New Corvette Ready to Roll at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. July 6, 2005; The Chevrolet Corvette has
dominated American Le Mans Series competition at Infineon Raceway, and
this year the team will arrive with a new arsenal for the Infineon
Technologies Grand Prix of Sonoma, presented by Ravenswood Winery, July
15-17.

 

The Compuware Corvette Racing team will return to the 12-turn, 2.53-mile
circuit with its recently unveiled Corvette C6-R for competition in the
GT1 (formerly GTS) class.  The new race car is the most technically
advanced sports car ever developed by General Motors, gathering years of
experience from the dominant Corvette C5-R as well as the advancements
brought forth from the next-generation Corvette C6 and Z06 production
models.

 

"Starting with a clean sheet of paper, the team gave us an amazing race
car and that is something you always expect from Corvette Racing," said
driver Johnny O'Connell.  "Initially we saw tremendous potential with
the new Corvette C6-R and every time we have tested the car it's been
better. By the time we completed the third test, we had a race car that
was very comfortable to drive fast."

 

The Corvette has certainly been fast at Infineon Raceway, claiming the
last four consecutive GT1 class victories with drivers O'Connell and Ron
Fellows - tying an ALMS record for most consecutive victories at a
single venue.  Oliver Gavin also reset the GT1 class qualifying record
at Infineon Raceway in 2004 with a lap of 1 minute, 28.042 seconds
(103.451 mph).  

 

"We will try (to keep it going)," said Gavin's co-driver, Olivier
Beretta. "The team is strong, and the car is strong. Our competition
will be close. The C5 worked well at Infineon, and I think the C6 will
do well. At every track, there is a learning curve. But I think we will
be OK."

 

The Corvettes will likely face stiff competition throughout the 2005
season from the new Maserati Corse MC12 entry.  The new Maserati MC12
ALMS endeavor marks the first time in 48 years that Maserati has fielded
a full factory race car in the United States.  

 

            The Corvette team has been up to the challenge so far this
season.  The two-car team has combined to capture one-two finishes at
the first four ALMS events of the season.  Corvette enters the Infineon
Technologies Grand Prix of Sonoma leading the GT1 manufacturer's points
championship, with Fellows and O'Connell tied for the GT1 driver points
lead. 

 

Infineon Technologies Grand Prix of Sonoma

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Infineon Technologies Grand
Prix of Sonoma American Le Mans Series, presented by Ravenswood Winery

WHEN: July 15-17

CIRCUIT: 12-turn, 2.53-mile road course

QUALIFYING: Saturday, July 16, two sessions:  2:40-3 p.m. and 3:10-3:30
p.m. 

MAIN EVENT: Sunday, July 17: 11 a.m. (2 hours, 45 minutes)

IN ADDITION: The SPEED World Challenge will stage main events in the GT
and Touring Car divisions over the weekend.

TICKETS: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com
<http://www.infineonraceway.com/> , www.ticketmaster.com
<http://www.ticketmaster.com/>