Nuzzo Motorsports #20 MINI Cooper S leads the VIR 250
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3rd Gear
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Nuzzo Motorsports scores Top 5 Finsh at VIR
[size=2]October 4, 2004
Dear Corporate Partners, Friends, Family and Fans,
Nuzzo Motorsports #20 MINI Cooper S leads the VIR 250
Coming into the VIR race the Nuzzo Motorsports team was determined to get its first win for the MINI Cooper S. Just two weeks ago Nuzzo
Motorsports gave the MINI Cooper S it highest professional finish ever by earning 8th place at Homestead-Miami Speedway. We are very proud the have bettered that record this weekend.
During the first practice the #20 MINI turned the fastest lap time with a 2:13.379 followed closely by the BMW 330I, Lexus IS300, Acura RSX-S and the Mazda RX-8. Practice 2 the BMW picked up the pace by dropping 1.5 second off its previous best lap time to lead the session, followed by the Mazda and the MINI was third.
Saturday mornings qualifying session the pace was even faster. The BMW took the pole followed by the Acura, BMW, Mazda and the MINI would start fifth.
Nuzzo Motorsports lead driver Shane Lewis qualified the #20 car and would start the race. When the green flag dropped Shane worked hard to move the MINI up the through the field. It was a though task but Shane started to pick off the competition moving to forth position then third then second.
We knew we would have to make two stops for fuel to finish the race. Anearly caution came out and we took advantage of it and pitted. We were running forth at the time we pitted. The crew did a flawless stop fueling the car and changing a left front tire. We went to make a shock adjustment on the left front and found that the pressure reservoir had been torn off the car and it had also ripped out all the brake sensors on that wheel. The car was very difficult to drive on this high-speed 17-turn track. Without the brake sensors, the wheels would easily lockup and the car will not turn when the wheels are locked.
When we exited the pit and rejoined the race, we were still in forth position. On the restart Shane moved the car up to second and maintained that place behind the Acura until the Acura had to pit. We took the lead midway through the race and held it for quite a while until we had to pit.
At this point, I wanted to leave Shane in the car for the entire race but needed a rules clarification from the race officials. In the Rolex series, this is allowed. After a long time the officials told us it was not allowed in the Cup series and we would be disqualified if we didn't start two drivers.
We were running second when Shane came in and turned the car over to me. It was a fast driver change but it cost us precious positions. I reentered the race now in fifth but a half a lap behind the leaders. I drove hard but it was not possible to make up the time and catch the lead pack.
On the final lap, I was entering the rollercoaster section of the track. At the end of the back straight there is a left hand sweeper and then a hard downhill right. When I went to power for the right-hander there was nothing.
I had lost all gears and without power had no choice but to go straight off the track and down a very steep grassy slope. The whole time I was trying to find a gear with no luck. I turned back onto the track and still no gears. I coasted down the hill to the long uphill straight hoping I could make it to the checkered flag at the end. If I can't make it we would finish way back. The car kept slowing and slowing and I kept trying to find a gear. I don't know how I managed it but I coasted at least a half a mile to the checkered flag and the car came to a halt about 20 feet beyond the finish line. I was prepared to get out and push the car if necessary, but thankfully, it wasn't.
We finished fifth in Class and 18th overall. The car and crew performed flawlessly. It was a great day, a record-setting day for the Nuzzo Motorsports team and for all of our sponsors. During the 2003 VIR race, we set fastest race lap of 2:11:2 this record still stands.
On a more important note in recognition of October being Breast cancer awareness month, Nuzzo Motorsports and DWD Racing teamed to raise money for Breast Cancer research. Donations were collected at the track during the entire weekend. Donations can still be made by contacting Julie Allen by telephone at (434) 203-1579 or by email at julie@dwdracing.com.
Julie Allen shared driving duties with Davina Galica (Ga-Leeth-Za) in the No. 21 Nuzzo Motorsports MINI Cooper S. They were the only all-female team in the race. Both the #20 and #21 MINI's displayed the pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness.
