SCC: Doncaster hopes to defend GSI title

Doncaster hopes to defend title against strong Grand Sport I field.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 14, 2003) -- Daytona International Speedway was good luck for Doncaster Racing in 2002. The team opened the season with a victory at the track in February and went on to clinch the Grand-Am Cup Series Grand Sport I championship during the Daytona Finale in November. Now Doncaster Racing prepares to return to Daytona for the Grand-am Cup season-opening Daytona 250, Jan. 31.

The Toronto-based team has seen several changes during the off-season including the loss of its championship-winning drivers, Scott Maxwell and David Empringham, to the new Daytona Prototypes class of Rolex Sports Car Series. Filling the duos shoes in the #76 Porsche GT3 Cup will be Robert Julien and 2002 Sport Touring I driver champion Jean-Francois Dumoulin this season.

Multimatic prepared the team's pair of Porsches last season, however Fiorano Racing will prep the Doncaster's machines in 2003.

Despite the many changes to the team, one thing that has remained consistent in 2003 is the pairing of Dave Lacey and Greg Wilkins at the wheel of Doncaster's #7 Porsche. After scoring eight top-five finishes last season, the duo is looking to step up on the podium more in 2003 and continue the team's success streak. But defense of Doncaster Racing's victories and championships will not be an easy task, as a strong field of GS I contenders is expected in 2003 beginning at the Daytona 250.

Leading the charge will be 2001 champions Powell Motorsports. Doug Goad and Devon Powell will partner once again in Powell Motorsports' #11 Corvette Z06. The pair entered last year's Finale with the points lead in the class, but mechanical problems coupled with a victory by Doncaster cost the team its second-straight championship. The Canadian team returns to Grand-Am Cup in 2003 determined to reclaim its position at the top of the standings.

A powerful group of Porsches returning to the GS I class will include entries from SpeedSource, TPC Racing and G&W Motorsports. SpeedSource will field a pair of Porsches with Paul Mears III and David Haskell partnering in the #66 entry, while Selby Wellman and Sylvain Tremblay co-drive the team's #70 car.

TPC Racing, formerly known as Team Turbo Performance, will have renowned Porsche driver Randy Pobst at the wheel of its #23 car with Michael Levitas as co-driver. Cort Wagner and Brent Martini return to G&W Motorsports' #81 Porsche this season. After scoring their first victory at VIR last season, the duo is looking to be a front-runner in 2003.

Long-time friends John Kohler and Gary Smith will be back in the GS I class in the #47 Saleen Mustang of TF Racing. The Saleen returns with its traditional Zippo Motorsports paint scheme.

New to the GS I class in 2003 are Silverstone Racing Services, Foxhill Racing and Case-It Racing. Silverstone will field a brand new Corvette Z06 prepared by Joe Aquilante. Englishman Chris Hall and Larry Huang will pilot the #39 car. Foxhill Racing and Case-It Racing will both bring Porsches to the GS I class. Michael Cawley and Andrew Davis will share driving duties in Foxhill Racing's #79 car, while Lynn Wilson, Adam Merzon and David Murry are slated to drive the Case-It Racing #84 machine.

The Grand-Am Cup Daytona 250 is part of the 41st Rolex 24 At Daytona event weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Jan. 30 - Feb. 2. Tickets are currently on sale for the 41st Rolex 24 At Daytona and may be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 386-253-RACE. Additional information about the Grand-Am Cup Series is available online at www.grandamerican.com.

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