Stu Hayner Joins Willy T. Ribbs at Victoria Motorsports

FAR HILLS, New Jersey (February 23, 2000) — Stu Hayner, of Yorba Linda, CA, and Frank Cioppettini, of Far Hills, NJ, announced today that Hayner will contest the full BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series with Victoria Motorsports, as teammate to Willy T. Ribbs. Ribbs was announced last week.

"This is a fantastic development," said Cioppettini, whose Victoria Motorsports team now becomes the only two-car team in the Trans-Am series to field cars for two winning Trans-Am drivers. "I've known Stu for many years, and we have even do-driven cars before. But to have him join Victoria Motorsports with Willy T. Ribbs is really a dream come true. I think this serves notice that we are a team to be reckoned with."

"I'm really excited to be joining this effort," said Hayner, who has wracked up one win, four podium finishes, seven top-five and eight top-ten finishes in his 16 Trans-Am starts. In addition, he has started from the fast five on six occasions, and recorded three fastest race laps. "Frank is one of the nicest people in racing, but beyond that, he is really assembling an impressive team in Victoria Motorsports. We have spoken about running together several times over the past few years, but things never fell into place until this year. As much as I really enjoy Trans-Am racing, I've never been able to put together a full-season deal until now. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to a great season."

Hayner began racing Super Vees in the early 1980s, followed by Formula Atlantic. He was the inaugural Corvette Challenge champion in 1988, with a win at Mosport and nine top-ten finishes. His first Trans-Am was at Long Beach in 1989, where he finished fifth and claimed "Star of the Race" honors. He is also a past Escort Endurance Cup GT class champion, and a multi-time winner in Firehawk, Motorola Cup and IMSA GT competition.