Rand Racing Watkins Glen practice

Watkins Glen International
practice, June 21, 2002

quick start

Rand Racing topped the SRPII class during opening-day practice for the 
six-hour Rolex Sports Car Series race at Watkins Glen International.  Ralf 
Kelleners was fastest, covering the 3.4-mile road course in one minute, 
48.440 seconds.  He drives the No. 8 Nissan Lola with Terry Borcheller and 
Anthony Lazzaro.  Marino Franchitti of Scotland had the best time in the No. 
7 Lola that he shares with Niclas Jönsson and Bill Rand, 1:49.564.

"I think we saw more improvements to the car this afternoon," Lazzaro said.  
"Ralf had his first run this afternoon and set the quickest time of the 
session, but there's still more to go.  All three of us agree on that."

Franchitti drove at Watkins Glen for the first time Thursday morning, then 
toured parts of the original track, which wound through the picturesque New 
York countryside and the lakeside town of Watkins Glen.

"When I drove this morning, I thought this track was awesome," he said.  
"Then when I saw the old one, I thought maybe it's not so awesome - that old 
one is scary!  But this track is great, it's up there with Spa 
[-Francorchamps, in Belgium].  I guess Spa is my favorite, but I'm still 
learning here, so that may change."

slick win

Rand Racing drivers Niclas Jönsson and Anthony Lazzaro collected their first 
victory of the race week on Thursday evening.  They teamed with Rolex Series 
competitors Andy Lally, Darren Law and Fredy Lienhard to win a 90-minute 
go-kart race on a local slick track.  The team won by more than a lap, 
despite the handicap of frequent driver changes required for the race leader 
and a mid-race restart from the back of the reversed field.

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Sylvia Proudfoot
403 287 3945
spur07@cs.com