SPEED GT Champ Aschenbach Tests Forsythe Champ Car

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

SPEED GT Champ Aschenbach Tests Forsythe Champ Car

 

HOUSTON, Texas (Nov. 30, 2006) - Reigning SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT
Champion Lawson Aschenbach was invited to test a Champ Car this week
with the Forsythe team at MSR Houston.

 

Stepping into an open-wheel car for the first time since his Formula BMW
days in 2004, Aschenbach turned 60 laps around the 2.38-mile road
course. The test was one of the final outings in the Lola B2K00 before
Champ Car teams switch over to the new Panoz DP01 chassis.

 

"That was an amazing experience," Aschenbach said.  "These cars are just
incredible, they handle like a dream!  It takes a while to get used to
it, especially the braking power that you have at your disposal.  Also,
I had never driven a car with downforce, so that took some getting used
to. Basically the faster you go the more grip you have.  You get to a
point in a corner when you think you are at the limit and then you go
faster and the car just gets better and better."  

 

Aschenbach approached the test not so much as an audition, but as a once
in a lifetime opportunity.


"I had set some goals for myself before the test," Aschenbach added.
"Basically, I just wanted to make sure I kept it on the track and that I
got up to speed in a safe manner.  At the end I gave it all I had and
with our last set of new tires I was getting pretty tired.  More than
anything, this experience really opened up my eyes to how fit you have
to be to race in Champ Car.  It was a lot more physical than I
expected."

 

The test was not the first time Aschenbach has driven for Forsythe. In
2002, he raced under the Forsythe banner in the F2000 series. Aschenbach
has kept in touch with team owner Jerry Forsythe in the mean time and
didn't need to be asked twice when he got the phone call to test in
Houston.



"I have to thank the Forsythe Team for giving me this amazing
opportunity," Aschenbach concluded. "They gave me a great car and
everybody just made my job so easy. I really appreciate it."

 

But the question remains, has SPEED World Challenge lost its reigning
SPEED GT Champion to Champ Car? Fear not fans, Aschenbach is confident
he'll be back to defend his crown in 2007.

 

-30-

 

Attached image: Lawson Aschenbach and the Forsythe Lola B2K00 Champ Car.

Credit: Buddy Pritchett

 

 

 

Erin Cechal

SCCA Public Relations Specialist

800/770-2055

ecechal@scca.com