Chuck West update

KOOL/TOYOTA ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHUCK WEST TAKES A QUANTUM LEAP INTO 1997

CAMPBELL, Calif. (February 11) - - Despite the fact that his KOOL/Toyota Atlantic car was no match against front runners Patrick Carpentier, Case Montgomery and Lee Bentham in 1996, Chuck West was more than competitive in a Ralt RT-40. His speed and aggressiveness were directly responsible for his two podium visits at Long Beach and Road America. West entered five races and impressed series veterans and followers alike with an impressive Atlantic "debut" at Long Beach. Starting third on the grid, West passed Bentham at the start and remained in contention behind Montgomery throughout much of the race. Straying off line to avoid slower traffic, West suffered a broken front rod end. He quickly regained his focus and took the checkered flag in third place behind eventual series champion Carpentier. Road America's second-place finish was a victory for the entire World Speed Motorsports team. After losing the pole position by just one-hundredth of a second to Carpentier, the team discovered his engine had exceeded the suggested 500 mile limit. Supporting the hardest decision ever made by the team, West strategically decided to only change the oil and spark plugs. He took one more practice lap before retiring the car for the day. Driving flawlessly in the race, West and Carpentier built large leads. West managed to drive the fastest lap in the race before bringing his Ralt RT-40 to within one position of Carpentier. Taking a quantum leap, West has secured a full season ride in the 1997 KOOL/Toyota Atlantic Championship and will sport a new and more competitive 1996 Ralt RT-41. His team, World Speed Motorsports, returns with the same team members under the direction of six year veteran Chief Engineer, Mike Doyle. Also returning is sponsorship from Red Line Oil, and associate sponsors Harvest Group, Martini Sunglasses and Wine Country Motorsports. Given just a peek in 1996 of his abilities, West anticipates becoming a serious championship contender in 1997.

Media Information

Jennifer Tumminelli World Speed Motorsports (408) 871-0330 (408) 871-0333 fax James Hyneman KOOL/Toyota Atlantic Championship 103735.3402@compuserve.com

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