September 18, 2003

Dear Corporate Partners, Friends, Family and Fans,

The Nuzzo Motorsports #20 MINI COOPER S racecar held the fastest race lap in class during the Sunoco 94 Mosport 3 Hour race until lap 95 of the 99-lap race.

Unfortunately, a gremlin bit us in the early stage of the race requiring the #20 car to be towed in. This caused us to go behind several laps and there was no way to make them up. Once back in the pits, it was a quick fix but it was too late, we were out of contention for the win otherwise; we would have had a strong finish.

Mosport is a 2.5-mile, ten-turn road course. Very technical and very fast. Turn one is a fast right hander which leads to a blind down hill left hand sweeper which has a 100ft elevation drop. If you make a mistake here, you’ll see how unforgiving Mosport can be to those who make mistakes. Turn three is a fast right hander, which leads to a very fast blind down hill left hander more treacherous than turn two. Many a racecar has had a premature race finish in this turn. Next comes a short uphill right hand sweeper leading into the slowest section of the racetrack. This left hand (more of a chicane) exits onto the long uphill back straight. The straight brings you into turn eight a very fast (4th gear) right hand sweeper which sets you up for a left hand corner(3rd gear) then a right hander back onto the front straight.

The #21 car was working pretty good. Gene started the race and pitted about one hour into the race for fuel. At this time, we also made a driver change and put Mike in the car. Mike was running good until around lap 49 when the Cavalier decided to come into turn 5 too hot and bounced off the right side of the 21 car. Mike was able to keep the car under control and pull away up the back straight. On the next lap, the same Cavalier tried to pass Mike on the outside of turn 8. Even if you have a huge horsepower advantage, you don't pass on the outside of 8. He ends up punting Mike and sends the #21 car off track into the gravel trap where the wheels dug in and rolled the car. This brought out a full course caution and the medical team to assist Mike and the tow truck to clean up the crash. Mike got banged up pretty bad but no broken bones. The car was finished but we expect to have it back in time for our race at VIR.

Justice is served as the race goes green the Cavalier gets hit from behind on the restart and crashes into the wall. Bringing out another full course caution. We bring Shane into the pits under yellow for fuel and tires. This will be the last stop before the checkered flag comes out.

Because of the damage to the 21 car, and Hurricane Isabel, I have withdrawn from the Mt. Tremblant race. Most of crew and drivers live near the shore where the most severe weather is predicted to hit, so in the interest of our families and homes I decide to pass on the Canada race. We will devote our time to getting both cars ready for the 3 Hours of VIR at Virginia International Raceway October 4th.

See you at the races.
Tony

Thanks to all of our partners for supporting our effort throughout the season.
Please visit their web sites and use their products and services. They are listed below.

Habberstad MINI http://www.HabberstadMINI.com
MINI USA http://www.MINIUSA.com
Autosport Image http://www.Autosportimage.com
Grafik Dezine http://www.GrafikDezine.com
Photos by Juha http://www.Photosbyjuha.com
Lava Records http://www.lavarecords.com
Performance Friction Products http://www.PerformanceFriction.com
KW Suspensions http://www.kwsuspension.com
BOSCH http://www.BOSCHUSA.com
BBS wheels http://www.BBS.com
Bodymotion http://www.Bodymotion.com
Cyntex Tuning - 610 738-8804
Phantom Grip http://www.Phantomgrip.com
PROMINI http://www.PROMINI.com
OG Racing http://www.OGracing.com
Motorsport.com http://www.Motorsport.com
Hella, Inc. http://www.Hellausa.com
Diamond Racing Products http://www.Diamondracinggroup.com
PiperCross USA http://www.Pipercrossusa.com
Nology Hot Wires http://www.Nology.com

For further details, please contact Tony Nuzzo at 516-674-1441
In addition, visit http://www.nuzzomotorsports.com for race news, photos and video.
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Lots of new photos on my web site, including Michael Cooper driving my #21 Race MINI at Lime Rock.
Tony
http://www.nuzzomotorsports.com

 

Thanks for the updates, Tony! I met you at the Lime Rock Vintage Festival - you signed a poster for me.

 

Thanks for the update Tony!

I'm sure your team appreciates the kind gesture.

Hope you guys kick some butt at VIR.

What are your expectations for that race? Top 5, podium??

Good luck.