Watkins Glen: Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing preview

SIMONA DE SILVESTRO LOOKING TO RECAPTURE MOMENTUM AT WATKINS GLEN

Looking to rebound after coming off a pair of disappointing oval races, IndyCar Series rookie Simona De Silvestro and the Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing crew arrive at this weekend's Camping World Grand Prix, at the famed Watkins Glen circuit, with renewed focus and hunger. The race at the Glen is a return for Simona and the series back to road course racing after a 12-week absence. Having spent her racing career honing her racing craft on road courses, De Silvestro is looking forward to the next five road/street/airport circuit races.

Despite never having raced at the 3.37 mile track, located in picturesque upstate New York, Simona is hoping to power the No. 78 Stargate Resistance Dallara/Honda entry to a good race finish. With the 2010 Rookie of the Year award still up for grabs, the race is an important step towards achieving the prestigious award.

During the 2-weeks between races, Simona maintained her workout regiment and helped promote the IndyCar Series races this weekend and traveled north to Edmonton to help in the promotion of the upcoming Honda Grand Prix Edmonton, which takes place July 25th. She is now looking forward to getting back on the track and doing what she does best, competing.

This weekend's Camping World Grand Prix, at Watkins Glen will be broadcast live Sunday, July 4th at 3:30 pm EST on ABC television. Additional coverage is available at www.indycar.com for live timing and video, while radio coverage will be provided by the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211.

Simona De Silvestro, Driver No. 78: "Well we're back to the road courses again and I am really excited about it. While I have never been to Watkins Glen before I have heard that it's an unbelievable track and a lot of fun to drive, so I can't wait to get back in the car and drive again! Not only is it a historical place, filled with a lot of rich history, but the track itself has a lot of elevation changes and is fast, which I enjoy a lot. I'm hoping to have a very successful race this weekend."

Keith Wiggins, HVM Racing Team Principal: "We have had a tough last two races, so now we plan to start racking up some points going forward. The competition is at a high and we are not in a position to go testing, so we have a stiff challenge, but we have proven resourceful on these types of tracks and with strategies, so we will take the opportunities and stay consistent to the end of Sunday. This should achieve something good."

Imran Safiulla, Team Stargate Worlds Team Principal: "We are glad to be heading to the Glen. The last couple of ovals have been fairly unkind and we look to generate some positive momentum during these next few races. We have shown some strength on the road courses and hope to pick up where we left off."

-source: tsw/hvm racing