Sebring PTG BMW M3 Final

PROTOTYPE TECHNOLOGY GROUP BMW M3 1999 SUPERFLO 12 HOURS AT SEBRING, GT CLASS final, March 20

PTG's two Yokohama/Flextronics International/Level One BMW M3s both encountered technical difficulties during the second half of the 12 Hours at Sebring. The #7 car, which held a strong lead earlier in the race, retired during the final hour with a differential failure. Mark Simo was at the wheel. His co-drivers were Brian Cunningham and Johannes van Overbeek.

The #10 car developed engine problems earlier, while Peter Cunningham was driving, so both cars were out of the race that the team has won the past two years. Cunningham's co-drivers were Boris Said and Hans Stuck.

The #7 car completed 238 laps to finish ninth in the GT class and 26th overall in the 58-car field. The #10 car was 11th in the class and 31st overall, with 200 laps completed. A total of 17 cars competed in the GT class.

TOM MILNER, PTG TEAM OWNER:

"We had the same problems we had at [the 24 Hours of] Daytona, rear-end problems that we thought were solved. We're not sure what happened with the other car. It was just a bad weekend, and somehow it's got to turn around."

SCOTT DONIGER, M BRAND MANAGER, BMW NORTH AMERICA, INC.:

"Florida used to be so good to us. It's really tough to experience. The team was so prepared and the cars were running so well. Unfortunately, it's disappointing to start a brand-new series without the consistency we've had for the past few years. We're looking forward to Road Atlanta to regain our leadership position."

HANS STUCK, #10 PTG BMW M3 driver:

"It's very unusual for these cars to have engine problems. But we're adding more revs, we have better-sticking tires and we're pushing closer to the edge now. We expected to come home with points from here. We'll have to do our homework for Road Atlanta [the next race]. We're still going for the championship, but this result is an alarming signal for us."

PETER CUNNINGHAM, #10 PTG BMW M3 driver:

"We were just turning good, consistent laps on the track and starting to move up, but without warning the motor dropped to five cylinders exiting turn one and expired soon thereafter. It was the end of our day, unfortunately, but everyone knew we were here. We'll be back in a few weeks in Atlanta and try to show them who's the boss."