Tom Gloy Racing penalized for Denver infraction

CLEARWATER, Fla. (September 12, 2002) -- The Trans-Am Series has penalized Tom Gloy Racing 29 championship points and $20,000 for a rules infraction during Round 9 of the championship on Sept. 1 at Denver.

The penalty was equivalent to the points and purse which would have been awarded to second-place finisher Butch Leitzinger, driver of one of two cars entered by Tom Gloy Racing in the event.

Tom Gloy Racing was penalized for violation of Rule 3.3.3 in the 2002 Trans-Am Series Rule Book, which states that "Only Trans-Am approved ignition systems are allowed." During post-race technical inspection, Leitzinger's car was found to have an unspecified ignition amplifier box, which served as the basis for the penalty.

"The Tom Gloy Racing team contends that a Trans-Am Series technical official gave verbal approval for use of the component in question," said Trans-Am Series Chief Steward Terry Dale. "We have not been able to definitively determine if that is the case, and if it is, appropriate action will be taken to prevent a re-occurrence of any similar situation in the future.

"Regardless of that argument, however, verbal assurance does not override the written rule," Dale added. "The bottom line is that the integrity of our rule book must be protected."

Leitzinger is enjoying an outstanding rookie season in the Trans-Am Series with three victories and a series-high four pole positions. He had clinched the 2002 AmeriSuites Rookie of the Year Award prior to the Denver event, and currently stands fourth in the championship with 188 points.

Following the penalty to Tom Gloy Racing, the results of Round 9 of the championship at Denver stand official, with championship leader Boris Said having claimed his series-leading fifth victory of the Trans-Am Series season. Said holds a 40-point (264-224) lead over three-time and defending Trans-Am Series champion Paul Gentilozzi heading to Round 10 of the championship, Oct. 6 on the streets of Miami.

-scca pro racing-

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