Cheever Takes on Silverstone Ghosts and Wins!

2006 Grand Prix Masters of Great Britain

LONDON, August 14 -- One of the most iconic names in motor racing, Eddie Cheever won yesterday the 2006 GP Masters of Great Britain, Sunday 13th August 2006 at Silverstone, UK. With race track and ambient temperature of 17 degrees, wet tarmac, 650 horsepower and no traction control, yesterday's GP Masters race was always going to be a stormer, and it delivered in spades.

The lead changed seven times during the 26 lap race, with pole sitter Christian Danner surrendering his position to Stefan Johansson at the start. The lead was then seized by Eddie Cheever. Cheever and Eric Van de Poele had an exceptional battle for supremacy, but the conditions would get the better of Eric, and he dropped back after a couple of thrilling 360s. Cheever's race craft was faultless throughout, giving the 48 year-old American his first GP Masters victory.

Winner Eddie Cheever said: "I kept looking in my mirrors thinking 'I know Nigel Mansell's going to be up here any minute', but then I saw him sat in the garage on one of the big TV screens and thought 'Okay, I have a crack at this today'! It was very slippery and busy at the start. I was lucky that Warwick and Danner both spun out in front of me, and then had a really exhilarating race with Eric Van de Poele where we swapped the lead several times. I have also always loved driving at Silverstone, ever since I first came here as a 17 year-old, and hope to be back soon."

Born in Arizona, Cheever moved to Italy with his parents when he was six years old. As a teenager, he became a skilled go-kart racer. He eventually progressed through various forms of European road racing to the pinnacle of motorsports - Formula One.

After 132 races in Formula One - the most by any American driver in the history of F1 - Cheever returned to the U.S. and in 1998, realized his dream with an emotional victory in the Indy 500, becoming one of the few people to win the race as a driver and car owner. His name and likeness are forever a part of racing history.