NA 2000: Gelles Racing Phoenix preview

High Hopes for Gelles Racing
Formula Renault 2000 Debuts in Phoenix

Front Royal, Virginia, April 8, 2004.-- The third season of the Formula Renault Pro 2000 series will get underway this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the busiest teams in the first two seasons is heading to the International Raceway with three talented young drivers vying for valuable points in the 2004 13-race championship. For Brazilian Gustavo Sondermann, Canadian Brandon Thomas and American Michael Yager, it will be their first complete season in North America although each one comes with different background.

"We have a strong team, said owner Bob Gelles. We are excited to bring drivers of their potential and a winning attitude to this series. Our team has done its homework. The FR2000 cars have been checked thoroughly. Our drivers and crew approach Phoenix with one thing in mind: victory!"

Sondermann, already a veteran

The 22-year old Brazilian ace finished third in the Winter championship and on the same day drove the first FR V6 on American turf. "With eight races, two wins and three podiums under his belt, continued Gelles, Gustavo is considered a veteran in the series and must be considered a serious contender. He will drive the #4 Corduroy Fabrics car."

Thomas, the series surprise

The Canadian 21-year old Toronto native gained Formula Renault experience in the United Kingdom last year before coming back to Canada.. "Brandon is a very intelligent and quick driver, says Gelles. He has am great feel for his car and the ability to transmit the information to his crew. He will have to learn the tracks on the schedule, but we believe he could very well be the dark horse in the series. Brandon, the Rookie of the Year in 2003 in UK, will steer the #2 TenFore car."

Yager, not just another rookie

Open wheel racing is new business for this18-year old from Illinois but he gained valuable experience in the Winter Invitational series. "We think he has a shot at the Best Rookie title in the championship, says Bob Gelles. Michael will move his way up in the standings as he gains experience each race, as he did in Florida. This will be different a driver in October than the young man we saw in Sebring in February."

The 2004 North America Formula Renault Pro series is sanctioned by Grand American Road Racing, Race Team Promotions and Renault Sport. Gelles Racing is sponsored by Corduroy Exclusive Fabrics, Mid-America Motorworks, TenFore and USA Today. You can visit Gelles web site at: www.gellesracing.com

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