Mid-Ohio: Audi preview

Nelson joins Audi at Mid-Ohio. Auburn Hills, Mich. - Formula Palmer Audi standout Joel Nelson will drive the number three Audi S4 Competition at Mid-Ohio this weekend. Nelson will join Audi regulars Michael Galati and Derek Bell for round four ...

Nelson joins Audi at Mid-Ohio.

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Formula Palmer Audi standout Joel Nelson will drive the number three Audi S4 Competition at Mid-Ohio this weekend. Nelson will join Audi regulars Michael Galati and Derek Bell for round four of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed Channel GT Series.

Nelson, 20 years old of Reno, Nevada, is a regular competitor in Britain's Formula Palmer Audi series and is currently second in points with wins at Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Croft. Nelson has experience in the Formula Ford 2000 series and a number of years in karting. "I am looking forward to running and learning from Derek Bell and Michael Galati," said Nelson. "I have never driven a closed top race car before, so this will be a new experience for me and I am really excited for the opportunity."

"We have a third car and will be giving a couple of young drivers the opportunity to compete in the series behind the wheel of an S4 Competition," said Rod Bymaster, manager Audi Sport. "The series is competitive and we have some good young drivers in our program, like Joel, who we would like to provide a little opportunity for in our SCCA GT program."

Michael Galati is currently second in points with 79, only three out of the lead. An Ohio resident, Galati is very comfortable at Mid-Ohio. "I consider Mid-Ohio my home track. The last time I raced there was in '99 in a touring car. We will have some strong and weak points with the car, the key will be to get through madness fast then we should be good," said Galati, driver of the number one Champion Audi/Audi S4 Competition. "I am looking forward to having a second teammate and another car in field, maybe we can learn something from Joel."

Derek Bell, driver of the number two Legends of Motorsport Audi S4 Competition is eighth in points 53. Bell has a long history at Mid-Ohio behind the wheel of sportscars in the last 25 years.