The Grand Prix of Miami race saw Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas take the victory in their No. 01 TELMEX BMW Riley. Six drivers led the race, which only saw a single caution.

Tracy led the "Jim Trueman Award" point standings coming into the Homestead race after being honored as the top Grand-Am Pro-Am driver of the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona race. He narrowly missed winning today's award, which went to Mike Forest.

DRIVER QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"It was a really tough race for us. We never quite got the set-up right on the car so the car drove loose the entire time. You just had to back off and do the pace with it. If you tried to do anything other than drive very conservative you paid the price for it. I think every time we come to this track we have a different sort of problem, so I'm glad to have this one behind us. I'm not disappointed in the car or my performance. Nic was his usual stellar self. We just missed the setup a little, but every time you come to a track you learn something. Hopefully we would have learned something from this and next time we'll be a little better."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"The weekend has been a little bit up and down, I think. We struggled to get a good handling on the car. We decided for the race to trim it out as much as possible so we could at least have straight-line. Tracy got in and had a couple of unfortunate incidents in the beginning where we fell a lap or two behind. I think overall we have to look at this as a positive race. We just got back in the championship again with Tracy about a month ago with Daytona. We have to take into consideration that Tracy has actually been out of the car for almost a year with the exception of running Daytona. He took most of the year off last year and he's just getting back into the groove again. He's done a very good job over the winter to do go-kart practice with me and he got one step further than we have been before. He wasn't far off the fast professional guys and we look at that as a positive. We have to take that with us and learn from the mistakes we made here and turn it around. We go to Barber (Motorsports Park) for the next race where we know this car is very good. I think this is going to be a very good season for us."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
"We had a few excursions and the balance was not what we intended. We had a little too much oversteer. We have really been playing catch up with the set-up over the course of the weekend. After a good qualifying performance by Tracy, we thought we made some headway there. And we made a bit more progress in the warm-up. The car still wasn't good enough, still wasn't perfect for the race. We lost a couple of laps during the early part of the race. We elected to keep Tracy in the car for the maximum period to allow Nic to get points at the end. So Nic did 45 minutes and Tracy did 99 laps, in which he drove very well. Tracy's lap times, once the race had settled down, were within 1.2 or 1.3 seconds of the quickest cars, which is very good. Overall we've come out having all gained experience of the car at Homestead. Tracy's done a lot of laps in the car, driving his own car with his team and the team performed flawlessly in the pit stops. We'll go on to Barber and have a good race there."

The next race for Krohn Racing, partnered with Risi Competizione, will be the American Le Mans Series' 12 Hours of Sebring on March 20^th in Sebring, Florida. Tracy Krohn, Nic Jönsson and Eric van de Poele will pilot the No. 61 Risi-Krohn Ferrari 430 GTE.

The next Grand-Am race will be the Porsche 250 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, April 10^th, combined with an IRL race. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com or http://www.speedtv.com.

Owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn and Nic Jönsson will suit up in the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola for the first sprint race of the season for the two-and-three-quarter hour South Florida race. Fifteen Prototypes and 17 GT cars are currently entered for the challenging series where points for the championship standings matter at every race.

The Krohn Racing team finished an impressive fourth-place at the 48^th annual running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 30-31. Additionally, Tracy walked away with the prestigious "Jim Trueman Award", as the top Grand-Am Pro-Am driver of the race.

DRIVER QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
Krohn Racing had a great run at Daytona and a good start to the season. What are your thoughts coming into the Homestead race?
"We had a great run at Daytona. Whenever you finish a 24-hour race it is a big accomplishment. We had a near flawless race and all the drivers and the crew did a marvelous job preparing the car and managing to get through without any major mishaps. In addition we had a lot of fun! Nic and I are great teammates so we will just fall into a rhythm with one another. Driver changes are a little trickier with our size differences but we've run together as teammates many years and know one another well. We have no concerns going into Homestead."

What is going to be most challenging at Homestead?
"Tires are always an issue at Homestead. We will have to work hard on getting the right set-up to preserve the tires as long as possible. That's always a challenge at Homestead. I have confidence in David (Brown - Krohn Racing Team Manager) to get us to the right place with that issue. There are certainly other teams, running two pro drivers, that will be tough to match, but we're here to finish races and get points, and that's what we plan to do."

Homestead is first sprint race of the season. How do you like sprint races and what are the team's strong suits?
"Sprint races are a very different animal than endurance races. For a driver like me who has another job for a profession, sprint racing is more challenging. Homestead has not usually brought us very good results for one reason or another. We're going to try to change that this time."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
Krohn Racing had a great run at Daytona and a good start to the season. What are your thoughts coming into the Homestead race?
"We had a phenomenal race with a fourth place finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona, tying with our best finish ever there. The Krohn guys did a fantastic job over the winter to prepare the car. We haven't been down to Homestead in quite a while, for either last year's race or testing, as many other teams have. But we have a very good baseline on the car now that works pretty well everywhere we go. We have to tweak it a little bit. I'm really looking forward to getting back down to Homestead and see what we can do down there. I believe Tracy and I have the same goal and that is to finish races this year and hopefully be able to win the Trueman Award for Tracy.

Homestead is first sprint race of the season. How do you like sprint races and what's your strong suit?
"I love sprint races and it's definitely going up head-to-head more than endurance races like the 24 Hours. There's more strategy in a sprint race than just to stay out of trouble and not take any chances whatsoever. In an endurance race you pace it out and maybe lose five seconds a lap to be more cautious because you can make it up in the long run. In a sprint race you can't afford to do that. You basically have to commit yourself, go for it and be much more aggressive. It's a completely different mindset.  We'll see how we pair up against everyone else when we get there. I think we should have a very good pace. We have the Proto-Auto Lola again with the Ford powerplant so I don't see any reason we shouldn't get set-up and be running very competitively. I assume Tracy will probably qualify and do the first part of the race. When I get in, hopefully we'll be in contention and I can mix it up. That's what I'm looking forward to."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
Krohn Racing had a great run at Daytona and a good start to the season. Now it is going to be just Tracy and Nic here at Homestead. What are your thoughts coming into the Homestead race?
"We are going to work hard to achieve the best finishing position AND score maximum points for Tracy in the Trueman award, so staying on the lead lap and getting Tracy plenty of seat time too are the goals."

Homestead is first sprint race of the season. How do you like sprint races and what are the team's strong suits?
"The team demonstrated at Daytona the reliability of the car and perfect pit work that came from the test miles and the continuity within the team, now we have to be on our toes for the cut and thrust action and the excitement that we enjoy so much in sprint racing. Let's see what happens. It is better perhaps to demonstrate strengths than to state them."

There is a smaller field of DP cars this weekend (15 cars entered). How do you think that will affect the race?
"This event has a record of plenty of car-to-car contact. I expect that the combined 32 car field of Prototypes and GTs will continue that tradition!  Keeping out of those incidents will be part anticipation and part luck!"

The Grand Prix of Miami from Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida will be televised live on SPEED on Saturday, March 5^th at 5:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com/, http://www.krohnracing.net/ or http://www.speedtv.com/.

Tracy W. Krohn, Team Owner/Driver of Krohn Racing, and Giuseppe Risi, Team Principal of Risi Competizione, both of Houston, Texas, begin their fourth season of racing partnership with the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2010. Tracy will drive with Krohn Racing regular, Sweden's Nic Jönsson, and Belgium's endurance hero Eric van de Poele. In addition to the Sebring classic race, the trio will also compete at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 12-13. Krohn and Jönsson will pair for a second ALMS race with the 6-Hour Monterey Sports Car Classic at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 22.

"We are happy to be back with Risi Competizione in the Ferrari 430 GT for our fourth season together," said Tracy W. Krohn, Founder, Chairman and CEO of W&T Offshore (NYSE: WTI), an independent oil and natural gas acquisition, exploitation and exploration company. "We can always count on a well-prepared car and a professional team with Risi. They have guided us to two podium finishes at Le Mans and one podium finish at Sebring in three years. We obviously are doing something right with this partnership and hope for more successes in 2010."

"I'm delighted that Tracy will be back with us once more," said Risi Competizione Team Principal Giuseppe Risi.  "It means a great deal to us to continue our racing partnership with Krohn Racing as, together, we have achieved some great results.  Tracy has enjoyed a great 12 months in racing, and obviously feels very at home in the Ferrari and within the team.  There's no reason that won't continue into 2010, and we're all looking forward to the renewed challenge that the GT class presents.  It gets a little harder each year as the bar is raised in terms of competition, speed and technology, but we are more than equal to that challenge and, indeed, embrace it."

Tracy Krohn's endurance racing successes include:

Watkins Glen 6-Hours             Overall             2005                1st
Daytona 24 Hours                   Overall             2006                5th
Le Mans 24 Hours                   GT2 Class        2006                2nd
Sebring 12 Hours                     GT2 Class        2008                3rd
Petit Le Mans                           GT2 Class        2008                4th
Le Mans 24 Hours                   GT2 Class        2009                3rd
Daytona 24 Hours                   Overall             2010                4th

Krohn won the prestigious "Jim Trueman Award" for the top Grand-Am Rolex Pro-Am driver for his recent performance at the 2010 running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. Additionally, he won the "Jim Trueman Award" among all Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series drivers in 2007. Krohn and Jönsson are scheduled to compete in all 12 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series races this season, as well as three Risi-Krohn partnered events with the Ferrari.

For more information, go to http://www.risicompetizione.com/, http://www.americanlemans.com/ or http://www.krohnracing.net/.

For the Continental Tire race, my Kinetic Motorsports team had our official debut of the KIA Forte Koup cars in the ST class. We did not have any big hopes since the cars were finished the same day we left for the race. We finished in mid pack with one of the cars and had a small electrical issue with the second car. Both KIA Motors and Kinetic's were very happy with having one car with no issues. We see this as a long term project and we're looking forward to the next test and race. The Kinetic crew has done an outstanding job building those KIA Forte cars both from an aesthetic point of view and from a mechanical stand point.

I also had my first race of the year in the KROHN Proto Auto Lola DP's. We really have been working on reliability to make sure we did not have any extra stops beyond the scheduled stops for tires, fuel and brakes at some point. We never really got the car where we wanted it in practice and that showed in qualifying 9th! This was a little bit of a disappointment but we made a few changes and were pretty confident going into the race. We felt we would be competitive with the great KROHN crew we have along with the experience behind the wheel.

The race started in the most difficult conditions...the skies opened up and we had a huge down pour. It was so bad we actually started under yellow flag conditions for the first 4-6 laps so everyone could get a chance to find their way around. When we got started, the car was performing well. Even though we stayed in 7th place we still felt good and decided to stay put to see how things would pan out. We were the first car to go to slicks, this was a little bit of a dangerous move but the right one for sure. We soon moved up to the front once we got going. Ricardo got out and I got in for the first time. I took it easy and got myself into a rhythm and stayed in the top 4 for my first 2 hours. The second time I got in the car, we were running in 3rd place and I was just in cruising mode. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, we got hit in turn 5 by a car that was 20 or so laps down already. There are too many drivers that do not pay attention when they are in a pack. This took us out of the race for about 13 laps so we could change the right front suspension. Back on track we found ourselves in 9th place. From there we started to work our way up and ended up with a 4th place finish. We are happy with that considering the incident. Looking forward, we are excited about the next race in Homestead and are hoping for better luck there.

On a personal note, my son Max is growing like a weed. We now have wrestling matches every night that he wins all the time...go figure! We also play "who can get Mommy most upset"...guess who usually wins that one?

Have a good one!

Your friend, Nic

The No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola of Tracy W. Krohn, Nic Jönsson, Ricardo Zonta and Colin Braun finish fourth in the historic endurance classic race, after starting from the ninth position Saturday afternoon. Zonta led 30 laps during two different driving stints. The race was won by the No. 9 Action Express Racing Porsche Riley of Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller and Ryan Dalziel, who completed 755 laps and averaged a speed of 111.930 mph. The Krohn Racing team tied their previously highest Daytona finish of fourth-place  in 2008, with Zonta, Jönsson and Darrin Turner as drivers.

Krohn Racing team owner/driver, Tracy Krohn, was awarded the prestigious "Jim Trueman Award", as the top Grand-Am Pro-Am driver of the race. Krohn was presented his medallion in Victory Circle, following the presentation of the Rolexes to the top three winning drivers, along with podium finishers. The Trueman Award is given to the Pro-Am driver who best meets a formula, which includes the race finishing position, laps completed and time spent in the race car.

Tracy W. Krohn, owner/driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"This is a very, very fast, competitive race. We had a lot of yellows but mark my words, those cars were driving hard all day and night. I think the team just did a fantastic job. The car was very well prepared. Anything we could control we did. We had a little bit of bad luck when Mr. Bouchut ran into us. He ran into Nic and it cost us about 15 laps and maybe a podium here. Would of, could of, and should of. We'll eventually get there. We're creeping up on it. We feel pretty good but Ricardo, Nic and Colin did a fantastic job all through the night. There were no mishaps, other than things we couldn't control. I'm very pleased with the whole effort. We had gone through all kinds of conditions just like everybody on the podium. It was just a helluva lot of fun!"

Regarding winning the Jim Trueman Award:
"I won the award one time before and it was a lot of fun. I didn't even think about it this weekend. I was just trying to get the car across the finish line at the end. Nobody mentioned it to me and I didn't think about it but it's a nice award."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
"Fourth place probably represents where we would have finished had we not had all the dramas we had during the race anyway because our performance was about a fourth place car. So, we pretty well got what we had. Fourth place is not shabby in a 24-hour race, not one with all the complications like this. The guys did a great job repairing the car after the 55 car tried to break it for us, or succeeded in breaking it for us. We had a transmission issue, which the guys again fixed very quickly. Pit stops were faultless. Brake changes were impeccable. Overall, the team did just a fantastic job and fourth place is a question of performance, not effort and skill on the team's behalf because they deserve great accolades for that."

Regarding Tracy winning the Jim Trueman Award:
"I don't think Tracy put a wheel wrong all weekend and we set him out for the last 45 minutes in the race in cold conditions on brand new shiny, slippery tires and he put in some really good lap times. He seemed to enjoy his weekend. We have enjoyed him being happy in the car and driving well and doing good laps times and it's gone pretty well. I think he's enjoyed it."

Colin Braun, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"It was a result for everybody on this Krohn Racing team.  We had a really good, strong Ford motor all race. I think that was a big part of our success.  We tried to minimize our time in the garage and the pits.  I think we had to come to the garage twice for some repairs. These guys did a great job getting the car fixed and back on the race track.  All the drivers did a really good job and stayed out of trouble and I think that's all we can ask for."

Was the weather a major factor for your team?
 "I think it was a factor for the first third of the race for Ricardo, but after that, I don't think it mattered that much.  For our car, I think the cold helped us. The colder weather gained us some speed."

Nic Jönsson, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"I think fourth place is obviously a good start to the season. The goal this year was that we came here wanting to win, as always is, of course. We had an extremely well-prepared car this year. Last year we also had a very good car - prepared well. Unfortunately we had a fail very early in the race. This year we felt we were very prepared with a good driver line-up and the guys have been working hard back in the shop prepping everything. We ended up fourth after having had a few issues and we had to go to the garage and fix them.

"I lost the right front suspension after I got hit out there. We had to go back (to the garage) to change the gear cluster at one point in the last five hours. With those two issues and still finishing in the Top 5, I think, says a lot for the Krohn Racing team. We also have to keep working on it and maybe one day we'll get that Rolex."

Ricardo Zonta, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"It is the second time we have finished fourth. The last time was here in 2008. We were a lot stronger this year. We had some small issues where we lost some time. I think the team did a great job. Everything went very perfect for the mechanics and for the strategy also. I want to say thanks to Tracy for giving us this opportunity for all the team members to be here at Daytona."

For more information, go to http://www.grand-am.com.

The No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola of Tracy W. Krohn, Nic Jönsson, Ricardo Zonta and Colin Braun has kept the pace and maintained 7^th position. Since losing 13 laps when the car got punted off the track before 2:00 a.m., their run has been flawless. Nic Jönsson turned over the car to Tracy Krohn at 4:00 a.m. Krohn did an hour stint before relinquishing the car to Colin Braun. Braun got out at approximately 6:45 a.m. for Zonta, who maintained the pace until Nic Jönsson assumed the wheel again at 8:55 a.m.

Colin Braun, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"Well it went good. I think we seemed to get a little bit faster over the night. I think as it cooled down it helped our car. We're just trying to maintain a pace and stay out of trouble. We got behind there in the middle of the night so now we really can't afford to make a mistake. We've got to be perfect from here on out and still be quick. As we go we seemed to get a little bit quicker comparatively."
 
"I think I'll drive again, I hope so."

Ricardo Zonta, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
 "We are just carrying on. We don't have much chance to win so we just need to finish the race. Not much to say, just keeping the car on the track and try to finish. Everything is fine. We didn't have any problem. The balance of the car was a little bit worse than the middle stints so we played a little bit with the tires and the tire pressure and made the car better. Otherwise, we are just trying to keep the car on the track."

No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola driver Ricardo Zonta again led the race, this time for 21 laps (Lap 281-301), during his second round of driving stint.

Just before the 9:30 p.m. (6-Hour) mark, Krohn Racing team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn had exited the car for Colin Braun's first stint. Braun drove for two hours and 12 minutes and throughout two caution periods, before giving the reigns back to Zonta in fourth place. Zonta piloted the Ford-powered car for two hours and eight minutes. Nic Jönsson took over on Lap 301 at 1:40 a.m. Barely ten minutes later, Nic was hit by the No. 55 car and punted into the tire wall at Turn 5, where the car  suffered damages that caused Jönsson to have to bring the popular green entry into the garage. Repairs included replacement of the right front upright, along with bodywork pieces, including the nose, and a nearly scheduled full brake pad change. New tires and fuel were also par for the course.

Colin Braun, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"For us, I think it was pretty uneventful, which is what we planned to do. We have a good car. It's not the super fastest car but it's really consistent. I feel we are going the same laps times every lap. It doesn't seem like we can go any faster no matter what we try and do. I think it's good for a 24-hour race. We need to keep on the lead lap, like we are doing, stay out of trouble and not put any scratches on it, which I think we accomplished in my stint. We'll see how it keeps going here."

Ricardo Zonta, starting driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"The first part of my stint I had problems with oversteer on the car. It was really oversteering. For the next stint I chose to change just the rear tires to new tires and kept the used tires on the front. The balance was a lot better and I started to be one second quicker than my previous stint laps. So, the car improved a lot. I think it was quite good to be leading the race. It was good and motivating for everybody. I think it is too early to say anything because there is a lot to work yet until the end of the race."

Nic Jönsson, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"It was very unfortunate. I got out there on new tires, going pretty good and just cruising basically. Then the 55 car, which was 20-some laps down, decided he needed to get by me in Turn 5 and bombed on me. He used me as brakes, basically. I hit the right front suspension and broke that. We had to come in (to the garage) and sit for 13 laps and repair it. Obviously that takes us out of the contention for the win. That is very disappointing because I think we definitely had the car that could be a podium car, at the least, from a speed perspective. Unfortunately, we got hit so now we have to try to get as many points as possible for the season, I guess. I'm very disappointed but that's the way it goes."

