Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles has joined RealTime Racing to be the presenting sponsor of its five-car SCCA World Challenge effort. The 2005 Speed Touring Car champions are set to defend their honor with three TSXs and two RSXs starting March 17 in Sebring, Florida.

“We’re looking forward to the season and our new affiliation with the people from the Acura Certified Pre-Owned program,” enthuses RealTime Team Manager, Nathan Bonneau. “Even though it’s still winter here in Wisconsin, it’s 75 and sunny in central Florida, so we’re raring to go!”

A Certified Pre-Owned Acura is one that can be purchased with peace of mind. Every customer selecting one of these vehicles receives a 12 month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, plus a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.

Only well-maintained late-model Acura vehicles are considered, and each one must pass a stringent and comprehensive series of tests before certification. Following a thorough appearance inspection scrutinizing fit and finish, an Acura Dealership technician checks and services virtually every mechanical system, from the engine to the door locks.

“Before a previously-owned Acura can earn the ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ seal of approval, it must pass a rigorous 150-point inspection,” says Daniel Crowe, manager of automobile re-marketing for Acura.

“Of course, an Acura modified for racing in the Speed Touring Car Championship could never pass that test, but clearly, the record of performance and reliability of the RealTime Acuras demonstrates that their mechanics and engineers approach vehicle preparation in the same meticulous fashion as our own Acura technicians.”

RealTime owner Peter Cunningham agrees, “Knowing what Acura dealers look for in a pre-owned car, and knowing what our team does to prepare for every Speed World Challenge race, I can tell you that the checklists are very similar.”

RealTime Racing has been competing in production-based Hondas and Acuras since 1987, winning multiple championships in ice racing, performance rallying and road racing.

This year, the team is pleased to have its 2005 driver lineup return in force, as Cunningham, Pierre Kleinubing, Brandon Davis, Eric Curran and Nick Esayian will again be piloting the familiar orange & white Acura squadron. Along with the expert RealTime crew, the team will be fighting for its 10th World Challenge Drivers’ Championship and Acura’s record-breaking sixth Manufacturers’ crown.

For more information about the Acura Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program, visit your Acura Dealer or www.acura.com.

- end -

RealTime Racing Contacts: