s winners are very deserving of the scholarship, and we are especially proud to award another scholarship to two of last year’s winners, Jeff Oleen and Miranda Throckmorten.”

Leo noted the level of difficulty in applying for a scholarship and said many racers are determined to succeed. “It was rewarding to see the improvement of Kristine Daggett, who barely missed the cut in 2007 but, she worked diligently and was awarded a scholarship for 2008,” said Leo.

He went on to thank staff and sponsors, Shock Doctor, Bodyblade, and Gatorade, for their support and efforts in helping to make the scholarship a success.

The program was developed and introduced in 2005 as a way of giving deserving young drivers the opportunity to bring their racing fitness to optimal levels. The selection criterion is stringent with a varied focus on race performance, community service, academics, and ability to maintain a focus on fitness. Applicants were required to submit an application which included two essay questions on current topics of interest from today’s news. Those in consideration for the scholarship had to be between 12 and 20 years of age and have completed at least one year of racing competition.

Scholarship recipients receive: Ten months on-line training via E-PitFit.com; two complete fitness evaluations at PitFit headquarters in Indianapolis; up to 2 training sessions per month at PitFit headquarters in Indianapolis; Theraband products (stability ball, bands, stability pad); Bodyblade Classic; Neck Strengthening Device; Gatorade (3 cans Endurance Formula); PitFit Training apparel from Pearl Izumi; discounts on Cannondale Bicycles; bio on our web site, updates of racing season and link (if available).

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the IRL, Champ Car World Series, Formula BMW, Mazda Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

###

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) today announced it has joined as a sponsor for the Team USA Scholarship, a non-profit organization helping talented young American racers at an early stage in their careers.

PitFit Training will provide fitness testing, training and mentoring at its Indianapolis-based headquarters. The 2007-2008 Scholarship winners, Patrick Barrett and Joel Miller, will spend one full week with the PitFit staff in November.

“We’re excited to sponsor these talented young racers,” noted Jim Leo, Founder and President of PitFit Training. “[The Team USA Scholarship President], Jeremy Shaw is a good, personal friend, and I know the passion he has for helping tomorrow’s stars today through the Scholarship. I have had the privilege of working with past Scholarship winners such as Paul Edwards, Joe D’Agostino, J.R. Hildebrand and the late Tony Renna. It has been a joy to watch their personal and professional growth through the program.”

Team USA Scholarship was founded in 1990 and was developed with the intent of boosting the early career development of some of the most talented young American racers. Past Scholarship winners have gone on to become house-hold names with Motorsports enthusiasts. Past winners include Jimmy Vasser, Bryan Herta, Buddy Rice, and Jeff Simmons in open wheel racing as well as A.J. Allmendinger, Jerry Nadeau and Ashton Lewis, who have gone on to race in NASCAR’s upper levels.

Barrett and Miller are up-and-coming racers who have already tasted victory. Barrett races for PR1 Motorsports in the Pacific F2000 series and has a commanding lead in the points race with 7 wins and 3 second place finishes. Miller clinched the BF Goodrich/Skip Barber Nationals Presented by Mazda championship title after this weekend’s race at Virginia International Raceway. Miller’s victory gave him a total of five wins in the 14-race season and a 36-point margin over the championship runner-up. He was also the 2006 Snap-On Stars of Karting ICA title winner.

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the Indy Racing League, Champ Car World Series, Champ Car Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, Formula BMW, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

###

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) today announced it is now accepting applications for the PitFit Training Driver Memorial Scholarship for the 2008 race season. The scholarship program is now entering its third year, offering deserving young drivers the opportunity to bring their racing fitness to optimal levels.

Applications for the Scholarship will be accepted until December 1, 2007.Winners will be announced by December 15, 2007 with Scholarship rewards beginning January 1, 2008. The selection criterion is stringent with a varied focus on race performance, community service, academics, and ability to maintain a focus on fitness. Applicants must submit an application which includes two essay questions on current topics of interest from today’s news. Those in consideration for the scholarship must be between 12 and 20 years of age and have completed at least one year of racing competition. Stars of Karting Champions in the 80cc and 125cc divisions are automatically awarded scholarships.

Scholarship winners will receive 10 months of on-line training, two complete fitness evaluations, up to two training sessions per month at PitFit headquarters in Indianapolis, Theraband® products, a Bodyblade® Classic, a neck strengthening device, training gear, discounts on Cannondale Bicycles and a bio on PitFit’s web site with a link to their own.

To learn more or for a scholarship application go to www.pitfit.com and click on programs.

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the Indy Racing League, Champ Car World Series, Champ Car Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, Formula BMW, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) boasts another successful weekend for client and NHRA drag racer, Larry Dixon.

Dixon entered the winner’s circle at Texas Motorplex to accept the trophy for the race win at the national’s event. The win, his third of the season, launched Dixon into the points lead in the Top Fuel category.

