JOHN FINGER WINS AGT INAUGURAL EVENT

Kershaw, South Carolina- By winning the inaugural American GT Challenge event at Carolina Motorsports Park this weekend, John Finger, in the number 14 John Finger Mazda Mustang has established himself as a serious force in the AGT. Finger put a margin between himself and the rest of field after pole-sitter, Edison Lluch, [#72 Don Q Rum/Eltuque Corvette] spun on lap two causing a suspension failure and ending his day early.

At the drop of the green flag the duo of Finger and Lluch broke from the pack and set the pace. On lap two, Lluch attempted an outside pass braking late in turn one and spun. 

"It was my fault," said Lluch. "I saw an opening and went for it. I spun and when the car went through the grass it broke a tie-rod. It is ok, I’ll get back in it at Mosport."

Finger was pleased with the outcome of the fifty-minute event. On his way to winning the race, John also earned the Fast Lap award. 

Said Finger afterwards, "I really like AGT series. They put on a great event and I appreciate what they are doing."

In other action, Woodson Duncan [# 29 Sky Blue Racing/Garden Iron Mustang] started from the third spot and went on to earn a second place finish. 

"Sometimes things happen, other times people themselves make things happen," Duncan said referring to the mishap of Lluch. 

The duel of the day belonged to Carolina Motorsports Park principles Joe Hooker [#2 Three H Motorsports] and Bob Humphreys. The pair battled swapping positions several times during the event. With two laps to go Hooker passed Humphreys for the last time. He not only reigned supreme of the track owners but ended his day on the podium in third place. 

"I really had fun out there," stated Hooker. "The AGT put on a heck of a show. These guys are truly professional. We’ll be back for more," 

For other drivers the event was one of stamina. Chris Thompson [Mostly Motorsports Corvette] battled over heating issues all weekend, but soldiered on for a top five finish. Mike Canney [#76 Intelligence Data Systems Corvette] was running near the front until a drive train problem ended his day early.

The Hoerr Racing Product’s Hoerr Charger Award – "Tortoise to Hoerr" recipient was Joe Hooker in the #2 Three H Motorsports Chevrolet. The program is designed to award the driver with the greatest increase in track position from qualifying to the final race results. Hooker started in seventh place and finished in third.

The American GT Challenge uses purpose built tube frame chassis cars, power by a V-8 & V-6 engine, with composite bodies, replicating series produced American touring or grand touring cars competing exclusively on Goodyear Racing Tires. For more information visit www.americangt.com.

The American GT Challenge next stop is at Mosport International Raceway May 23rd, in Bowmanville, Ontario Canada.