PressSnoop

October 17, 2009

A1GP IN AUSTRALIA…NOT!

Filed under: A1 GP — Lynne Huntting @ 1:19 am

It’s finally official. After days of rumor and speculation swirling around next weekend’s Nikon SuperGP race weekend in Surfer’s Paradise, Australia, it has been confirmed that the A1GP Series will not be coming to Australia. Nikon SuperGP General Manager, GREG HOOTON and TONY COCHRANE, Executive Chairman of V8 Supercars Australia, made the announcement Saturday. Hooton said A1GP had failed to fulfill its contractual obligations and Nikon SuperGP had terminated its agreement with the ill-fated series.

With Hooton and Cochrane for the pit lane conference was Nikon SuperGP Chairman, TERRY MACKENROTH, and PHIL REEVES, Queensland Minister for Child Services and Sport (now there’s a combination).

There was no mention of the money the Queensland government had committed to the event (purportedly $11.5 million) or the previous threat by Acting Queensland Premiere, ANDREW FRASER, to sue if organizers breached their contract.

A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira, said in an issued statement “The series found itself in a race against time to make the deadline for when its cars would have to leave the UK to be on track in Surfers Paradise next Thursday. The series organisers never doubted this was possible, but today have been forced to accept this now cannot happen.”

The cars had FIA-mandated sidepod changes required before the cars could be shipped, and the changes had not yet been done. The changes had been required last year and then waived until Season Five. The cars are in storage at DOT (Delivered on Time Ltd) in England. It’s been said that Ferrari was witholding tech services and access to the engines.

Thursday Hooton had held a pit lane press conference to announce that 19 A1GP teams were entered, including Team USA. The statement was worded so that it wasn’t actually said that the A1GP cars would race in Australia … just that they were entered and going through the motions of making down payments on accommodations, applying for visas, etc.

Thursday morning, Andretti Green Racing (as it is still called, pending finalization of the transaction between team co-owners), said that the Team USA crew had not left for Australia. “We’re still hoping to be on the grid next week and are hoping to run the full season. Our team is trying to work through some details with A1GP that are related to how our team will operate in Season Five and as soon as we have those things ironed out, we’ll be all set. Based on our Indy car experience, we know that the Nikon SuperGP will be an amazing event and we’re hoping to be a part of it.”

Thursday morning another A1 team, A1 Team Malaysia, announced it would not be on the grid for the Australian race. Chief Executive, JACK CUNNINGHAM, said “It has been a difficult decision, but without the proper preparation, it would be foolish, unsafe and unfair of us to put any driver in this position (no pre-season testing, new track and minimal practice time.)

The Nikon SuperGP race weekend schedule will be revamped, featuring the highly popular local V8 Supercars. A new race program is being worked out between The Bligh Government, GCMEC (Gold Coast Motor Event Co.) and the V8s. There will be four 150km V8 Supercar races, instead of two. This adds up to 600km of V8 racing, the most of any weekend save the Bathurst 1000 endurance race, which was run a week ago.

Going into the weekend, V8 driver JAMIE WHINCUP/Vodafone Ford Falcon is leading the Supercar standings with 2476 points.

Reeves said: “I’d like to acknowledge the V8 Supercars for their ability and willingness to step up and ensure the Nikon SuperGP is a fantastic event. The Nikon SuperGP is an iconic event and this change I believe can only enhance its reputation as one of the world’s greatest motorsport events.”

Cochrane said “I would also like to thank our V8 Supercar teams who will now need to do a huge amount of work to change their cars, engineering and race plans for the weekend. Without their support this would not have happened.”

Promoters have offered a refund to anyone who ticket holders who want to reconsider attendance without the international series.

More details will be revealed prior to the race weekend, which begins on Thursday for four days.

Teixiera’s statement: “I want to personally apologise to the people affected by this regrettable but unavoidable decision. The Queensland Government, Gold Coast Motor Events Co, the management and Chairman of the event have been patient and supportive of us in the past weeks. We were proud to be part of what has become one of the world’s most iconic motorsport events, and are devastated at the decision we have had to make. We also know the Australian motorsport fans are very protective of this event and had welcomed us with open arms. To them I also apologise and stress that we wanted to put on a show for them that they would never forget.

