Laguna Seca: SunTrust Racing preview

Laguna Seca, California (April 28, 2005) --The No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley Mk.XI is sporting a new SunTrust logo and paint livery this weekend for the U.S. Sports Car Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Fans around the world have become familiar with the former black-and-yellow SunTrust race car, as it has graced Victory Lane ten times in 15 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series races, since it emerged on the scene in January 2004. SunTrust Bank's recent merger with National Commerce Financial provided a timely, strategic opportunity to introduce a new logo and branding effort that had been under development at SunTrust.

New livery is not the only reason that the No. 10 SunTrust racing team, with drivers Wayne Taylor and Max "The Ax" Angelelli, is at Laguna Seca. Defending the team's lead in the 2005 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype class is a primary priority. They currently lead the championship with 102 points, a 17-point margin over second-place challengers Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz, in the No. 01 CompUSA Lexus Riley.

"The 17-point lead we have going into Laguna is great, but it really doesn't mean anything," said team owner and chassis designer Bill Riley. "We could have one bad race and be out of the lead. We have to run every race like trying to go for the win. Additionally, Laguna is one of the nicest tracks in the country and we would like to add it to our stats."

"Every race we go to, we go to win," said car owner/driver Wayne Taylor. "Our number one goal is to win. Secondly, we have a championship at stake. It is important for us to gather as many points as possible right now."

Italian hotshoe driver Max Angelelli is a little more passionate about his thoughts on the Laguna Seca race. "Laguna is a race that I am looking forward to. I like the track and I have great memories. I believe our car will be very competitive. I cannot wait to start the engine and drive in such a beautiful track and area."

The No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley team has experienced great success this season, having won the Rolex 24 At Daytona in February and the Grand Prix of Miami in March. Additionally, they finished second in the closest race in Grand American history in early April at California Speedway in Fontana. Angelelli was knocking on the door of Pruett in a battle to the finish, where the margin of victory was a mere .096 seconds.

"Every race we collect points is important to the championship this season, so any podium finish is a great feat," said John Mauney, Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing Services for SunTrust Bank. "The SunTrust car has a stunning new design for Laguna Seca and the rest of the season which we feel will complement the black-and-white of the checkered flag in victory lane."

The U.S. Sports Car Invitational Presented by Shell V-Power race, named the Road & Track 250, will start at 12:00 noon (3:00 p.m. ET) on Sunday, May 1st. The 250-mile/112 lap/two-and-three-quarter hour race will be aired live on the Speed Channel. Grand American officials have announced 54 entries, including 24 Daytona Prototypes and 30 GT cars for Round Four of 12. This will be the first appearance of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn scenic circuit and the first road course track of the 2005 season.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the nation's largest commercial banking organizations. As of March 31, 2005, SunTrust had total assets of $164.8 billion and total deposits of $107.5 billion. The company operates an extensive distribution network primarily in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the company provides credit cards, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage and capital markets services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.

-suntrustracing.com