Overland Park, Kan. (September 21, 2008) – Year after year, season after season, we watch hundreds of races take place across the country. But what is it that we find so intriguing about these races? Is it the speed, the adrenaline rush or because like in any sport, somebody is going to win? Someone will be crowned the champion.
In the days leading up to the season finale of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, drivers and teams all prepared for that last chance at the track, the last chance to take it all home. In its rookie year, LevelFive Motorsports had seen it all. And now in the final race of the year, would come a preview for the next season.
Earlier this week LevelFive Motorsports announced the signing of new team member, Christophe Bouchut, for the weekend's seven-hour race. Bouchut, a triple FIA GT Champion, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Spa, was ready to take the No. 55 eCommlink Crawford GT/Ferrari V-8 across the finish line along with teammates Scott Tucker and Ed Zabinski.
The 139-lap race on the 4.486-mile circuit saw 16 lead changes among 14 drivers and 10 cars-but not completely trouble free. Before the GT cars had received the green flag, the No. 77 Kodak of Doran Racing spun out, causing the DP class to receive their first caution of the race right before Turn 1. As the race fell underway, the No. 55 car drove in full throttle keeping up with the rest of its competitors in the Grand-Am Rolex Series GT class. Driving first for LevelFive, Bouchut stayed consistent in the Top 10 for the majority of the beginning of the race. Race efforts were hampered for the team when the loss of compression in the cylinders and engine failure resulted in the car only being able to complete 52 laps. When inclement weather surrounded the area, track conditions became treacherous as cars slid off the track one by one. Pit stops were made and tires were changed as the cars adjusted to the new grip on the track. Four other cautions were thrown out during the remainder of the race when Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards cruised to victory lane for their second consecutive GT victory in the No. 07 Banner Racing Pontiac GXP.R at Miller Motorsports Park.
"We've come a long way this year," co-driver Zabinski stated. "I remember our first race with this car not knowing what the outcome would be by the end of the year. Looking back at all the work our team has put in throughout the season, I'm proud of what we have accomplished."
"I can't believe it's over. This season we have seen so much progression as a team. It has absolutely flown by. The dedication and the amount of time everyone has put in have certainly paid off in one way or the other. I'm proud to be a part of this team and can't wait for the seasons to come," Tucker stated.
New teammate for the race, Bouchut echoed his teammates sentiments. "I can't thank LevelFive enough for letting me be a part of the team for their last race of the season, it was an honor to drive with Tucker and Zabinski. Even through the bad weather today, we knew we had to keep this car going, unfortunately we weren't able to complete the race due to mechanical issues in the car."
About LevelFive Motorsports:
LevelFive Motorsports is a leader in the racing industry. The team participates in the Ferrari Challenge Series and Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 GT division. To be a part of history and get additional information on the team, visit www.L5racing.com.
About the Grand-Am Rolex Series:
The Grand American Road Racing Association was established in 1999 to return stability to major league sports car road racing in North America. As the organization begins its ninth season of competition in 2008, Grand-Am is universally regarded as one of the world's most competitive road racing organizations. For additional information, visit www.grand-am.com.
About eCommLink:
eCommLink's enterprise payment processing platform is the foundation for the future of stored value and debit solutions. eCommLink offers the stored value industry's only multiple account payment platform with an ACH engine, money transfer, and bill payment capability. The platform enables issuers, institutions, and employers to offer unique applications for stored value, debit, and credit, all on one card. For additional information, please visit www.ecommlink.com.
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