“In view of what has happened A1GP will refund to Gold Coast Motor Events Co the sanction fee paid, and will donate AUS $50,000 to a charity designated by them. Also contractors engaged directly by A1GP who have already incurred expenses on our behalf will be fully reimbursed.

“One effect of the UK operating arm of the series going into liquidation in June was that access to the cars and the ability to pay its suppliers has been impeded. What should have been a summer upgrading the machinery in time for the first race of the 2009/10 season has turned into a frustrating time for achieving this.

“We have recently announced 19 teams who were ready to race in Australia. I know they are still committed to racing in our unique series that pits nation versus nation. A1GP may be down, but I do not accept we are out. We have had four exciting seasons that have proved we are a force in the sport and now we shall consolidate on what we have achieved to date. My efforts will be on finding a way forward with the support of some very loyal people.”

ALAN EVANS, The Chairman of A1GP Australia Pty Ltd, issued a long apologetic statement. 

”The Directors and Officers of A1GP Australia Pty Ltd have been endeavouring over the last several weeks to obtain clarification on the status of A1GP from A1 Holdings the international company which is the commercial rights holder of the A1GP series and also the company which has control of the A1GP Race Cars and the A1GP teams.

“During this period of time we have received numerous assurances from Mr Tony Teixeira, the Chairman of A1 Holdings both in writing and verbally that the necessary funding would be in place to ensure that the A1GP could meet its contractual obligation to conduct A1GP Races during the course of the Nikon SuperGP on the Gold Coast from the 22nd – 25th October 2009.

“The information we had been provided with was such that we all genuinely believed that A1 Holdings was in a position to provide the necessary funds to meet the contractual obligations entered into by A1GP.

“The matter has been further complicated by the proper requirement of the Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA) for A1GP to undertake two modifications to the race cars to ensure the safety of the drivers. In the time now available to A1GP they are not able to complete both modifications and this will preclude them from racing.

“I have today written to all the relevant parties to advise that due to inability of A1 Holdings to ensure the provision of 18 A1GP cars, drivers and teams, that we understand the Gold Coast Motor Events decision that we are unable to fulfill the terms of the contract.

“I will also advise the relevant National motor sport authority of all the circumstances leading to this action. 

”On behalf of A1GP, I sincerely apologise to the Queensland Government, the Gold Coast Motor Events Company and its General Manager Mr Greg Hooton but most particularly the motor sport public for the failure of A1GP to fulfill its obligations. Be we and all other parties involved in the staging of the A1GP on the Gold Coast genuinely believed on the information continuously provided to us that A1GP would be in a position to compete at the Nikon SuperGP.

“It would now appear that there is no doubt that A1GP is not in a position to ship the cars to Australia in time to participate in the event. 

”Unfortunately it appears that a great concept in motor sport namely A1GP with its equal cars with teams and drivers representing their nation has run its course in Australia for this year, we are however, hopeful that in future years we can return to Australia and compete to demonstrate the competitiveness of the category.

Not that it matters at this point, but Teixeira and Evans gave conflicting car counts – 18/19 A1GP Series cars coming to Australia.

October 11, 2009

EDWARDS WINS IT ALL • SIMONA DNF

Filed under: Atlantics — Lynne Huntting @ 4:31 pm

It was a cold and gloomy day at fog-shrouded Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Sunday for the third day of the Monterey Sports Car Championships.

The small but highly competitive field for the 2009 Cooper Tires Presents Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda Series had its customary standing start, one of the few major open wheel series to be so daring.

Pole sitter JOHN EDWARDS won both the race and the 2009 Atlantic race Championship. Race runner-up, JONATHAN SUMMERTON came in second for the Championship…this despite the Newman Wachs Racing teammates having identical points after the race (182) and four race wins each. The tie breaker was second-place finishes: Edwards already had four before Sunday and Summerton’s finish gave him a third second-place finish.

Edwards is the youngest-ever Atlantic Champion, at the age of 18. He replaces MICHAEL ANDRETTI, who won the title in 1983.  The Kentucky teenager earned four wins, three poles, and finished on the podium nine out of 12 times.

