Gurney season review

Great Ups and Downs in AAR's First Atlantic Season The 12 race highly competitive Atlantic Season ended in the streets of Houston on Oct 1st with mixed results for the young AAR team. Alex Gurney finished 8th in the Championship. He was not ...

Great Ups and Downs in AAR's First Atlantic Season

The 12 race highly competitive Atlantic Season ended in the streets of Houston on Oct 1st with mixed results for the young AAR team. Alex Gurney finished 8th in the Championship. He was not blessed with the best of luck, being knocked off the track on the first lap at Homestead and the first lap at Toronto; suffering four mechanical DNF's, all depriving him of gaining points towards the Championship.

However, there were also plenty of highlights: a pole position in Cleveland; a podium finish (3rd place) at Trois Rivieres, Canada; a brilliant "come-from-behind" race (from 21st to 5th) in Elkhart Lake; 3 top five finishing positions; (7 top ten) and 7 top five qualifying spots. The team, which was only formed a few months before the first race in Miami, worked well together all year and is proud of what it has achieved in a very short time.

Alex Gurney:
"I've learned a great deal this season and I think that by allowing me to fight at the very front, AAR has certainly made me a better driver. It's been a pleasure to work with some very talented, hungry and dedicated people. We started this team only in February and we were always a little behind the ball on our testing program. I know that if we can come back next year with more early off season testing under our belt, we can be a powerhouse!

Team Manager, Justin Gurney:
"This year was a great learning experience for our entire team and myself. At every race I felt very proud to fly the AAR colors. Our team did an excellent job in a very competitive arena and I cannot say enough about my brother - he never put a wheel wrong all year and he was fighting for the front in just about every race. I am really looking forward to next year because we have a lot of unfinished business.

Team Owner, Dan Gurney:
"The Atlantic Series has tough competition for drivers and teams, and is a very substantial stepping stone on a career path. Alex not only gained confidence as a driver, but also learned a ton about car set up, driver feedback, etc. on both ovals and road courses. His attitude and mental outlook in the face of adversity and bad luck remained optimistic and focused. Our team manager passed his first season with flying colors also, keeping the team motivated, unified and working hard, showing humor and grace under pressure. We thank our sponsors and loyal fans for their support.