Autosport Development Friday Practice Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Thawley 248.227.0110 johnt@c2group.com Autosport Development GMAC / Trenton Forging #5 GTO Practice Report First day of practice shows solid improvements with lap times on the way down St. Petersburg, Fla. – April 1 2005 Autosport Development driver, Stu Hayner [GMAC Commercial Finace / Trenton Forging #5 GTO], came away from today’s practice sessions with a positive outlook on the new car’s progress. The Autosport Development team is in St. Petersburg for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, April 1st-3rd where the SPEED World Challenge Series will appear with the Indy Racing League's debut road race. The track is a 1.8 mile street course. The World Challenge races will air on SPEED Channel Sunday April 10th with the Touring Cars at 1pm and the GT cars at 2pm. “I’ve been saying all along that this is a pretty special race car,” said Hayner. “After a few laps this morning, we took the next step in the process and began sorting out the set-up on the car. We’re going to have to figure out our shock package and spring choices and build up profiles based on how the car responds. Early on we were dealing with a push. So, we’ll work on sorting that out and build from there. I really like the way the car feels, though. It’s responsive and gives me the feedback I’m used to in a race car. I think this car is going to turn a few heads.” Hayner completed the first practice session sitting 14th overall and the second session 12th. Unfortunately, Hayner spun between turns two and three late in the second session. Hayner continued back to the pits under his own power. His combined practice times placed him 13th overall. “I’m not sure what caused the spin,” said Hayner. “Two or three other cars had incidents in the same corner, so we’re not sure if someone put some fluids down or not. Fortunately, the damage was primarily to the rear quarter of the body and the guys are confident they’ll have it back as good as new for tomorrow afternoon’s qualifying.” Autosport Development competes as part of the SPEED World Challenge GT Series. All events are nationally televised on SPEED channel (formerly Speedvision). In 2005 the SPEED World Challenge Series schedule will include street races in Denver and St. Petersburg, and make the traditional stops around the country at great tracks like Sebring, Road Atlanta, Lime Rock Park, Infineon, Mosport, Cleveland, Portland, Road America, Mid-Ohio and Laguna Seca. GMAC Commercial Finance, considered a leader in its segment of the financial services market, provides accounts receivable management and financing, asset-based lending, equipment finance/leasing, retail financing, structured financing, and supply chain management services to a wide variety of clients in diverse industries. Loan facilities are in the $2 million to $200 million range. With locations in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, the Company is positioned to provide lending services worldwide. Trenton Forging Company from Trenton Michigan is a leading producer of custom impression die forgings to a wide variety of industries. They have a strong reputation as a supplier of choice to many Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive/light truck suppliers. Trenton produces multiple cavity die forgings to meet customers exacting specifications and offers a wide range of high quality custom forging products with exceptional customer service. For more information about Autosport Development visit www.GoAutosport.com For more information about Chili Pepper Racing, visit www.chilipepperracing.org For more information about Trenton Forging, visit www.trentonforging.com For more information about GMAC Commercial Finance, visit www.gmaccf.com For more information about SCCA SPEED World Challenge, visit www.world-challenge.com ________________________________________________________ John Thawley ~ Creative Communications Group ~ 248.356.5699