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Watkins Glen: Morgan-Dollar race summary

Morgan-Dollar wins from the pole at Watkins Glen; Computer Associates/Acxiom Corvette proves this team is on the right track. Watkins Glen, NY - June 24, 2002 - Exactly one year to the day of Morgan-Dollar Motorsports' first NASCAR Craftsman Truck ...

Morgan-Dollar wins from the pole at Watkins Glen; Computer Associates/Acxiom Corvette proves this team is on the right track.

Watkins Glen, NY - June 24, 2002 - Exactly one year to the day of Morgan-Dollar Motorsports' first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) victory, they earned their first Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series win, dominating the American Grand Touring [AGT] class at Watkins Glen.

Morgan-Dollar had two teams entered in the "Six Hours of the Glen," Sunday, June 23rd. The father and son team of Charles and Rob Morgan fielded the #47 AGT entry, while brothers Stephen and Andy Richards entered the #46. The Richards' pre-2002 racing experience consists of one season in the Ferrari Challenge. As a result, they had invited Morgan-Dollar's NCTS driver, Dennis Setzer, to stand by and possibly back them up. A part failure caused an unfortunate accident for driver Andy Richards, which ended the run of the 46 just eight laps into the race. The Corvette was damaged beyond at-track repair. Also damaged were Steve Richards' and Dennis Setzer's chances of racing that day.

In fact, most of the AGT teams struggled to stay in the race. But the #47 Computer Associates/Acxiom-sponsored Corvette, which started the race from pole position, only encountered minor problems. The driver changes went smoothly, as did the crew's outstanding pit stops. The biggest problem of the day was a possible oil leak which turned out to be nothing more than a faulty sensor.

Crew Chief Glen Snapp attributes the win to several factors. "We were able to average a quicker lap than the rest of the teams, running times that were very consistent. That's only possible when you have the caliber of drivers we have." He went on to add, "The car was just mechanically sound. We ran it hard for six straight hours and had no mechanical difficulties to speak of. I think that says a lot for what's being accomplished at the [Oklahoma-based Morgan-Dollar Motorsports] shop." Snapp went on to add, "As for the 46, it appears we just had an unfortunate suspension failure."

Andy Richards said, "The guys did a good job getting the [46] Corvette where I felt good in it before the race and I hate that I was out so early. Looking at the lap times, I know I could have been up there as well. I am glad one of our teams won," then he jokingly added, "but I would have preferred if it had been the 46!"

After the Morgan's class win, driver Rob Morgan said, "Its great here [at Watkins Glen] and I really like this type of racing. The track is very difficult with all the elevation changes, plus when you add in the factor of it being a six-hour race, it makes me proud of what our young team is capable of accomplishing." Along with winning from the pole, Morgan set a new track record in the AGT class during qualifying in addition to turning the fastest race lap for AGT.

John DeBenedictis, Car Chief for both the #46 and #47 Corvettes came on board June 1st to share with the team his arsenal of racing experience and organizational skills and to provide leadership. "Moving to Oklahoma from Daytona Beach to race, everyone thought I was crazy. But after today, they'll know that I made the right decision."

This AGT class win was Morgan Dollar's third podium finish this year-with a 2nd place finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and a 3rd place finish for California Speedway's inaugural road course event. From here, Morgan-Dollar Motorsports heads to Daytona for the Paul Revere 250 on the Fourth of July.

-mdm-

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