Three drivers had a mathematical chance at the 2009 Atlantics crown going into the race, but the series only full-time female driver and points leader, SIMONA DE SILVESTRO/No.78 Team Stargate Worlds crashed out of the equation on the first lap after contact with 2008 Atlantic Champion, MARKUS NIEMELA/Jensen MotorSport. She went into the wall at the bottom of the Corkscrew. She was unhurt, but her race was ended. Niemela continued.

That left the race down to Edwards and Summerton, who gridded first and second, respectively.

De Silvestro finished third in the standings.

Niemela crossed the finish line in third place. However, after the fact and the podium conferences, race officials penalized the Finnish driver two positions for avoidable contact with De Silvestro on the first lap.

Condor Racing’s driver, FREDERIC VERVISCH of Belgium, who had already won the Rookie Championship, moved into third place after starting seventh.

Niemela said Silvestro tried to pass him in the Corkscrew, and he had to go on the kerb. “She was trying to get back her line, they touched, she lost a wheel and crashed. I didn’t want that to happen and it takes away from my third. She was trying for the title.”

Silvestro’s teammate, local favorite, JONATHAN BOMARITO of Monterey, had mechanical issues and dropped out.

Edwards said “I am on Cloud 36. I couldn’t believe after the Safety Car that Simona was out, so it came down to Jonathan and I. I pushed harder, and at the end I was trying not to make mistakes. My engineer told me I had 30 minutes to go and it seemed like six hours, and then they told me that I was the champion. I knew I had won, but it was a little different to hear someone else say it.” He admitted that the team had all the points scenarios worked out well in advance.

Edwards has won two championships in a Mazda at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “It’s good omen. It’s a good sponsor with support and encouragement. Thanks for the Mazda Speed Ladder.”

Regarding his 2010 plans, Edwards said “I wish I could say. The championship will add something to my resume, but I’m not sure what’s next.”

Summerton said “I had a good car all weekend. We’ve had cars to beat the last five races, and should have finished 1-2 in all those races. Aerodynamics play a big part of racing here. I kept hoping for John to make a mistake and he never did. I had no air on the front. It’s disappointing. It comes down to finishing points during the year. The cooler weather did make a difference. We made some set-up changes.”

Niemela started the season with the NWR, before being replaced by Summerton after five races. The 26-year old driver moved to Jensen Motorsport, a much smaller, lesser-funded team. It’s been a struggle all year with the small two-car team sharing one engineer, and often all sharing one hotel room, all with no complaints from anyone, especially Niemela. The team came to Trois Rivieres in Montreal (home track for team) on their own dime in hopes of racing, had the car prepared and got the go-ahead at the last minute. Niemela finished fifth.

Niemela doesn’t know yet what he will be doing next season. “I have a couple of different prospects in 2010 and hopefully they work out. I knew 15 minutes before second practice I knew I was racing here, so hopefully next year I’ll have more notice. I’m open for offers.”

The Atlantic Series, sanctioned by IMSA – International Motor Sports Association, will return next season with Mazda and Cooper Tires, and maybe a new sponsor. The schedule will be released soon, once confirmation is received from two of the tracks on the 12-race schedule. There will be at least one-double-header race and maybe more to help the teams.

GIL GOES IN GLORY • ROUGH RIDERS

Filed under: ALMS — Lynne Huntting @ 12:48 pm

The sun came out Saturday as Grand Marshal GIL de FERRAN gave the command to the field of American Le Mans sports cars at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It was just one of many special moments for the Brazilian team owner/driver at the Monterey Sports Car Championships weekend. He is retiring as a driver, but remaining as a team owner. The 41-year old driver put his No.66 Acura ARZ-02a LMP1 car on the pole with a flying lap at the end of the 20-minute Friday qualifying session.

The de Ferran Motorsports car had a special all-white paint scheme for the weekend, emulating that of his mentor and hero, JIM HALL, of Chaparral fame. Hall, and two of his famous cars were at Laguna for exhibition and several demonstration laps and lots of photo ops. De Ferran used to race for Hall and won his first Indy Car race with Hall at Laguna Seca in 1995.

The icing on the cake, so to speak, was de Ferran winning the four-hour race – with co-driver SIMON PAGENAUD, who started the race, and turned the race’s fastest lap. The team bested  six other class contenders.

