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THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPORTSCAR RACING
- FIRST EVENT
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OUR MISSION
Southern Paley Motorsports, also known as “SPM”, is a race team run by racers with the goal of winning. Through extensive existing connections, facilities, and networks, SPM has the capability for quick success and further growth. SPM puts emphasis on driver development, comprehensive preparation, and fielding competitive race cars. We put extensive care into every piece of equipment that touches the track ensuring that we maximize the performance of our package. Our goal is to give our drivers the best possible chance to win, develop, and grow each time they hit the track.
DRIVER DEVELOPMENT
Driver development is at the forefront of Southern Paley Motorsports’ priorities. Bundled into our car rental and track support packages is an extensive driver coaching program tailored specifically for each driver to maximize performance and development. This includes substantial data analysis with team driver coaches and data engineers, 1-on-1 and group video review, pre and post-session debriefs, comprehensive evaluations, live radio communication while on track, and instilling successful mindsets and mental concepts in all drivers.
With that, Southern Paley Motorsports puts emphasis on driver evolution and growth over the course of the season, and more specifically, prioritizing progress each time you hit the track. Paley and Southern both have extensive racing backgrounds and lead driver development. Sam and John Paul’s objective is to propel driver progression and improvement.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT US
Sam Paley and John Paul Southern have a rich history in the racing industry both in and out of the car. The pair have known each other for well over 10 years, and combined, have over 30 years of racing experience across multiple disciplines of racing.
Southern Jr, the 2020 Trans-Am TA2 Southern Cup Champion, has spent the last 3 years racing in Europe in series such as ADAC GT4, DTM Trophy, and ADAC GT Masters. Additionally, Southern was a Lamborghini GT3 test driver in 2023. On the other hand, Paley, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year, has ample experience in the IMSA paddock through his tenure in the MX-5 Cup. Paley achieved 9 podiums and 4 poles across the last 3 years in the IMSA sanctioned series.
Apart from their driving accolades, the pair have backgrounds in managing and operating race team programs. Southern managed the 2022 T3 Motorsport Germany entry to P8 in GTD at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and led the team to become the highest finishing Lamborghini. Paley is currently the Team Principal and a Managing Director for TKG Motorsports’ Spec MX-5 program.
OUR SERVICES
Southern Paley Motorsports offers a variety of services including season-long and single-event track support, car rental, driver development, hospitality for all drivers and guests, transportation, and shop preparation. SPM takes an “all-in approach” when bundling services to provide our customers with the best possible value and convenience. With our arrive and drive programs, we handle everything so you don’t have to. SPM’s intentions are to WIN. This starts at our prep shop and continues at the race track. We are high touch, maximum attention, and full commitment.
OUR SERVICES
Southern Paley Motorsports offers a variety of services including season-long and single-event track support, car rental, driver development, hospitality for all drivers and guests, transportation, and shop preparation. SPM takes an “all-in approach” when bundling services to provide our customers with the best possible value and convenience. With our arrive and drive programs, we handle everything so you don’t have to. SPM’s intentions are to WIN. This starts at our prep shop and continues at the race track. We are high touch, maximum attention, and full commitment.
In addition to race programs, Southern Paley Motorsports has a multitude of testing opportunities available. SPM is conveniently located in Tampa, FL, which gives the team close proximity to professional facilities such as Homestead, Sebring, and Daytona.
OUR HOME
Southern Paley Motorsports calls the new Motor Enclave in Tampa, Florida home. SPM is a part of the world’s largest private garage community and operates out of 2 brand new, state of the art garages on-site. The Motor Enclave is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Tampa and gives the team the convenience of being located just feet from a 1.72 mile Hermann Tilke designed driving circuit, bolstering team research and Development.
THE LADDER
SYSTEM
Through affiliation with Trinity Karting Group and TKG Motorsports, Southern Paley Motorsports has completed the nation’s first, fully comprehensive racing ladder from grassroots karting into sports car pro racing, all without skipping any steps. Trinity Karting Group is based out of the Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati, one of the premier karting facilities in the United States. Through the local track, Trinity Karting Group develops young an aspiring karting drivers and brings them to the national stage once they are ready. Trinity Karting group is the American factory team for Kart republic and can provide drivers with a distinguished and successful platform. The team competes in the highest caliber karting series in the country such as SKUSA and USPKS.
