LAC Motorsports to race Camaros

SEBRING, FL. -- Kerry Alexander, LAC Motorsports owner/driver announces the team will not be driving Panoz Esperantes in the 2001 opener of the Trans-Am Series for the BF Goodrich Tires Cup at Sebring International Raceway.

Alexander's team, which had been working feverishly with Elan Motorsports to prepare two Panoz Esperantes for this weekend's racing, will put his Wickes Lumber and Trilithic Engineering colors on the Chevrolet Camaro normally fielded by Don and Marty Sak.

"We had worked right up until the last minute with Elan Motorsports to prepare at least one car for this weekend," says Alexander, adding, "I want to thank Don and Marty for this opportunity, which allows us to put two cars into the race this weekend. With this deal, we will still offer our Wickes Lumber, Trilithic Engineering and other guests an entertaining raceday on Friday."

With no practice time in the Sak-owned Camaro, Alexander managed to qualify 29th. LAC Motorsport team driver Gary Longo, in the #53 Wickes Lumber/Trilithic Engineering Camaro Alexander raced during the 2000 season, qualified 31st. Longo is making his bid for the Rookie of the Year title in the Trans-Am Series this season.

"Kerry and I have been friends for several years. I was working toward putting someone else in the car this year. That didn't happen, so when Kerry explained his situation, I was glad to help him out," says Don Sak, adding, "I really admire the deal Kerry managed to put together with marketing and promotions this year and I wanted to help him. I want to thank my sponsors, Hilo-Hattie of California and A&E Plumbing for their continued support."

Alexander and his crew chief, Nicholas Short, had been feverishly working side-by-side with car builders at Elan Motorsports in Atlanta to finish at least one of the stylish new racers for a debut at Sebring, but the project couldn't be completed in time for qualifying.

The delay in acquiring the two new Panoz Esperantes has not changed LAC Motorsports commitment to using the cars throughout the remainder of the 2001 season, notes Alexander.

-LACM