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CART: Arciero Project Racing Group Elects to Withdraw Entry for Nazareth

9 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

NAZARETH, Pa.--After lengthy discussion, the Arciero Project Racing Group (Arciero P.R.G.) has elected to withdraw the No. 25 entry of driver Luiz Garcia Jr., from the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix.

According to Andreas Leberle, the team decided it was best not to race on Sunday, in order to focus on the upcoming Long Beach Grand Prix. Arciero P.R.G., which had attempted to qualify a 1999 Reynard, has taken delivery of the new 2000 Reynard chassis, and will test on Wednesday at Buttonwillow Raceway, in California.

Leberle said the team attempted to solve a balance and downforce problem that had plagued

Garcia all weekend during the practice sessions, but could not find a suitable solution.

Quotes

"We worked very hard at this. The guys tried making the 99 car conform to 2000 specs, but with this car it is impossible here. The car simply doesnt work aerodynamically. As a team though we have done a lot of work, learned a lot and have a very close relationship. Were excited about getting the 2000 Reynard and new Mercedes-Benz engine and well be ready for Long Beach." Luiz Garcia Jr., Driver

"We knew the first few races would be tough. We are lacking a lot of downforce with this package. We tried to balance the car, but were not successful in our attempts. We determined it could be a safety issue for Luiz and the other drivers to take part in the race and decided it would be best to concentrate our efforts on the next race, Long Beach." Andreas Leberle, Team Manager

Text provided by Ken Severson

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