(ALTON, VA) 26 April 2010 --Jeff Segal and Emil Assentato continued their storming start to the 2010 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season.  The duo narrowly missed taking a third-consecutive victory this weekend at VIR, but move to the points lead with their second-place result.

 

Round 4 of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 took place in the beautiful track-resort at Virginia International Raceway. The SpeedSource team rolled into the facility determined to continue their recent success despite the recent competition adjustments thrown at them by GRAND-AM. Regardless, the driver duo of Emil Assentato and Jeff Segal captured the fourth straight SpeedSource podium of the season finishing 2nd in the #69 FXDD Mazda RX-8.

As the crew unloaded the SpeedSource cars from the trailer, it was unclear to all what the effects of a 75-lb weight increase would have on the Mazda. In previous races, the only advantage of the Mazda chassis was its lightweight which led to greater cornering capabilities. There were also concerns of extra tire wear from the added weight. The SpeedSource crew closely monitored all of these effects during the short practice session before the race.

Emil Assentato started his #69 FXDD Mazda RX-8 from the seventh row in GT in 14th. The 2007 Bob Akin award winner drove a great opening stint to setup for an eventual driver change. Co-driver Jeff Segal took control of the Mazda at the 45-minute mark and continued to charge ahead. Although the car did not have the pace of the leaders in GT, great strategy and work from the crew allowed the #69 FXDD Mazda RX-8 to gain a wave-by under caution; catapulting it to the front of the GT class in the race’s final hour. Segal fought closely with Andy Lally in the #66 car for the lead but ultimately saw him drive away on the long back straight of VIR. The differential in power was too much to close but the #69 FXDD Mazda RX-8 still finished 2nd, capturing their third straight podium of the season. The #69 car now leads the GT standings.