For more information, go to http://www.grand-am.com.

# # #

01.31.2010

Nic did two stints, driving for about one hour and 45 minutes and staying in the Top 6 until called in under caution at 8:15 p.m. Krohn Racing owner/driver Tracy Krohn took over the driving chores for the next hour and five minutes, running as high a second place. Eight cautions in the first six hours kept race officials busy and drivers and teams on their toes to make the right calls on pit stops.

Ricardo Zonta, starting driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"The beginning was very, very wet.  It was very difficult to drive and to see the line. I think we had a good car and I drove safely, especially in the beginning. I didn't want to take any risk or make any mistake. When it started to dry up I felt we still had more tires left than the others, so we kept the same speed without having to change the tires from the wets. We went to the first position and it was a good speed for racing and keeping the pace. When I called for dry tires I think it was the right choice. The only problem is we always know the dry tires, especially under cold conditions, take too long to warm the tires. As soon as I arrive in corner 3, the right hander, I touched the grass and went straight to the barrier. I was so slow I was nearly in neutral and the car was not getting any grip at that time. I think the job could have been perfect if we didn't make this mistake.  We learn a little bit with these tires.  After that, I pushed very hard to catch the other guys again. I gave the car to Nic in fourth position. "

Nic Jönsson, driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"It is very, very difficult conditions even though it's dried out now. There's just one line out there really. If you get in a little too deep somewhere, or if you're trying to overtake a GT car going into one or the "busstop" or something, or get off the line, it is very tricky.  You have to be very patient and bite your tongue and try not to get by people too fast because it's just going to come back and bite you. I was just kind of getting into the rhythm out there. It's so early in the race to take any chances. I think we have the car, performance-wise, to be able to run out front it looks like.

We just have to get through the night now and hopefully the conditions will get a little better during the night. Either it should be better or pouring down rain. These half-way conditions have been difficult and hard on everybody. It is difficult to make sure everybody stays on the track and you don't hit anybody. I hope the car will stay together during the night and hopefully we can be here tomorrow for the win."

TRACY W. KROHN, owner/driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"There was only one line so it was pretty treacherous if you got a little bit wide. You'd pay the price every time. But the track is actually okay. You've just got to stay really, really inside on every line. The car was very well balanced. I liked the way the car felt. I was being very cautious because there were guys spinning around and they were all over the track. Every once in a while we'd get a little bit of rain in NASCAR 1 and 2. So it was just real variable conditions but it was a lot of fun!"

For more information, go to http://www.grand-am.com.

DRIVER QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"We have been preparing for the last several months so , we're prepared. The car is ready. I would like to tell you it's perfect and I've got no concerns but that wouldn't be true. The car isn't perfect but it is certainly good enough to race with. I think that over a period of time during the race that we'll have the right set-up as the race goes on. That's what we have to believe in and I think that's what's going to happen. We've been here a few times so I think we've got a pretty good idea what to expect."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:"We didn't qualify as well as we were hoping for but we've been struggling a bit with the set-up of the car. We've been trying a few different things.  I think we've gotten closer. As soon as we get into race mode...the race mode will be able to stay out of trouble, don't make mistakes and then we'll see if we can run through the whole night without  having any issues. I think we can be right there when the sun comes up. At that point we know where we are from a liability standpoint, have done a brake change and we should be able to go full out racing. We just have to go out there, cruise around, stay out of trouble and see if the car will be fast enough."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"We have been working to get the right set-up and one that all the drivers can use. The car is good now. We did not have a very good qualifying but it is important to have a balanced car that all the drivers can manage for the entire race. We have that now, I believe."

COLIN BRAUN, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
"The team has been doing a really good job. I think the race track has changed a little bit for us. We have had to change our set-up quite a bit but I think Ricardo has done a good job getting the car set-up well. I feel like it's been good and we have run through a lot of systems checks and done driver change practice, pre-race meetings and all that so I feel like we are pretty ready to go."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
"We have been concentrating on rotation of the drivers through the car and trying to get a set-up that suits all four drivers. We thought we were off the pace in qualifying, but we think we know why.  We believe we are going to have a good race car and something that will be drivable for all the conditions we'll encounter in 24 hours - hot and cold and wet. We'll see at the end of the race if we made the right choices and if we have the car to last."

The Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida will be televised live on SPEED on Saturday, January 30^th from 3:00-10:00 p.m. ET (Part I coverage) and Sunday, January 31^st from 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET (Part II coverage). For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com/, http://www.krohnracing.net/ or http://www.speedtv.com/.

Krohn Racing owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn has entered one car, the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola. A familiar driver line-up includes Krohn, team regular Nic Jönsson, former Formula One racer Ricardo Zonta and NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor Colin Braun.

Zonta is returning after having raced in a second Krohn Racing car with teammate Jönsson the past two seasons in Grand-Am, capturing two victories and one pole. Braun returns to the team where he got his start as a full-time professional race car driver in 2006-07, before moving into the NASCAR ranks. Jönsson starts his sixth full season with Krohn Racing and eighth working with Tracy Krohn.

DRIVER QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
Krohn Racing is returning to Daytona for the 2010 running of the Rolex 24 in January with one car and an impressive driver line-up with Nic Jönsson, Ricardo Zonta and Colin Braun. Please share your thoughts about how this line-up came together and why you selected these talented drivers.
"They are all drivers we have had on the team before so we knew everyone would make a good driving combination. For the 24-hour race you want talented drivers that can not only go fast but also know when and how to make compromises and how to save the car so it can last through all 24 hours, which is not an easy thing to accomplish. We would like to win this race and I think we have a driving combination capable of doing just that."

You had a good Daytona Test session earlier this month despite the foul weather. Do you feel prepared for the Rolex 24 race?
"We definitely had some foul weather at the Daytona Test but are expecting better weather this week. We were able to get the car more drivable, get better grip and align the balance between Nic, Colin and I at the test. Ricardo will be able to just fit into what we were able to set up at the test. We actually left the test feeling like we could go racing then. We come to Daytona this week with that same feeling that we are ready to race."

You were the team owner who gave Colin his first big professional racing break. Now he's off and making a name for himself in NASCAR. How is it having Colin Braun back at the Krohn Racing team?
"Oh, it's great to have Colin back with us. He's been somewhat like a son and it's been nice to see him expand his career and do well in the both the Truck and Nationwide Series. He's always had talent. We knew it six years ago. That's why I signed him to drive with us. He hasn't changed a bit though. Well, he's got a little more Southern twang in his accent now but he's still the kid we knew. He, Nic, Ricardo and I are looking forward to a great race this weekend."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
What is your favorite part about the Rolex 24 race?
"It's always very exciting to start off the season with the Rolex 24 hour race. Everyone does their best in trying to prepare after a long grueling season. At the test before the race we see if the other teams go with a different engine manufacturer or different chassis because a lot of mind games are played before we first show up for the test. I think it's very exciting to have that factor. Also, to have the 24 hours the beginning race of the year you get to learn the teams that have the most depth and likely will for the entire season. Of course the endurance factor is very exciting to me. You learn how well and if you kept up with your physical preparedness program. The race shows the best in the business. It's extremely exciting and challenging to me."

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most prestigious and renown sports car endurance races in the world and one in which you have raced several times before. What would it mean to you to finish on the podium or win at Daytona this year with Krohn Racing?
"To me it's both emotional and exciting. Tracy and I met years ago at the Panoz Racing School and then he hired me to race the Lamborghini in ALMS (American Le Mans Series) in 2004 for half a season. We have been together ever since and have become very close friends outside the race track. It's been a great experience to me because Tracy is obviously very talented and successful in business. I have learned a lot from him, not just working with him as a co-driver but also about life -- how you do things, how you prepare yourself in the business world. I've been trying to build my own business, along with a partner, for a few years. Tracy has given me a lot of good business advice. Additionally, in my opinion, the gentleman driver in this case has also given me a lot of positive input that helps me perfect my driving. There are a lot of things the pro guys may overlook, but if you work with a very talented and extremely competitive driver as Tracy, you learn from them as well. I look positively on this race and this season and think he and I are going to have a fantastic year together. To be on the podium at Daytona would be the icing on the cake."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
You were not at the Daytona Test a few weeks ago. How prepared are you for the Rolex 24 At Daytona race?
"No, I could not make it to the test but I know the car and the team. I have driven it for the past two years. The Daytona race is always a difficult race because it is 24 hours of racing and so many things can happen. We have a very good team who knows how to take care of things if there is a problem. As a driver, that is reassuring to know you go in prepared at the start and can count on them if there is trouble."

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most prestigious and renown sports car endurance races in the world and one in which you have raced several times before. What would it mean to you to finish on the podium or win at Daytona this year with Krohn Racing?
"I would very much like to win the race this year. We have a good car and a good team. We all work together well and David Brown does a good job in preparing the team and drivers. I have been on the podium at Le Mans and it would be really good to experience that at Daytona as well. I hope I can do that this year with this team."

COLIN BRAUN, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Proto-Auto Lola:
Do you feel competing at Daytona for the Rolex in January will help you when you come back with Roush Fenway in the Nationwide Series in February?
"I don't really think it does. They're such different disciples and different kinds of racing that I don't think a lot of it really translates to help. But just driving a race car and being involved in racing, working with different guys on the team gets you back in the swing of things from a little bit of off-season that we've had and that helps. I don't think it's going to be a deal where you learn a lot and where driving the sports car is going to translate over to the stock car. Just getting back to the swing of things and being a race car driver is good though."

We know the schedules can get pretty crazy in NASCAR, how were you able to make time to come race at the Rolex 24?
"This year it worked out well. Normally I've always struggled with a Roush Fenway Media Day we have, where we do a bunch of questions and answers and pictures and obligations like that. Usually that's where I spend the Thursday of Daytona week so I've struggled to try and get down there in time to take a few laps for Thursday's practice sessions. This year it worked out well with the media day happening on a Tuesday so it certainly works out well for my schedule and I can get down and make sure I'm there for all of Thursday and actually do my practice laps and things like that. For the race week I had to move a few things around with my Roush Fenway schedule with appearances but we can make everything happen, It is going to be a lot of fun!"

How did you fit back in with the Krohn Racing team and driving a Prototype car when you came for the Daytona Test?
"After a few laps I was very comfortable with the car. It was easy to drive and I adapted quickly, getting up to speed after a few laps and improving my pace after I got a few more. I think we've got a good, solid car for the race. The team has been developing this car and you can get in and it really drives well immediately. I fell right back into joking and having fun with the team members. They are almost all the same guys as when I was with the team a few years ago, so we just hit it off again. For me going into the Rolex 24 race, it makes it both fun and comfortable knowing we have a good car and we'll be ready for the challenges you always face in an endurance race."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
Do you come into the Rolex 24 race week feeling prepared and ready?
"We accomplished many of the things we set out to do at the test, despite the horrible weather. Tracy needed to get reacquainted with the car since he had not driven it for a few months. Colin needed to get comfortable and up to speed as well. We worked on grip and balance and a whole list of key items, as always. There are always things you want to tweak and improve when you leave a test session, so we did just that. Of course, at a 24-hour endurance race, you cannot prepare for everything. Sometimes you get challenging elements thrown at you and you just manage them the best you can as they happen. Coping and recovering is a key factor to putting a car back on the track when adversity strikes. Your goal is always to put the car back on track and finish as high as possible."

You have all returning drivers in Tracy, Nic, Ricardo and Colin. Does that work in your favor?
"Yes, it certainly helps to have drivers who know the car, the team, how we work together and know each other as drivers. You look for every advantage as you can when selecting your drivers for a 24-hour race. We feel we have a good combination of four drivers who can work together and manage the car and the elements over 24 hours of racing."

All four Krohn Racing drivers have been on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but have yet to take that step at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Krohn, Jönsson and Braun finished second in the GT class at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Krohn and Jönsson were on the podium again in 2009 with a third-place finish, also in the GT class. Zonta was third in the LMP1 class at the 2008 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 48^th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida will be televised live on SPEED on Saturday, January 30^th from 3:00-10:00 p.m. ET (Part I coverage) and Sunday, January 31^st from 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET (Part II coverage). For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com/ or http://www.speedtv.com/.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Regarding the test and weather conditions:
 "We had two fairly good sessions. The car got better and better and more drivable. There's a little bit of a balance between getting Nic and Colin and myself all on the same page but I think we're there. I think the car was getting better and gaining grip. Certainly having a warmer session on Sunday was advantageous for everybody but I thought we made a huge amount of gain in the level of grip we were getting just for the weather."

"I don't know anybody that's ever seen snow and sleet in Daytona, if that's an indicator. We just want to strike a happy median. We assume the weather won't be the same for the race as it was for testing. The car is in very good position and we feel like we could go racing now."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Regarding the test and weather conditions:
"Unfortunately we didn't get as many laps as we would have liked to have done this weekend. We had a few small issues that may have been due to weather conditions. Saturday we were pretty much parked all day because of the weather conditions. I think we have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done when we come back here. We've obviously done this race several times before and we've run pretty successfully here in the past, so I don't think there's much concern about that. The weather hasn't really helped since we've been at the freezing point or below most of the time. It's one of the coldest I've ever been to as an official test here at Daytona or anywhere else in the world actually and I'm from Sweden. I've done some really early spring testing over in Europe before that was like this type of weather but never in the States, that's for sure. It's put a damper on the testing. But, I'm looking real positive on coming back in three weeks and I think we should have a fantastic 24 Hour race.

COLIN BRAUN, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Regarding the test:
"The test went really good, I think. I got quite a few laps in the car...enough to certainly get comfortable. I was surprised the car was pretty easy to drive and pretty easy to adapt to for me. After a few laps we were close in the speed and after a few more we were pretty quick. I think we've got a good, solid car. These guys have done a really good job developing it over the last couple of years where you can just get in it and it drives really well right off the bat. It makes it a lot of fun and makes it easy for me coming in here knowing we've got a good car."

Regarding the weather conditions:
"The weather this whole weekend has really been a struggle. We struggled to get tire temps, obviously, in the car and that really tends to slow your testing down when you have to go out five or six laps before you make a change, instead of being able to go out and make a couple of laps and make a change. It really slows the test down, not to mention the weather obviously being bad with the rain and the snow and the sleet. It put a big damper in the amount of time we had on the race track. I think that's going to help us though because we have a really good base set-up anyway. We just have a couple of things we want to run through and I think we can do that when we come back for the race."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
"We completed our test program even though the elements conspired against us. We came away from the test having gotten Colin comfortable and up to speed, Tracy reacquainted with the car after a couple of months and Nic doing just a few laps in continuation of our testing. We had a couple of issues which we need to address and we look forward very much to the 24-hour race."

The 48^th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida will be televised live on SPEED on Saturday, January 30^th at 3:00 p.m. ET and Sunday, January 31^st at 7:00 a.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

The Krohn Racing team is headed to Daytona International Speedway this week for the official Grand-Am Test Days in preparation for the Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race. The 48^th running of the twice-around-the-clock enduro will be held on January 30-31, 2010.

One Krohn Racing Proto-Auto Lola is entered with a stellar driver line-up, including team owner/driver Tracy Krohn, Krohn Racing regular Nic Jönsson, former Formula One racer Ricardo Zonta and NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor Colin Braun, in the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola. The formidable team is once again spearheaded by Krohn Racing Team Manager David Brown.

DRIVER QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Krohn Racing is returning to Daytona for the 2010 running of the Rolex 24 in January with one car and an impressive driver line-up including you, Nic Jönsson, Ricardo Zonta and Colin Braun. Please share your thoughts about how this line-up came together and why you selected these talented drivers.
"They are all drivers we have had on the team before so we knew everyone would make a good driving combination. For the 24-hour race you want talented drivers that can not only go fast but also know when and how to make compromises and how to save the car so it can last through all 24 hours, which is not an easy thing to accomplish. We would like to win this race and I think we have a driving combination capable of doing just that."

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most prestigious and renown sports car endurance races in the world and one in which you have raced several times before. What would it mean to you to finish on the podium or win at Daytona this year with your Krohn Racing team?
"Winning is always our goal. Everything has to come together for you to win a grueling endurance race like Daytona. You cannot ever sacrifice the car and must always stay patient. You also have to face surprises with the weather, crashes, and potential mechanical failures. Everything has to come together for us to win a race like this. We've been on the podium at Le Mans two times and we would love to do that at Daytona."

How difficult do you think the competition will be for the 2010 Rolex race?
"The competition gets more difficult and the bar gets raised every year. I don't think this year will be any different.  All you have to do is run one race to fully understand and appreciate that."

What is your favorite part about the Rolex 24 race?
"My favorite part is both starting and finishing the race. The start is exhilarating. But finishing the race means you are there at the end after 24-hours of hard fought racing and nearly defying the odds of mechanical and human ability. Simply finishing a 24-hour race is such a sense of accomplishment and brings great joy."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You will be co-driving with former teammate Ricardo, owner/driver Tracy, and also Colin Braun will join you in the cockpit. Please share your thoughts.
"Going into the 2010 season with Ricardo, Tracy and Colin as my teammates for the Daytona race makes me feel very good because we know each other really well. Ricardo and I have been running together for two years and we know each other well. Tracy and I have been together for over six years now as a co-driver and team owner. Colin was with us for two years. I think if you look at the combined skill and experience level between the four of us, we need to be viewed as one of the most experienced, most competitive and best combinations out there. I feel very good about the Rolex 24 and have huge hopes. The Krohn Racing crew has been prepping these cars for the last few years and does a flawless job. We have about two years of development on the Proto-Auto Lola now. I think that 2009 proved the car is as good as any car out there and we won two races and had an additional podium. The car is definitely capable of running out front. I think we have as good of a chance to stand on top of that podium when Daytona comes around as anyone else."

How difficult do you think the competition will be for the 2010 Rolex race?
"To be quite honest with you I haven't really seen what the entry list looks like. Knowing what the competition was like last year, I'm sure it's not going to be any less. Last year was probably one of the most competitive races in which I've ever raced, including go-karts, Indy cars, ALMS, whatever. It is because of the huge depth in engineering, car development, driver line-up and stuff like that which makes it so competitive. I believe that the competition is going to be extremely fierce. There are probably going to be 10-12 cars capable of winning the 24 Hours, not just by being smart and staying out of trouble, but by pure speed. I believe the No. 75 Krohn Proto-Auto Lola Ford will be one of those."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Krohn Racing is happy to welcome you back to Krohn Racing for the 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona race. Please tell us your thoughts about being back with Krohn Racing for this event.
"Yes, I am happy to be back racing with Tracy and Nic. I look forward to driving with Colin and know he was part of the team the years before me. The Rolex 24 is a very important international endurance race so I like racing in this event very much."

