CART: Disappointment for Andretti in Long Beach

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 11, 2001

LONG BEACH, Calif.--- A competitive weekend ended in disappointment and a 28th place finish for Michael Andretti, driver of the No. 39 Team Motorola Honda-Reynard. After completing only three laps of the 82-lap event on the streets of Long Beach, Andretti was in the pits with an electrical failure. It was a disappointing end to what had been a successful outing for the first year team.

Andretti started the race in ninth position after a qualifying session on Saturday that had moment-by-moment changes in both weather and pole position. Helio Castroneves, who started from the pole position, went on to win the race. Cristiano DaMatta finished in second place, his second podium in as many races, and Gil DeFerran rounded out the top three. Team Motorola's technical partner, Team KOOL Green, finished the day with a fourth place finish for Paul Tracy and a sixth place finish for Dario Franchitti.

The next event on the CART FedEx Championship Series schedule is in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, April 29, 2001.

Michael Andretti, Car No. 39, Motorola/Honda-Reynard

"There were no signs, no warning of a problem. I don't know for sure what happened but the car started misfiring badly. I think it might have been an electrical problem but until we look at it, I really don't know. It's disappointing because Team Motorola was competitive and we had a good car all weekend. The Team Motorola crew really did a great job and I'm really disappointed for all of us because it was a good race car. Oh well, these things happen. I just have to look forward to our next race in Texas and plan to finish in the points."

Finished: 28th
Started: 9th
Status: Mechanical/Engine
Laps Completed: 3 of 82

Text provided by Jana Griffith

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