Starworks Motorsports Late Entry Results in Strong Finish

Altamonte Springs, FL/July 26, 2011 – Starworks Motorsports started the weekend unsure of what would take place at New Jersey Motorsports Park, but did have the confidence that they had the equipment to race with the top cars in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. They also entered sporting a new look as well. Those that witnessed Starworks setting up for the race weekend noticed that the #2 Ford Riley was not accompanied by its usual partner the #8 Ford Riley, but instead its partner was the #7 Porsche Riley. The #7 had not been seen in race action since the 2011 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and would be making its second start of the season with drivers Ryan Dalziel, Enzo Potolicchio, and Raphael Matos sharing seat time throughout the weekend. The drivers of the #2 would be Alex Popow, Enzo Potolicchio, and Raphael Matos. After qualifying, it was clear that the #7 would be a force to contend for the race win qualifying in the fifth spot, while the #2 did not attempt qualifying opting to start from the back of the pack.

Both cars were prepared for the start of the race and when the green flag dropped both began to move forward in the field. Raphael Matos drove the #7 car at the start while Enzo Potolicchio began the race in the #2. Throughout the race it was clear that the #7 car would be battling with the #01 and #10 for the race victory. At one point in the middle part of the race with Ryan Dalziel behind the wheel, #7 drove right by Scott Pruett in the #01 BMW Riley. When the checkered flag waved however the #7 would come home in the fourth position in its second start of the season. The #2 had an unfortunate incident in the first half of the race when driver Alex Popow was behind the wheel. The car had been having steering problems that made it tough for the driver to come off a corner. At one point the car got loose, and with Popow trying to save it backed the car into the tire barrier. With a rear wing problem and no hydraulic system the team opted to retire for the remainder of the race. Even though it may not have been the weekend the team wanted, spirit and confidence levels were high in the Starworks camp.

“We had a great strategy for the race as we did not attempt qualifying in order to save a set of tires” stated Popow. “We knew we would be able to run hard because GRAND-AM only allows three sets of tires per team, and with one extra set for the race, we could push the Ford Riley a little harder. Unfortunately I had that mishap that was a mistake but really wasn’t at the same time. We had been having problems with steering and hydraulic pump that made the car hard to drive and it got loose off the turn. When I tried to save it, the car just backed into the wall bending the rear wing. As a team we opted to sit out the rest of the race because of no second hydraulic system. It was disappointing, but I’m looking forward to going back to Watkins Glen. I have gotten some laps on that track last time we were there and now I feel a bit more comfortable at the track.”

Dalziel also conveyed his feelings on the weekend after the race. “A fourth place finish is obviously pretty decent, but also pretty frustrating because over the last four races it seems like that’s the best we can achieve. I believe that we do get stronger as the race goes on, and that we learned some things going forward. It always seems to be the same cars in front of us, but I’m excited to go back to Watkins because it’s one of our best tracks over the last few years. Hopefully we can go there, perform well and leave Watkins with a very good finish.”

The next race for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 is August 13^th at Watkins Glen International Raceway in Watkins Glen, NY. This race will be aired LIVE on SPEED Channel at 1pm. All Times Eastern.

Additional information may be obtained at www.starworksmotorsport.com, www.ryanDalziel.com or www.p1groupe.com.