Do you think your team can win the 2010 Rolex race?
"I think we are in quite a good position for the race because of things we learned the past two years. We have won races with the Proto-Auto Lola. At a 24-hour race it is more important for the reliability of the car than the high speed of the car. We also have good drivers with endurance racing experience."

COLIN BRAUN, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Krohn Racing is happy to welcome you back to your former sports car racing team. How do you feel about joining Krohn Racing again?
"I'm definitely excited to come back and drive with Krohn. I really enjoyed working with (team manager) David Brown. Nic Jönsson and I have become pretty good friends. I had a really good time co-driving with Nic for the last half of the 2007 season. Nic's definitely a good guy to drive with and Tracy is a good guy to drive for so it should be a lot of fun. I miss a lot of the crew members that I got to know over the years I was driving with Krohn Racing. It will be a lot of fun to get back in the swing of things with those guys and work with everyone again."

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most prestigious and renown sports car endurance races in the world and one in which you have raced before. What are your thoughts about coming back to your sports car endurance racing roots and competing at Daytona?
"I love doing the 24-hour race and have been going there for many year with Ford engines. I think racing at Daytona really fits well with the stock car stuff I'm doing with Roush Fenway Racing. I love to go and drive race cars and this is a great opportunity to drive a car that I think has a good shot at winning the race."

What is your favorite part about the Rolex 24 race?
"I think the favorite part for me is the length of the race. I enjoy that it's a 24-hour race and I think it's neat for all the different aspects that have to go into it. I think it's cool to have three or four different drivers that are good drivers, but it's frustrating when they're not. You want your co-drivers to be guys you get along with well and trust. It's interesting to see how everybody works together and how everybody compromises on the set-up, not to mention from the crew standpoint. I think this race is more about the car, crew and being prepared and how well the engineer and data guy handle problems we may get into. I think it says a lot more about the team and how prepared they are than it does the drivers often times."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
Krohn Racing is returning to Daytona for the 2010 running of the Rolex 24 in January with one car and a stellar driver line-up of Tracy Krohn, Nic Jönsson, Ricardo Zonta and Colin Braun. Please share your thoughts about how this line-up came together and why this selection of talented drivers was made.
"It's very important to have quality across the entire spectrum of the race operation, and of course, one of the key elements is in the cockpit.  Nic and Ricardo have worked together throughout the 2008 and 2009 season and have proven to be a formidable combination. Tracy has worked with Nic and Ricardo before so there is an obvious connection there. Colin was one of our drivers in 2006 and 2007 so we are very happy to see him back in a Krohn Racing car for the Rolex 24 Hours. He was then, and has proven since, to be very fast and a mature 24-hour race driver. Overall we have a group of four drivers who are capable of guiding the car to the top of the podium in 2010."

How difficult do you think the competition will be for the 2010 Rolex race?
"There are several teams capable of winning the race, and the added endurance element only widens the potential field of competitors because it brings an element of uncertainty to the competition.  We will have to be at the top of our game to win, but we are up for the challenge."

What is the most difficult part about the Rolex 24 race?
"There are so many elements to the race, and that is the challenge, to manage the human and engineering aspects, to tie them together so that when bad things happen, and they will, the team is ready and able to cope and recover in order to put the car back on the track and still win."

All four Krohn Racing drivers have been on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but have yet to take that step at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Krohn, Jönsson and Braun finished second in the GT class at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Krohn and Jönsson were on the podium again in 2009 with a third-place finish, also in the GT class. Zonta was third in the LMP1 class at the 2008 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 48^th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida will be televised live on SPEED on Saturday, January 30^th at 3:00 p.m. ET and Sunday, January 31^st at 7:00 a.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

The car that KIA has chosen to race is the new KIA Forte Koup which is a competitor to the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, Golf GTI, etc. KIA is looking to change the perception of their brand by going younger and sportier. Everyone knows that KIA builds an inexpensive car but very few understand that KIA also builds a very high quality (and fast) car with their 100,000 mile / 10 year warranty on all their vehicles...now that's confidence! This is something Kinetics hopes to demonstrate on race tracks across the nation and put the Infinity Audio sponsored Kinetic KIA Forte Koup in the winner's circle for 2010!

Besides this very exciting news, I've also been away in Sweden doing some testing with the new Camaro Cup car that I've been involved in developing over the last few months. A couple of my good friends back in Sweden have come up with this new concept of a full tube frame chassis with the Camaro body on it to replace the current Camaro Cup car for 2010. The old car was based on the regular Z28 uni body car and had a few years under its belt. So now they thought it was time to do something different and they nailed it! The car is a lot of fun to drive and it's a proper race car. The car responded well to changes and will be a huge success for sure.

On a personal note, my Son Max is growing like a weed and has started to develop his own little personality and knows exactly what he wants.

Well I will let you go and I will be back with an update in a near future. Take care!
Your friend, Nic

Throughout 2009 Krohn Racing has continued without any technical assistance from Lola to improve the performance of the car and compete in all rounds of the Grand-Am Championship achieving victories and fastest laps, most recently at the last event at Watkins Glen.

Krohn Racing is a co owner of Proto-Auto LLC, an Official Constructor of a Daytona Prototype chassis.

Tracy Krohn:  "Regrettably Lola cars, also shareholders of Proto-Auto, have raised issues within Proto-Auto that they have chosen to pursue through their lawyers."

"In these circumstances I do not wish to continue using the outstanding efforts of my team staff and drivers and our extensive team resources, to race a car presently badged as a Lola."

"It is my expectation that Krohn Racing will return to the Grand-Am Championship as soon as possible subject to the timing and outcome of the aforementioned matter, meanwhile Krohn Racing will continue permitted testing."

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Krohn Racing was formed in 2005 by Tracy W. Krohn to campaign a team in the Daytona Prototype class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series for the 2006 season and beyond.

Qualifying driver Nic Jönsson started the No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola from the eighth starting position. Jönsson was served a penalty on Lap 13 following contact with a GT Porsche after moving the Proto-Auto Lola up to the sixth overall position. Good team strategy paid off as Krohn Racing Team Manager/Engineer David Brown called a pit stop and driver change under caution on Lap 25. Ricardo Zonta worked his way up through the field, from as low as ninth position after a final stop for fuel, to the top of the lap charts. Zonta led the final 21 laps of the race, from Lap 73-93, and et the fastest race lap.

Tracy W. Krohn, Team Owner Krohn Racing:
"It was a real slugfest out there. The track is so fast. It's the fastest track we race. The car has lots of down force and you're hoofing through there.

We just seem to have really good fortune at Watkins Glen. I think that's part of it. We expect to do well and as a result I think the mindset is such that we've got to do well. Everybody is stoked up to perform and the team was flawless. The pits stops were perfect. Then driver change went perfect. Ricardo drove well. I thought Nic got a funky call there but hard to tell from the television about contact. It looked like it was a racing incident to me. The end was very exciting. We had a good strategy and it worked out well. Ricardo was very, very strong at the finish. One of the things we did was come in early on the driver change. We are not really trying to get points at this stage. We are trying to win races. I think that was a good call. The guys were all extremely excited. It was one of those perfect races."

Nic Jönsson, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"We changed the car and went back to the set up we had in the 6-hour race earlier this year. In practice and qualifying we were struggling with the grip. We decided to go with something we knew was good here a few months ago. We completely transformed the car for the race and had a very good car.

We had a good start and went from eighth to sixth on the first lap. About 25 minutes into the race, Timo (Bernard), I think, and I came up on a slower car. I tucked underneath Timo and the GT car turned in and I had to slam on the brakes to try to save my car. I didn't quite stop enough. I hardly brushed him. It was almost like the air turned him and there were no marks on my car but they assessed a drive through (penalty) on me. It was very hard ruling but we knew we had a good car. David was encouraging on the radio and said let's do this drive-through and keep running because we are among the quickest cars out there. We stayed on the lead lap and actually gained some time back. We got a yellow and decided to pit, change drivers and do fuel and tires. Ricardo got in and did a fantastic job from there, along with the crew. We had very good pit stops and a little different strategy than most teams. We basically pitted under green on the last stop and went to the finish. We were quick by about a half second. That gave us enough of a cushion when everybody else pitted that we ended up being at the front.

It's been a long time since I've seen such an excited crew and it is understandable. They have done such a fantastic job the last two years with this Proto-Auto Lola. A lot of time, testing and work have gone into this program. There's not one guy or two guys that can be singled out for the credit. It's a complete, pure, true team effort.  It's just a fantastic feeling to be able to legitimize this Proto-Auto Lola's competitiveness...that includes in the dry conditions. We've had two wins this year. I think only two other teams have done that."

Ricardo Zonta, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"The car was very quick. We had very good strategy. Only problem was to hold Pruett behind. The traffic with the GT cars made it difficult. I had to work very hard to keep my pace. It was so easy to make a mistake. It was very close in the end because of the traffic with the GT cars and the short track. We had to pass cars every lap. That was the problem. I would say when I was by myself with no traffic, I opened up a gap but as soon as I caught up to traffic they started to get closer to me. I think we were the quickest car on the track. 

I'm very proud to drive for Krohn. The team has worked very hard so we are glad to win again. We are missing Tracy here to celebrate together."

David Brown, Team Manager/Engineer, Krohn Racing:
"There were moments when a lot of cars stopped very, very early...almost inconceivably early. I was thinking we may have made a mistake because surely they haven't all done this without thinking through. When a couple cars pitted they all seemed to follow the leader. We stuck to our plan and pitted under green and no one else did. We were able to run straight to the end without any fuel issues. Those people that stopped a lot earlier had to actually come in to take fuel. Not only did the strategy work out the way we wanted but the car was fast enough to produce the result as well. Ricardo set the fastest lap. It's not comfortable to have Pruett behind you. We had to work to stay ahead of him. The team did a great job with good pit stops.

Nic got a harsh penalty early in the race but he kept his head and got on with it and had some really good laps after the penalty. That laid the foundation for the rest of the race with Ricardo and off we went to a victory."

Zonta and Jönsson won the 200-mile/2 hour Crown Royal 200 race by a 3.325 second margin of victory over current point leaders Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No. 01 Telmex/Ganassi Lexus Riley.

The next Grand-Am race will be at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday, August 29 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  The Grand-Am Rolex Series races in conjunction with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. For more information, please see www.grand-am.com.

The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola of Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta will be the sole Krohn Racing entry for the shortest race of the season, 200-miles or 2-hours on the 2.45-mile, 11-turn road course. The duo previously won at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in May, collecting their first victory in the Proto-Auto Lola. Krohn Racing previously won at The Glen in 2006 with Jörg Bergmeister and Boris Said and in 2005 with team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn and Nic Jönsson, both victories in the 6-Hour race.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver Krohn Racing:
Watkins Glen has been a good circuit for Krohn Racing. What are the things you personally like about The Glen?
"We run the track in two configurations. We run it in the long configuration, which has several more turns. And we run it in the NASCAR configuration, which is much faster and muc  shorter. It's nice to go up there and run both of them. It's always a track that you have to drive very close margins because the walls are close. It doesn't lend itself to making too many mistakes. Of course no track does, but I think particularly at Watkins Glen and particularly when you're going up through the esses. You're a little bit on the edge and you have to drive it through there instead of just relying on downforce. You try to strip the downforce off and go as fast as you can so you really have to drive through there as opposed to just putting downforce on the car and not having to be concerned about it."

Do you prefer the long or short course?
"I'm not really sure. I think now that now that everybody has the same length of time on the fueling rigs it will be more interesting to find out."

This is another NASCAR/Grand-Am race week. How do you like those crossover event weekends?
"I like it as an owner. For one thing, there's a lot less expense involved. You're not there for several days. You're only there for a day and a half or two days. That, on the expense side of it, is good. There are a lot of people there. I think there is becoming a growing awareness of our series and being part of NASCAR. I see nothing but real positives in it."

How tough has the competition been this year?
"Tough! We've worked really hard at developing this car and trying to make it as good as we can. Again, I'm disappointed in competitors that have deliberately, in my opinion, bent the rules and knowingly. I feel like it's going to be more fun to compete now that everybody is going to be a little more equal."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
This is a 200-mile or 2-hour race...the shortest of all the races of the season.  Does that make it easier or more difficult to win?
"It depends on if you have a very good car and start out front, it's probably going to make it easier. I think it's going to make it even more of a sprint race and you can't really think anything about taking care of brakes, tires and stuff like that. You're probably going to have to go flat out from the very beginning. It's definitely a sprint race."

Do you prefer the long or short course?
"Personally, I really like the long course at Watkins Glen. I think that's one of the nicest layouts there is on a race track. You have everything - elevation changes, hard braking zones, fast corners and slow corners. The short course is obviously much more about just pure speed. It's not so much technique. The short course is much more about trimming the car out than about top speed. So, from a driver perspective, it's fun to go fast, but I personally like if a little more technique is involved. I think we should have a good car there and I'm really looking forward to going back because I like the event and the environment of old tradition for motor racing and enthusiastic fans."

How tough has the competition been this year?
"The competition gets tougher and tougher every year in the Grand-Am Rolex Series. There are a lot of good drivers but the teams have really stepped up their program. They have really good engineering teams, top notch equipment and people are now realizing that you also have to do testing and keep tweaking the cars between races. Much development is going on within every team, so I think the competition is stiff and that's the way it should be."

Two years ago this race weekend your wife was home having your son, Max, while you were here racing in Grand-Am and NASCAR. How are you celebrating his birthday?
"We had a little party back home this past weekend. It was the first time I was home for his birth or birthday, so I was pleased to be around to celebrate with the family. We had a lot of friends over, race friends and neighbors, and both sets of his grandparents are here from Sweden."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
This is a 200-mile/ 2-hour race, the shortest of the season. Is it easier or more difficult to win at a shorter sprint style race like this?
"I don't see much difference. It depends on strategy and the car's performance."

Do you prefer the short course or the long course at Watkins Glen and why?
"I prefer the short because we have to push on the limit the whole race. It makes it very exciting."

How difficult has the competition been this year in Grand-Am?
"The Grand-Am races have always been very exciting and the competition remains strong every year."

This is another NASCAR/Grand-Am race week. How do you like those crossover event weekends?
"It's good except that the problem is racing on Fridays there are not as many people that come out to watch the races."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
This is a 200-mile or 2-hour race...the shortest of all the races of the season.  Does that make it easier or more difficult to win?
"It means the race is less tolerant of any errors by the team or the drivers because you've got so little time relative to make up the deficit. It means you have to have a good car. Strategy is very crucial. We've got very narrow windows in which to make the right choices, again, all because of the shortness of the race. Otherwise, the pattern of the race will be similar. There will be some yellows and running into the dark at the end will make it a bit unusual for us. It's a good track. We like Watkins Glen short circuit. We've learned some things recently which are going to help us be more competitive and we want to get them on the road and see where it puts us."

How tough has the competition been this year?
"The competition is very close, which is very healthy of the Series and we think it's very good for us. It means that the performance of our car demonstrates our ability to produce a good car, run a good car and have it driven well by our drivers."

What's the strategy for the WGI 200 race? What kind of set-up changes must you make for the short course versus the long course?
"There is more of an emphasis on drag because the number of corners is fewer and you spend less proportion of the time on the lap in the corners than you do on the long circuit, otherwise it is pretty similar."
 
In 2008, Jönsson and Zonta teamed to a record two podiums, six Top 5 and nine Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record. In 2009 so far, Krohn Racing has one victory (New Jersey), a second-place finish at Mid-Ohio, a fifth place finish at Barber and three DNF's in the No. 76 entry, along with a fastest lap (Barber) and one DNF and a ninth-place finish in two race (both at Daytona) in the No. 75 Ford Lola.

The Crown Royal 200 at The Glen will be televised just slightly tape-delayed on Friday, August 7th at 8:00 p.m. ET, with actual race start time at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please see www.grand-am.com.

Tracy W. Krohn, Team Owner Krohn Racing:
"I thought Ricardo and Nic did a great job today. I think we had a little bit of a questionable call at the start-finish. I'm learning not to comment until I've seen all the data and everything. But it was certainly close at best.  There was a little contact at the end. We did get a quick lap in there from Ricardo. The tires just seemed to be all over the place today between the different sets. Having said all that, we ran our strategy. We had a few things we couldn't really control but other than that, I thought the car was pretty good."

Nic Jönsson, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"We didn't qualify very well, obviously. We had a lot of difficulties to get the car balanced and qualified a disappointing ninth. For the race, we got a pretty good start up to seventh on the first lap. We were able to hang there and the first early yellow we stayed out and gained some position and were running fourth for my short stint.  From a strategy standpoint, we needed to do tires, fuel and driver on the pit stop early on so we could get that out of the way. Otherwise, I had a decent stint. Tires weren't the greatest. We also saw that later in the race with the first set of tires Ricardo ran. With the second set of tires, he said the car got completely converted. All of a sudden we had the fastest race car on the track. It's a little bit concerning about the consistency of the different sets of tires. We'll have to go back and look at that and see if we can figure something out with the different tires and so forth. We got a penalty today as well that I don't think we should have had. I think from where the car ran during the weekend, I think we should be pretty happy with our finish position."

Ricardo Zonta, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"My first stint was quite difficult because of the first set of tires. We kept the same set of scrubbed tires and I think they were not good. I don't think scrubbed tires work here because we lost so much speed in the first stint. The second stint when we put new tires on, the car was very good. On the restart I was involved with car No. 09 but I think it was a wrong call against me. We lost the chance of podium because of that."

David Brown, Team Manager/Engineer, Krohn Racing:
"It was an interesting race. We certainly had the performance to finish higher than we did. We received a penalty at the restart, when Ricardo was behind the No. 09 car, which we are investigating ourselves. That put us back a bit but because of the speed of the car and the tenacity of the driver, he was able to regain the position he would have had had he overtaken that car. Two laps from the end there was contact again when another car moved over on Ricardo and he got a left rear puncture and it bent the rear wheel and damaged the body work a lot. We pitted, put a fresh set of tires on it and went around and took the flag and eventually finished fifth. We believe we should have been able to finish higher than that. The drivers did a great job driving the car. We really showed that although the performance in qualifying was not what we expected and very much below the standard we wanted that the race car was again able to be competitive. Ricardo, in fact, set fastest lap of the race. We'll go to the next race and see if we can have a clean run and show the performance of the car and the abilities of the team."

Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty won their third race of the season in the No. 99 Gainsco Pontiac Riley.

The next Grand-Am race will be the Crown Royal 200 race on Friday, August 7 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, NY.  The Grand-Am Rolex Series races in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com

The pairing of Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta in the No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola will be the solo Krohn Racing entry this weekend. The previous race at Daytona on July 4^th brought out the second No. 75 Krohn Racing car of team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn and Eric van de Poele. However this weekend Krohn is expected to attend the race but not drive.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner, Krohn Racing:
You drove at the last race in Daytona but will be sitting out the driving this weekend. Will that be difficult after a few successful events as a driver, including Le Mans, to be "just" the team owner and watch the race on TV instead of participating?
"I have always found it difficult to watch a race and not be participating.  Barber is a very fun track and a quirky patch of landscaping!  I hope to attend the race at Barber this weekend instead of just watching on TV!!"

