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©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. PacWest Racing Group's winning combination of drivers Mauricio Gugelmin and Mark Blundell, primary sponsors Hollywood and Motorola, and the Reynard/Mercedes-Benz/Firestone technical package will remain together for a third consecutive year of FedEx Championship Series competition. The announcement was made by PacWest President Bruce R. McCaw on September 28. "I strongly believe PacWest has the best drivers, sponsors, and equipment in the FedEx Championship Series," commented McCaw. "We intend to challenge for the FedEx Championship Series title in 1999, and entering the new year with continuity on all fronts will provide us with an excellent head start. I am very confident that extending our commitment with Mauricio, Mark, and our commercial and technical partners will produce more of the spectacular results we achieved together in 1997." Formed by McCaw in 1993, PacWest was quickly acknowledged as one of the most professional teams in CART competition. The PacWest organization had its most successful year in 1997, when Blundell won three races, including the closest race in Champ Car history at Portland. Gugelmin added another win in Vancouver as well as three pole positions and a world closed-course speed record of 240.942 mph at California Speedway. PacWest's top 1998 result is a fourth place finish achieved by Gugelmin at Mid-Ohio. "I'm looking forward to the 1999 season with a PacWest team that has all the ingredients for success," said Blundell. "We all have very high expectations of getting things off to a strong start when our first '99 Reynard chassis arrives in early November." Added Gugelmin: "I have total belief in the PacWest team and Bruce's ability to put together and guide a great group of people. I'm proud to be a part of it and I'm looking forward to running at the front." Gugelmin and Hollywood joined PacWest for the 1995 season, which was also PacWest's first year utilizing the four-time Constructor's Championship-winning Reynard chassis. Blundell arrived in 1996, and Motorola signed on as primary sponsor of his car. The addition of Mercedes-Benz and Firestone, also prior to the 1997 season, completed the current PacWest lineup. Source: PacWest PR | ||
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