Hybrid R&D Testing Quick for Sebring

HYBRID R & D TESTING QUICK FOR SEBRING

(Rosamond, CA--March 4, 1999) Hybrid R & D Racing's team manager Rod Everett was all grins during the two days of testing at Willow Springs International Raceway in preparation for the classic 12 Hours of Sebring race. Driver Ross Bentley had just piloted the Ford powered Yokohama Riley & Scott World Sports Car very close to this venerable circuit's course record set by Nigel Mansel and Michael Andretti in their respective open wheel cars. "Not bad at all," said co-driver Chris Bingham with tongue in cheek, as Bingham then came within a click of matching Bentley's stout performance.

Everett commented that the haunting gremlins that spoiled the team pudding at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, "have been corrected," then added, "I believe that we're ready!" The car itself has been a work-in-progress as it was acquired by Hybrid R&D only a few days before the season opened at Daytona. "We took possession of the car in Florida, had only six days to sort it out while making two transcontinental trips in the process. But now with some solid testing, we're set for the return from California to Florida," Everett added while beaming over the new red and silver livery.

Willow Springs was selected as the test site as it is physically demanding of both driver and car. Bingham and Bentley had commented on the similarities, both eager for the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Hybrid R&D Racing is an Orange, CA-based World Sports Car Team competing this year in the American LeMans Series led by team owner Rod Everett. The team's technical partners and sponsors are exotic car dealership Park Place LTD, Yokohama Tire Corporation and Landmark Motorsports, Inc.

Drivers of the Riley & Scott MK III are Ross Bentley from White Rock, Canada and Chris Bingham from Bellevue, WA.