USRRC: Visteon Panoz Racing Takes Pole at The Glen
22 August 1998
QUALIFYINGFIRST UNION SIX HOURS OF THE GLEN
Watkins Glen International Raceway
Watkins Glen, New York
THE VISTEON PANOZ RACING TEAM TAKES POLE AT THE GLEN -- FIVE FOR
FIVE IN
USRRC
In qualifying today the #4 Visteon Panoz GTR-1, driven by Andy Wallace, qualified first in the GT1 class and fourth overall with a 1:42.098 at 132.93mph lap. Wallace beat his own record for GT1 qualifying -- in 1997 he set the record with a 1:48.055 at 125.602mph lap, also in a Panoz GTR-1. Wallace is currently third in the USRRC GT1 driver's championship.
In the five 1998 USRRC races -- Daytona, Homestead, Mid-Ohio, Minneapolis, and Watkins Glen -- the Visteon Panoz Racing Team has won all five GT1 poles.
Andy Wallace, #4 Visteon Panoz GTR-1:
"The Visteon Panoz is the best it's been all year. The handling is
superb, the engine pulls strongly, and the chassis is very well
balanced. The Michelin tires seem that they can last forever -- it
seems that they can run fast laps all day."
"I must thank the Visteon Panoz Racing Team, especially my race engineer, for setting up the car so well for this circuit."
Raul Boesel qualified the #5 Visteon Panoz GTR-1 third in class and ninth overall with a 1:43.151 at 131.57mph lap, also breaking last year's record.
Raul Boesel, #5 Visteon Panoz GTR-1:
"Overall, it was a good run. I didn't make the best use of my
Michelin
tires because I hit some traffic on my second lap, so I had to slow
down. When I got another clear run, I did my best lap. The Visteon
Panoz GTR-1 is very consistent and will be good for the race."
Tony Dowe, managing director, Panoz Motor Sports:
"With a six hour race, qualifying position is less important, however
it's quite important for the team and manufacturer's championship to get
the pole, and it's good for Andy Wallace to get a bit closer to the
driver's championship. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings.
The cars are nice and reliable, the team's working well."
