Picchio D2 Unveiled in Daytona

Picchio D2 Unveiled in Daytona 

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 6, 2002) - The only European-manufactured Daytona Prototype was unveiled tonight at Daytona USA as G&W Motorsports team managers Price and Carissa Cobb pulled the silver cover off of the new Picchio Daytona Prototype.

 

G&W Motorsports, USI Insurance and Picchio gave the media, potential customers and the rest of the racing world their first look at the new car. The car is $375,000 - ready to race.

 

The new D2 raised several eyebrows as a Maserati logo appeared on the front hood and door panels of the blue, silver and red car. The 2002 Picchio ran a BMW M3 engine, with PTG building an M5 engine for the Picchio D2 to run at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. 

 

"This particular car here will run at the Rolex with the BMW engine", Motorsports Manager Armando Trentini said. "The second car will come with a Maserati engine." 

 

The Maserati involvement is especially dynamic as it marks their return to racing in North America. Although primarily most Picchio D2s will run a Maserati engine, Picchio will be offering several different kits and engine packages. 

 

"If someone comes to us and wants a Nissan engine, we will give them the kit with that engine," Trentinti said. "We will be able to build a kit to accommodate several engine types."

 

The team plans to run two Picchio D2s in 2003 and will be the sole North American importer for the car. As of now, two additional Picchio D2 chassis are ready for sale.

 

"The best part about this car is the serviceability during the long races," Cobb said. "The ease of maintenance on this car is amazing. A team can work on the car much easier and quicker. The down force and aero packages on these are great." 

 

The new Picchio is tentatively scheduled to run its first test at the end of the month at Virginia International Raceway.

 

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Media Contact:  Ginger Cale, Garrett Sports Marketing

                            602-885-0096