SCC: Daytona 200 race summary

Blackforest Motorsports Leads 1-2 Ford Mustang Finish In Grand-Am Cup 200

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 4, 2005) -- Despite receiving their new Ford Mustang GT racing machine just a few days ago, the Blackforest Motorsports team of Ian James and Tom Nastasi captured the season-opening Grand-Am Cup 200 on Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

"It was awesome," said Nastasi of the new 2005 Ford Mustang. "For a car to be able to drive with tires that were three hours old is just unbelievable. It's a race car. This is not something somebody built in their garage. This is a thoroughbred race car."

The No. 55 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang driven by Scott Maxwell and David Empringham finished 4.471 seconds behind the winner to cap off the 1-2 Ford Mustang finish.

With Blackforest Motorsports' Ford Mustang being so new, the team wasn't sure of the fuel mileage and actually ran out of gas after taking the checkered flag in the 57 lap, 200-mile race.

"One more lap and that would have been it," Natassi said.

For Blackforest Motorsports, which is based out of nearby DeLand, Fla., winning at their home track of Daytona International Speedway was special.

"Obviously, anytime you come to Daytona and win it's a rare opportunity, so it's great to come out here and win," James said.

Taking top honors in the Sport Touring class was the TC Kline Racing BMW driven by Daniel Colembie and David Tuaty.

Next up is the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

-dis-