Zip Racing Earns Podium Finish at Fontana

 FONTANA, Calif. (March 23, 2002) - Saturday's Grand American 400 turned out better than the Zip Racing team thought it would.

Despite getting a cut tire and some handling issues, the Zip team turned in their first podium finish of the 2002 season.

The #34 Zip Racing Porsche started fourth in the GT class for the California Speedway event. After 27 laps, team driver Spencer Pumpelly had moved the #34 machine up to third in the GT class. The team then pitted for tires, fuel and a driver change, putting in Steve Ivankovich. 

"We had some mechanical issues," co-driver Steve Ivankovich said.  "We had one of the lower control arms disconnect.  There was no control over the car for about 45 laps."

Other GT teams had their fair share of problems too. Several of Zip's competitors fell out of contention due problems. 

"It wasn't the best way to get a podium finish with everyone having problems," Ivankovich said. "It was a small victory.  Unfortunately, Porsches aren't standard for the GT class anymore. They may be slower, but they are certainly reliable."

 "Our finish was an award of attrition," Pumpelly said. "It was because of the Zip team's hard work that we were able to stay in contention."

The team's next event will be under the lights at Phoenix International Raceway.  The United Auto 200 will begin at 7:00 p.m. MT on Saturday April 20.