Watkins Glen: JMB Racing race report

A Seventh Place Finish at The Glen That Feels Like a Win For JMB Racing USA!

Miramar, Florida, June 22, 2004: Last Sunday, the JMB Racing USA #11 Lineltex / The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua Ferrari #11 co-driven by Edi Gay from Italy, Michel Orts from France and Jim Michaelian from the United States finished seventh in GT class at the Sahlen's GP of Watkins Glen endurance classic.

The fifth round of the Rolex Sports Car Series was the first race together for this non-pro JMB Racing USA drivers' lineup. In life Edi Gay is a successful businesswoman with interests in Italy and the Caribbean, Michel Orts; is a French Riviera based lawyer and Jim Michaelian, is the CEO & President of Long Beach Grand Prix Association. Before this race they all shared a true passion for auto racing. Now, thanks to a safe race from each driver that allowed them to finish seventh in class in one of the most famous international endurance classics, they also share a successful racing experience that will remain in their memories for the years to come.

Finishing the six-hour race was almost like winning a race for the JMB USA team that has not been too lucky since the beginning of the season. "This result is a proof that our team is strong and competitive," said JMB Racing technical director Jean Pierre Malcher after the race. "The whole team is pleased with this result. This is the first race we finished in three events and this result brings a well-deserved satisfaction to the team. Our drivers did an excellent job and completed a mistake free race and the car was perfect. I am particularly satisfied with the Cobalt Friction brake pads and the Dunlop tires that both helped us in this effort" announced Jean Pierre before returning to France to prepare next weekend's race JMB Racing in the FIA GT championship at Donington, England.

Jim Michaelian was racing for the first time at the Glen and he loved it. "I am very honored to have been racing with these guys this weekend" announced Jim after the event. "The whole team is very professional and made up of very nice people. I am only able to drive a few races every year but I have to admit that this team is very serious and did a great job. Of course I would have liked to drive more but I am sure I will be back soon to race with JMB USA, perhaps this season".

Edi Gay was also in a great mood after her third Rolex race of the season with JMB Racing USA. "I am delighted that we finished the race in seventh position," said Edi. "I am proud of my teammates Jim and Michel. They both drove well and you know we even finished better that some of the pros that race every weekend!" added Edi with a large smile.

Michel Orts was racing for the first time in the U.S. and acted as the lead driver for the team throughout the Glen weekend. He qualified the JMB Racing USA Ferrari on Saturday and took the start of the race. "I am very happy. I enjoyed racing at The Glen." Announced Michel after taking the checkered flag. "The team and the car were awesome," commented the Frenchman. "My only problem came a few laps before the end of the race when I was hit by one of the Brumos Porsches which almost ruined all our efforts" said Michel. The Porsche prototype came from behind and violently hit the right door of the car, sending the JMB Ferrari 360 Modena spinning around. "I did not see much," commented Michel Orts. "I was able to stay on the racetrack and when the car stopped. I put it in first gear and regained the pits then finished the race and saw my first checkered flag this season" added Michel with a large smile, full of emotions.

JMB Racing USA definitely gained additional confidence and proved once again that it is a solid and reliable team. Even co-driven by non-pro drivers, the team also demonstrated that the Ferrari 360 prepared by JMB USA is a reliable package capable of consistent results in endurance racing.

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