Road Atlanta: Tomy Drissi Friday pratice report

Drissi and Company Sixth Fastest in Final Petit Le Mans Practice

BRASELTON, Ga. (Sept. 24, 2004) -- Tomy Drissi, and co-drivers Melanie Paterson and Michael Lewis timed sixth in the fourth and final full practice Friday morning for Saturday's Petit Le Mans American Le Mans Series race at Road Atlanta. Driving the No. 12 Elektra -- Looks Can Kill Only in Theaters Jan. 14 Riley & Scott Mk. IIIc Elan LMP1 car fielded by Autocon Motorsports, Drissi's team posted a 1:17.316-minute lap.

Drissi said the team is still working on the fuel-injection system for the car.

"The engine cut out at 3,500 rpms," said Drissi. "The engineers fired the engine for the first time on Wednesday, so this is to be expected. The team is working on the issue and expects to be ready for qualifying this afternoon."

Drissi suffered an off early in his stint.

"I made a mistake," said Drissi. "I spun on cold tires and it was my fault. Luckily I didn't hit anything and the car is fine. Those Audis are tough, but I think we may have something for them on Saturday."

Drissi, along with the rest of the ALMS drivers will participate in an open paddock autograph session today from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the ALMS paddock. Qualifying is scheduled for today from 3:10 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chevy presents Petit Le Mans will get the green flag at noon (EDT) on Saturday, Sept. 25. The race will cover 1,000 miles, or 10 hours, whichever comes first on Road Atlanta's 2.54-mile, 12-turn permanent road course. Fourth-round practice is scheduled for tomorrow from 9:45 a.m. -- 10:45 a.m.

LIVE race highlights will air on SPEED at 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and the conclusion of the event at 7:30 p.m. All times are EDT.

-tdr-