Fitzgerald wins GT race at Road Atlanta

Braselton, Ga (June 28, 2003) - Mike Fitzgerald took his first SCCA Speed World Challenge win in three years today at Road Atlanta in the GT race. Ironically, his last win was at Road Atlanta in October, 2000.

"I had a good car," commented the winner Fitzgerald. "We had a successful test day. The Porsche was good in the wet, however, I was a little conservative in the race.

"After the spooky start, the first lap went well and I waited for opportunities. I was pushing hard to put distance between myself and the rest of the field."

Fitzgerald took the standing start from the sixth position in his 3R Racing Porsche where the "spooky start" came in to play. The Champion Racing Audi of Michael Galati did not move, he was directly in front of Fitzgerald.

Making a sharp dive to get by Galati, Fitzgerald climbed his way to the top where he built up a slight edge over Bill Auberlen's BMW Team PTG. Toward the end of the 27 lap race, Auberlen had a flat tire and had to pit to change it.

In the meantime, Hans Stuck had mounted a charge after the leader. With two laps remaining, Stuck was just two-seconds behind, however, Stuck was unable to make ground on Fitzgerald.

"The idea is to go fast to the last second," stated Stuck who had a flight to catch to Germany after today's race. "You never know what can happen."

Randy Pobst keeps the point lead after his third place podium finish. Pobst has had four straight third place podium in GT this season. The Champion Racing driver thanked the team, "This is a great opportunity and I am plugging away with a fine car."

BMW Team PTG driver Boris Said finished fouth in today's race, the driver who drives anything he can was pleased with his run today. The Sebring and Mosport GT winner, Phil McClure brought his Corvette home in fifth.