NA-F2000: Doug Smith Cleveland preview

Doug Smith Pilots Formula Ford Zetec at Cleveland Airport

CLEVELAND, OH. June 22, 2005 - Doug Smith, racing in from Plantation Florida, will make his fifth and sixth starts of the 2005 Formula Ford Zetec Cooper Tire Championship series this weekend on the flat runway circuit located at the Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport. The 24th Annual Grand Prix of Cleveland marks the first time that this race series has competed as a support event of the Champ Car Series. Doug has never competed at this two-mile, 10-turn circuit but loves this type of race course as he grew up going fast in the flatlands of Sebring International Raceway. This is the one and only time this season that the #35 Packers of Indian River LTD/wirewheel.com/race-sport.net Van Diemen will race on a non-permanent natural terrain track. The airport track is wide with no elevation changes making each driver search for "the racing line" as well as braking and apex points. Much opportunity for aggressive drivers to pass, as the current holder of fifth in points, Doug Smith, is certainly looking forward to doing. These two events (out of 14 in total) will help separate the pretenders from the championship challengers as the series enters the seasons' half-way point.

GTP Motorsports engineer Glen Phillips and drivers, Doug Smith are ready for the challenges of this bumpy street circuit.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to drive at the Cleveland Grand Prix," commented Smith. "I think the track layout really compliments my driving style. I love driving airport circuits. We're ready to rock n' roll Cleveland."

The first 30-minute race of the weekend will be run Saturday, June 25 at 5pm EST. The second sure-to-be thriller will be the final lead-in event for the Champ Car Series with a 12:05 PM green flag on Sunday, June 26.

For more on the Formula Ford Zetec Cooper Tire Championship, please visit: www.cooperseries.com

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