Washington DC: Audi GT race notes

Audi S4s sixth and seventh in D.C.

Washington D.C. -- Michael Galati, driving the number one Champion Audi/Audi S4 Competition, and Derek Bell, driving the number two Legends of Motorsport Audi S4 Competition, had a tough day of racing in round six of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed Channel GT Series at Washington D.C. today.

Galati, starting from his fifth place qualifying position, had a good start to run in fourth for the first three laps. On lap four Galati went into turn one and spun his Audi putting him back to eighth place. "I was having trouble keeping the car in third gear, when I entered the braking zone for turn one. I thought I had it in gear and it was in neutral and I spun. On top of the transmission I had to pump the brakes to get a good pedal. It was a survival day for us," said Galati.

Bell had an equally difficult race. The Sportscar Legend was able to get a good start and avoid a spinning Porsche in turn one. Following the evasive maneuver, Bell was running comfortably in sixth place, an improvement from his eighth place qualifying effort. "I had a good start and was able to avoid the Porsche facing the wrong way in turn one. The car was overheating a little so I was forced to short shift to finish the race. I gave Michael a "Barrichello" at the end so he could get maximum points," said Bell.

"It was a tough track for us today. Michael and Derek did a good job to finish both cars in the top ten. Derek's gracious move to let Michael by at the end is a team effort to preserve Galatis' title defense," said Rod Bymaster, manager Audi Sport.

-audi-