This race marked Julie's professional race debut. She qualified the car 21st and would start the race. This is a very demanding racetrack and with a 53 car fields a tough place for your first pro race. Nevertheless, Julie did a great job she maintained her pace and continued to improve her lap times through out the hot hour and a half stint. During a long caution, we brought the #21 car in and did a driver change. Davina got in drove to the checkered. During her stint, she managed 2:17.954 and finished 35th overall and 19th in class. Congratulations on a great drive for Julie and Divina.
For more information, check the team's website at [/size][size=2]www.dwdracing.com[/size][size=2] or
contact Julie Allen at DWD Racing by telephone at (434) 203-1579 or by email at julie@dwdracing.com.
TV Broadcast
The VIR 250 race is scheduled to be two hour televised show on Sunday October 17th at Noon ET on SPEED Channel. --[/size][size=2]http://www.speedtv.com/programs/122/[/size][size=2] -- Check your local listing for the correct time.
Nuzzo Motorsports wants to thank all our sponsors for their support during the 2004 season.
MINI USA [/size][size=2]http://www.MINIUSA.com[/size][size=2] [/size]
[size=2]Habberstad MINI [/size][size=2]http://www.HabberstadMINI.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Grafik Dezine [/size][size=2]http://www.GrafikDezine.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Mini Mania [/size][size=2]http://www.MiniMania.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Marren Fuel Injection [/size][size=2]http://www.injector.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Cyntex Tuning - 610-738-8804[/size]
[size=2]RPM Racing [/size][size=2]http://www.Rpmracinginc.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]The Drive Shaft Shop [/size][size=2]http://www.driveshaftshop.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Photos by Juha [/size][size=2]http://www.Photosbyjuha.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]BBS wheels [/size][size=2]http://www.BBS.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]BOSCH [/size][size=2]http://www.BOSCHUSA.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Shane Lewis [/size][size=2]http://www.shanelewis.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Autosport Image [/size][size=2]http://www.Autosportimage.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]KW Suspensions [/size][size=2]http://www.kwsuspension.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Phantom Grip [/size][size=2]http://www.phantomgrip.com[/size]
[size=2]For further details, please contact Tony Nuzzo at 516-674-1441 In addition, visit [/size][size=2]http://www.nuzzomotorsports.com/[/size][size=2] for race news, photos and video.[/size]
[size=2]###
[/size]
Dear Corporate Partners, Friends, Family and Fans,
Nuzzo Motorsports #20 MINI Cooper S leads the VIR 250
Coming into the VIR race the Nuzzo Motorsports team was determined to get its first win for the MINI Cooper S. Just two weeks ago Nuzzo
Motorsports gave the MINI Cooper S it highest professional finish ever by earning 8th place at Homestead-Miami Speedway. We are very proud the have bettered that record this weekend.
During the first practice the #20 MINI turned the fastest lap time with a 2:13.379 followed closely by the BMW 330I, Lexus IS300, Acura RSX-S and the Mazda RX-8. Practice 2 the BMW picked up the pace by dropping 1.5 second off its previous best lap time to lead the session, followed by the Mazda and the MINI was third.
Saturday mornings qualifying session the pace was even faster. The BMW took the pole followed by the Acura, BMW, Mazda and the MINI would start fifth.
Nuzzo Motorsports lead driver Shane Lewis qualified the #20 car and would start the race. When the green flag dropped Shane worked hard to move the MINI up the through the field. It was a though task but Shane started to pick off the competition moving to forth position then third then second.
We knew we would have to make two stops for fuel to finish the race. Anearly caution came out and we took advantage of it and pitted. We were running forth at the time we pitted. The crew did a flawless stop fueling the car and changing a left front tire. We went to make a shock adjustment on the left front and found that the pressure reservoir had been torn off the car and it had also ripped out all the brake sensors on that wheel. The car was very difficult to drive on this high-speed 17-turn track. Without the brake sensors, the wheels would easily lockup and the car will not turn when the wheels are locked.
When we exited the pit and rejoined the race, we were still in forth position. On the restart Shane moved the car up to second and maintained that place behind the Acura until the Acura had to pit. We took the lead midway through the race and held it for quite a while until we had to pit.
At this point, I wanted to leave Shane in the car for the entire race but needed a rules clarification from the race officials. In the Rolex series, this is allowed. After a long time the officials told us it was not allowed in the Cup series and we would be disqualified if we didn't start two drivers.