Traditionally Barber is a good track for Krohn Racing (victory in 2006, 2^nd in 2007, Zonta led the race last year and had the fastest lap but suffered a blown tire and missed being on the podium). Why is the Barber circuit well-suited for Krohn Racing and its drivers?
"I believe we have a huge amount of talent in Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta and I think we have a pretty good idea of what set up to use for this track.  We have tested here quite a bit in the past as it is not that far from our shop at Road Atlanta so I think we have a really good home court advantage here as well!"

What do you think will be the most challenging thing for the team at Barber?
"Probably the most challenging thing at Barber will be weather and more importantly, track temperatures.  We always seem to do a pretty good job of figuring out what we need to do to achieve balance in the car throughout. a stint!  Having said all that, I truly believe that we have an extremely talented driver lineup with Nic and Ricardo!!"

There is a smaller field of DP cars this weekend. How do you think that will affect the race?
"I am a bit surprised that we have a smaller field as usually this race is pretty well attended and the crowds continue to grow every year!  There will not be that much effect unless the GT car count is down significantly.  If that is the case then we will have a faster race with fewer yellows.  I expect the racing to be very close!"

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You and your regular teammate, Ricardo, are back together for Barber. Tell us about that.
"We mixed it up a little bit with Darren in the car with me at Daytona because Ricardo raced a stock car back in Brazil. Darren did a good job and is enjoyable and professional. It's always difficult for both him and the whole team to adapt at such a short event as Daytona. It will be easier to have Ricardo back in the car. Everything fits and we've been working together for the last two years so everyone is comfortable getting in and out of the car. From an overall picture, it will be second nature and you won't have to think so much about getting someone comfortable with the car. We can focus more on race set-up so I'm glad to have Ricardo back. We hope to have a little bit better run than last year with the puncture. We hope to have ‘Lady Luck' look over us a little bit more this year."

Traditionally Barber is a good track for Krohn Racing (victory in 2006, 2^nd in 2007, Zonta led the race last year and had the fastest lap but you suffered a blown tire and missed being on the podium). Why is the Barber circuit well-suited for Krohn Racing and its drivers?
"I'm not going to try to jinx anything here because we don't know with the new tires. We've seen tracks that we've been quick at before and we come back thinking we are going to be very good at and we were not that good at all.

The new tire we are running on this year has thrown us a curveball. I think otherwise, historically, Barber is a very technical track. We've always had technical drivers. The track requires some finesse and I think that's what we have in our driver like-up, along with a strong engineering department to get the car to suit that type of race track. When you come to these types of trace tracks, it's really about getting the handling on the car and make sure you maintain tires and brakes and stuff like that. I think Barber is pretty much just handling and that means having a car that keeps the tires underneath you the whole stint and not running out of brakes, and so forth."

Do you think the smaller DP field will affect the race at all?
"It's always nice to have a bigger car count but it's not going to change anything from the competition point of view. All the cars that are always at the races as contenders are going to be there this weekend. It will be as hard as always to finish. A few less DP cars might make the traffic a little lighter and easier with passing. Other than that, I don't think it will be any different than it has been all year. I don't think it matters if there are 25 cars or 8 cars on the grid. As a driver you look at the car ahead and the car behind and race based on that so it doesn't matter too much about the car count."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You missed the last race at Daytona because of the Brazilian stock car race. Tell us about the race and how your team finished.
"The race in Brazil was very complicated. We had a misfire all weekend, losing 13 km per hour on top speed. Because of that, I could not do much in the race so we did not have the results we wanted."

You had a good run at Barber last year...qualified on the second row and took the lead on the first lap...holding it through your entire stint. You also clocked the fastest lap of the race. Do you think you can repeat that performance this year?
"I'm very excited to race again with our Krohn team, especially at the Barber circuit. I like the track and I hope everything goes well for us there. We started out strong last year bur had a blown tire shortly after Nic got in the car. We had some damage inside the wheel well and lost three laps in the pits. We could never recover those positions."

What do you think will be the most challenging thing at Barber?
"The most difficult thing at Barber will be the front tire degradation. It is very hard on tires at Barber."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
Traditionally Barber is a good track for Krohn Racing (victory in 2006, 2^nd in 2007, Zonta led the race last year and had the fastest lap but you suffered a blown tire and missed being on the podium). Why is the Barber circuit well-suited for Krohn Racing and its drivers? 
"The track layout puts the emphasis on downforce rather than drag and that helps us. We are familiar with the track and we have a pretty good idea of what it needs to make the car quick here. This has been true since the Riley days. The track rewards skillful, aggressive driving and we have, and have always had, very good drivers. Both Ricardo and Nic are familiar with the track so we should be able to get into fine tuning the car fairly early in the weekend."

What do you think will be the most challenging thing at Barber? 
"It's going to be hot! Daytona was just a warm-up. We have to keep the car, crew and drivers at optimum operating temperature. Each will require different countermeasures but all involve water. It's a short lap, with little chance for the crew or drivers to relax in the race. The car, while the loads are not all that high, experiences plenty of dynamic activity on the twisty and undulating track. It's a great place for a race."

Krohn Racing has been at the top of the Rolex Grand-Am charts recently and had some great success - a victory at New Jersey in May and a 2^nd place finish at Mid-Ohio in the last race. Has Krohn Racing turned the corner with the development of the new car? 
"We are developing and we still have areas of weakness in our package, which we are trying to improve. We have had some good races, but we've only won one. Our aim is to win races - all of them.  One of the delights of this series is the variety of challenges it throws at you. We have several areas of development and we must not forget that our competitors will be improving too. We just have to do it at a faster rate and more effectively."

There is a smaller field of DP cars this weekend. How do you think that will affect the race? 
"There may be less congestion and fewer yellow periods in the race, but overall we like to see a big healthy field in both DP and GT categories."   

Krohn Racing's success at the 2.3-mile, 16-turn Barber Motorsports Park has included a victory in 2006 with Jörg Bergmeister and Colin Braun; and a 2^nd place finish in 2007 with Braun and Jönsson. Additionally in 2007 Krohn and Max Papis finished in 9^th place. In 2008Zonta qualified third and took the lead on the first turn of the first lap and set the fastest lap of the race during his stint.

In 2009 so far, Krohn Racing has one victory (New Jersey), a 2^nd place finish at Mid-Ohio, a 9^th place finish at Watkins Glen and three DNF's in the No. 76 entry, along with one DNF in one race (Rolex 24) in the No. 75 Ford Lola. For the 2008 Grand-Am season, Krohn Racing recorded two podiums, six Top 5 and 13 Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record.

The Porsche 250 Grand-Am race will be televised live on Sunday, July 19^th at 3:00 p.m. ET on SPEED TV. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola of Nic Jönsson and substitute driver Darren Turner, who filled in for Ricardo Zonta, finished 16^th in class, 30^th overall. Zonta was competing this weekend in the Nextel Stock Car Championship series in his home country, Brazil. Turner qualified the car and started from the third row, in the sixth position. A footing error on Lap 6 sent Turner on an off-road excursion and caused damage to the Proto-Auto Lola, including replacement of the rear wing. After a lengthy pit stop for the No. 76 Krohn entry, Turner returned to the track five laps down. Jönsson got in on Lap 30 and drove until the last 10 minutes of the race. A heavy vibration caused the team to park the car just five laps from the checkered flag.

Tracy W. Krohn, Team Owner/Driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"It was really a pretty good race. I had a little bit of an incident early in the race at Turn 1. I don't' know who it was but they nearly knocked me into the tire barrier going into Turn 2. I managed to get the car straight again and kept my eyes forward and just kept running. Going into Turn 1 after the first yellow, I had a little kickback on the brakes and flat spotted a tire, inside left. It vibrated like hell for 20 laps. It was unbelievable!

The car was pretty solid. It came off the corners pretty good and held together well. The guys did a good job on the one yellow flag pit stop and we picked up a position there. Basically the car was solid all day. Eric did a really good job keeping the car up on the lead lap and running with some of the top guys. Overall it was a pretty good day and it was nice to get back in the car again."

Eric van de Poele, Driver, No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"I think we had very good strategy. Tracy drove really, really well. He was only one and a half or two seconds off the pace. Really fantastic! When I jumped in the car it was very good. I went to pass the No. 6 car, I think, and after that there was a red Porsche who closed the door in the last moment and hit me on the front right. After that incident my car was a little bit off on the geometry on the front so I had to fight for the entire race to try to keep the pace and to keep my position. I ended up losing two positions at the end when I went from 7^th to 9^th. But it was a good fight. The car was very reliable, very well prepared and the crew was good together, especially for not all having worked together before. It was a good race."

Nic Jönsson, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"It was a very frustrating day for the No. 76 Krohn Proto-Auto Lola race car. We struggled a little bit off the truck this morning and then we got better for qualifying. We qualified seventh and less than a tenth (of a second) to be third. I think we had a pretty good performance in the car. Again, for some reason in the race, we didn't have the pace in the first stint. Darren had an unfortunate mishap and broke the rear wing and dropped five laps back. After that we kind of went out. We put a new set of Pirelli tires on and I couldn't get the car to turn. I ran 49's (1:49 second laps), five second off the pace. I came in and we put an old set of tires on and we went right on pace. We are very confused. I have no idea what is going on. Then we picked up a huge vibration in the car. It was so bad we got a kick back on the brakes on the front straightaway so we decided to come in and park it because it feel like the engine or gear box was about to come apart."

Darren Turner, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"I didn't have the best stint in the world.  The first couple of laps we just didn't get the tires up to temperature.  I think I dropped a place on the start and then got out-dragged and lost a second spot on the first lap. I thought I would be patient and let the tires come in. On lap 3 everything seemed to be hooked up, I was happy and starting to make some progress on closing in.  Then I went to make a move to pass a car in Turn 1 and get a rhythm going. Unfortunately coming in to Turn 5, as I can across to hit the brake, I caught the throttle as well so the car didn't slow down. It was completely my fault and driver error.  I'm very sorry to the team because obviously we lost a chance to have a good result. But I think the car had a good pace and it certainly felt better than it did in January. There have been some big improvements in the car."

David Brown, Team Manager/Engineer, Krohn Racing:
"We qualified and did quite a lot of changes to the car. We have very low down force here to be competitive on the straights. The car in qualifying was only a couple of tenths off of third place, although we actually qualified 7^th. We thought it wasn't so bad. In the race Darren made a mistake going into Turn 5 and there was quite a bit of damage as a result and we lost five laps repairing it. We decided to continue. We put a fresh set of tires on Nic later in the race and lost about four seconds of lap time for reasons we don't entirely understand. We pitted just for the tires even though our strategy didn't require it and went back onto the pace again. That confused us a bit. We did pick up a vibration, which was worsening, so we changed the set of tires again. We put the old set of tires back on to see if that was the cause and it wasn't. So it looks like we have some sort of chassis related vibration. We parked the car because the vibration was getting so severe we didn't feel that for 29^th position, which was where we were, there wasn't any point in taking the risk for something going wrong. We look forward to Barber Motorsports Park."

Max Angelelli and Brian Frisselle claimed their first victory of the season in the No. 10 SunTrust Ford Dallara.

The next Grand-Am race will be the Porsche 250 race at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL on July 17-19. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

This was the first week in a long time I have not had a race on the schedule.  However, I did go to Kershaw in South Carolina to test a couple of days with some of our Kinetic Motorsports clients.  We were able to get valuable track time which gave us an opportunity to actually work on driver coaching.  We typically never have time to do this during a normal race weekend since there is no way the organizers could give each class the required track time for something like that.  It was not only a good coaching opportunity, it also turned out to be a very good cardio session with the heat we had during these 2 days.  The second day was up in the low 100’s and you could tell this was something our clients were not used to…at least not in Nomex under wear, fire suit and helmet!  It was rough however bottom line is that everyone had a good time and came away with a big smile on their faces.

This July 4^th weekend we (Krohn Racing) are racing with the Grand-Am Rolex series in Daytona.  This race is in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Our race is right before theirs.  We are all very excited since we know there is going to be a big crowd and this will give us the opportunity to show what this sports car series is all about.  Wheel-to-wheel and paint swapping battles for 2 ½ hours with cheering fans in the stands will make this afternoon very exciting!   Also adding to the thrill are the several NASCAR “STARS” racing in our Grand-Am race.  Hopefully this will make the current and new fans even more engaged in our race. I have to say I think it’s great Grand-Am has made this possible for us to be racing the same day and right before the Sprint Cup race on a holiday weekend at one of the most famous race tracks in the World, Daytona International Speedway. I know all drivers and team members are excited and I hope the fans are as well.  It’s going to be a fun-filled day and night in Daytona with some of the greatest drivers and teams in the business.

Enjoy the rest of your week and don’t forget to tune into SPEED channel on Saturday afternoon to catch all the action!

Be safe and have a great 4^th of July!

Your friend, Nic

The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola will feature team regular Nic Jönsson paired with Brit Darren Turner, who is subbing for Ricardo Zonta. Zonta will be racing in his homeland, Brazil, where he is in the championship hunt of the Nextel Stock Car Championship series. He is both a team owner and driver in the NASCAR-style series of V-8 stock cars. Turner has driven with the Krohn Racing team as the third driver, teamed with Jönsson and Zonta, in the Rolex 24 at Daytona the past two seasons. The popular Brumos Porsche 250 will be held on Saturday, July 4^th, at 2:00 p.m., just hours before the famous NASCAR 400-mile race, the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
The Krohn Racing team is headed to Daytona with both the No. 75 and No. 76 Proto-Auto Lolas for the Brumos Porsche 250 race. Please tell us about the plan and why you & Eric are back with the second car.
"This is an opportunity to showcase Krohn Racing in front of a substantial NASCAR crowd and we know that we will race, rain or shine!  Actually, I hope it rains because it will show the NASCAR crowd that the show goes on with Grand Am no matter what. We also know our cars are quite good in the rain!!"

Krohn Racing also has a driver switch up with Darren Turner in the cockpit with Nic Jönsson instead of Ricardo Zonta. Ricardo gets a chance to race his stock car in Brazil and Darren gets to sub for him the Grand-Am car. Please share a little about the driver change.
"I think that if we were in the realm of a championship then I do not think Ricardo would even ask to be released.  I have never wanted to do anything to any of our drivers that might harm them or their careers and have even fought through the court in one instance to prevent that. Ricardo has an opportunity, that under the circumstances, would help him and cause no harm to us.  Darren is an extremely talented driver and I have spoken recently to his girlfriend and she would desperately like to move out of the trailer home that he is poaching electricity with at Silverstone!  But, that is a story you will have to ask Darren about!"

The last time you were at Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours nearly every Ford-powered car had a small engine component issue. What are the expectations this weekend? Is Daytona a good track for the Proto-Auto Lola?
"Naturally, we were bitterly disappointed with the results at the 24 hours of Daytona, as was Ford, and our engine tuners at Roush. We are certain the issue has been rectified and are looking forward to the race on July 4.  I think the car will be very competitive and I can't wait to get back on the track there!!"

You, Darren and Nic are testing this week before the Daytona race at Road Atlanta. What's planned for the test?
"We have a few things planned that need testing, but a lot of the time for me will just be getting acquainted with the Proto-Auto DP again, as well as Darren.  The Ferrari GT we drove in Le Mans is very similar with regard to overall mechanical balance, but of course the DP has more downforce and behaves differently in the corners so it takes a bit of time to get used to that downforce again as downforce is a bit of an act of faith!!  You have to believe that the car will make the turn at that speed when the analytical side of your brain knows that it won't mechanically without the added down force!!"

What was it like to be back up on the podium at Le Mans for the second time in three years?
"It is a fantastic podium and I can't thank the Risi team enough for their efforts and preparation. Nic and Eric were their usual professional, patient, and quick selves and we all kept the car on the track and everyone on the team minimized the time in the pits. The Ferrari 430 GT-2 was perfect!  There was some ‘personal' redemption for me since I failed so miserably during my first lap last year. Being on the podium once may be considered a bit lucky, but being on the podium twice is no accident, pardon the pun!!"

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Krohn Racing is back at Daytona with its regular two-car team. I'm sure you are happy to welcome back Tracy and Eric in the No. 75 car. Please share your thoughts.
"I'm glad to have the 75 car back and Tracy and Eric back with us. I obviously shared success with Eric and Tracy at Le Mans. It was a great experience. It's always great to have the team owner with us at the race track and particularly racing with us. I think it's going to be a big boost to the whole team, especially after the success at Mid-Ohio. It is great to see the second car back on track and hopefully with a strong race result."

Krohn Racing also has a driver switch up with Darren Turner in the cockpit with you instead of Ricardo Zonta. Ricardo gets a chance to race his NASCAR car in Brazil and Darren gets to sub for him the Grand-Am car. Please share a little about the driver change?
"Fortunately Darren Turner is a world class driver who has been racing all different kinds of cars for the last 15 years. He's also no stranger to the Krohn Racing team. He's been with Ricardo and me as a teammate the last two years at Daytona. We know that there are no changes that need to be made to fit him in the car. He fits right in. That makes a big difference. He's a very accomplished driver, easy to work with and a great guy. I don't see any problems with that and we are happy to welcome him back. I also wish Ricardo good luck in his stock car race in Brazil. Since we are not really in the Grand-Am championship hunt this year because of some mechanical failures we experienced early on in the year, it was a fair decision on the part of Krohn Racing to release Ricardo so he could compete in this very big race in Brazil. We welcome Darren Turner back and I look forward to driving with him."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
Tell us what you will be doing with your racing in Brazil and why you will not be at Daytona.
"I have some obligations in Brazil with my stock car team and sponsors. Since we don't have a chance really for the DP championship in Grand-Am and I still have a chance to win the Nextel championship here in Brazil, it is important for me to race here. I know we could finish again on the podium in Daytona this weekend in Grand-Am and I will miss everyone. I will have to leave that result to Nic and Darren and the rest of the Krohn Racing team."

Krohn Racing has been at the top of the Rolex Grand-Am charts recently and had some great success - a victory at New Jersey in May and a 2^nd place finish at Mid-Ohio in the last race. Has Krohn Racing turned the corner with the development of the new Proto-Auto car?
"Yes, we improved the car a lot and the result show that. Unfortunately we didn't finish some races and that made us lose a lot of points. This hurt our chances for the Grand-Am championship"

DARREN TURNER, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You are substituting for Ricardo Zonta while he races in an important stock race in Brazil. What do you think about being back with the Krohn Racing team in Grand-Am and competing in a sprint race?
"I thoroughly enjoyed the two times I raced with Krohn before. The Grand-Am Series is great and it's good to work with Nic (Jönsson) and the other guys on the team. I have only done 24-hour races in Grand-Am so it will be interesting to see how different a sprint race will be. You have to pace yourself in a 24-hour race, in order to preserve the car, but I imagine in this race we'll all be flat out and the racing will be ferocious.  I know the car has had some good results since I last drove it in January so I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel to see how it has developed."

