PALMETTO, Fla., Jan. 20 - The competition in the Masters class of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear heated up today with the announcement that Dom Bastien plans to compete in five of the 13 events in a car fielded by Andersen Racing.

Bastien, of West Palm Beach, Fla., plans to enter the season opener March 19 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla.; the doubleheader at New Jersey Motorsports Park June 26-27; the race at Road America Aug. 21 and the season finale Oct. 1 at Road Atlanta.

Bastien's agreement with the Palmetto, Fla.-based team also calls for him to participate in eight test days.

"Dom tested with us at both Sebring on the short course on Nov. 11, and at Palm Beach Dec. 1-2," noted Geoff Fickling, Andersen Racing's Star Mazda team manager. "He's improving every time out, and should be a contender for Masters class victories this season."

"I watched Dom competing in Skip Barber events last season, as well as at two of our own team tests these past few months, and I was impressed with his talent, drive and dedication," said team co-owner Dan Andersen. "The team and I are all expecting Masters class wins from him this season, and we are delighted that Dom chose to move up the racing ladder with our team."

"I joined Andersen Racing because the team is well structured and highly professional," Bastien said. "Its people are very skilled, attentive and personable. After just a few test days I have learned a lot, and I can see improving my driving and racing skills dramatically in the months to come."

He's anxious for the season to begin. "I am looking forward to the Sebring race because it will be my first Star Mazda race on my favorite track at one the great racing events in the world," he said.

The race supports the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the marquee event of the American Le Mans Series.

A native of Roubaix, France, Bastien finished tenth in the Skip Barber National series in 2008 and won its Grand Masters title. Since he started his racing career with that organization in 2004 he has earned four Grand Master championships and 27 podium finishes in Skip Barber Regional Series events.

Bastien's teammates will be Anders Krohn of Sandnes, Norway and Mikael Grenier of Stoneham, Quebec, Canada.

A limited number of additional seats are still available with the team. Potential drivers may obtain more information by contacting the team by telephone at (941) 723-3900 or by e-mail at info@andersenracingteam.com.

Andersen Racing, which is sponsored by Allied Building Products and Lafarge North America, has its own 1-mile road course test track at its headquarters in Palmetto, Fla.

Andersen Racing's sister company, Andersen Promotions, administers the USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires and powered by Mazda. That series and Star Mazda are both part of the IRL's Road to Indy program and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports driver development system.

Andersen Racing's Web site is at andersenracingteam.com. The Star Mazda series' Web site is located at starmazda.com.



About Allied Building Products Corp.:

Allied Building Products Corp., headquartered in East Rutherford, N.J., is one of the largest roofing and siding distributors in the United States. Founded in 1950 with five employees and two trucks, today it is a $1.8 billion building material distribution company with over 3,500 employees, more than 200 branches in 30 states, well over one million square feet of office and warehouse space, and an inventory of approximately 85,000 products, from residential roofing and siding to doors, windows, waterproofing, manufactured stone, interior products and commercial roofing systems. For more information see alliedbuilding.com.

About Andersen Racing:

Andersen Racing strives to provide the best and most comprehensive training possible for future open-wheel superstars while giving its marketing partners media exposure and hospitality opportunities at some of the most prestigious events in North America. It provides a unique program utilizing multiple entries in three different platforms: karting, Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights.

A sister company, Andersen Promotions, administers the USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires and powered by Mazda. It is part of both the Indy Racing League's Road to Indy program and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports driver development system.

Andersen Racing is sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp. and Lafarge North America. The team is headquartered at Andersen RacePark, an 18-acre facility in Palmetto, Fla. that includes a 1-mile road course test track. For more information see andersenracingteam.com, andersenkarting.com, andersenracepark.com and usf2000.com.