SCC: Watkins Glen: Toyota race notes

Team Lexus Takes Second In Glen Grand-Am Cup

WATKINS GLEN, NY, - (June 19, 2004) - After taking the checkered flag first, it appeared as if the Team Lexus duo of Chuck Goldsborough and Ian James had recorded their second straight Grand-Am Cup Sport Touring victory, but a post-race review judged that the race-winning pass had come just after a yellow caution flag had been waved and the #3 Lexus IS300 was placed second at Saturday's The Glen 250.

While the final result was somewhat disappointing, the second-place finish marks the fourth consecutive top-four finish for Lexus and moves the manufacturer into second-place in the Manufacturer's point standings.

After starting sixth, the #2 Goldsborough/James Lexus IS300 moved up to second by Lap 13 and then into the lead on Lap 29. They relinquished the lead after pitting, but remained in the lead pack throughout the event.

The #2 Lexus regained the lead on Lap 55 and then took the checkered flag and the apparent victory on Lap 64 before the stewards made their post-race judgement.

The Goldsborough/James entry wasn't the only Lexus in a contending position, though. The #3 Lexus IS300 team car of Andy Lally and Jean-Francois Dumoulin actually held the top spot with less than 10 laps remaining. They also combined with the Goldsborough/James car to have their Team Lexus entries running one-two late in the event. Unfortunately, a mechanical problem with just nine laps remaining way-laid their hopes for victory and forced them to retire in 21st place.

The day didn't go as well for the third Team Lexus entry driven by Eddie Mady and Andy Brumbaugh. An off-course excursion dropped them back into the field and they eventually placed 20th.

The Grand-Am Cup Series returns to action at the Mid-Ohio 250, Aug. 6-8, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

-tm-