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Audi GT Laguna Seca race notes

Monterey, Calif. - Derek Bell and teammate Michael Galati had a difficult race, finishing tenth and fifteenth respectively, in round eight of the SCCA Pro Racing Speedvision World Challenge GT series race at Laguna Seca Raceway. Starting from his ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

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Monterey, Calif. - Derek Bell and teammate Michael Galati had a difficult race, finishing tenth and fifteenth respectively, in round eight of the SCCA Pro Racing Speedvision World Challenge GT series race at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Starting from his fourth qualifying position, Galati was able to get an excellent launch and lead the first four laps. The Champion Audi/Audi S4 Competition was looking very competitive until he was over taken and put back to third on lap four. Two laps later coming down the hill after the cork screw, Galati spun off of the track putting him back to 16th place. The Olmstead, Ohio resident did a good job to get the Audi back into the top ten.

Derek Bell, driving the number 8 Legends of Motorsport Audi S4 Competition, had a tough race battling with competitors at mid-pack. The sportscar legend carrying over 100 lbs. of camera equipment for the Speedvision telecast had a difficult time with his Audi.

With his tenth place finish, Galati is able to retain the lead in the driver's standings with 222, 14 ahead second place P.D. Cunningham.

Michael Galati, number 9 Champion Audi/Audi S4 Competition: "Laguna Seca was not nice to our cars on race day. We had a taste of how it would be in qualifying, but the race was tough. I had a good start and managed to lead a few laps and then I spun. I was too far back to recover and without any yellow flags it made for a long day."

Derek Bell, Legends of Motorsport/Audi S4 Competition: "It was a tough go from the beginning. I didn't get a good start, someone checked-up in front in me and I pretty much drove around the whole race."

Rod Bymaster, manager, Audi Sport North America: "Some tracks suit the Audi better than others, Laguna proved to be a hand full. Michael had a good start and was able to lead a few laps at the beginning. Michael retains the driver's point lead, but we have some work ahead of us to help him get the championship with the double header coming up in Atlanta."

The Speedvision GT race from Laguna Seca will be televised on Friday, September 28 at 9:00 p.m. EDT on Speedvision. The next race will be October 6 and 7, for a double race weekend at Road Atlanta. <pre>

Laguna Seca Speedvision GT Results: 1. Peter Cunningham Acura NSX 2. Joh. van Overbeek Porsche 911 Cup 3. Jimmy Adams Porsche 911 Cup 4. Phil McClure Corvette C5 5. Bob Miller Porsche 911 Cup 6. Mike Fitzgerald Porsche 933 RSR 7. Justin Marks Porsche 993 Cup 8. Jeff McMillin BMW M3 9. James Sofronas BMW M3 10. Michael Galati Audi S4 Competition ------ 15. Derek Bell Audi S4 Competition

-Audi Sport

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