Scott Pruett Up for Trois-Rivires Challenge

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec - Scott Pruett, driver of the No. 7 Jaguar R
Performance XKR in the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup, will
face his biggest challenge this season on Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Grand Prix
de Trois-Rivières. The two-time champion and current points leader comes
into the event boasting just one start here, in 1994 when he finished 10th,
and will mark his first start this season at a track where he has yet to
record a victory.

However, Pruett is not put off by his lack of experience at Trois-Rivières.
Instead, like a true champion, and with his typical quiet confidence, the
veteran road racer is prepared for whatever awaits him at North America¹s
oldest temporary street course.

³I just don¹t remember the place and I don¹t know what I¹ll be looking for
out of the car,² said Pruett, who has earned four victories, five podium
finishes and five poles this season. ³However, I¹m looking forward to it,
because it¹s going to be a challenge.²

Pruett¹s confidence in large part stems from his Rocketsports team. Pruett
joined the Rocketsports stable at the beginning of this season after an
eight-year hiatus from the Trans-Am Series, during which he competed in the
Champ Car World Series and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

³I think between myself and my Rocketsports team, that we¹ve really hit it,²
said Pruett, who is seeking his third title, after winning the Drivers¹
Championship in 1987 and 1994. ³We¹re starting to click right now. We
started some good momentum at Infineon Raceway, carried that into Cleveland,
and there¹s no reason why we won¹t do the same coming into Trois-Rivières.

³I¹ve been able to learn the new tire, and we¹ve jelled as a team,² added
Pruett, who is coming off his most recent win at Cleveland. ³Even though we
had some success early this season, it takes time to perform as a cohesive
group. I think during the last three races, we¹ve begun to work better
together as a team. You just get that feeling; that confidence that
everybody is on their game.²

Pruett has no doubt in his and his team¹s ability to win the championship.
³Typically you lose championships by looking into your rearview mirror,²
said Pruett. ³We¹re so focused on going forward that we¹re not paying
attention to what is behind us. While we know the championship is out there,
we¹re still focusing on winning each race.²

The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Round 7 of the 2003 Trans-Am Series
championship, is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 and will air live
on SPEED Channel.