Canadian Drivers Battle for Grand-Am Cup Championships at Mosport

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 24, 2002) -- As the Grand-Am Cup Series prepares for its ninth round of racing at Mosport International Raceway, September 28-29, many Canadian drivers are looking forward to racing in their homeland for the second time this season. But for two teams locked in a fierce clash for the series' premier Grand Sport I championship, this weekend's race will be a chance to bring the battle home.

Nine teams with local ties are slated to race in this weekend's Sunoco Ultra 94 presents the Mosport Three Hour, but to Powell Motorsports and Doncaster Racing this weekend's race is much more than just a chance to win a race at home - it is also a chance to win a championship.

Toronto-based Doncaster Racing currently holds a two-point lead over Port Perry-based Powell Motorsports in the latest GS I team point standings. However the battle for the driver championship is even closer, with Powell drivers Devon Powell, of Port Perry, and Doug Goad, of Farmington, Mich., in a three-way tie with Doncaster's Scott Maxwell, of Toronto.

With only two races remaining in the 2002 season, this weekend's Mosport race will play a vital role in determining who will win the championships.

Defending GS I driver co-champions Powell and Goad propelled themselves into three-way tie for the lead after picking up their third win of the season at the Mont-Tremblant 250 earlier this month. They are looking to claim the points lead for themselves with another victory at Mosport and hope the team's home track advantage will play into their favor.

The Powell Motorsports garage was previously based at Mosport International Raceway, and the team feels it would be only fitting for their Sunoco-sponsored Corvette to roll into Victory Circle at the conclusion of the Sunoco Ultra 94 presents the Mosport Three Hour.

However, Maxwell and the Doncaster Racing team could likely prove the spoilers. Maxwell, who will partner with fellow-Toronto resident David Empringham in the #76 Porsche, has held the points lead for much of the season and also has three victories to his credit.

Doncaster will also field a second Porsche with another pair of Toronto drivers at the wheel. Dave Lacey and Greg Wilkins will pilot the team's #7 Porsche, which is currently third in the GS I team standings.

While it will be the drivers of Powell Motorsports and Doncaster Racing in the championship hunt, several other drivers from Ontario will also race in the GS I class. Robert Julien, of Toronto, will team with Quebec's Richard Spenard and Jean-Francois Dumoulin in the Fiorano Racing #119 Porsche, while Alan Wortzman, of King City, joins American Michael Fitzgerald in the Zoom Motorsports #16 Porsche.

Other Ontario racers competing at Mosport include Jeff Lapevich, of Caister Centre, David Shep, of Toronto, David Swian, of Port Perry, and Kenny Wilden, of Oakville.

The racing excitement will get underway at Mosport International Raceway this Friday with practice and qualifying sessions. Saturday will feature the running of the Sunoco Ultra 94 presents the Grand-Am Cup Mosport Three Hour at 3:00 p.m.

For additional information on the Grand-Am Cup Street Stock Series, visit www.grandamcup.com

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For more information: Grand American Road Racing Association
Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182; email: CHyde@grand-am.com