Once drivers are ready to move up into cars, TKG Motorsports offers the affordable next step through their Spec MX-5 Series program. TKG Motorsports integrates driver coaching and driver development to best prepare drivers for available scholarship opportunities. TKG Motorsports’ mechanic and body shop is based in Batavia, OH. Through their efforts, TKG Motorsports provides car rental and track support programs to drivers in the Spec MX-5 Series looking to gain experience and make their way through the racing ladder.
Finally, competing in the IMSA Mustang Challenge, Southern Paley Motorsports, in association with TKG Motorsports, fulfills the final step into Pro Racing in America. The TKG and SPM umbrella is the only association in the United States that has the ability to bring drivers up from a local kart track into the pro sports car paddock. The fulfillment and utilization of a successful ladder system is at the heart of all TKG and SPM employees. The conglomerated program’s main goal is to propel aspiring, young, and talented drivers up through the ranks of motorsport.
MEET THE TEAM
SAM PALEY
- 2 Time USA Karting Champion
- Multiple Time Podium Winner in the F4 U.S. Championship)
- 9 Podiums and 4 Poles in the Mazda MX-5 Cup between 2021 and 2023
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year
- GT4 Mustang Track Record Holder at Ozarks International Raceway
- 15 Years of Racing Experience
- Team Principal and Managing Director at TKG Motorsports
- Coaching Experience in IMSA, WRL, SCCA, & NASA
- Professional Sales / Marketing Major at Indiana University Kelley
JOHN PAUL (JP) SOUTHERN
- 5 Time USA Karting Champion
- Multiple Time Podium Winner in F3 Americas
- 2020 Trans-Am TA2 Southern Cup Champion
- Multiple Time Podium / Pole Winner in 2021 ADAC GT4 Germany and 2022 DTM Trophy
- 2023 ADAC GT Masters Podium Winner
- Lamborghini GT3 Test Driver 2023
- Privateer Driver Coach
- Instructor at Mid Ohio School of Racing, PCA Allegheny Region, and Instructor at The Motor Enclave
- Official Pittsburgh International Race Complex Track Representative
- Engineering Experience with Ligier, T3 Motorsport Germany, WRL GT4
- Team Manager 2022 Rolex 24 Hour T3 Motorsport Entry
- UNCC Online Graduate
SAM PALEY
- 2 Time USA Karting Champion
- Multiple Time Podium Winner in the F4 U.S. Championship)
- 9 Podiums and 4 Poles in the Mazda MX-5 Cup between 2021 and 2023
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year
- GT4 Mustang Track Record Holder at Ozarks International Raceway
- 15 Years of Racing Experience
- Team Principal and Managing Director at TKG Motorsports
- Coaching Experience in IMSA, WRL, SCCA, & NASA
- Professional Sales / Marketing Major at Indiana University Kelley
JOHN PAUL (JP) SOUTHERN
- 5 Time USA Karting Champion
- Multiple Time Podium Winner in F3 Americas
- 2020 Trans-Am TA2 Southern Cup Champion
- Multiple Time Podium / Pole Winner in 2021 ADAC GT4 Germany and 2022 DTM Trophy
- 2023 ADAC GT Masters Podium Winner
- Lamborghini GT3 Test Driver 2023
- Privateer Driver Coach
- Instructor at Mid Ohio School of Racing, PCA Allegheny Region, and Instructor at The Motor Enclave
- Official Pittsburgh International Race Complex Track Representative
- Engineering Experience with Ligier, T3 Motorsport Germany, WRL GT4
- Team Manager 2022 Rolex 24 Hour T3 Motorsport Entry
- UNCC Online Graduate
THE CAR
“Drawing on years of racing expertise, Ford Performance specially crafted the Mustang® Dark Horse™ R race car to be aggressive and uncompromising. Allowing Mustang enthusiasts to simply buckle up and burn rubber in many club racing series.” ford.com
- 500+ Horsepower 5.0L Coyote V8
- TREMEC® 3160 Manual Transmission
- Overall Width | 1914mm
- Wheelbase | 2718mm
- Brembo Front Brake Calipers and Rotors
- Brembo Brake Pads
- Bespoke Michelin® 295/30R19 Racing Slick Tire
- Ford Performance Parts R1 Flow-Formed Wheels
(19” x 10.5” front, 19” x 11” rear)
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