Lime Rock: Autosport Development qualifying report

GMAC/Trenton Forging #5 GTO Lime Rock Qualifying Report
Hayner's time continues to improve

Lakeville, Conn -- May 29, 2004 In an extremely fast field of 30+ GT cars, breaking the track GT qualifying record was only enough for Stu Hayner to put the #5 GMAC Commercial Finance/Trenton Forging GTO 23rd on the starting grid for Monday's SPEED World Challenge GT race at Lime Rock Park.

"We're making progress," expressed Hayner regarding Autosport Development's new GTO program. "We have made great strides since we introduced the car in Sebring two months ago. As the car has gotten faster, we're discovering some issues with the handling. The back of the car is planted pretty well, but it's developed quite a bit of under steer. Also, I have to 'saw' on the steering wheel pretty good. So, we'll have to address that."

"The good news is we're getting better each time out," Hayner continued. "The car is getting to were I can be pretty aggressive with it. We'll need to find some straightaway speed before Mid-Ohio, but the car is really coming along. It's definitely moving forward. We're pleased."

Car Chief, Rob Wanamaker, was very pleased with the weekend's progress. "We knew this wouldn't happen over night," he said. "One of the difficulties of campaigning a new car like the GTO is the lack of off-the-shelf racing components available to you. We've been working with Drummond Motor Sport developing the suspension set-up and the car has improved. We've also made great strides in reliability. I think Stu knows he can push the car with confidence."

Monday's SCCA SPEED GT Championship Round Two race, part of the Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, is set to make its standing start at 12:10 p.m. (EDT). In all, 30 cars will make the start on the 1.57 mile road course. The race will be broadcast on SPEED Channel Sunday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. (EDT)

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