Greg Pickett Files Late Entry for Trans-Am on the Tarmac

CONTACT: Justin Anderson,
Ph: 704-348-9400, Cell: 704-589-2100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREG PICKETT FILES LATE ENTRY FOR TRANS-AM ON THE TARMAC
 
CLEVELAND (July 1, 2004) ‹ 1978 Motorock Trans-Am Series Drivers¹ Champion
Greg Pickett filed a late entry for this week¹s Trans-Am on the Tarmac at
Cleveland¹s Burke Lakefront Airport, during the U.S. Bank Presents the
Cleveland Grand Prix. Pickett, in fact, arrived just after first-round
practice Thursday. He will attempt to qualify for his fifth Trans-Am race
here later today.

Pickett, currently third in points, decided to make the long haul from his
Alamo, Calif. shop in record time. His truck left Wednesday to make the
nearly 2,500-mile trip.

³Paul (Gentilozzi) called me and asked me to if I¹d consider coming to
Cleveland,² said Pickett. ³I love Trans-Am racing. It has meant so much in
my life. I cherish the friendships I¹ve made here and it has a special place
in my heart. I decided it was important for me to put my support behind the
Series.²

Pickett has four starts here with a best finish of second in 1996, his last
start here. Pickett kicked of the season by finishing second in the season
opener at Long Beach, just behind Gentilozzi. Although he suffered
mechanical problems at Portland and Infineon, Pickett sits just three points
behind points leader Tommy Kendall.

Although Pickett has limited Cleveland experience, he likes the unique track
layout. Were he to earn his first Cleveland victory, Pickett will become the
first driver in history to win a Trans-Am race in each of four decades of
competition.

³I like Cleveland,² said Pickett. ³Its openness is unique among the tracks
on which we compete, giving the fans a view of all of the action on track.
Cleveland is also a very difficult track. Its lack of reference points and
wide straight-aways tempt you to make mistakes. It¹s visually unimposing,
but, in reality, it¹s very challenging.²

The Trans-Am on the Tarmac is scheduled for Friday, July 2. The race will
start at 5 p.m. at Cleveland¹s Burke Lakefront Airport. The Trans-Am Series
is part of a full weekend of racing, featuring the Bridgestone Presents The
Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, and also includes the Toyota
Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama and Formula BMW USA.

The Motorock Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based,
V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary
street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is
America¹s oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its
39th year of competition in 2004.

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