We were running second when Shane came in and turned the car over to me. It was a fast driver change but it cost us precious positions. I reentered the race now in fifth but a half a lap behind the leaders. I drove hard but it was not possible to make up the time and catch the lead pack.
On the final lap, I was entering the rollercoaster section of the track. At the end of the back straight there is a left hand sweeper and then a hard downhill right. When I went to power for the right-hander there was nothing.
I had lost all gears and without power had no choice but to go straight off the track and down a very steep grassy slope. The whole time I was trying to find a gear with no luck. I turned back onto the track and still no gears. I coasted down the hill to the long uphill straight hoping I could make it to the checkered flag at the end. If I can't make it we would finish way back. The car kept slowing and slowing and I kept trying to find a gear. I don't know how I managed it but I coasted at least a half a mile to the checkered flag and the car came to a halt about 20 feet beyond the finish line. I was prepared to get out and push the car if necessary, but thankfully, it wasn't.
We finished fifth in Class and 18th overall. The car and crew performed flawlessly. It was a great day, a record-setting day for the Nuzzo Motorsports team and for all of our sponsors. During the 2003 VIR race, we set fastest race lap of 2:11:2 this record still stands.
On a more important note in recognition of October being Breast cancer awareness month, Nuzzo Motorsports and DWD Racing teamed to raise money for Breast Cancer research. Donations were collected at the track during the entire weekend. Donations can still be made by contacting Julie Allen by telephone at (434) 203-1579 or by email at julie@dwdracing.com.
Julie Allen shared driving duties with Davina Galica (Ga-Leeth-Za) in the No. 21 Nuzzo Motorsports MINI Cooper S. They were the only all-female team in the race. Both the #20 and #21 MINI's displayed the pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness.
This race marked Julie's professional race debut. She qualified the car 21st and would start the race. This is a very demanding racetrack and with a 53 car fields a tough place for your first pro race. Nevertheless, Julie did a great job she maintained her pace and continued to improve her lap times through out the hot hour and a half stint. During a long caution, we brought the #21 car in and did a driver change. Davina got in drove to the checkered. During her stint, she managed 2:17.954 and finished 35th overall and 19th in class. Congratulations on a great drive for Julie and Divina.
For more information, check the team's website at [/size][size=2]www.dwdracing.com[/size][size=2] or
contact Julie Allen at DWD Racing by telephone at (434) 203-1579 or by email at julie@dwdracing.com.
TV Broadcast
The VIR 250 race is scheduled to be two hour televised show on Sunday October 17th at Noon ET on SPEED Channel. --[/size][size=2]http://www.speedtv.com/programs/122/[/size][size=2] -- Check your local listing for the correct time.
Nuzzo Motorsports wants to thank all our sponsors for their support during the 2004 season.
MINI USA [/size][size=2]http://www.MINIUSA.com[/size][size=2] [/size]
[size=2]Habberstad MINI [/size][size=2]http://www.HabberstadMINI.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Grafik Dezine [/size][size=2]http://www.GrafikDezine.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Mini Mania [/size][size=2]http://www.MiniMania.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Marren Fuel Injection [/size][size=2]http://www.injector.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Cyntex Tuning - 610-738-8804[/size]
[size=2]RPM Racing [/size][size=2]http://www.Rpmracinginc.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]The Drive Shaft Shop [/size][size=2]http://www.driveshaftshop.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Photos by Juha [/size][size=2]http://www.Photosbyjuha.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]BBS wheels [/size][size=2]http://www.BBS.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]BOSCH [/size][size=2]http://www.BOSCHUSA.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Shane Lewis [/size][size=2]http://www.shanelewis.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Autosport Image [/size][size=2]http://www.Autosportimage.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]KW Suspensions [/size][size=2]http://www.kwsuspension.com[/size][size=2][/size]
[size=2]Phantom Grip [/size][size=2]http://www.phantomgrip.com[/size]
[size=2]For further details, please contact Tony Nuzzo at 516-674-1441 In addition, visit [/size][size=2]http://www.nuzzomotorsports.com/[/size][size=2] for race news, photos and video.[/size]
[size=2]###
[/size]
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 4
From: Fulltime RVer - R53 towed behind a vintage 1979 35' MCI MC-5C Saudi
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