Heavy Rains Slow Derhaag Drivers at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. (August 18, 2001) - Derhaag Motorsports drivers Justin Bell and Simon Gregg struggled with slick tires, a torrential downpour, and an insect bite to finish 15^th and 18^th respectively at Road America.

Bell, driver of the #40 Justin Bell GT Motorsports Experience Chevy Corvette, knew his day was going to be a challenge before the race even began. “It was a bit of a missed call, a gamble at the beginning,” said Bell. “We started the race on slicks, dry tires instead of wets. There were a few other cars that also did that. Unfortunately, it was the wrong decision as the rain increased. It was one of those things that if you got it right you’d have won the race by a country mile but we didn’t.”

From his 9^th place qualifying position, the British driver struggled to keep his Corvette on the road. He found himself dropping back in the pack before eventually spinning off course. “I spun the car just trying to hold on. I was then trying to come into the pit when there was a full-course yellow.”

After changing to wet weather tires under the caution, Bell found himself back in 21^st position. “I was running fastest at one point and doing a good job but by then there was nothing much I could do.”  

The day had gotten off to a rocky start for Bell while getting ready for the race “I was putting my cool suit on under my driving suit when I felt something on my shoulder. I reached back and a wasp stung me on my thumb. I knew right then it was going to be a bad day.”

The race ended under red with Bell in 11^th position with several cars scored ahead of him sitting in a gravel trap by the side of the course. Unfortunately, the lap was never completed and Trans-Am Series officials reverted back to the previous lap’s scoring and dropped Bell to 15^th place.

Derhaag Motorsports’ other driver, Simon Gregg, did not have much better luck. After moving up eight positions on the opening lap, the driver of the #59 Stonier Transportation Corvette spun off the course before coming in to change to wet weather tires. The day ended with him scored in 18^th position as the red flag came out.

The next event for the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup is August 25th at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The event will be television on a taped delayed basis by Speedvision on September 1^st at 1:30pm eastern.