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©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. Dan Gurney's All American Racers announced today that theMolson Indy Vancouver event will be PJ Jones last race behindthe wheel of the #98 Castrol/Degree Toyota Champ Car. PJ Jones informed Dan Gurney a few days ago that he will beleaving AAR to drive for another team in 1999. He graciouslyagreed to step out of the cockpit for the last four races, givingAAR the opportunity to evaluate a new driver under authenticracing conditions before the end of the season. VincezoSospiri, who has been on Gurney's short list for some time, willtry to fill Jones' driving shoes. "It is with mixed emotions that we see PJ leave after seven yearswith our team," said Dan Gurney. "He won Toyota's and AAR'sfirst-ever 24-hour race at Daytona and helped Toyota win twoGTP Manufacturer's Championships. We appreciate his loyaltyand persistence over the last four years; he has played a vital rolein the development of the Toyota engine. He will be sincerelymissed by all of us, while at the same time, we are happy that heis going to a front running team which only underlines what wehave known for a long time, namely that he is one terrific driver.He still holds the all-time lap record at the Daytona road circuit1where he and his AAR teammates won the 24-hour race. All of uswish him the very best." 31 year old Vincenzo Sospiri from Italy, has won championshipsin European F3 and F3000, competing against Alex Zanardi andMika Hakkinen. He was also the Benetton Fl test driver in 1996. "We've talked with Vincenzo before and his credentials are veryimpressive," stated Gurney. "His reputation is one of being veryfast and at the same time sympathetic to the equipment. He haswon four races in the International Sports Racing Series this yearin a Ferrari 3335P. We are looking forward to evaluating histalents more closely before we make a final decision for our 1999driver line-up." Source: CART News Service | ||
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