Reaction to Takagi Penalty, Probation

Contact: Laz Denes, 256-657-6190
ldenes@monunnracing.com
www.monunnracing.com

media information


Statement Regarding Takagi Penalty Post-Texas

 

FOUNTAIN, Colo.  (Saturday, June 14, 2003) - The following are statements in response to this morning's ruling by the IRL that Mo Nunn Racing driver Tora Takagi would be stripped of 23 driver championship points and put on probation for the remainder of the year, and the #12 Pioneer/Mo Nunn Racing entry would be stripped of 23 entrant points, as a result of a Lap 191 incident at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend that also involved Scott Sharp and Takagi's teammate Felipe Giaffone (Takagi went on to finish third):

 

MORRIS NUNN

"I don't consider Tora an 'overly aggressive' driver.  He made a move that he had a right to make.  I have made that very clear to the IRL, and that's really all there is to say.  In the bigger picture, it's pointless to have an opinion because it won't get you anywhere.  Any appeal may result in an increase in the penalty."

 

TORA TAKAGI

"I cannot accept this penalty.  I never changed my line.  If I would have, the accident would have been even more dramatic.  Where I made my move, I was on the straight.  Previous accidents this year have happened while drivers were turning into the corner.  If they don't let us make a move on the straight, then there will be no racing.  I feel very bad for my crew, because they gave me a good race car again at Texas.  I feel very bad for my sponsors and all of our supporters because they deserve better than this."