Maia to test with Dorricott Racing Atlantic team

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2002) - 2003 Barber Dodge Pro Series champion Leonardo Maia, of Oakland, Calif., will test with Dorricott Racing on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Under the guidance of Dorricott Racing owner Phyllis Dorricott, team manager Shane Seneviratne, and team engineer Peter Jacobs, Maia is the first of a select group of driver candidates to test with Dorricott Racing with the purpose of landing a position on the team for the 2004 Toyota Atlantic Championship.

Drivers that test with Dorricott Racing will undergo a variety of tasks specific to anticipated driving conditions encountered in Atlantic competition. The tests are structured to allow Dorricott Racing to assess driver ability in all aspects and not just lap time. Testing will be held at Buttonwillow Raceway Park outside of Bakersfield.

"It's a privilege to test with a team that has had the success that Dorricott Racing has had over the years," said Maia. "As I am seeking the best opportunity available for me in 2004, this is a team that is a proven winner of races and championships. I'm looking forward to learning more about driving an Atlantic car and working with one of Atlantic's most reputable team's."

The 22-year-old Maia dominated the 2003 Barber Dodge Pro Series in winning the title with a 60-point margin over his next closest competitor, 188-128. He also earned an impressive season purse of $226,250. Maia started the season with a flag-to-flag victory at St. Petersburg.

Maia followed up with five more wins at Milwaukee, Portland, Cleveland, Mid-Ohio, and Vancouver in tying a series record for single season victories. This included eight podium finishes. All of his Barber Dodge Pro Series wins other than Milwaukee were won from the pole. He started on the outside pole at Milwaukee. He concluded his Barber Dodge career with an outside pole and second place finish at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in the Molson Indy Montreal.

Maia's 2003 season was also highly recognized for being "on par" with former Barber Dodge Pro Series champion and 2003 Toyota Atlantic Championship winner A.J. Allmendinger. Maia and Allmendinger both scored a series record-tying 188 points.

Dorricott Racing is a year-round professional motorsports organization with its race shop located in Bakersfield, Calif. Race results, team, and sponsor information are available on Dorricott Racing's official web site, www.dorricottracing.com.

-dr-