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Brazilian Racing News: Superturismo

2 January 1998

After a successfull 1997 season, the Superturismo will have more cars
and more drivers in 1998.

The Superturismo was "born" in Argentina in the second semester of 1996.
So, it was no surprise to see only argentinian drivers for the first
race of the season. The favorites were Oscar Larrauri, Ricardo Rissati
and Jose Luiz di Palma, all former F-1 drivers and Osvaldo Cocho Lopez.
After 10 races, Larrauri was champion, followed by Cocho Lopez and 
Javier Balzano. 

The surprise of the season was Brazilian driver Flavio Nono
Figueiredo, who missed 4 races and finished 3rd in points.  Figueirado 
tied with Balzano.  Flavio opened the way to other brazilian drivers, 
and 1998 will see Ingo Hoffmann (former F-1 driver), Helio Saraiva, 
Paulo Gomes, Xandi Negrao, Caca Bueno, and Ariel Barranco racing in 
the series.

The 1998 Sudam Championship confirmed already the Vectras (GM),
BMW 320i, Alfa 155, Dodge Stratus, Peugeot 406, Mondeo, Audi A4 and Toyota
Corona.

"The main reason for all this success are the cars (which are very even)
and the low costs of the season for the drivers" said Alan Magalhaes,
promoter of the Sudam Championship. "The Stock Car season in Brazil
costs around US$ 550,000 for the season, and the SUDAM costs US$ 250,000
and your image is broadcast to all South American countries" completed
Alan.

The season calendar will be released at the end of January, but they already
confirmed 5 races in Brazil and Argentina and 1 race in Chile and