Gelles Racing ahead on testing schedule

Indianapolis, Indiana РGelles Racing successfully completed the Champ Car Atlantic first official test days in Sebring last weekend and technical director Gerald Tyler was all smiles by the time the last of the eight sessions was over. Everything went according to our established testing plan as the team was working with different scenarios simulating set ups applicable to future road courses. Drivers Maxi G̦tz and Alan Sciuto demonstrated they can pace the field with consistent Top-5 times. Team owner Bob Gelles agreed the team is quickly gelling with the official testing season now underway and will be ready to win in 67 days at the first race in Las Vegas.

Ë�We’re very happy with the way the testing sessions went, mentioned team principal Bob Gelles. Maxi and Alan were very quick in the dry; Sunday morning in the wet, Maxi proved he is the Rain Meister lapping the circuit a full second ahead of all competitors on the new Cooper rain compounds while Alan was an impressive P3. I’m especially happy with the direction the team is taking since everyone on the team is working in harmony and with amazing team chemistry. Gerald (Tyler) is really leading this team well and his goal is to be ready by Vegas in April."

Götz clearly proved he was a rainmeister New Cooper tires provide better grip as shown on Sciuto’s #28 Western Union car.

Götz signed, Sciuto to be next
With German driver Maximilian Götz already signed for the 2007 season, Bob Gelles is now concentrating on his teammates. “Maxi is an exciting driver that comes to America with high credentials, commented Gelles. He starred in F-3 and won the ultra competitive German BMW series championship; he will raise eyebrows this year. With Alan (Sciuto), we will have a driver that can up the ante and work with Gerald and Maxi to put our team in contention for wins and podiums.’’

"Alan completed the entire two day test a mere 0.11 hundredths of a second from the fastest overall time, a blink of the eye over the 1.66 mile tour around the Sebring circuit. I was extremely impressed and we should imminently close a deal for the season. Alan was also delighted with the technical merit of the car which our Engineering staff provided on track in both dry and wet conditions and Alan told me he is ready to win with Gelles.’’

Next week in Houston
The team is now looking forward to carrying the momentum gained onward to MSR Houston for the second official testing session. ‘’We as a team did not chase the time clocks, added Tyler, but rather concentrated on simulations to other comparable turns and segments evaluating the car for the upcoming road courses on the 2007 schedule.’’

"I am really impressed by the calm and deliberate actions of Gerald, completed Gelles. He is the most outstanding Technical Director I could have landed for our team. We are both looking forward to much success together.’’

Coming testing sessions for BMW USA and Atlantic
February 10 – 11 MSR, Houston
February 12 & 13 Belle Rose, Louisiana
February 20 & 21 Savannah, Georgia
March 6 & 7 Road Atlanta, Georgia