Round 12, Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford
source: tagliani.com
Elkhart Lake, Wis. July 30, 2003 - Alex Tagliani, driver of the No. 33 Johnson
Controls Lola, was truly delighted with the news that the Road America race was
returned to the 2003 Champ Car World Series roster. Tagliani, who is currently
tenth in the standings with 51 points, was particularly grateful for the efforts
of Mario Andretti to return the race on a track he calls, "a favorite among
many drivers."
"Road America is one of the best tracks on the Champ Car circuit and a
favorite among many drivers. It has challenging turns and high speed
straight-aways. The track is well maintained and the area is beautiful,"
commented Tagliani. "I am thankful that Mario (Andretti) worked hard to
have it returned to the 2003 schedule."
Tagliani has a history of great starts at Road America and earned one of his
three career-best second place finishes there last season. With a sense of
comfort and confidence in the 4.048 mile road course, Tagliani anticipates good
results at Road America. "When I first heard that the Elkhart Lake race was
back, I was very happy," said Tagliani. "I know the track well, enjoy
driving it, and expect the Rocketsports team to do well here."
Tagliani is especially proud to take the No. 33 Lola to Road America and drive
for the Rocketsports' primary sponsor's hometown crowd. With 118 years of
history in the state of Wisconsin, Johnson Controls' headquarters are located in
Glendale and Milwaukee, where Tagliani captured the pole earlier this season.
"Johnson Controls and our associate sponsors deal with advanced technology
and innovation. We race in a cutting edge series that concentrates on high
performance and safety. This makes Johnson Controls a very logical
sponsor," said Tagliani of the Fortune 100 Company.
Road America Fast Facts
-As a rookie, in 2000, Tagliani qualified third with a time of 1:40.260 (145.350
mph) and led the first 16 laps, but a broken drive shaft put an early end to his
race
(finished 13th)
-In 2001, Tagliani qualified second with a time of 2:03.674 (117.832 mph) and
finished eighth
-In 2002, Tagliani qualified third 1:42.684 (141.919 mph) and finished second
earning his fifth career podium
-Road America permanent road course length: 4.048 miles
-Race length: 60 laps, 242.880 miles (13 lap pit interval)
A Broadcasting First!
The Mario Andretti Grand Prix of Road America will be broadcast live on HDNet.
More than 12 hours of practice, qualifying and racing will be televised from
Friday August 1 to Sunday August 3 and available to HDNet subscribers. Log on to
www.CART.com for an extended list of public establishments that will also be
showing the HDNet Broadcast.
All times in Eastern Standard
Friday, August 1 Champ Car Practice - HDNet Live 10:30 am
Friday, August 1 Champ Car Qualifying - HDNet Live 3:30 pm
Saturday, August 2 Champ Car Practice - HDNet Live 11:00 am
Saturday, August 2 Champ Car Qualifying - HDNet Live 2:45 pm
Sunday, August 3 Speed GT race - HDNet Live 12:00 pm
Sunday, August 3 Mario Andretti Grand Prix at Road America
presented by
Briggs and Stratton - HDNet Live 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 3 Mario Andretti Grand Prix at Road America
presented by
Briggs and Stratton - Fox Sports Espanol Live 3:00 pm