Segal & Papis win at Indy
Posted: 27.07.2013
Source: Ferrari
Maranello 27 July – Maxi Papis and Jeff Segal gave Ferrari its first GT win of the season in the Grand Am championship in the # 61 R. Ferri/AIM Motorsport Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Aim Autosports car of Assentato and Lazzaro finished 4th followed by the two Ferrari’s of Scuderia Corsa driven by Keen and Balzan and Randall and Wilden finished fifth and sixth respectively.
Alessandro Balzan, looking to regain his Grand-AM GT driver points lead, started the #63 Ferrari in 5th position and immediately began fighting his way through the top of the field. Balzan drove blistering lap times in a crowded field that saw four full course yellows and led the GT pack for 12 laps before handing the wheel to Leh Keen. Balzan, who managed a spectacular first half shared his disappointment of the final outcome, “I’m a bit upset considering how strong we were in the first part of the race.” Said Balzan after the race. “Pit stop issues and unlock compromised the race. The fifth position is tough considering we had a car that could win this historic race but it makes me eager to win the next one!”
The next round is the Visitflorida.com Sports Car 250 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on August 10th.
Grand Am at the Brickyard
Posted: 26.07.2013
Source: Ferrari
Maranello 26 July – The Grand Am Championship takes place at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway today and of course the Ferrari is well represented by five front running cars.
Scuderia Corsa has two cars on the entry list as the Randall Motorsports / TFR Racing car joins the fold, driven by Dr Rod Randall and Ken Wilden., “I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to compete at Indy with the great Ferrari team of Scuderia Corsa flying MOMO colors,” Dr. Randall said. “This is an extremely competitive field at a historic track. We are dedicated to working hard to achieve a podium finish!”
In addition to its new car Scuderia Corse also adds a driver to the lineup as Lee Keen joins Alessandro Balzan in the #63 Ferrari 458 Italia for the remainder of the season. “I think adding Leh to our driver lineup is the perfect match at the perfect time,” said team principal Giacomo Mattioli, “With him we are gaining championship experience. The battle for the GT class is growing in intensity and his closing skills will be very valuable.”
AF Waltrip have entered the #56 car driven by Rui Aguas and Robert Kauffman and R.Ferri / AIM Motorsport Racing with Ferrari have their regular #61 car for Max Papis and Jeff Segal. Completing the lineup is the AIM Autosport Team FXDD with Ferrari of Emil Assentato and Anthony Lazzaro.
With the NAEC championship coming to a collusion this weekend there is still all to play for as AIM Autosport are second by just two points in the teams championship and drivers Assentato and Lazzaro trail in the drivers’ championship by the same margin.
The NAEC encompasses the three longest races in the Rolex Series, held at three of the most historic racing facilities in the world. It opened at Daytona International Speedway in January with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and moved to Watkins Glen International for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on June 30. NAEC championship-winning teams and drivers will be crowned on the Victory Podium following Friday’s race on the 2.605-mile road circuit.
The three hour race starts later today at 17:30 ET (22:30 GMT) the race will be broadcast live in the USA on the Speed channel.