Dixon and his SkyTel dragster were up for the final, leaving with a great .059-second reaction time. Final-round foe Bob Vandergriff was close behind in his UPS rail, taking off in .065 seconds, but his car was soon smoking its tires, allowing Dixon to take the 41st win of his career in 4.629 at 310.91 mph. He is now 45 points ahead of Rod Fuller in the Countdown to Four, NHRA’s playoff program, which will crown its national champions.

Dixon was featured in the September issue of the publication, National Dragster. The story, “Fightin’ Shape” highlighted the rigorous training regime Dixon undergoes with his PitFit trainer, Jack Parker.

“We’re excited for Larry Dixon and his SkyTel team,” noted PitFit Training President, Jim Leo. “Larry has pushed himself very hard off the track to gain any possible advantage against the competition this season. His trainer has developed a comprehensive fitness and reaction training regime designed to put him in position to win the championship. He certainly makes us look good! “

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the Indy Racing League, Champ Car World Series, Champ Car Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, Formula BMW, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indianapolis, IN – PitFit Training (PitFit) boasts another IndyCar Champion. PitFit client, Dario Franchitti, won the series Championship in a nail-biting finish on Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. Franchitti, also this years Indy500 winner, beat Scott Dixon, another PitFit client, in the final lap of the season when Dixon’s machine ran out of fuel.

The season held a tight points race between Dixon and Franchitti. Both racers have been with PitFit Training for a number of years and they, among other racers, have seen the benefit of driver-specific training.

PitFit claims client Sam Hornish, Jr. as the 2001, 2002 and 2006 IndyCar Champion while Dixon took the title in 2003. PitFit Training also trained the winner of the last two Indy500’s, Sam Hornish, Jr. and Franchitti. In addition, PitFit clients won 9 of 17 races this season with 26 total podiums and six poles.

“Today was full of mixed emotions,” said Jim Leo, Founder and President of PitFit Training. “Whatever was going to happen, I knew we would have the series champion and the series runner-up. Dario is a deserving champion who overcame a number of obstacles this season, and Scott had to literally go for this championship on his own; two great drivers who have risen above the rest, on track and off. One had to win and unfortunately one had to lose. With Sam (Hornish, Jr.) finishing third in the race, it was a good day for our drivers. It was also exciting to see A.J. (Foyt IV) finish the season with a solid top ten.”

About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is the recognized leader in developing driver-specific fitness, nutrition and human-performance programs to expressly address the physical and mental demands of the motorsports industry. PitFit was founded in 1997 by Jim Leo. Leo and the PitFit crew provide fitness training to racers in various series including the Indy Racing League, Champ Car World Series, Champ Car Atlantics, Indy Pro Series, Formula BMW, USAC, Karting and more. To schedule an interview, contact Jim Leo at 317-388-1000 or jleo@pitfit.com. To learn more, visit www.pitfit.com.

Indianapolis, Indiana - PitFit Training today announced it is making final preparations for the fall Driver Fast Fitness Class, which are scheduled to begin in October.

The Driver Fast Fitness classes have been developed with racers of all ages, in all series, and in all physical condition in mind. Fall classes will begin October 1, 2007 and will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00 am or 8:00 am, with an afternoon class beginning at 4:00 pm. The schedule is designed to accommodate racers’ work, school and testing calendar during the off season.

Fitness testing will be included. Cost of the classes includes a membership at The Sports Zone, a fitness facility in Indianapolis where PitFit Training headquarters are located. PitFit trainers will take drivers through various activities including weights, intervals, field drills, yoga, rock climbing, boxing, trail runs, swimming and more.

Last year, two full classes of six drivers were held for the 12 week sessions. Racers from USAC and Karting participated in Fast Fitness.

“To be a successful race car driver, you need to be in top shape. The Driver Fast Fitness class made getting physically fit more affordable,” noted former student, Sondi Edon, a USAC racer.

Brad Roudebush, a recreational Kart racer who also took the class had this to say: “I could never push myself this hard by training alone. It helps having the other racers work out with me because I know they’re going through what I’m going through. I especially appreciate the driver-oriented workouts with hand/eye coordination and the intensity level of the training I receive.”

Classes will be held for 12 weeks. Contact Jim Leo at jleo@pitfit.com to register or visit www.pitfit.com to learn more about the Fall 2007 Driver Fast Fitness Classes.

PitFit Training Seeks Fall Intern

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jim Leo, Owner
PitFit Training
Work- 388-1000
jleo@pitfit.com
www.pitfit.com

PitFit Training Takes Applications for Fall Internship Program

What: PitFit Training is currently seeking applications for our fall intern. The internship will last for approximately three months and is a paid internship. The person selected for the position will be involved in race team wellness programs, testing and health screenings as well as other projects as assigned.

Candidates must be currently majoring in Exercise Science or a related field and live in the central Indiana area.

Where: PitFit Training headquarters, (The Sports Zone), 8660 Guion Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.

When: Beginning September 4, 2007. Hour and days of work week will vary according to class schedule.

How: Send your resume, class list and contact information for your internship coordinator to info@pitfit.com. If your school does not currently have an association with PitFit for possible internships, have your internship coordinator contact us right away.

###