Daytona - Rand Racing victory

2002 Rolex 24 at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway
race final, Feb. 3

two for two

The new Rand Racing team scored its second victory in as many starts during 
the Rolex 24 at Daytona, held on the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway 
road course.  The team won in its first outing last fall, also at Daytona, 
then followed with victory in the SRPII class in the 24-hour classic.  The 
team was the only class winner to lead from start to finish, and topped its 
strong class performance with third place overall in the race.

Ralf Kelleners took the wheel of the No. 8 Risi Competizione-prepared Nissan 
Lola after 18 hours, carrying the class lead and fourth overall.  Bill Rand 
followed at 20h15 and moved up to third during his two-hour stint, then Terry 
Borcheller and Kelleners followed with single stints.  Rand returned to the 
car for the finish.

"I have to thank the crew," said owner/driver Rand.  "Without Risi 
Competizione putting the car together, we couldn't have finished.  They're 
very important and they never get enough credit.  We have the flag for each 
individual's nationality on the car as a special tribute to them.  And 
without my three co-drivers, we couldn't have got it done.  We worked as a 
team and we're two for two - we don't plan on going for second."

Anthony Lazzaro, who drove most of the night stints, was overwhelmed.  ''It's 
an awesome feeling," he said.  "Last time I drove in the race was '99 and we 
won, so the last two times I've driven here, we've won.  To come here and win 
a 24-hour race is a huge accomplishment.  I can't thank Bill and his family 
enough for what they've done for my career.  With the whole Rand Racing team, 
it's just an awesome deal all around."

Borcheller noted the absence of track trouble ensured the victory.  "I'm 
happy that we didn't have any altercations," he said.  "Nobody went off 
track, mechanically the car ran great and the weather was good, just a lot of 
positives for us.  And we came away with a win.  That's how you win a 24-hour 
race, by staying out of trouble."

Kelleners agreed.  "Obviously, we came here to win our class.  It was a 
tremendous job from the team," he said.  "It's all down to the drivers not 
hitting anything and the team preparing the car in the right way.  It seems 
like everybody did a perfect job."

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Sylvia Proudfoot
spur07@cs.com
403 287 3945