What have you been doing since we last saw you at the Rolex 24 at Daytona race in January?
"Since the 24-hours in January I've been pretty busy in Europe.  I am racing for Aston Martin in the LMP1 class of the Le Mans Series and driving the brand-new Nissan GT-R in the FIA GT Championship.  I also took part in the London Marathon at the end of April. This was my first race without four wheels beneath me and it was hard work! Since then I haven't stopped: LMS races, FIA GT races, testing, and of course the Le Mans 24 Hours just a couple of weeks ago."

ERIC VAN DE POELE, Driver No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
The Krohn Racing team is headed to Daytona with both the No. 75 and No. 76 Proto-Auto Lolas for the Brumos Porsche 250 race. Please tell us about the plan for you and Tracy to be back with the second car and your thoughts about racing again in Grand-Am.
"I cannot wait to be back in the DP with Tracy. Daytona 24 is too far and even if we drove at Sebring and Le Mans with good results, I'm still feeling glad to be a Grand-Am driver. It's good to have Tracy back driving with the team. At least we can follow the race now live on the racetrack, much better than in front of TV. We have missed the sister's car victory and the last podium as well of Nic and Ricardo. So, now it's time to celebrate something again."

How was it to be back up on the podium again at Le Mans?
"Unbelievable! Not many drivers have gotten this privilege. Of course you have a big feeling of joy but the best is that you know how happy the team is, from the mechanics to the physios through the PR or management and all the people involved with the same goal .That's the best way to thank all the team for the huge efforts they did to push themselves to be the best. I was very proud to show from the podium the excellence of all of Risi's team."

Have you been keeping up with Grand-Am racing and the results back home in Belgium?
"Oh yes! I was so happy to see the Proto-Auto Lola-Ford in a very competitive position after the hard work of last year. The team now can finally grasp the fruits. I could see also the series growing up dramatically and I can only be happy to be back in the show.

As the first half part of season has showed, the Lola Ford should be very competitive even if it is not the best type of track for our car. But anyway all of the team is looking forward to have two cars together on the track again. We may need some adjustments for Tracy and me but with motivation and happiness, it will be a real pleasure to race again with all our Grand-Am comrades. See you there!"

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
Both the No. 75 and No. 76 Proto-Auto Lolas will compete in the Brumos Porsche 250 race. Please share your thoughts about Tracy and Eric being back with the second car.  
"We are delighted to be back to a full compliment this week. Tracy has found the time to come and race with us again and we have Eric alongside him, therefore the 75 car is reunited.  We have run with only one car at five races this year. It's good to field two cars again and to have Tracy with us."

The last time you were at Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours nearly every Ford-powered car had a small engine component issue. What are the expectations this weekend? Is Daytona a good track for the Proto-Auto Lola?  "Firstly we expect the engines to survive the race!  We have a much improved car relative to last year's event. We have shown speed on a variety of tracks in a variety of conditions. We should be able to compete at the front again this weekend. We aim to improve on our 2nd position finish in the Mid-Ohio last race. It's a relatively big field this weekend (20 DP cars) so there will be plenty of action. Normally there is a bit of bumping and banging here in the race. Apart from anything else we have a robust and resilient car and all four of our drivers know how to race and how to push for a successful result."

Krohn Racing has been at the top of the Rolex Grand-Am charts recently and had some great success - a victory at New Jersey in May and a 2^nd place finish at Mid-Ohio in the last race. Has Krohn Racing turned the corner with the development of the new car? 
"We are developing and we still have areas of weakness in our package, which we are trying to improve. We have had some good races, but we've only won one. Our aim is to win races - all of them.  One of the delights of this series is the variety of challenges it throws at you. We have several areas of development and we must not forget that our competitors will be improving too. We just have to do it at a faster rate and more effectively."

The past three years the Krohn Racing team has experienced podium success at the Daytona sprint race in July. In 2006 Colin Braun and Jörg Bergmeister won the race from the second starting position. In 2007 and 2008 Krohn Racing finished third at Daytona with Braun and Max Papis, then Jönsson and Zonta, respectively.

In 2009 so far, Krohn Racing has one victory (New Jersey), a 2^nd place finish at Mid-Ohio, a 9^th place finish at Watkins Glen and three DNF's in the No. 76 entry, along with one DNF in one race (Rolex 24) in the No. 75 Ford Lola. For the 2008 Grand-Am season, Krohn Racing recorded two podiums, six Top 5 and 13 Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record.

The Brumos Porsche 250 Grand-Am race will be televised live on Saturday, July 4^th at 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

I really want to thank everyone on the crew from both Risi Competizione and Krohn Racing for their hard, very professional teamwork that has made all these accomplishments possible. I also want to say a big "thank you" to all the fans out there and especially to those that come to the races. I really appreciate it when fans come up and chat with me at the tracks...that really makes the race weekends special for me. We (drivers) could not do this without you and we really value your support!

Stay safe and we'll see you next at Daytona on July 4th weekend!

Your friend,
Nic

Jönsson started the Proto-Auto Lola from the fifth position on the grid and climbed into the top three. He pitting on Lap 25 of the 111-lap race, to turn the wheel over to Zonta, who methodically worked his way up from the seventh position to give the team a second-place finish. Zonta gave eventual winner Scott Pruett a hard run for the final 40 laps. Pruett finished with just a 0.491 margin of victory over the former Formula One Brazilian hotshoe.

Nic Jönsson, driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"We had a decent qualifying. We qualified fifth, although I think we could have been third. We had a good car from the beginning of the race. We got a lot of pick-up on the tires and it was almost impossible to drive for four or five laps. It was just holding on for life. Then the yellow came out and we had to do everything over again. It was a very rough first 45 minutes. I hung on and tried to keep the car up as high as possible. I handed it over to Ricardo in fifth. Ricardo got in and did an absolutely stunning job. He was in the car for a long time and it was hot in there. He did a fantastic job and kept plugging away. I think we had a decent race car. We still have a few more little things to do but the car is getting more competitive. It's right there now. Again, I can't say enough about Ricardo's performance today. The Krohn team did an awesome job. The pit stops were flawless and the strategy was right on the money. I also want to give a big thanks to Tracy to give us this opportunity to be out there and run up front when he's not able to be here. This second place today, following up the third place on the podium with Tracy and Eric (van de Poele) last week at Le Mans, feels really good. Hopefully we'll have some more wins here in Grand-Am this year."

Ricardo Zonta, driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"The race was good. I didn't have much time in the dry before jumping in the car for the race, so I had to get used to the car in the dry. The car was quite good, and the mechanics and the crew worked very well. The strategy worked very well so I am very happy about our result. I tried very hard to overtake Pruett at the end but we didn't have enough speed on the straights, too much downforce. We couldn't really battle Pruett because of that. If you just keep the car inside the corners you cannot overtake the other guy. The only place to pass was on the straights and we didn't have the speed for it. It was good points for the team. Of course, there is not much chance for the championship anymore but I think if you keep it on the podium every race it would be very nice."

Tracy W. Krohn, owner/ driver, Krohn Racing:
"It really was a great race. We had a good chance of winning there at Mid-Ohio. My hat's off to the Ganassi team. They had a good bit of luck with pit stops and yellows; otherwise we could have won the thing.

We are continuing to improve this car and running at the top of the field. We just need a little bit more out of the car and we're going to be right there. The battle between Scott and Ricardo is what Grand-Am racing is all about! It was fun to watch. Ricardo stepped in there pretty hard a few times and with traffic. I was very impressed with the results. Pruett and Ricardo showed how to do it. That's what you want -- guys battling it out wheel-to-wheel.

Nic had to deal with some funky tires at the beginning of the race and did so extremely well. He brought the car in at an opportune time and it worked out for us.

I'm ready to get back in the race car at the next event at Daytona and can't wait to see everyone and get back at it."

David Brown, Team Manager/Engineer, Krohn Racing:
"We're pleased with the results. It's not often you can run the same times as the 01 car, and faster than the 99 car. The car was quick. I think the 01 car was possibly the only car quicker than us and very similar in times, which is, I think, a step forward for us. So we are quite pleased about that. Apart from the results, the fact that the car's performance has increased to that level is good and we think we understand why, which is a nice thing. We're quite encouraged by that.

We didn't really have any major issues in the race. Nic got a lot of pickup on the tires at the beginning, along with everybody else. It took a long time to clean them up and they never really came in completely so we were quite keen to get those tires off the car and put a fresh set on. Pit stops were absolutely wonderful. We were running a bit warm once and we made a cooling change during a pit stop and it went very well.

The strategy really was that we sat in the factory before we left to come to the race and planned our strategy. Precise details like which lap we would stop on we had to decide at the time. The strategy itself was exactly what we had planned to do."

Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas claimed their second victory of the season in No. 01 Ganassi Telmex Lexus Riley,

The next Grand-Am race will be the Brumos Porsche 250 race at Daytona International Raceway in Daytona Beach, FL on July 4th. That race will be televised live at 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

This track has a lot more grip now than it used to. The track was repaved 2 years ago and that made it completely different from a grip level standpoint along with tire wear. This confused us a little last year when it came to tire wear. We ran over 100 laps on one set of tires in testing before we put new tires on and this just gave us a few tenths of a second in lap time. If you were to do the same thing at a place like Watkins Glen, for example, you would see at least 1 ½ improvement in lap time after you put that many laps on a set of tires. So I'm very curious to see if another year on the pavement is going to change the wear on the tires. Another factor to keep in mind regarding tires is that we have a new tire for this year. Pirelli claims it's the same tire and that the only difference is that they have gone from a man-made tire to an automated process in the production of the tire...but we know for sure it's a harder compound along with a different size. We also suspect a different construction but have no real proof or confirmation on that. Now, you may think what's the big deal with a different tire? Well, the tire changes the entire handling of the car. If you have a tire that is harder, larger and also of different construction, this means you're changing the dynamics of the car. As you may know, the tire has a spring rate in it. Depending on how stiff the tire wall is (the construction) you have to compensate with springs, anti-roll bars, shock settings, toe, camber, etc. and this could take a long time to figure out.

One of the challenges we at Krohn Racing face is that we are racing a chassis, the Proto-Auto Lola, that no other team is currently running. Since there is a very limited testing allowed in Grand-Am, it takes much longer for us to collect the data needed to find that ultimate set-up for our car at the different tracks we race on. On the flip side, we are very fortunate to have a very knowledgeable and experienced engineering staff that has done a fantastic job getting the car to where it is today. With hard work and determination, we're improving with every race. Well, I'll let you go and enjoy the race this weekend.

To all the Fathers out there, have a great Father's Day weekend!

Your friend, Nic

The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola will again feature drivers Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta in a single car effort by Krohn Racing this weekend. Team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn and Eric van de Poele will return at Round 7 in Daytona for their second Grand-Am DP race of the 2009 season with the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola.

The No. 76 entry will again be sporting a combination of Krohn Racing and Krohn Aviation livery. Krohn Aviation is a subsidiary of Krohn Racing and is the management entity of a Falcon 2000 aircraft.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver Krohn Racing:
You are just coming off a fantastic podium finish at Le Mans in the GT2 class; it's your second Le Mans podium in 3 years. So many drivers never achieve that even once in their lifetime. Please tell us about that experience.
"To stand up there on the podium at Le Mans for the second time in three years is awesome. You're stunned and on top of that it's a very knowledgeable group of fans.  Nine of the 10 Ferraris finished - it's phenomenal and to be part of that in what is not just an endurance race, but rather a sprint race for 24 hours, is humbling. You have to remember that we don't drive this car very often [the Ferrari), the three of us.  You couldn't have predicted what might happen...it's incredible."

The Krohn Racing team is now back to focusing on Grand-Am Rolex racing in North America. You won't be in the car this weekend at Mid-Ohio but you and Eric will be back for the July 4th race at Daytona. This weekend will be a one-car effort with Nic & Ricardo. Please share your thought on Mid-Ohio race expectations.
"I am very excited to get back into the cockpit of the Proto-Auto Lola and can't wait for Daytona. Mid-Ohio is a real drivers track and I know Nic and Ricardo enjoy competing there. It's a technical track and we usually do well there so I am looking for positive results from the guys. If it rains again, it will be challenging. Last year it rained and was the first time we'd raced in the rain with the Proto-Auto Lola. Now we've got the rain racing down pretty well and better understand the new tires. As you know, we got our first Proto-Auto Lola victory in the rain at New Jersey last month. Regardless of rain or dry, the team will be making a 100% effort to do their best and I hope that amounts to another podium finish."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You are just coming off a fantastic podium finish at Le Mans in the GT2 class; it's your second Le Mans podium in three years. So many drivers never achieve that even once in their lifetime. Please tell us about that experience.
"As we all know Le Mans is the biggest sports car event in the world and is considered one of the biggest motorsports events in the world, together with the Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. To just be able to be there and be a part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is something fantastic and a life experience. And on top of that being there with Risi Competizione and Krohn Racing and racing in the GT-2 class with a Ferrari on Ferrari's 60th anniversary of their first win at Le Mans was also a very special feeling.

Finishing third and being able to step out on that podium with 100,000 people looking up at you on Sunday afternoon you just get the chills. You get goose bumps really. You can't truly understand how big the race is until you are standing up there on the podium. It doesn't matter if you are an American or a Swede or a Belgian or French, whatever you are, people share your awe. They share the awe with everyone who has success at Le Mans because of how special it is. The fans understand racing. They appreciate everybody's efforts. To be on the podium for the second time in three years with the Risi Competizione-Krohn Racing team speaks volumes. I can't say enough about having Eric and Tracy as my teammates. They did a fantastic job. To end up on the podium with a one-three finish for the Risi Competizione team and for Giuseppe Risi is a great result."

You have been in an endurance mode with the 6 Hours at the Glen and Le Mans and also are on a full three week racing schedule with international travel. How do you get rested up and ready for the sprint race at Mid-Ohio this weekend?
"First of all, I committed myself to a training and nutrition program back in November 2008. I wanted to lose about 17-18 pounds and get back into the shape I was when I played hockey professionally back in the 1980s and 90's. I worked very hard over the winter and got back into the shape of my lifetime. I think that is paying off both on and off the track. I have a much easier way to get sleep and to drive double and triple stints. I just don't get tired. I eat a different way. I'm just in much better shape and condition that makes life easier and to be able to recoup. That has helped me a lot the last few weeks. Quite honestly, I don't see any problems with being back in shape and with plenty of sleep for this weekend. I should be back in sprint mood and go back there with the Krohn Racing Proto-Auto Lola and hopefully have another good run and potential victory there with Ricardo Zonta."

Mid-Ohio is a classic road racing circuit. Please share your impressions about the circuit and the positives and negatives about it for the Krohn Racing Ford Lola.
"I think it's a fantastic configuration. I think it's one of the most fun race tracks, along with Watkins Glen, that we have in this country. It has a little bit of everything. It has elevation changes, fast, long straightaways. It has some hairpins, and off camber corners where you have to get off the corner well and power down. You also have to have a car that turns real well. I think the track has a little bit of everything. It has plenty of passing opportunities. There is always going to be a lot of wheel-to-wheel racing there because it's such a short course and it's very tight. Even though it is tight, it still offers a lot of passing opportunities. That's why I think it is one of the most exciting tracks. Both Ricardo and I are up for going wheel-to-wheel with people and fight it out. I'm really looking to it and I think we're going to have a fantastic run this weekend."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
What do you think about your teammates results at Le Mans - 3rd in the GT-2 class?
"I am very happy for Tracy, Nic and Eric and especially for Tracy. To be on the podium at Le Mans is a very special feeling. I was fortunate to be on the podium with Peugeot last year. I understand what a great thing this must be for Tracy."

Mid-Ohio is a classic road racing course and you have only driven it once - last year. What are your impressions about the circuit and what do you like and why?
"I enjoy the close racing and the atmosphere in Grand-Am competition.  I think we can do well at Mid-Ohio with the Proto-Auto Lola because the Pirelli tires should work well with our car to give us good grip. I am really looking forward to getting in the car again, and who knows........it might rain!"

What is going to be most challenging at Mid-Ohio?
"The possibility for rain at Mid-Ohio again is good. However, maybe that can help us again since we generally have a very good car in the rain."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
What do you think about the Risi-Krohn Ferrari team results at Le Mans - 3rd in the GT-2 class?
"It's an outstanding effort on the part of the Tracy, Eric and Nic and the Team to finish on the podium in such a high quality field. For Ferrari to be so dominant and Risi Competizione to have a first and third is a great achievement."

What is going to be most challenging at Mid-Ohio?
"Most likely the weather is going to be the most challenging. We have a good baseline car. We will be testing some developments in practice and we will see if they work well here. We need to qualify well and be smart on our feet if it rains in the race."

Mid-Ohio is a classic road racing circuit. Please share your impressions about the circuit and the positives and negatives about it for the Krohn Racing Ford Lola.
"Mid Ohio is a proper road course combining slow and medium speed corners as well as elevation changes and crests in the back half of the track. It's fairly low grip and normally attracts rain! Not that we particularly mind if it rains. There are overtaking spots and areas which challenge the car and the drivers, so plenty of variety to keep us busy. Our car responds well to the types of corners at Mid Ohio, while the surface is quite low grip. The challenge is to have a well-balanced car in changing track conditions, and make the right set-up compromises."
 
The Risi-Krohn Ferrari 430 GT of Tracy W. Krohn, Nic Jönsson and Eric van de Poele captured third-place in the 77th annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race on June 14-15. They previously placed on the podium with the same Prancing Horse model in 2007 with drivers Krohn, Jönsson and former Krohn Racing hotshoe Colin Braun, who just won his first NASCAR Truck race at Michigan last weekend.

Last year at Mid-Ohio, Jönsson, who started fifth and led briefly, and Zonta finished ninth after getting caught out on a late pit stop. For the 2008 Grand-Am season, Jönsson and Zonta teamed to a record two podiums, six Top 5 and nine Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record. In 2009 so far, Krohn Racing has one victory (New Jersey), a 9th place finish at Watkins Glen and three DNF's in the No. 76 entry, along with one DNF in one race (Rolex 24) in the No. 75 Ford Lola.

The EMCO Gears Classic Grand-Am race will be televised live on Saturday, June 20th at 5:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see www.grand-am.com.

# # #

06.17.2009

The Ferrari 430 GT of Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Pierre Kaffer was not only joined on the podium by its sister Ferrari which finished third - crewed by Krohn Racing's Tracy Krohn, Nic Jonsson and Eric van de Poele - but they led an astonishing Ferrari result which shows that nine of the ten Ferrari 430s entered in the race were classified in the top 11 places in class.  Only a Spyker intruded in an all-Ferrari top ten.In the year that the Italian marque celebrates the 60^th Anniversary of its last overall win of the world's most famous and sportscar race, it is a result that Ferrari's President can be proud of.  As official starter of this weekend's 24 hour race, Luca di Montezemolo, made mention whilst at Le Mans of the very high level of competition between all automobile manufacturers entered in the race and of how much regard he had for the event.

