Road America: Workman/Gue preview

Americans Workman and Gue team up for Road America
Both gained impressive results racing in Europe

Atlanta, GA August 22, 2003: Jason Workman returns to action this weekend with a different co-driver, young James Gue, as the Essex Racing team prepares their Lola Nissan LMP675 for the "Road America 500" at the legendary 4 mile Road America circuit at Elkhart Lake, WI on August 22-24.

"I'm looking forward to racing with James," said the talented Workman. "This event is one that I have long looked forward to. Like nearly all the tracks of the ALMS season, I have never visited Road America. As a road racer at heart, this is the track that appeals to me most. It is the one most like the famous tracks of Europe. I know that James and I are both looking forward to the opportunity to compete here."

Both Workman and Gue gained early experience in their racing careers by competing in Europe. In fact, both raced in Europe at the same time, Workman competing out of Denmark, racing and winning the 1999 Scandinavian FF2000 Championship. Gue, based in Italy for two years, competed in Formula A European and World Championship karting events, considered the pinnacle of kart racing. As a result of his competition record, Gue is one of only 4 Americans who qualified for the World Championships in the last twenty years.

"I think our European experience will help us both," added Workman. "We understand and have competed in the European arena. It is a different style of racing and I think we can get down to business in a shorter time frame than most Americans. I know that James is an aggressive competitor and I think our mutual styles of racing will compliment one another as we approach the fast turns and long straight-aways of Road America."

Workman is 7th in the LMP675 points battle having lost three spots after his 4th place finish at Mosport. However, three drivers are tied for 4th, James Weaver, Butch Leitzinger and Andy Wallace. Workman sits in 7th only three points away from 4th place. Road America is Gue's first ALMS competition in 2003. Gue is currently competing in the USFF2000 series and most recently finished 4th at the Mid-Ohio round of the competitive series.

The "Road America 500" will be broadcast live (8/24 2pm ET) on Speed Channel.

-er/bm-