Las Vegas Panoz qualifying notes

PANOZ MOTOR SPORTS PRESS NOTES

QUALIFYING SESSION

TOSHIBA COPIERS AND FAX NEVADA GRAND PRIX LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Saturday, April 25, 1998

Despite wind and a slippery track, the Visteon Panoz Racing Team had a successful qualifying session -- the #4 Panoz GTR-1, driven by Andy Wallace, qualified first in the GT1 class and second overall, and the #5 Panoz GTR-1, driven by Eric Bernard, qualified second in GT1 and fourth overall.

Andy Wallace, #4 Panoz GTR-1, qualified first, 1:10.695 lap time: "Because of the race (Speedvision Cup) that preceded us, there was a considerable amount of slipperiness out there. Every corner is covered with whatever the cars put on the road, including rubber and oil. I was having a hard time out there, but it was the same for everyone. The car is great, and I'm having a good time driving it."

Eric Bernard, #5 Panoz GTR-1, qualified second, 1:11.194 lap time: "The car was good, and it keeps getting better and better. We've made some good adjustments to the GTR-1 since we've been here."

Tony Dowe, Managing Director, Panoz Motor Sports: "Our starting position is pretty good, and it's a pretty competitive situation between the WSC and GT cars. The fans should get a good race tomorrow."

Don Panoz, Founder, Panoz Motor Sports: "First and second in class is good, but unfortunately there's only three cars entered in our class. During the race, I think we'll be up there with the Ferrari and other WSC cars.

"Whenever you've done well, you are very thankful that the gremlins didn't show up."

The Visteon Panoz Racing Team is looking forward to the race tomorrow.