The #82 Ferrari of Melo, Salo and Kaffer had a faultless race, with no mechanical worries, and were able to profit from a well prepared car, consistent and reliable Michelin tires, a superb driver line up which had the experience and skill to outlast many of their competitors in varying temperatures and track conditions, and a team which didn't put a foot wrong throughout the entire 24 hours. 

The only unscheduled pit stop was for an additional set of tires on Sunday morning at 0927 hrs.  It was a similar story for the #83 Krohn green car which also only had one unscheduled pit stop for tires at 0109 hrs on Sunday morning.   Both cars stopped 26 times during the twice round the clock event, and led the GT2 category from the sixth hour to the chequered flag.

Team Principal Giuseppe Risi was overwhelmed by what had been achieved.  "This is a very special day; winning this again after what we did last year makes it even more so.  To have ten Ferraris here and have two of our cars placed in the top three is a simply magnificent result.  These are the best teams in the world who race here  so it is extremely special to have achieved this outcome, and to have entered the history books as part of Ferrari's racing folklore.  I can't say enough about it."

Mika Salo didn't consider that this victory was any harder than last year's.  "It's the same but we had a lot of opposition this year, faster cars than last year, but it's a 24 hour race so lots of them had problems and in the end it was only our car which worked perfectly and didn't have any mistakes.  To have three Ferraris on the podium and two of them from Risi is pretty good for the team who did an excellent job.  It's easier to win this race when you know how to do it already, like from last year.  You know you don't have to be the  fastest;  you just have to save the car a little bit, be careful not to make mistakes and hit anybody or let them hit you.  In the beginning of this year's race we had to go a little faster than last year, but it turned out very well."

Jaime Melo:  "To be honest I didn't expect to see the Porsches out of the challenge from the first few hours.  Before the race we all though they were really strong, but I think Risi Competizione has really prepared well for this race in the past year as well as more recently.  Pierre, Mika and were able to do really consistent lap times, and it was a really easy car to drive so that helped us to do our job.  Like Mika said we had no problems.  Tire changes were perfect every time so we need to say thanks to Risi Competizione for those and to Michelin as well as we could triple stint the tires from quite early on. "

Pierre Kaffer:  "It's my first year with Risi Competizione and if you ask me whether I have experienced more pressure to do well at this or any other event, then it would be in Sebring because it's always difficult there for whoever joins a team to be on the pace and there can be disappointment.  Jaime and I do the ALMS and in America sometimes it's difficult for me as I don't know tracks yet.  Here in Le Mans I know it really well and I have the self confidence.  I know we have a very good car, and a very good base for this year and Risi do always a great job on preparation and everything to do with the strategy.  Everyone works for the same result;  every mechanic didn't just do their job but made they also did it for the victory.  I am proud to join such a nice team, to be a little part of this team and it will be nice to be there. "

Nic Jönsson:  "This result is fantastic; for us it's just like a win.  Having the #82 sister car taking the win and us taking third in the whole scheme of things is like a win for the whole team.  Risi Competizione  have done a fantastic job gain.  Both cars ran flawlessly the whole way through and there's very few teams you could say that about: it's unbelievable and  astonishing.  You almost get goose bumps every time you go out there on the podium - it's the biggest sportscar race in the world.  You can win races back in the States and stuff,  but to finish third here is probably better than any win in the USA.  And to do it the way we did it!  You just have to stay out of trouble, be patient, try not to race people we know we can't out-race.  Of course, Tracy started racing just six or seven years ago and has been on the podium twice at Le Mans and it's always a team effort.  We've done that; it's a great result for him and a big thanks to Giuseppe Risi for being part of this team.  I can't say enough that I'm happy."

Tracy Krohn:  "I bumped into Ron Fellows [former Corvette driver and now consultant]  about midnight and after we'd chatted and just as I was leaving he said "Tracy, keep it on the track."  To stand up there for the second time in three years is awesome;  you're stunned and  on top of that it's a very knowledgeable group of fans.   Nine of the 10 Ferraris finished - it's phenomenal  and, absolutely,  to be part of that in what is not just an endurance race,  but rather a sprint race is humbling.  You have to remember that we don't drive this car very often [The Ferrari), the three of us.  You couldn't have predicted what might happen...it's becoming pretty good."

Eric van de Poele:  "I've been part of a winning team in three different classes at Le Mans and even though we didn't win today we had a podium and had a special result.  It's much easier when you are with a good team and people around you, and of course when you get the  right material.  Here [at Le Mans] you have to say it's tough for GT2 competition and even if I was dreaming about a podium in my head I thought it was nearly impossible.  But we had a good strategy and we knew we had good package in general with tires, car, and drivers as well.   Absolutely no problems at all and could save time in pits and it's a real team effort and especially here because all the pit stops were faultless."

Note to Editors:
Risi Competizione is a Houston-based racing team, wholly owned and directed by Giuseppe Risi, which has been very successful in sports car racing in both Europe and the United States. In addition to racing Ferraris and Maseratis, Risi Competizione also provides competition development, management, and support services.

Tracy W. Krohn, of Houston, Texas, continues his successful racing relationship with Risi Competizione for the third year in succession.  Krohn is also a team owner/driver of the Krohn Racing Daytona Prototype team in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series which won its first race of the 2009 season at New Jersey Motorsports Park a month ago.

The Ferrari 430 GT of Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Pierre Kaffer was not only joined on the podium by its sister Ferrari which finished third - crewed by Krohn Racing's Tracy Krohn, Nic Jonsson and Eric van de Poele - but they led an astonishing Ferrari result which shows that nine of the ten Ferrari 430s entered in the race were classified in the top 11 places in class.  Only a Spyker intruded in an all-Ferrari top ten.

The #82 Ferrari of Melo, Salo and Kaffer had a faultless race, with no mechanical worries, and were able to profit from a well prepared car, consistent and reliable Michelin tires, a superb driver line up which had the experience and skill to outlast many of their competitors, and a team which didn't put a foot wrong throughout the entire 24 hours.

A full release and quotes will be issued later this evening from Le Mans.

Jaime Melo, Pierre Kaffer and Mika Salo have all triple stinted, changing their Michelin tires at every second stop, and have run without any mechanical problems or worries.

Nic Jönsson and Eric van de Poele have completed triple stints and Tracy Krohn a double, and the drivers of the Krohn green car are all very happy with the progress of their race, lapping consistently and to their race pace, with only one unscheduled pit stop after a spin by the Belgian veteran.  Nic Jönsson:   "Well it all seems to be going okay at the moment.  Lots of our competitors have had problems but we've got our own race plan and we're doing well on that.  Both Eric and Tracy have run at night now and that all went well and I'm going to be going in as it goes from night to dawn which can be challenging but I'm looking forward to it". 

Pierre Kaffer:  "It was okay!  At the beginning of the stint I needed to take my time, because I did not want to crash the car, to take the measurements of distance between the LMP cars and me in the dark.  I had to figure out which cars were which and how quickly the Peugeot, for example, would pass me.  After a couple of laps I got into the rhythm and it was okay.  I have to say the car was perfect, the guys did a great job, and the gearbox is very light [easy to use].  I had big understeer at the beginning but it's much better now, especially in the Porsche Curves so we can lap fast and stay safe."  

Neither of the Risi Competizione entries have experienced any mechanical problems, and all six drivers have cycled through the car.  They have only once been slightly delayed during a pit stop when both the cars in neighboring pits were also stopped and space was severely limited.

Melo started the race and had a great on-track battle with the leading Porsches in the class for the first ten laps of the race before handing over the Pierre Kaffer after a double stint.  Both Kaffer and Salo have since completed double stints.

Melo said [at 1800 hrs] after his stint:  "I had lots of high speed understeer but the stint was quite good.  I think the Porsches were playing with us as they have so much power on the straight - they would drop back a little and then come back alongside me quite easily.  I'm not worried though as I think the car feels good and we have a good chance."

Car #83 has been the first of the Risi cars to triple stint its Michelin tires and it was Tracy Krohn who safely brought the car home at the end of that time.  "By the last four laps of my stint the tires were not great but it was still quite warm at that time so it's looking good for tire wear in the night.  Other than that everything was good and I'm looking forward to getting back in again."

The next bulletin from Risi Competizione will be issued at 0300 hrs, Sunday June 14

Jaime Melo set the fastest time of the ten Ferrari 430s which will be battling five Porsches, a Spyker and an Aston Martin for GT2 honors in the world's most famous endurance race.  His time of 4:04.056 was set under the hours of darkness in the third of the four hours of qualifying but was not enough to be able to match the Flying Lizard Motorsport Porsche of Jörg Bergmeister who claimed pole position.  Melo's Red number 82 will line up in third place in the category, while Nic Jönsson's time of 4:08.758 places him and his Krohn Racing colleagues in the distinctive Krohn Aviation-liveried number 83  on the sixth row of the GT2 grid.

Both Risi Competizione entries profited from the first proper dry running of the week so far to work on set up and carry out longer fuel and tire runs as well as assess the real race pace of their cars.  Team Principal, Giuseppe Risi, said after the end of the evening, "I am satisfied that we managed to run through the program we'd set ourselves for these last two days, despite yesterday's inclement weather.  Jaime is pleased with the balance of the car, which is the most important thing, and I know that Tracy was really enjoying his night laps in the car - he didn't want to come back into the pits and stop!  We now just have to have a smooth run for the race and in particular try and avoid any pit stop penalties.  These new regulations are likely to catch out more than one team but I hope that we aren't one of them."

Jaime Melo:  "I was hoping to get out a bit earlier in the second session [the car was slightly delayed by the completion of some scheduled pre-race mechanical preparation] to get some daylight and I think I could have been a little bit faster then.  In the dark you cannot see your lines as well so you are a bit more conservative.  I'm happy as third is not bad and the important thing is that the car is really well balanced; we will be able to keep a good lap time which gives me a lot of confidence for the race."

Nic Jönsson:  "It's great to get a few dry laps in before the race.  The Risi Competizione and Krohn Racing guys did a great job to set the car up and it seems to be very mechanically sound.  Everything is working very well, we tried a few different types of tire and it seems like the soft tire in the night will work well to get rid of the understeer.  We know we won't win this race on speed but we can win it by being smart and staying out of trouble and out of the pits.  That's what we are focussing on and what we will be concentrating on doing.   I'm looking forward to it."

The 77^th running of the world's most famous sportscar race, which begins at 3.00pm (local, 9.00am CDT) on June 13, will be seen by over 250,000 spectators, up to 350 million TV viewers worldwide, and reported on by 1,800 journalists from over 35 nations.  For updates and information, go to http://www.risicompetizione.com or www.lemans.org.

The Houston, Texas-based team, linked again for Le Mans with its endurance partner, Krohn Racing, has retained many of the elements within the 2008 winning package including the race-proven and reliable Ferrari F430 GT Berlinetta, created by Ferrari SpA with final build by Michelotto. Add to that the extremely consistent and successful Michelin tire package, a largely-unchanged driver line-up, and a team which has now recorded GT2 class victories at the last three major endurance races - the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, 2008 Petit Le Mans and 2009 12 Hours of Sebring - and one would assume a quiet confidence in success.

However, as Team Principal, Giuseppe Risi, notes as pragmatically as ever, the task ahead is not one to be undertaken lightly. "There are undoubtedly high expectations of us after our recent successes in the endurance events, and especially our result last year. But, and this is a big but, you can never underestimate the task ahead at Le Mans. We go into the race composed, and with a certain level of confidence about our preparation and ability to be competitive, but at the same time we are very aware that anything can happen at any time.

"I believe that Risi Competizione has the equipment and the drivers capable of winning in our intensely competitive category, which would be a fitting tribute to Ferrari's 60^th Anniversary of its first win at Le Mans. I'm delighted to welcome Tracy Krohn and his colleagues back within the team, and I know he's raring to go racing again. Our chances of a successful result are doubled with a two-car entry.

"There are, however, new regulation changes this year which might threaten any team's chances of success, notably the pit stop rules reducing the number of people able to carry out a tire change. It only takes one infraction and you potentially end up losing time with a penalty and we all know that the winning car is not necessarily the fastest on the track throughout the 24 hours, but the one which spends the least amount of time in the pits."

Returning for an attempt at back-to-back class victories will be the Sebring-winning driver line up of Jaime Melo, Pierre Kaffer and Mika Salo. Although Kaffer was not with Risi Competizione last year, he brings solid Le Mans experience to the team including a podium finish in a Ferrari 430, and the trio established an excellent working relationship earlier this year. Melo has arguably the most miles under his belt in an F430 of any Ferrari driver in the world, and has admitted that he has matured greatly behind the wheel in the last twelve months. Also not short of experience is Mika Salo who, although he stepped back from a full season of racing to pursue other opportunities, is as familiar to and with the Risi Competizione team as Melo.

Renewing its successful racing relationship with Krohn Racing for the second time this year, the 2007 class runners-up at La Sarthe, Tracy Krohn and Nic Jönsson, will be running in the now-familiar and distinctive Krohn-green liveried car #83. They are joined once again by Krohn's highly experienced Grand-Am team mate, Eric van de Poele, a face very familiar at La Sarthe and a previous LMP1 class winner in 1998 in the Doyle-Risi Racing Ferrari 333 SP. Jönsson arrived directly from the latest round of the Rolex Sports Car Series at Watkins Glen, and it will be the first race for Krohn and van de Poele since the 12 Hours of Sebring. They can't wait to get back behind the wheel of the Ferrari, and are aiming to improve upon a troubled 2008 race, and repeat the result of 24 months ago.

Ferrari has a very special relationship with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is one of the two most successful marques in the race's history. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Italian manufacturer's first overall win, courtesy of the 166LM of Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon in 1949, Ferrari Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, has been invited to Le Mans by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest to give the official start signal for the race on Saturday, June 13. In addition to the nine overall wins clocked up between 1949 and 1965, Ferrari has also taken numerous class victories in the French race, the most recent of which were was delivered in 2008 by the F430 GT of the Risi Competizione team. In ten days time, a total of 10 Ferrari F430s will be lined up at the start by eight private teams.

The 77th running of the world's most famous sportscar race, which begins at 3.00pm (local, 8.00am EDT) on June 13, will be seen by over 250,000 spectators, up to 350 million TV viewers worldwide, and reported on by 1,800 journalists from over 35 nations. For regular updates and information on the Risi Competizione team's quest for success, go to www.risicompetizione.com or www.krohnracing.net.

DRIVER QUOTES AND DETAILS: CAR 83
Name: Nic Jönsson
Nationality: Swedish (lives Buford, Georgia, USA)
Date of Birth: August 4, 1967
Notes: Former open-wheel and touring car champion, IRL and Indy Lights driver. After debut in sportscars, has raced successfully in both ALMS and Grand-Am Rolex Sportscar Series, regular top six and podium finisher in both. 2nd (GT2) 2007 24 Hours Le Mans, 3rd (GT2) 2008 12 Hours Sebring, 2009 winner New Jersey Motorsport Park race in Krohn Racing Ford Lola DP

Le Mans Experience:
2008 - Risi/Krohn Ferrari 430 GT (Krohn/van de Poele) - DNF (accident)
2007 - Risi/Krohn Ferrari 430 GT (Krohn/Braun) - 2nd GT2
2006 - Petersen White Lightning Porsche 911 RSR (Bergmeister/Krohn) - DNF (accident)

Nic Jönsson: "I think it's always great to drive a car with such history as the Ferrari, being at Le Mans or not. I'm sure with the 60th anniversary Ferrari is going to have a lot of special people there. Also there are 10 Ferraris competing there this year versus five (GT2) Porsches so obviously the marque is very well represented at Le Mans this year. I think we have as good of a chance as anyone else. In a 24-hour race it's not so much about pure speed, it's all about managing your tires and brakes and making sure you stay out of trouble, especially during the night. Also to try to just do the scheduled pit stops; if you do that and nothing goes wrong, you are going to be in a position when the sun rises in the morning to be running up front. That's what we are aiming for again this year."

Name: Tracy Krohn
Nationality: American (lives Houston, Texas, USA)
Date of Birth: August 26, 1954
Notes: Been competing in Grand-Am Series since 2004, climbing from Grand-Am Cup to Prototype, first overall victory being at 2005 Six Hours of the Glen. Won "Jim Trueman Award" for Sportsman drivers in 2007. Finished 2nd in GT2 class at 2007 24 Hours Le Mans with Jönsson and Braun. Chairman and CEO of W&T Offshore Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Houston.

Le Mans Experience:
2008 - Risi/Krohn Ferrari 430 GT (Jönsson/van de Poele) - DNF (accident)
2007 - Risi/Krohn Ferrari 430 GT (Jönsson/Braun) - 2nd LMGT2
2006 - Petersen White Lightning Porsche 911 RSR (Bergmeister/Jönsson) - DNF (accident)

Tracy Krohn: "I am sooo ready to get back in to the Ferrari 430 GT and race at Le Mans. The Ferrari actually drives a lot like our Proto-Auto Daytona Prototype; the DP just has more downforce and bigger tires. Thus the transition, as far as balance of the car is concerned, feels pretty natural. We have had good success with Risi in that we have finished 2nd at Le Mans in 2007, 3rd at Sebring and 4th at Petit Le Mans in 2008. I believe that we have also had a couple of other Top 10s as well in the last couple of years. The Risi team is always well prepared and completely professional. We have also had the benefit of the Michelin tires and good support from Michelin as well.

"Competition is always tough at Le Mans. It's such a challenging circuit. The sheer length of a single lap being over eight miles is a challenge in itself. Then you add so many talented drivers, many of them factory drivers, on the course with you and you have to keep your head up at all times."

Name: Eric van de Poele
Nationality: Belgian (lives Incourt, Belgium)
Date of Birth: September 30, 1961
Notes: Driven more than 65 different racing cars on over 80 race tracks worldwide. Five-time winner of 24 Hours of Spa, three-time class winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans, two-time winner of 12 Hours of Sebring (1995/6), winner of Petit Le Mans (1998 in a Doyle-Risi Racing Ferrari 333SP), former Formula One driver with 29 starts, DTM Champion.

Le Mans Experience:
2008 - Risi/Krohn Ferrari 430 GT (Jönsson/van de Poele) - DNF (accident)2
002 - Team Bentley EXP Speed 8 (Wallace/ Leitzinger) - 1st GTP, 4^th overall
2001 - Team Bentley EXP Speed 8 (Wallace/Leitzinger - 1st GTP, 3^rd overall
2000 - Team Cadillac Northstar LMP (Taylor/Angelelli) - Finish 22^nd LMP900
1998 - Doyle Risi Racing Ferrari 333 SP (Taylor/Velez) - 1st in class (LMP1)
1997 - Nissan Motorsports Nissan R390 (Suzuki/ Patrese) - DNF (gearbox) (GT1)
1996 - Racing for Belgium/Team Scandia Ferrari 333 SP Dallara (Goossens/Bachelart) - DNF (Accident) (LMP)
1994 - Clayton Cunningham Racing Nissan 300ZX Turbo (Gentilozzi/Kasuya) - DNF (Ignition) (IMSA GTS)
1992 - Peugeot Talbot Sport 905 (A Ferte/ Wendlinger) - DNF (engine) (Category 1)

Eric van de Poele:
"It's been a long time since our last race at Sebring, but I've been focusing on Le Mans 24 and the physical preparation (tennis, jogging, swimming). We had a short race last year and I'm looking forward to be back with Nic and Tracy at this fantastic event. Also Nic needs a revenge match with me on table tennis and it is very important to be 100% ready for this challenge!

