Overland Park, Kan. (May 20, 2008) – Racing can be trying and it can be just plain old ... racing. The men piloting the No. 55 M & I Bank, Ferrari V8-Crawford GT, had one of those "that's racing weekends."
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was the site of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Rum Bum 250. The famed track with its corkscrew turns and elevated-straights proved quite a learning experience for the team as it started the weekend with great practice sessions and a decent qualifying effort. However, the race-day experience wasn't as fun; the team completed just 52 laps and finished in 19th position in the GT Class for the Series.
Things were tough from the get go. The Ferrari V8-Crawford GT started the race with an overheating issued from the alternator. The team quickly resolved that problem and got back on track right away. However, later on in the race, the alternator problem came back, this time it was vibration from the solid-mounted flat crank engine.
Team Manager David Stone knows this season is work in progress and one that will teach valuable lessons. "We have steps underway to fix the alternator and vibration issue. We'll take the car back to the shop and get that resolved in time for our next event at Mid-Ohio. We'll try to get some track testing done soon and then we will be ready to go for sure; we're learning each time out."
"Mid Ohio is a very technical track and we will need to get our set up act together before then to do well. We are a young team with a new and innovative car. Considering we have had no testing, I think we have exceeded our expectations to date." stated co-driver, Ed Zabinski.
Scott Tucker, co-driver, echoed those sentiments. "Going into the season we knew it would be a true fact-finding and educational process. Test time will benefit us without a doubt, it will give us the ability to resolve mechanical issues and help us develop a good suspension tuning base that will follow the team to race events as well as give Ed and I the time we need to acclimate to the car away from the rush and hurried-pace of a race weekend."
Next up for the No. 55 Ferrari V8-Crawford GT is the EMCO Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 21.
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