It was cold, windy and the Monterey Bay fog had rolled in at race’s end, but there were smiles all around enough to warm anyone.

De Ferran said “Coming into the weekend, there were a lot of different thoughts going through my head. But I had a job to do as a driver. In a way, the race was so intense that I never had time to think of anything else. This car I know is an Acura but for all effects, I think it was a Chaparral this weekend. When you look at the car from a distance, it really does look stunning.”

With more than an hour to go in the race, the No.9 Patron Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a LMP1 clinched the 2009 LMP1 championship. Drivers SCOTT SHARP and DAVID BRABHAM finished third overall, second in class. The team, which had been leading going into the race, had completed 70 percent of the race and sealed the deal. Good thing as they had some mechanical issues in their last pit stop.

Patron Highcroft Racing, owned by DUNCAN DAYTON, a vintage car racer, also won the Prototype Green Challenge.

The LMP2 winner was ADRIAN FERNANDEZ, team owner and driver of No.15 Acura ARX-01B – with co-driver and LMP2 pole sitter, LUIS DIAZ. They finished second overall, and they were the only other car on the lead lap. The Margin of Victory was 0.662 seconds. At the last pit stop Fernandez took on four tires, while de Ferran took fuel only.

The Fernandez drivers twice led briefly, during pit stops. Diaz turned the fastest LMP2 race lap. This is the last ALMS race for the Fernandez team. Unconfirmed rumors has the team considering Indy Racing League. There were four LMP2 cars in the race.

The GT2 class had the most cars (14) and perhaps the most exciting finish. That race was won by JORG BERGMEISTER and co-driver PATRICK LONG/No.45 Flying Lizards Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, finishing sixth overall. It was neck and neck with Pole sitter was JAN MAGNUSSEN/ No.3 Corvette Cr.6,  with a crash ending right under the Starter’s stand.

Magnussen gave Bergmeister a good run for his money in the waning laps of the race, hounding him every step of the way. The two swapped the lead several times in one lap, making a Porsche sandwich out of another car going three wide through the apex of Turn Two, and putting on a thoroughly entertaining, if not nail-biting show. Magnussen officially took the lead but had to give it back for making the pass at pit exit. He turned the fastest race lap in the GT2 category.

It was neck and neck on the last lap, when Magnussen bumped Bergmeister who crowded Magnussen to the pit wall in front of the checkered flag, and the Corvette spun across track and crashed into the wall, finishing second in class and seventh overall.

Magnussen was taken to the track Medical Center and released, sore but walking back to his compound. Later, after being at the hotel, the Dane went back to the local Monterey Hospital for further observation. Race officials haven’t heard anything more.

Magnussen said “Going into the last corner I was too far away to make a proper attack, but Joerg parked the car. I didn’t see that, so I slid up and hit him a little – he went sideways and I managed to get on the inside. It was a drag race up the hill, and I managed to get ahead of him. Then he turned me into the wall, and he kept turning in. Then I spun around the nose of his car.”

Bergmeister said “I’m definitely sorry Jan went into the wall. I didn’t want that to happen. But it was a banging game. I’m glad he’s OK. It was just race – tough racing. The Corvette passed me the first time at the hairpin but he went in way too deep and I was able to get back around him. He was a little quicker I have to say. I wasn’t trying to figure out where he was gaining time on me. I was trying to stay on track and in front.”

The race results are official and the GT2 finish remained the same.

Flying Lizards won the GT Green Challenge.

The ALMS Challenge class winner (Porsche 911 GT3 Cup) was Velox Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, with MITCHELL PAGEREY and SHANE LEWIS, taking sixteenth overall. Operative word is was. After the race, ALMS excluded the car for fuel capacity. This gave the victory to pole sitter  GUY COSMOS/No.47  Orbit Racing  Porsche,  and his co-driver JOHN BAKER, who finished seventeenth overall. That class had eight entries.

ALMS also excluded Gruppe Orange No.36 Challenge car with drivers WESLEY HOAGLUND and BOB FAIETA, for minimum weight. They had finished third in class and eighteenth overall. Faieta had turned the fastest race lap in the class.

Thirty-two cars ran the race, and ten did not finish. There were four cautions for 21 laps.

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