Law Has Busy, Victorious Weekend at Daytona Finale

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (November 18, 2002) - Darren Law was by far the busiest driver on the track at the Dark Dog Grand American Finale at Daytona International Speedway. At some point throughout the weekend, the 2001 GT Champion competed in all four cars fielded by G&W Motorsports.  

 

Law's first task for the weekend was to compete in the six-hour Grand-Am Cup event on Saturday, co-piloting both the #01 G&W Motorsports/Jennifer Fund and #81 G&W Motorsports Martini Racing Porsche. 

 

During Friday's practice session, Law turned the quickest time in the GSI class with a 2:01.071, and qualified the #01 Porsche second on the grid, while its #81 the sister car started fourth. 

 

Law started the #01 in the second position and ran consistently in the top-three during his stint; meanwhile the #81 was running in the top-five. Law got behind the wheel of the #81 on Lap 65, almost the halfway point in the race. Again, Law stayed consistently in the top-three overall. 



Law remained in the car until car owner Brent Martini once again took over driving duties. 

 

Teammate Cort Wagner got behind the wheel with less than 30 minutes to go and held on to the third spot until the end, giving the #81 a podium finish at the final event. The #01 car also had a great showing, turning in a seventh-place finish overall. Law was pleased with two top-10 finishes for his cars. 

 

"Both cars had a great run today," Law said.  "G&W has done great job all year long in preparing these cars. They are always fast and the racing in this series is very competitive. It's nice to come to the track and know that you're going to run at the front." 

 

Although Saturday's event was both rewarding and tiring, it was only the beginning for Law, as he would once again pilot two cars during the next race.

 

Law started the race in the #70 G&W Motorsports/Momentum Motorcars Picchio Prototype sponsored by USI Insurance and Valley Group.

 

Less than an hour into the event, the Picchio experienced mechanical problems, causing it to go behind the wall and eventually retire from the race. 

 

On Lap 36 Law entered the #81 Martini Racing/G&W Motorsports Porsche GT3-R, with only a 15-minute break in between rides. Law remained in the #81 through the end of the race keeping it in the top-three the entire time. 

 

With less than 30 minutes to go, the GT-leading #26 Porsche had a couple of spins allowing the #81 to pass. Law held onto the lead until the end, giving G&W their first GT victory of the season. 

 

"That was a great way to end the season. Again G&W prepared a phenomenal car. Although it was really tiring, it was a great win and who wouldn't be happy with being on the podium in both races this weekend. "

 

 Law ended the 2002 season with a runner-up finish in the SRP II Driver Championship, second to his competitor and good friend, Terry Borcheller. In addition, G&W Motorsports took home second-place honors in the SRP II Team Championship, while Italian manufacturer Picchio finished a very commendable second in the manufacturer's race in only its first season in the US. 

 

"It was a tough year with all of the developmental things we were working on but I am happy to bring home second in the championship. I am also happy for Terry, he deserved the win."

 

Although G&W Motorsports has yet to announce its driver line-ups for next season, Law will enter his second year of a two-year agreement with the team in 2003. G&W has plans to field two new Picchio Daytona Prototypes at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in February. Testing for the new DP2 is tentatively set for the end of this month.

 

"I am really exited about the new Picchio, the car looks great and I am looking forward to going for the championship. I think we'll have a great shot at it."