 Watkins
Glen, NY (September 24, 2005) - Armed with a sturdy
lead in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype driver
standings, No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley co-drivers Max Angelelli and Wayne
Taylor headed back to upstate New York for the third and final time this
weekend looking for their second consecutive victory at Watkins Glen
International in Saturday's Crown Royal 250 at The Glen (SPEED Channel, Live,
3:00 p.m. ET). And they went on to win round 12 of the 14-race season by a
small margin, just ahead of the No. 01 Lexus Riley, CompUSA Chip Ganassi team.
With a line up of 21 Daytona Prototype cars (DP) and 22 Grand
Touring cars (GT) starting today's race. There was a bit of excitement nearing
the end of the race. With three laps remaining a woodchuck ran into the path of
Max Angelellis racecar, and there was no avoiding the tragic demise of the
animal. The resulting contact destroyed the car's right headlight and also did
minor damage to the bodywork on the right front of the car. Angelelli later
explained that he actually lost the 1996 Macau Grand Prix Formula 3 race after
he struck an animal on-course, and was afraid that
the same thing would happen in the Crown Royal 250. Max
stated "I have lost a race before because of an animal. I don't want to
lose again because of an animal." As it ran into Max's right front fender
Max had concern of tire pressure. Max said "At the beginning I was very
worried about the suspension and pressure of the tires. The car shook, and I
was worried the tire was loosing pressure, but then I picked up a little more
steer." Did you have any conversation with the crew? "Yes I asked
them to check the tire pressure and they told me the pressure was good."
Max and Wayne went on to win the race with just a small margin of victory
crossing the finish line just seconds before the No. 01 CompUSA team.
Luis Diaz in the DP No. 01 Lexus Riley, CompUSA Chip Ganassi
team had the pole for the second straight time here at Watkins Glen. With a
quicker qualifying lap time here at Watkins Glen verses when we were here
earlier this season you have to be pleased. Luis said "I have to give all
the Ganassi guys (team / crew) members the credit, they did a great job. They
gave us a really good car this weekend. Also thanks to the Lexus power. And the
Hoosier Tires that hold very well to the track. It is great to be here, it is
an honor to be here with such a great team."
GT Class
The TRG team of Andy Lally and Marc Bunting in the No. 65
Pontiac GTO.R won the GT class of the Crown Royal 250. Andy and Marc were asked
to comment on any big keys or strategy in today's race. Andy said, "we
just had a solid car, and the tires (Hoosiers) just stay under the car."
Live coverage from throughout the weekend, including live
timing & scoring data and an audio web cast, is available on the official
web site of the Grand American Road Racing Association, www.grandamerican.com.
Hoosier Racing Tire is proud to be the sole tire provider for
the Grand American / Rolex Racing Series.
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