source: cart.com
Copyright © 2003, CART, Inc
Rocketsports driver Alex Tagliani returns to Toronto for his fourth tour at
the Molson Indy this Sunday July 13, in round ten of the Bridgestone Presents
The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. Driving for the home crowd is always
thrilling and this year it is especially exciting for Tagliani, who will proudly
introduce his new Rocketsports team and the #33 Johnson Controls Lola to Ontario
fans on the 1.755 mile (2.824 km) temporary street course in downtown Toronto.
Tagliani is especially fond of the oldest Canadian Champ Car circuit, where
he earned one of his career-best second-place finishes in 2001. "The Toronto
street course is one of the best because of the challenges it offers, and it is
where I got a podium two years ago," Tagliani happily recalls. "It's a
tough course because of the pavement changes in the corners. There is a
transition from cement to concrete in the apex and lots of blind corners, so
it's tough on the tires and brakes. The braking zones have kinks and the
racing line is protected, so I must manage and conserve the brakes."
In his fourth season with Champ Car, Tagliani returns to Toronto, where he is
known and loved for having a truly Canadian spirit and attitude. "Champ Car
has 19 races all over North America, Mexico and even Europe, and I meet Canadian
fans everywhere. It's great to hear them say 'hey, I'm Canadian too' or
to see my name on a banner with the Canadian flag in a faraway place. I
appreciate their support," said Tagliani.
"Rocketsports is new to Champ Car this year, but I have been coming to
Toronto since 1996. Rocketsports is actually based nearby in Michigan and Paul
(Gentilozzi) has been coming to race in Ontario for years. Toronto is also very
important to Johnson Controls and we expect to have a great weekend when we all
come together for the Molson Indy."
