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CART: Garcia's Points Streak Comes to an End With Fluid Leak

15 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

MOTEGI, Japan--Luiz Garcia Jr.s race came to a premature end as internal problems contributed to his first mechanical DNF of the 2000 season. He had completed 18 laps and was classified 23rd in the race.

According to Project Racing Group engineer Michael Wright, Garcias car had a clutch fluid leak.

The DNF ends Garcias two race points scoring streak, and also ends his finish in the money paying position.

It was the first internal DNF for Garcia and the team this season.

Quotes

"Once I had heat in the tires I got into a really good rhythm during my race and was feeling great. I was going faster with each green lap and passed Tarso (Marques) and was catching (Takuya) Kurosawa when officials saw smoke coming from my car and I had to come in to the pits. Obviously its disappointing because I felt we had a good chance to score some more points." - Luiz Garcia Jr., Driver

"Its a shame that we had our problem and had our first DNF of the year. We certainly dont like it. Luiz was running some competitive times and had passed (Tarso) Marques and had a good run going. Now well do some testing and get ready for Nazareth." - Andreas Leberle, Team Owner

Text provided by Ken Severson

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