Cristiano da Matta to drive final Grand-Am race

AIM Autosport today announced their driver lineup for the SunRichGourmet.com 1000 presented by The Grand and Little America Hotels at Miller Motorsport Park in Tooele, Utah. Joining Brian Frisselle and Mark Wilkins in the Exchange Traded Gold No. 61 Ford Riley will be 2002 CART champion Cristiano da Matta. Making his return to racing in May 2008, da Matta drove a Riley Daytona Prototype at Laguna Seca Raceway.  

The Brazilian began his career in the Championship Auto Racing Team (CART) series in 1999. Over seven seasons he compiled 101 starts recording twelve wins, seven poles and twenty podium results. In 2003, da Matta joined Toyota Formula One and scored ten championship points. He would leave the Formula One circuit in 2004 after twenty-eight career races and return to the Champ Car World Series in 2005.  

“I am very happy to be with AIM Autosport for the final race," said da Matta from his home in Brazil. “The team has been very strong all season and I am looking forward to driving with Mark and Brian. I think it will be a lot of fun to run with drivers who have such focus."

The entire team is excited about having da Matta in the paddock at Miller bringing a wealth of technical expertise about setup and race craft.

Brian Frisselle commented, “It is quite amazing to have Cristiano in the car. Growing up, I always admired Formula One and had that as a goal. To be driving alongside a former F1 driver is really very exciting. This is a real step forward for the team."

Mark said, “Excitement aside, I expect we can learn a lot from having someone with Cristiano’s vast experience in the car and in the pit. I have to say though, it is a thrill to be teamed with a champion driver in what is an important race for us."