Series returns to traditional qualifications

Rolex Series Returns to Traditional Timed Qualifications for Remainder of 2006

PHOENIX (May 13, 2006) -- Grand American Road Racing Association President Roger Edmondson has instructed the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition department to return to traditional timed qualifying procedures to determine grid positions for the remainder of the 2006 Rolex Series season. The Rolex Series contested three qualifying races in 2006, at Virginia International Raceway on April 22, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 6 and at Phoenix International Raceway last night.

"We introduced qualifying races in an effort to improve the entertainment qualities of our events and to provide all teams, including those who may not qualify for the main event, some head-to-head competition and points," Edmondson said. "I announced last year that select 2006 race weekends would include qualifying races. After seeing these races at three events, I have concluded that the critics of this plan were right and I was wrong. What sounded positive in theory did not meet expectations in reality."

The first three qualifying races were evaluated, including last night's Daytona Prototype qualifying race that included a multi-car incident. Grand American officials penalized No. 60 Flight Options/Nett App Lexus Riley driver Oswaldo Negri Jr. of Michael Shank Racing one minute for "avoidable contact" for his role in the incident in the qualifying race. Officials have also suspended Negri from the GAINSCO Grand Prix this evening.

-garra