CART: Andretti ready for return to Toronto, site of success
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
July 11, 2001
Indianapolis, IN-Driver Michael Andretti doesn't profess to have a favorite track on the CART FedEx Championship Series but if favorites were based on results the 1.72-mile temporary street circuit in Toronto would be first on his list. Andretti has start ed all 15 years of the Molson Indy, finishing first for a record-breaking six times and on the podium an additional three times. Andretti claims there's no mystery to his success at Toronto. "I wish I knew why I'm so successful in Toronto because I would definitely try to duplicate it at all of the other tracks we race on," he said. "Apparently my style is suited to Toronto but really, there is no secret."
In 2000, Andretti's victory in Toronto established a number of records including his 40th career victory, which made him CART's all-time leader in career wins for active drivers (third overall) and it also was his sixth victory in Toronto, more than at any other venue. "At the end of the day I don't know if I just have really good luck in Canada but things seem to really go my way when I race in Toronto," Andretti explained.
This year's race will mark a new start for Andretti in Toronto since he joined the newly created Team Motorola at the end of the 2000 season. Team Motorola General Manager Kim Green is hoping they are able to capitalize on Michael's success in Toronto. " We've had a decent run thus far in our season and with all of the success Michael has had in Toronto we're hoping to score our first victory for Team Motorola this weekend," Green said. "We had a tough weekend at Cleveland but overall I'm not disappointed with where we are for the mid-point in our first season as a team."
Andretti and Team Motorola struggled in Cleveland when rain washed out their qualifying session putting Andretti 21st on the starting grid. Things didn't go much better for the team during the race where Andretti finished the day 15th. Unfortunately, no championship points were scored which leaves Andretti and Team Motorola with 53 points, eighth in the championship race. The team has already put the disappointment of Cleveland behind them and is ready for a successful weekend in Toronto. "We have a gre at driver and a great team," said Green. "I feel confident that we can right back on track and in the championship hunt in Toronto."
Team Motorola and Andretti begin practice on Friday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m. The Molson Indy of Toronto will be shown live on ESPN on Sunday, July 15 beginning at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Text provided by Jana Griffith
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