"The secret to success at any endurance event is the entire team, and Risi Competizione is very good at these events. It is impossible to reach the victory goal if you do not have 100% of the attention of the team, of yourself and of the race. I mean, you do need also a bit of luck but this is only 5% of the victory. This goal can only be reached with a full preparation of that race. You need to be patient, fast, prepared for the unprepared, reliable and very, very disciplined and concentrated."

Risi Competizione is a Houston-based racing team, wholly owned and directed by Giuseppe Risi, which has been very successful in sports car racing in both Europe and the United States. In addition to racing Ferraris and Maseratis, Risi Competizione also provides competition development, management, and support services.

Tracy W. Krohn, of Houston, Texas, continues his successful racing relationship with Risi Competizione for the third year in succession. Krohn is also a team owner/driver of the Krohn Racing Daytona Prototype team in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series which won its first race of the 2009 season at New Jersey Motorsports Park a month ago.

The weekend opened with promise, as the Ford-powered No. 76 Krohn Racing Proto-Auto Lola was quick on the opening practice day for round five of the season, setting the second fastest  time of the day. But as the conditions changed, the perfect set-up proved to be elusive as Ricardo Zonta qualified eighth for the endurance event.

The team continued to make adjustments, and the car reacted positively through the longdistance event as the team sought a second victory of the season. The constant improvement saw the No. 76 move up to the top three with Nic Jönsson behind the wheel. However, the chance for a strong result was set back significantly when contact from another car forced Zonta into the pits to replace the rear wing.

The race became even more challenging as a second pit stop was required to clear out the remains of a bird that had been lodged in the radiator, sending the machine down to tenth before Zonta recovered one position to take ninth at the checkered flag.

Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won their first race of the 2009 Rolex Sports Car Series season in the No. 01 entry.

The next Grand-Am race, Round 6, will be the EMCO Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio on June 20, 2009.

For more information, please see www.grand-am.com,

06/06/09

The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola of Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta are eager to capture another victory this season, as only one of three teams to notch a win in four races in 2009. Their victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park in May, coupled with a history of  two wins out of the last four (2005, 2006) Six Hours of The Glen races raised their hopes going into this weekend's event. The Krohn team is running a slightly revised livery this weekend, now sporting Krohn Aviation logos. Krohn Aviation is a subsidiary of Krohn Racing and is the management entity of a Falcon 2000 aircraft.

Team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn will not be at this weekend's Grand-Am race as he travels to France for the 77^th annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race on June 14-15. Krohn, Jönsson and Eric van de Poele will compete in the No. 83 Risi-Krohn Ferrari 430 GT, hoping to achieve another podium, as they did in 2007. Jönsson will travel to Europe on Sunday after the Watkins Glen race to meet his teammates and begin week-long activities at The Sarthe.

Krohn and van de Poele will be back with the No. 75 Krohn Racing Ford Lola at the Brumos Porsche 250 on July 4^th at Daytona International Speedway, their first Grand-Am event since the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. Krohn reduced the number of races at which he would drive due to business opportunities with his primary business, W&T Offshore (WTI - NYSE).

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver Krohn Racing:
The Watkins Glen circuit is a track at which Krohn Racing has had success - twice winning the 6 Hour race (in 2005 and 2006). Now that the team has already claimed a victory this year in the Proto-Auto Lola, does that make you more optimistic about achieving success in the 6-Hour race in 2009?
"Absolutely! We know the car is really good in the rain and it often rains at The Glen so that is a factor in our favor. The car is getting more competitive and we feel that we know a lot about the track and this car, and we have tested here as well, so we think we should have a good showing here at Watkins Glen International!!"

Many teams will run three drivers instead of two. Talk about the pros and cons of those scenarios and why you chose only two drivers.
"We choose only two drivers because we know we can win with just two drivers and we think of it as a little tune up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

You will soon be headed back into the cockpit - in the Risi-Krohn Ferrari 430 GT at Le Mans on June 13-14. Please tell us about that.
"I am sooo ready to get back in to the Ferrari 430 GT and race at Le Mans.  The Ferrari actually drives a lot like our Proto-Auto Daytona Prototype. The DP just has more downforce and bigger tires. Thus the transition, as far as balance of the car is concerned, feels pretty natural."

Then you will be back in the No. 75 Krohn Racing Proto-Auto Lola Ford on the Grand-Am circuit on July 4^th at Daytona. Please share your plans and your thoughts about getting back in the cockpit again for another Grand-Am race.
"The race at Daytona this year on July 4th should be a blast as we are expecting a big crowd and we will be racing rain or shine, so if it does rain, the fans should still be well entertained! This is an opportunity for Grand-Am Rolex to be showcased to a much broader audience and we think that once the fans start to get an appreciation for how close and competitive the racing is they will want to see more and more of it. Therefore, we want to be a part of that!!"

In regard to running Krohn Aviation decals on the race cars - please tell us about this and the business itself.
"Krohn Aviation is a subsidiary of Krohn Racing and is the management entity for our Falcon 2000 aircraft and hence one of the sponsors of the race team as well. The aircraft is actually chartered through Executive Jet Management should anyone be interested."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
What do you like best about the Watkins Glen circuit?
"I feel that the Watkins Glen track is real a driver's track. It has a little bit of everything. It has some banked corners, some elevation changes, has a really fast "S" going on to the back straightaway, a long back straightaway, and hard braking zones. So I think the mix of corners and techniques you need to use pretty much covers everything you can have for a good race track. Also the surroundings up there are definitely fantastic. I think it is definitely one of my favorite tracks in this country and I'm really looking forward to going back there."

You have had success at Watkins Glen with a victory in the 6-hour race before. Now you already have a victory this year in the Proto-Auto Lola. Does that make you more optimistic about achieving success in the 6-Hour race?
"I think the Proto-Auto Lola has gotten better and better since we started the test program last year. I believe we should have as good of a chance at this Watkins Glen race as we should have everywhere else. Of course, you always have some confidence when you've won at the race track before. Also, coming back with the same car for the second year is a bonus. We have some data to fall back on even though we've changed tires from last year. We have a lot of aero data to compare to. We don't have to start from scratch like we did last year, so hopefully we'll be a little bit better out of the box. We'll have a chance to fine-tune the car a little bit before the race."

You're headed into a very busy race schedule with The Glen, Le Mans and Mid-Ohio, all back-to-back. How difficult is that? Do you get in a mode or is it exhausting?
"I think it depends on how your approach it. It could be very exhausting if you don't take the opportunity to relax when you can. There are plenty of times to try to relax, such as on the planes back and forth to Europe. And we have some down time in Le Mans between test sessions. If you want to be rested you can. If you want to get out and check out the scenic tours and that approach, you can get yourself exhausted. I think I've seen and done that before. To me it's more exciting than anything else. It's always fantastic to go back to Le Mans, which is considered one of the best races in the world in motor racing, period. I'm just excited! I don't even think about the exhausted part. Excitement is where I'm going to be focused and I think we're going to have a great run there."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
You are headed back to an endurance race. How does your mindset change for an endurance race instead of a sprint race?
"I enjoy the Watkins Glen circuit a lot. I especially like a longer race where I get more time in the car. I believe I will get the chance to qualify the car and start, then finish, the race this weekend."

What do you like best about the Watkins Glen circuit?
"I like the long, fast, medium corners. I enjoy these areas because you can really feel the speed and the grip of the car in these corners."

The Krohn Racing team has two victories in the 6 Hours at The Glen race. The team has a victory this year in the Proto-Auto Lola. Does that make you more optimistic about achieving success in the 6-Hour race?
"Yes, this gives all of the team more confidence on the strategy because we know what worked before with the set-up. This allows us to keep a better pace for the race."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
We are headed to an endurance race again. As a Team Manager and Engineer, how do you change your preparation plans and focus for an endurance race instead of a sprint race?
"The longer races are always fun. There is so much that can change in the race, so many things which, from the pit lane, you can work on to get a good result. As an engineer you have more chance to contribute as the race progresses and conditions change, and logistically there are more challenges in terms of orchestrating the activity in the pits. Even if it's green all through the race there will be five pit stops, and we expect more."

What will be the biggest challenges facing the team at The Glen?
"Well, we are well equipped with our Roush Yates Ford engine, but we have to get to the end in order to win. This means discipline and control, thinking ahead and looking out for potential pitfalls along the way.  We need to be able to think on our feet to apply our race strategy and deal with changing conditions in the race."

Many teams will run three drivers instead of two. Talk about the pros and cons of those scenarios and why you chose only two drivers. 
"We have two fit drivers. Both Nic and Ricardo can drive for extended periods in our car. There is always added complication with more drivers and we feel that ours are a good combination. Nic and Ricardo are able to extract the best performance from the car while maintaining restraint when necessary and turning on the speed required to win." 

In 2008, Jönsson and Zonta teamed to a record two podiums, six Top 5 and nine Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record. In 2009 so far, Krohn Racing has one victory (New Jersey) and three DNF's in the No. 76 entry and one DNF in one race (Rolex 24) in the No. 75 Ford Lola.

This past week and weekend has been a nerve wracking one with a lot of racing going on but for me, it was just as a spectator in front of the TV.  This is the first time in many years I did not go to Lime Rock Park for the traditional Memorial Day weekend race there.  I've been participating there every year since 1999 in either the ALMS, SPEED World Challenge or KONI Challenge.  This year, I had to keep myself updated via internet and many phone calls to see how my Kinetic Motorsports team was doing in the GS race.  It's a real challenge being at home and not knowing first hand what's going on. After our 2^nd and 8^th place finishes in Laguna last weekend, our hopes were pretty high going into the Lime Rock event.  Everything started out really well for our team running in the top 3 during practice but unfortunately one of our drivers got sick before the race.  This meant the other driver had to do majority of the race and we did not have a driver change until close to end of the race.  You never want to change drivers at your last stop since this always takes longer and you lose a lot of track position but in this case we didn't have much choice.  Luckily, we made it with all cars finishing in one piece and with a top 10 finish. 

In addition, I also kept a very close eye on the Indy 500 race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway since my brother, Matt Jonsson, is the Crew Chief for one of the cars on Penske's team.  The race ended the way it should, in my opinion...with a Penske Racing car on top of the podium. All the Indy teams are away from home fine tuning the cars for the entire month of May prepping for the big Indy 500 race.  So coming home with a good result always makes life a little more sweeter.

Laguna Seca Raceway is one of those places that make you love racing if you have a good weekend.  On the other hand, if you don't have good race, it also makes you feel miserable.  This track is famous for its steep elevation changes, low grip and the single most famous corner, the "corkscrew".  This past weekend, this corner made my experience at Laguna miserable after I made a mistake upon entry in the corkscrew.   I came in slightly too deep and missed the apex about one hour into the race.  The corkscrew is unforgiving so there is no room for error...you miss this bad boy and you are well....screwed!  Unfortunately for me and the Krohn Racing team, this ended our race in Laguna because the impact broke the front splitter of the car as it landed very hard at the steepest point of the track.

We had struggled the entire week to really get any speed out of the car in comparison to our competitors and it didn't help matters that we were experiencing handling issues as well.  The race, for us, was more of a "hang on" and try to not make any mistakes.  After fighting the car in every corner, my mistake happened and this ended our race.  BUT, as they say, when life hands you a bunch of grapes...make wine!  (usually lemons/lemonade but with corkscrew ...thought the grape/wine approach a little more fitting, HA!)  So now it's time to put this behind us and look forward to Watkins Glen where we had a win a few years ago. 

On a little more positive note, my Kinetic Motorsports team had a very good weekend with 2^nd and 8^th place finishes in the KONI Challenge race Saturday afternoon. I did not race in KONI this weekend since we decided not bring the new BMW M3 V8 to Laguna.  Reason being, we did not have enough time to fix the suspension issue we have been fighting the last two races.  The good news is we have the fix, now we just need to make the parts and hopefully that will take care of the problem.   Our plan is to bring that car back into competition for the Watkins Glen race weekend in early June. 

The Kinetic team is heading next to Lime Rock for the next KONI race.  For the first time in many years, I will not be heading for Lime Rock.  Instead, I will be home during the Memorial Day weekend and watching my brother Matt's team, Penske, race the INDY 500 on Sunday (Matt is Crew Chief for the team).  Reason I will not be making Lime Rock is so I can recharge my batteries before leaving on a four-week stretch starting with the 6 hours of Watkins Glen race, then off to Paris for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, then back to the States for the Mid-Ohio race.  Whew!  It's going to be difficult not being at Lime Rock and very nerve racking for me to not be at the race with my team but I know the Kinetic crew and drivers will do a great job.

I've had several people come up to me the last few races saying they enjoy reading my blog.  I really appreciate that and to all the fans that continue to watch, attend races and support the series.  I had one fan come up to me this past weekend with pictures from back when I ran Indy cars that he wanted me to autograph.  I really admire race fans that travel to races year after year, come to the autograph sessions and visit us.  I just can't tell you how much fun it is to see all the kids and parents, fans asking questions about how the car is, etc. and just to have that interaction makes my experience as a driver all that more special as well...so thanks again!

Until next week, be safe and have a good one.

Your friend,
Nic

Nic Jönsson, who started from the sixth position on the grid, was being hotly pursued by the No. 99 Gainsco Pontiac Riley, when he got a little wide passing a GT car and off in the dirt at the famous "corkscrew" section of the 2.238-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca road course. The dip at the bottom got the best of the No.76 car's splitter and the lengthy repairs would take too much time to make staying in the race a worthy option.

Nic Jönsson, driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"Unfortunately, we had way too much push in the car from the very beginning.  It was a very hard battle to fight out there with the push in the car. I was trying as hard as I could and came up to the "corkscrew" and had the Porsche right behind me on my tail and I went a little deeper than the Porsche, trying to protect my position. I went wide and got inside the curb there. Unfortunately, it is so steep there that I hit the front splitter. When I came down, it broke the splitter."

Ricardo Zonta, driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
"I got in the car after Nic went off track, left the pits and was on the long straight and right away I felt something was too much. I could tell something was broken but I didn't know if it was the front or the rear.  When we stopped we saw the damage further and realized the broken splitter was upsetting the balance on the car. It was a shame because we had good strategy for scoring points. Now we must wait for the next race."

Tracy W. Krohn, owner/ driver, Krohn Racing:
"It was tough luck for the team. Nic got off at the horseshoe, going a little wide and got off in the dirt. When you get to the bottom of the corkscrew, there is a real profound dip at the end. It just broke the splitter.

The team did a pit stop and Ricaro tried to get out there to see what he could do. He was having balance issues. It would have taken 10 minutes to replace and repair and by that time we are out of racing. There was no use."

David Brown, Team Manager/Engineer, Krohn Racing:
"It was a disappointing end to a difficult weekend.  We have really found it quite difficult to make the car quick here. In the race, the car still had balance issues. Unfortunately, Nic went off at the "corkscrew" and the place where he went off, basically, the car falls off the edge of a step and the car landed on the splitter, which is the primary aerodynamic device on the car, and it is broken. It is well and truly broken and it's not repairable in a sensible time scale. So we decided to pull the car unfortunately. We are going to go to Watkins Glen. We are going to do it again and we'll do it better and have a better result.  That's our resolve."

Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty, drivers of the No. 99 Gainsco Pontiac Riley, claimed their second victory of the season.

The next Grand-Am race, Round 5, will be the Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen race at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, NY on June 6, 2009. That race will be televised live at 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

At the Kinetic Motorsports shop we have stayed busy prepping the BMW GS cars that are going to Laguna this weekend. In addition to getting the logistics planned for this weekend race, we are also having to plan for Lime Rock Park straight from Laguna. Having back to back races like this, especially going from one coast to another makes it very challenging moving crew around.  Of course running different cars for each event also adds more of a logistical strategy to the mix.  Luckily, we have well organized people at Kinetic so everything usually goes pretty smoothly but of course not without our fair share of hurdles.

This coming weekend, as I mentioned, we are off to Laguna Seca.  This track holds special memories for me.  This is where I got my start in the U.S. with my very first test in Indy Lights back in 1994.  I was so financial strapped back then as a new driver, I had to sleep in my rental car under a tree up by the famous cork screw turn.  Oh the memories!   But besides that, I really enjoy this track because it brings a lot of challenges as a driver.  There are really hard braking zones such as going into turn 1; as well as, very slow first gear corners in combination with low grip trying to come off the corners.  The track also offers a great combination of high speed corners with a lot of elevation changes.  This always makes it a challenge to ensure a good set up on the car.  You almost always have to compromise on the set up to find a happy medium since there's such a big difference in the characteristics of the corners.  So the challenge is to figure out where we would lose the least amount of time and try to set the car up as best possible. I really like the hard braking zone going into turn 1 since this offers a great passing opportunity with low grip.  With all these factors going on at the same time, you really need to have the right strategy to execute a good, clean pass there.  It's a fun track for sure and should provide lots of excitement!

This past weekend, I kept a close eye on "POLE DAY" from Indianapolis for several reasons. I raced in this series in the past and have a lot of friends there.  But the biggest reason was to see how my brother was doing.   As some of you may know, my brother, Matt is the Crew Chief on the #6 Penske IRL race car driven by Ryan Brisco...they did well, Penske qualified 1^st and 2^nd.

Another exciting thing was filming of a new Ashton Kutcher and Tom Selleck movie that took place in our subdivision.  It was great to watch them shooting and having car chases.  My son, Max couldn't keep his eyes off the action...I have to admit, it was pretty cool.  

Well until next week keep well and be safe.  See you at Laguna this weekend!

Your friend,
Nic

 The No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola of Nic Jönsson and Ricardo Zonta collected the first victory with the new Proto-Auto Lola Ford in the rain at the New Jersey event. The last victory for the Krohn team was in 2006, although numerous podium finishes had been tallied since. Team owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn will be on-site this weekend to inspire his team to another victory.

QUOTES:
TRACY W. KROHN, Team Owner/Driver Krohn Racing:
You're planning on coming to Laguna this weekend to watch as a team owner for the first time. How do you feel about that?
"It's always nice to be out at Laguna. It's such a beautiful part of the world. It seems like I never get to enjoy it as a tourist. That's the good part. The bad part is that I'm not going to be able to drive. So that's not a good feeling. I have mixed emotions about it."   

You are just coming off the team's first victory since 2006 and first in the Proto-Auto Lola. Please share your thoughts on the satisfaction after that victory and looking forward for the rest of the year.

"I think there is more to it for the rest of the team. I've been anticipating a win for a long time. I think this is just the proof that we are capable of winning, albeit at a rainy, short track. So I'm interested to see how the car is going to perform for the rest of the year. I think we have some pretty good ideas. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."   

