Monday, 28th January 2008

Top ten results no consolation for the team that pushed ganassi all the way at Daytona.

“I'd been in the car for about two hours and 45 minutes when it happened,” the Briton explained, “I was pushing hard and trying to manage a high water temperature problem when I ran about six inches wide coming out of turn one. I caught a hole, broke the suspension and spun across the grass. Up to that point, the car was in pretty good shape and Mike and the guys did a great job as always. I'm just really disappointed that this cost us a possible podium.”

The damage from the incident was significant and probably would have sidelined most teams, but a rally in the garage to simultaneously repair both the entire nose and radiator sections of the car as well as the rear suspension damage soon saw the Westfield Insurance-backed entry back on track.

“What can I say? This team worked their butts off all during the off-season to be in this situation - ready to fight for a victory on Sunday morning,” Negri sighed, “We did everything we could - starting on pole, being conservative when it was smart to be, adjusting to the conditions, making good pit calls, everything. But that's what makes this race so incredible... You can have that kind of preparation, speed, and team behind you, and we still are looking for more at the end of the day.”

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Conversely, the #6 car avoided any significant trouble and emerged as a late contender in the morning hours as Burt Frisselle put in an outstanding stint to trade the lead with Ganassi pilot Juan Montoya. However, as he was preparing to turn the machine over to Ian James, a sickening cloud of white smoke emerged from the rear of the car while at speed on the banking. It signalled a severe mechanical issue and the end of a run for victory, even as Frisselle made a mammoth save to keep the machine from hitting the wall.

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