Daytona 24: Specter Werkes driver lineup change

Specter Werkes #24 Cauley Corvette GTR presented by the Highlander
Driver Line-Up for the 2004 Rolex 24 at Daytona - Pete Halsmer steps in for Richard Berry

DETROIT - January 20, 2004: While preparation of the Specter Werkes/Sports #24 Cauley Corvette GTR presented by The Highlander proceeds on schedule, Jeff Nowicki, president of Specter Werkes, announced the team's driver line-up for the 2004 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

"I'm pleased to formally announce that veteran sports car racer, Pete Halsmer will join John Heinricy, Tom Bambard and me in the #24 Cauley Corvette GTR presented by The Highlander for this year's running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona," said Jeff Nowicki.

"Our original plan included Very Berry Exotics owner, rookie Richard Berry, to be in the car for the race," added Nowicki. "However, when Pete Halsmer became available, Richard stepped up and insisted we put Pete in the car. Richard's unselfish attitude is representative of everyone working on this effort. Needless-to-say, Pete's history and experience will be a big plus in the race."

"I made my decision based on what I felt was best for the team," said Richard Berry. "Make no mistake, I was really looking forward to running in this race-- but I want to do whatever will give our team the best chance in the race. Pete Halsmer is such a highly respected driver. I'm excited to have him on our team and I'll be there cheering him on and helping in pit lane. I'm just as much a part of this team today as I was two months ago. Everyone here is working so hard-- this was an easy contribution for me to make."

Pete Halsmer brings extensive experience to the #24 car effort. He ran his first race in 1970 in Formula Vee. He raced SCCA Formula Fords, Super Vees and Atlantic cars from 1970 to 1978. Through the mid 80s, Pete ran in Pro Super Vees and Indy cars as well as IMSA GT and Prototype cars. From 1986 to 1989 Halmser drove for the highly successful Ford/Roush team. He drove for Mazda from 1990 to 1993 and for BMW in the 95 and 96 seasons. He currently drives for Honda.

The #24 Cauley Corvette GTR presented by The Highlander will compete in the GT Class of Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series for the 2004 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The race will start Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. ETD and end Sunday, February 1 at 1 p.m. ETD. The race will air on SPEED Channel. SPEED will feature a total of 15 hours of the race starting Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. ETD

-sws/jt-