How difficult does the Grand-Am competition look this year?
"With every race you are seeing very competitive results from several different teams. We have not had anyone that has won two races so far this year. I think that's an indicator. Similarly, by the end of the year you're going to have a clear-cut victor. I don't think that it will necessarily be the team that has the most wins. It probably won't be."   

Now that you have had that first win with the Proto-Auto Lola, does that add more or less pressure going into the Laguna Seca race?
"It definitely takes the pressure off. Once you get one of them under your belt, then you feel good and get a little confidence going into the next one. Now you feel like you ought to win all the time.    I'm disappointed that I won't be driving but on the other hand, we have some very competent drivers and I'm looking forward to another win and tasting the spray of champagne with them."

NIC JONSSON, Driver, No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
How do you like the challenge of the Laguna circuit?
"The Laguna circuit has always been a special place for me because it was the very first race track I saw in the United States. I came here in 1994 and drove an Indy Lights. It was the first time I ever tested or raced in the United States. That always brings back great memories.  Laguna Seca is one of the more challenging tracks in this country because of the elevation changes, the low grip, and it's quite narrow compared to a lto fo other race tracks. It's a challenge but I really enjoy it. I think it's a driver's track and it is challenging form a set-up standpoint. I believe the Proto-Auto Lola and the Krohn engineering staff will get a very good set-up on the car."   

You are just coming off your first DP win since 2005 and first for the team with the Proto-Auto Lola. Does that add on more pressure going into the Laguna Seca race?
"I don't really feel any pressure. We all know what we need to do. We have the same goals set for us every weekend and that, of course, is to go out and do as well as possible, with the ultimate goal to win. We do this for a living and we're hired to do a job. Our goal, like everybody else, is to win every weekend. I don't really feel more pressure. I almost feel less pressure because now we have that first win in the Proto-Auto Lola. Everyone has been talking about how long it's going to take before we can win a race; Are they ever going to win one; and this and that. I think we have proven that we can win. The car is reliable. If anything, the pressure is less. We just have to continue doing what we have been doing the last year and half and that is to keep our head straight and keep working hard. Hopefully some more wins will come along with that. We're very excited to get back in the groove again after our first win. The Krohn team is all excited to bring the Proto-Auto Lola back to Laguna Seca. We want to try to go get our first win in dry conditions."   

How difficult is the Grand-Am competition this year?
"I think it's probably the toughest the competition has been since the inaugural year. So I think the competition is probably as strong as it can be and probably the toughest sports car competition in the world. If you go to other series, you have maybe four or five cars at the most that can win. Here you actually have 10-12 cars that can win every weekend. I think it's an extremely competitive. That's the way it should be because when you race against that kind of competition and succeed, you know you've done something good."

RICARDO ZONTA, Driver No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Lola:
The Laguna Seca circuit is one of the few American tracks you had competed ion prior to coming to Grand-Am with the Krohn racing team. You were there in 1988 in the FIA GT Mercedes and also did a lap record in an F1 car in 2006. Tell us your thoughts about the famous Laguna circuit.
"I won the FIA GT championship there in 1998. It is one of the best American circuits in my opinion. It has up and down elevations changes and medium speed corners. I enjoy driving at Laguna Seca."   

You are just coming off your first DP win and first for the team with the Proto-Auto Lola. Does that add on more pressure going into the Laguna Seca race?
"No, it does not add pressure. The win just renewed our motivation. But we want to win more races!" "We had some problems at the first two races this year. This made it a lot more difficult to fight for the championship. But we have a very good car and that gives us more chances than last year because we have been able to develop it over time."

DAVID BROWN, Krohn Racing Team Manager and Engineer:
You are just coming off the first victory for the Krohn Racing team with the Proto-Auto Lola. Does that add on more pressure going into the Laguna Seca race? "In fact it has just given the whole team a boost. We will go about our race business in the usual way. Our planning and preparation have been the same and we plan to execute the race weekend in the most efficient way possible - as always."    Now that you have a victory with the Proto-Auto Lola do you plan to curtail your development on the car or does that continue?
"Development never stops. It takes on different guises in response to competitive factors but we continue to search for performance both in the car and in the team. If we stop developing we will fall behind. It is a constant battle."  

How difficult is the Grand-Am competition this year? "
The competition is fierce and uncompromising. We recognize many good teams in the series, all of whom will take advantage of us if we do not respect their competitiveness by doing our best at all times and striving to improve in every area of our business. This is why we compete. Every race we stand before our peers and we are judged. It's the reason we do it."     

In 2008, Jönsson and Zonta teamed to a record two podiums, six Top 5 and nine Top 10 finishes. Additionally, Zonta claimed one pole position and one fastest lap record.

The Verizon Festival of Speed at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will be televised live on May 17 at 4:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please see http://www.grand-am.com.

We also introduced a rookie this week, a New Jersey native, Frankie Montecalvo, who did a fantastic job! It's always great to see new, young talent come into our sport and do well.  We are looking forward to working with Frankie and watch him progress for the remainder of this season and beyond.

Sunday came around and it was time for me to put my Krohn driver hat on. The weather was exactly what had been promised since we arrived on Thursday...RAIN, and lots of it!  That New Jersey track is called Thunderbolt Raceway so I think Sunday's weather was fitting.  We started out with a good first practice session in semi-wet conditions but were struggling a little bit in the dry conditions until the qualifying session where we ended up with the 4^th fastest time. The engineers changed a lot on the car before qualifying and were able to get the car handling well.  It's always a big advantage if you can start in front, not only for the obvious reason but especially in wet conditions since the spray behind other cars is so significant that it's very hard to see ANYTHING!  Really, it's almost zero visibility behind another car.

I got a good start and up to 3^rd in the first turn before the yellow came out because two cars got together in turn one. We decided to pit and get our mandatory stop within the first 45 minutes out of the way.   We rejoined the field in 8^th place when we went back to green.  I was told to just get settled in and run a good pace. I ran with a big safety margin since it was still very early in the race.  I was able to work my way up to 4^th in the next few laps before the next yellow came out.  At this time, two of the cars in front of me pitted and I was second when we went back to green.  I was able to overtake the #10 car going into turn one (obviously a good passing spot!) and managed to open up a comfortable lead from the rest of the field.   Another "Caution" came out about 30 minutes later but we stayed out and after going green again, I was able to open up a good lead.  About 1 ½ hours into the race, officials decided to throw a yellow flag for track inspection since cars were going off-track while just going in a straight line.  This was due to a lot of standing water and made it very difficult to drive safely.  I really think this was a great call by Grand-Am to put safety first. We then decided to take that opportunity to pit and put my co-driver, Ricardo Zonta behind the wheel.  One problem we were having most of the race was with our communications.  I lost radio transmission about 30 minutes into the race so not only were we battling weather issues, we were dealing with this as well...it certainly made for an interesting ride!  Luckily, we had previously discussed in our race strategy meeting that we wanted to pit as soon as we got within the fuel window to make it to the end...timing is everything so that worked out well!  After the pit stop, this put us back to 6^th position but Ricardo did a great job working the field and took over the lead with about 45 minutes left in the race and never looked back!  Our first win in years, we couldn't be more excited!!!!!

I have to say, this was a pure team effort!  It has been so much hard work put in by the entire Krohn team to develop this Proto Auto Lola since the day we received it.  We have had some hardships and bad luck over the past year but this win helped heal some of that.  Everyone from our office staff back home in Atlanta to the management and owner, Tracy Krohn, has a huge part in this win.  My first win in the Rolex series came at the 6 hours of Watkins Glen in 2005 driving together with Tracy...also under very raining conditions.  It's very emotional for us at Krohn Racing to take our first victory with the Proto Auto Lola chassis powered by Ford.  I've been with Tracy and the Krohn team from the day Krohn Racing was formed and it's very special for me to be part of this history making day.

Now that we have won our first race with this car, we need to keep working hard and developing this set up.  We're off to Laguna Seca in two weeks and as you know, you're only as good as your last race so it's time to refocus and keep looking ahead...although we are all enjoying this sweet victory for now.  I would to say a special "thank you" to the whole team and to Tracy for given us the opportunity to finally get this first win with the new Proto Auto Lola Chassis. 

On a personal note, when I called home after the race my wife told me that my 21 month old son, Max, had been standing in front of the TV and my face showed up during an interview and he started shouting "Daddy".   I was already emotional from winning the race and now hearing this...I have to admit, it really made it hard to fight back the tears...all around, it was a day I won't forget!

I can't end this blog without saying another huge "thank you!!" to all the fans, those that came out to the race last weekend and endured the weather.  To those that have written me on my Facebook page, my website, text and called saying congrats and showing your support.  I can't express enough how much that means to me and makes me appreciate even more the job that we do.  Without our race fans, we (as drivers) could not fulfill this passion for the sport of racing we all have.

Until next week stay safe and dry!

Your friend,
Nic

Nic and Ricardo braced a relentless rain to win Sunday's Verizon wireless 250, giving the Proto Auto Lola chassis, its first Daytona Prototype victory.  It was the third victory for Jonsson in Rolex Series competition.  He won an SRP2 race in a Lola at Phoenix in 2002 and won the Savings Six Hours of Watkins Glen in 2005 with car owner Tracy Krohn, giving Krohn Racing its first victory. 

Zonta has won three major championships, including the 1998 FIA GT.  He also tested and competed in Formula One from 1999 through 2006 and moved to the Rolex Series full-time in 2008 for Krohn Racing.
 
Nic, how satisfying was seeing the Proto Auto Lola in Victory Lane for the first time after spending the 2008 season both developing and racing the new car? 

NIC JONSSON:  It was very satisfying for the whole team, of course.  As you said, we got the car delivered in December '07.  Pretty much all last year, me and Ricardo were developing the car together with of course Tracy, owner and driver, and Eric.  We didn't do a whole lot of test days because there's a test ban in the series.  We also had to do a lot of development work during the race weekends. 

We've actually been able to get the car pretty developed.  Now we still have a few bits and pieces we need to try and test out.  But the car has started to come along pretty well and it feels nice to be a part of it, being able to get the first victory in our bag. 

THE MODERATOR:  Ricardo, last year was a learning year, racing a brand-new car on mostly unfamiliar circuits.  After two false starts at Daytona and VIR in 2009, how did it feel to dominate the closing portions of the Sunday's race, competing in very challenging conditions? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Of course, it was difficult to race, especially under very heavy rain, running behind the GT cars.  Trying to overtake in the traffic, everything was making more difficult for the conditions also.  Also I had some problems in the car because my radio communication was not working and I didn't have any information during the race about the gaps, pit stops, things like this, how many laps to go for the end of the race.  Was quite difficult race for me. 

But in the end I think everything worked so well and now I'm really happy.  I was really happy to finish first in my second season in Grand-Am. 

THE MODERATOR:  We'll go to media questions for Nic Jonsson and Ricardo Zonta. 

Q.  I'd like to know your past experience at Laguna Seca and your prospects for going out there, what is the key to winning that race out there? 

NIC JONSSON:  I think it's gonna be very important with the starting position down there because, as we know, it's a very narrow track, pretty low grip as soon as you get offline.  Our focus will be in practice to try to get as good of a setup on the car as possible.  It is a high downforce track.  The car was quite competitive last year and hopefully this year it will be even better since we have been able to do some more development and also have the Ford power in the car now, which is a little bit stronger as well. 

I think the car should be able to perform pretty good down there and hopefully we can have another good race. 

RICARDO ZONTA:  For me I think the car makes a big difference around there, especially is a track you go up and down a lot.  Last year we had quite a good race.  We were running on the first three positions, and then in the last yellow flag we lost a little bit because small mistake, my mistake in the race, where we lost some positions. 

But I think we have a quite good balance for the car there, you know, and I hope we can repeat a good results.  I think we can try to keep the same and working even harder on the strategy and things like this to finish here in a good position. 

Q.  Ricardo, with your background in European formulas, Formula One, talk to me about what Grand-Am means to you at this stage in your career.  Do the younger drivers in the paddock come up to you and kind of try to pick your brain about your Formula One experience and how to get there as they try to advance their careers. 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Good question.  Of course, Grand-Am for me is very nice championship.  Is a race where I can fight a lot.  You have so many overtakes in the race.  It's so long race, you know, the period you drive the car is very long, and the strategy is very important. 

But one thing I look in my stage of my career now is having fun.  In Grand-Am you can have a lot of fun because you can overtake, you can have fun doing that. 

Comparing to Formula One, where it was different years for me, where I was trying to build up my name in the motorsport, but it's completely different than now.  But at the same time I take the two as a professional all the time and trying to be the best as possible I can. 

Of course, the younger drivers, especially here in Brazil, they come to me and try to get some information how to be professional or racing to be race driver.  They thinks they can try to get there, you know.  Of course, I try to help as much I can. 

Q.  Looking back on the race Sunday, what were your impressions of the track and all the improvements that they've made of the track in New Jersey? 

NIC JONSSON:  I think they made a great deal of improvements, especially on the curbing side, the length in the curbs, especially in the exit of the corners because that was a big issue last year, that the curb was too short and we dropped wheels.  Of course, there was no grass left, so there was a lot of dust coming up on the track.  So I think the track owners and the Grand-Am officials have done a great job of doing track inspection and improving the track.  It was a great place to come back and run at the New Jersey Motorsports Park again.

RICARDO ZONTA:  About me, I think the track improved a lot.  Last year we had some problems with the safety.  But from one day to the other last year, they improved already the problem they had.  This year was already a lot better than last year.  So this was very nice circuit to drive, fast corners, medium, slow.  So I had a lot of fun driving on the dry conditions or in the wet.  You can have a lot of fun driving there. 

Q.  Ricardo, prior to New Jersey, how much experience did you have racing in rainy conditions? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Oh, I'm Brazilian, so here we have a lot raining also.  I raced in beginnings of my career a lot here in Brazil and I had a lot wet conditions.  And in Formula One also I had to do a lot wet testing for tires.  So I was really confident in the wet also, to be driving in the New Jersey circuit with the wet conditions, helping me a lot with the experience I had in the past. 

Q.  What made your car so good in such terrible conditions on Sunday? 

NIC JONSSON:  I mean, as Ricardo said, I think both me and Ricardo have a lot of rain experience.  Also, of course, the engineers we have on the team that come from Europe so they've grown up basically in rainy race conditions. 

But I think our car obviously has a lot of downforce, and that's very important in rainy conditions.  Our car's also very good on the braking.  I think that made a big difference. 

Of course, the strategy, as Ricardo mentioned earlier, was a very important thing to try to be up front as much as possible, even though we had a pit stop and we kind of fell back a little bit behind some GT cars.  But the spray played a big part of it this weekend.  The more you could stay up front, the better off you were.  The team did a great job on the strategy for us, as well. 

Q.  How did this race on Sunday compare to other rain races you've raced in? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  I think this one was the heaviest one, the wet conditions.  We had last year one race in the wet.  But this one in New Jersey was a lot worse.  And I think we prepare ourself for like the wet conditions because, like, to clean the windscreen, you know, things like this, is very important to keep it cleaner and no foggy, things like this.  And the car worked very well in the very bad conditions. 

So I think we prepare ourselves already for New Jersey.  In New Jersey, we learned a lot for the next wet conditions, if it comes in the future again. 

Q.  Ricardo, when you took the lead, between when you took the lead and the end of the race, you had increased your lead to 40 seconds in time, which is about a quarter of a lap to a third of a lap.  If you couldn't hear what your pit was saying to you, you did not know what your fuel situation was, why did you continue to pull away from your competition? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  I had just one choice:  to push as hard I could, you know.  If it was somebody in front of me, I would catch if I was quick enough.  So as I didn't have any communication, I had to push all the time.  I didn't know if was somebody getting close to me or not.  I didn't know how long would take the end of the race, to the end of the race. 

But I push as much I could and the gap just opened because of that.  I think was the only way to save my first position. 

Q.  Ricardo, you live in Brazil.  I believe you're there now. 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Yes. 

Q.  What is it like to live and race in the shadow of Senna? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Senna was a big idol for most of the Brazilian drivers here.  But I think who was more compared to Senna, like in the period, was missing Senna, was Rubens Barrichello.  I think he was suffering a little bit about this in the beginning, in the first year after his die. 

But for me I did not have much problems.  I think much of the drivers, Brazilian drivers, doesn't have this comparison any more.  It's just trying to get the best things as possible for their own selves, not for the comparison to Senna. 

Q.  Do you in Brazil enjoy speaking in the native tongue? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Sorry? 

Q.  Do you enjoy speaking Portuguese? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Yes.  When we can speak Portuguese, the drivers or the people we know here, we try to speak in our language. 

Q.  Now that the Grand-Am is part of the NASCAR family, can you explain to some of the NASCAR fans that may not be too familiar with Grand-Am racing what you believe is the biggest difference they should look for, and what kind of excitement should they expect from a Grand-Am race? 

NIC JONSSON:  I think the excitement is we turn both right and left and have to accelerate and brake several times every lap.  I think we have seen the last few years that a lot of the NASCAR stars, if you want, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, these guys, they've been competing in the 24 Hours of Daytona and done a fantastic job.  I do believe quite a few of the NASCAR fans is start following the Grand-Am Rolex Series, especially now NASCAR have taken over the Grand-Am Series.  I understand that they do a lot of things with marketing and stuff now as well to kind of try to push the series even further forward.  That's obviously fantastic for us to have these guys that are national heroes almost competing with us, because they are fantastic racecar drivers and we really enjoy having them around. 

Q.  Ricardo, do you have an opinion on that? 

RICARDO ZONTA:  Yeah, I think the NASCAR series is very big all around the world, especially in America.  Here in Brazil we always watch the races from the SPEED Channel.  It's been very knowing, everybody know very well the NASCAR now.  The Grand-Am to be part with the NASCAR is very good, no, because the name is very strong and helps a lot for the championship.  To have the drivers on the 24 Hours of Daytona, things like this, it's always helping for all the other drivers like me or Nic, people like this, to be know better on our championship. 

Q.  Nic, talk a little bit about the development of the new Lola chassis, what the win means for you in light of the fact that you haven't been in the car very long. 

NIC JONSSON:  Yes, I mentioned earlier Tracy decided to build his own car together with Lola.  We got delivery of it in '07, December I think.  Then last year we start running quite a bit in the beginning of the year before the season started.  Was going to take the car to the 24 Hours last year already.  We came there, the car was not competitive enough, so we decided to start testing and developing the car.  We done a lot of work on the car, mostly aerodynamically, because the car was good downforce-wise, but downforce comes with drag, a lot of D, as we call it.  It's been a big struggle for us all last year.  So the team has been really, really focusing on that, doing wind tunnel testing and so forth. 

I think we have such an experience, both the driver lineup, but also a very experienced crew and engineering staff, being in Formula One for many years and so forth, we've kind of been chipping away at it.  I think we saw some really good potential in the car like mid-season and on last year already, but we had some bad luck while we were running up front.  We actually qualified on pole in Miller, where Ricardo qualified on pole.  The car has showed some speed at