Tom Gloy Racing Denver appeal ruling

MIAMI (October 5, 2002) The Trans-Am Court of Appeals notified Tom Gloy Racing the appeal it filed was well founded. The series had penalized the team points and purse following the Denver Grand Prix for the use of an unapproved ignition amplifier box. Tom Gloy Racing contends it received verbal approval for it use from the Trans-Am Technical Staff.

The Court found "the team's use of the ignition amplifier box removed from car #88 in post race inspection at the Denver event was an error in judgment caused in part and resulting from a season-long series of actions, statements, inactions, absences, personnel changes in or by the Trans-Am Technical staff."

In its findings, the Court also said "the Trans-Am Series Technical Consultant's review of the ignition amplifier box and test data showed no performance advantage and no evidence of traction control capability."

The Court went on to say "that a non-conforming part of this type can go undetected through repeated inspections by the Technical staff is unacceptable performance."

"I would personally like to thank Dennis Huth and Chuck Romeo, former administrators of the Panoz Sanchez Groups' Trans-Am Series, for their honesty and candor in bringing the facts and truth to the forefront," said Team Owner Tom Gloy. "I would also like to thank the court for its professionalism in handling this appeal. We believe this ruling allows us to continue our pursuit of the drivers' championship. Our team regrets the stress this has caused our sponsors and fans."

The Court reduced the fine from $20,000 to $5,000 and restored 23 of the 28 drivers' championship points. This moves driver Butch Leitzinger back into third place, only points behind second place. The Court also restored all of the Manufacturers points to Chevrolet.

-tgr-

Official statement Trans-Am