Cosmo Ends First Race Of A Two Race Weekend On The Podium
"This was another good day for Playboy Racing," said Guy Cosmo after the race. "Michael (McDowell) did a great job in the qualifying race again, giving me the 4th place starting spot on the grid."
Cosmo, who is sitting in for the injured Memo Gidley, made a cautious move avoiding contact at the start putting 2 wheels off in the dirt.
Unfortunately it cost him a few positions as the pack exited exited turn two. As the field settled in, Cosmo went to work.
"I had a real good run working my was through the field and gained several positions," continued Cosmo. "The team had decided on an early pit strategy and it really worked in our favor as we gained track position during our stop. I handed the car over to Mike without a scratch and we had him right back out their with the leaders."
With today's fourth place finish, Playboy Racing will be one point behind the leaders in the Rolex Series Team Championship.
"We've had back to back 4th place finishes and with the misfortunes of our closest competitors, we're now at the top of the championship points," said a pleased Cosmo. "That’s exactly where our Playboy/ Uniden/Palms car should be. We’re really looking forward to Phoenix next week. We've got the momentum to get our first feature race win of the year and extend our points lead too.”
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The
2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top- level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association was established in 1999 to return stability to major league sports car road racing in North America. As the organization begins its sixth season of competition in 2005, Grand American is universally regarded as one of the world’s fastest-growing motorsports organizations. The team will next compete in the U.S. Sports Car Invitational at the beautiful Laguna Seca Raceway on Sunday, May 7th.
The No.19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms team will race again Saturday, May 13 at Phoenix International Raceway on the “roval” circuit.
As a result of McDowell’s victory, new co-driver Guy Cosmo will start from the pole position for tomorrow’s VIR 400, with Grand American rules requiring that the qualifying race driver cannot start the feature race. Cosmo is standing-in for Memo Gidley, who was injured during practice for the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach two weeks ago, and will be participating in his first Daytona Prototype race since 2003.
“This was the easiest race I’ve ever won,” said Guy Cosmo following McDowell's win. “Michael put us in a great position for the start of tomorrow's race. It’s unfortunate that Memo will not be sitting on the pole with all the hard work and effort he’s put into the Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford Crawford. However, I’m looking forward to doing my part during the race."
“There were a lot of firsts for the team today,” McDowell said. “This was the first win for the No. 19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms car and the first win of the season for Ford. I’m just glad we were able to run a clean race and take the win for our sponsors. I was pushing hard during the last few laps of the race, and when I saw the 23 car lift a bit coming down the front straightaway, I saw an opportunity and took it. I really enjoyed the qualifying race format. I think it adds a level of excitement for the entire series.”
"I plan on handing the car back to Michael[McDowell] in a position for him to take the team’s second win of the season," added Cosmo. "I'm confident by the end of Sunday's VIR 400 we’ll be back on the podium."
Guy Cosmo's extensive background with open-wheel formula cars and sports prototypes has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and versatile young racing drivers in North America. The 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year ranks among the top-level road racers in the world. He has earned overall racing titles and major successes in many disciplines including karting, Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, Grand American and American Le Mans. You can learn more about Guy Cosmo at www.guycosmo.com.
The Grand American Road Racing Association was established in 1999 to return stability to major league sports car road racing in North America. As the organization begins its sixth season of competition in 2005, Grand American is universally regarded as one of the world’s fastest-growing motorsports organizations.
SPEED Channel will provide live coverage of Sunday's VIR 400 beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET, while the Grand-Am Cup Series VIR 200 will air on SPEED at 1:00 p.m. ET on April 29. Live Timing & Scoring data and audio webcasts in English and Spanish will be provided on the official web site of the Grand American Road Racing Association, www.grandamerican.com.
Guy Cosmo, one of the most successful and versatile young racing talents, will join Michael McDowell behind the wheel of the popular No.19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford-powered Crawford Daytona Prototype.
“I’ve known Guy for about three years,” stated Rob Finlay, Owner/Driver of Finlay Motorsports. “When I first became involved in racing Guy was driving for BGB Motorsports and he really helped me develop my driving skills. He spent several hours walking various tracks with me when Michael (McDowell) wasn’t available so when Memo was hurt in Long Beach I thought why not give him this opportunity.”
Cosmo’s racing titles, including the 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year, along with the fact that he tested with the Finlay Motorsports team in 2004 played a key role in the team’s decision.
“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to compete with a team of this caliber,” said Guy Cosmo. “It’s unfortunate to see Memo injured and we all wish him a quick and safe recovery. I’m honored to have been selected to fill in for Memo, and hope to make him and the team proud in the process. Finlay Motorsports is a great family of people and I’m happy to help at a time like this. Michael and I raced against each other in the past, we’re great friends and we’re looking for a great finish this weekend.”
The Mooresville, North Carolina based team, currently sits in third position in Grand American Rolex Series Team Points and looks to make up some ground this weekend on the 3.27-mile road circuit.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend without Memo,” said McDowell. “He’s such a great asset to this team, not only as a driver but a leader too. VIR (Virginia International Raceway) is a great track, we’ve run well there in the past and the Crawford’s always seem to have a great balance particularly at this track. Hopefully Guy and I will be able to rack up some points so that when Memo gets back we can go after this Championship.”
Practice for the 250-mile/77-lap/2 ¾ -hour time limit race begins on Friday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m. with qualifying to take place on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. The race