©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing
Fred Tucker, Exec. Vice President and Deputy to the CEO, Motorola, Inc.
at he wheelLas Vegas, NV - January 10, 1998 - Mauricio Gugelmin and Mark Blundell sat on the sidelines and watched today as PacWest sponsors got the opportunity to drive the Hollywood and Motorola Champ Cars. PacWest conducted its fourth annual "Drive Day" on Derek Daly's 0.8 mile road course at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Over thirty executive partners took part in the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Team Owner Bruce R. McCaw won't miss such an opportunity
"It was a fantastic opportunity," said Felicio Ferraz Jr., sponsorship manager for Souza Cruz, the parent company of Hollywood tobacco. "We spend our whole year working on the program, and its such a great experience to finally get behind the wheel. It was amazing."
In addition to Hollywood, representatives from Motorola, Ilmor Engineering (builders of the Mercedes powerplant), Haas CNC, Lista, Stanley Aviation, and Hollywood Video participated. Team owner Bruce R. McCaw took a few spirited laps as well.
A special media appearance was made by Chris Miles, the host for TV show "Inside CART," also took to the circuit, filming for the upcoming season.
"There is no question that you cannot get an appreciation for the power and speed until you get behind the wheel of one of these cars. I had one objective today, since I was the first man out, and that was not to stall . . . and may I add, mission accomplished," Miles said jokingly.
The quick time was set by Felipe Giaffone, who drives for Hollywood in the PPG-Dayton Indy Lights Series. It was Giaffone's first drive in a Champ Car.
Mauricio Gugelmin coaches Felipe Giaffone (in car)Drivers Mark Blundell and Mauricio Gugelmin left Drive Day headed straight to Phoenix, AZ where they will begin a three-day test on the Phoenix oval.
Source: PacWest Racing Group
