Team Speed at Long Beach Grand Prix: Saleen 1 Racer, a Track Superstar

We were on the scene of the Long Beach Grand Prix and got to take in the racer before it tears it up in the Saleen Cup.  

Team Speed was taking in all the racing action this past weekend at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Among the many impressive rides on display was the Saleen 1 supercar. Saleen recently launched the Saleen Cup, a five-event “arrive and drive” series that will not only show off the capability of the Saleen 1 sports car, but allows anyone to get behind the wheel. Well, almost.

To race in the Saleen Cup, participants must have a standard “D” racing licence. Oh, and a check for $42,000. But for those wishing to experience the power of a 450 HP racing machine, it could be the thrill of a lifetime.

The Saleen 1 car is powered by a Saleen 4 cylinder inline turbo, 2.2 liter engine. Saleen has made the car track-ready with a roll cage, race dashboard, Holinger sequential gearbox with paddleshift, and adjustable racing suspension front and rear, double arms.

The car also boasts TM Performance racing brakes, 18” racing wheels, advanced racing aerodynamics  such as front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear wing designed via CFD analysis.

It is a beautiful car, sleek and sexy, but promising to melt the track. If you want to hop behind the wheel, check out the Saleen Cup website for all the information on upcoming races.

Photos for Team Speed by David Ciminelli

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.