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©2002 SpeedCenter Publishing MEXICO CITY, Mexico (November 16, 2002) - One of the premier teams in North American road racing will enter the 2003 CART Champ Car Series Presented by Bridgestone with today's announcement that Rocketsports Racing will field a one-car effort for the entire season. The team is owned by three-time Trans-Am Series drivers' champion Paul Gentilozzi, who unveiled plans today to expand his racing program into the open-wheel arena. No driver has yet been named, nor has a chassis selection been announced. "Paul Gentilozzi and Rocketsports have set the standard for road racing excellence for decades in the Trans-Am Series and we are honored to have this proven championship-winning team join us for the 2003 CART Champ Car Series Presented by Bridgestone," said CART President and CEO Christopher R. Pook. "As Paul and everyone begin another chapter in their illustrious history, I and everyone at CART will do all we can to ensure that their decision to race in CART provides an outstanding return on the investment. We look forward to a mutually successful relationship for years to come." Rocketsports Racing, based in Lansing, Mich., has traditionally built, prepared, and campaigned championship production-based sedans in a variety of series including the Trans-Am Series, the former IMSA Series - GTS class, and the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. In addition to the CART Champ Car program, the team plans to run a select multi-car customer program in the 2003 Trans-Am Series. Gentilozzi, who drove the No.3 Johnson Controls Jaguar XKR in 2002, will not seek a fourth drivers' title in the Trans-Am Series but will likely compete in a few races. "The CART series is the ultimate form of competition in road racing, and competition is what it's all about," said Gentilozzi. "You can be in motorsports as either a participant or as a competitor, and we've always been competitors. I realize we've got a steep learning curve, but we've assembled the right people with the right work ethic and I believe we can get the job done." Gentilozzi explored opportunities to field a program in other U.S.-based series, but he ultimately selected CART. "The business-to-business relationship, particularly as it relates to industrial suppliers, is more effective right now in the CART series," explained Gentilozzi. "This is a business, and I have to run it as a business to make it work. I'm not expecting multiple race wins or a championship run. But I do expect to go to every race ready and prepared to be competitive. We'll continue to improve as we develop more knowledge and gel as a team. We'll have two seasons to learn the system. By 2005, it will be a new experience for everyone with the new chassis/engine program, and we'll be ready." Rocketsports Racing has prepared cars for some of road racing's most accomplished drivers. Among the notables are Scott Pruett, Tom Kendall, Dorsey Schroeder, Brian Simo, Chris Kneifel, Johnny Miller, Darin Brassfield, Jack Baldwin, and Price Cobb. Celebrity drivers have included Paul Newman, Craig T. Nelson, and Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner.
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