A need for speed

by Harry Sheff

Robert Talbott is getting serious about racing. CEO Bob Corliss, a motorhead who spent much of last year touring the U.S. on motorcycles with Robb Talbott, is spending his free time this year behind the wheel of a carbon fiber Formula Atlantic race car (pictured below) on a six-race tour.

Bob Corliss in his Talbott car

And it’s not just a hobby: his new Robert Talbott Motorsports initiative includes sponsorship of the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, not far from Talbott’s Monterey, Calif. headquarters, and backing the up-and-coming Formula One driver Sean Rayhall.

At Mazda Raceway, Talbott will be the official apparel and wine sponsor, providing shirts and ties along with pinot noir and chardonnay.

“As a company, we are continually inspired by the lifestyle of the Monterey Peninsula—a casual elegance that is both sophisticated and sporting,” said Corliss. “Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the finest and most storied motorsports venues in the world and it attracts a passionate and cultured audience.”

Sean Rayhall

18-year-old racer Sean Rayhall already has 68 wins and 104 turns on the podium. Added Corliss, “We believe that Sean has the talent to become a great American Formula One driver and we proudly support him in his quest for that dream.”

See more photos of Corliss and Rayhall with their Robert Talbott cars, along with race schedules, at RobertTalbottMotorsports.com.