Fran-Am 2000 Pro Championship:Mid-America
This race saw the debut of a new driver for Phillips Motorsports. Chris
Field got a late start Friday and began to learn the car and the track. "This weekend came up at the last minute for me and
I really appreciate Pierre arranging to put me in the seat," Field said. "My goal was to use practice and qualifying to get
familiar with the car, the shifter and the track. I just wanted an opportunity to show off in the race, and I think I did
well."
Chris did indeed impress and, from his 10th place starting position
was up to 5th at the halfway mark. However a spinning backmarker forced him off the road and back to 8th. In the waning laps
of the event Chris clawed his way up to 6th and he was mere inches from 5th at the flag.
BRUNO SPENGLER WINS FRAN-AM IOWA RACE AND TAKES LEAD IN 2002 CHAMPIONSHIP
9/8/2002 Pacific Junction, Iowa, USA It was high stakes and high drama for competitors in the Fran-Am
2000 North American Pro Championship Series this weekend, when they found they were racing for a much bigger prize than they
were previously anticipating.
Mr. T. Burckhart, President of Fran-Am Sport, made a surprise special announcement at a series barbeque on the eve of the
4th race of this years inaugural championship at Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa.
Instead of competing for a fully funded ride in Formula Renault 2000, competitors were informed that the 2002 Fran-Am champion
will be contesting a full season in the recently announced 2003 Formula Super Renault V6 Championship in Europe.
Following an exciting standing start, the first of the season, that saw Michael Brooks of Barrie, Ontario jump from last
place to mid-pack, pole-sitter Bruno Spengler led the field into Turn 1 and proceeded to lead each lap on his way to his second
victory of the season.
Chased closely by Dan McMullen of Gormely, Ontario and Montreal race winner Scott Jenkins of Portland, Oregon, Spengler
displayed the talent and racing finesse that have hallmarked his appearance in the North American Fran-Am Championship. Spengler
is also a top contender in the Formula Renualt Eurocup and German Championships and is especially pleased to be leading the
points race in North America after this victory.
"Mid-America Motorplex is a challenging track with both fast and slow corners," said Spengler. "A good test for any driver.
Although I led from the start, the heat of the competition as well as the heat of the day made this an especially demanding
race. I am pleased to come out with the win that now puts me in first place in the championship."
This round was McMullens third second place finish in as many races leaving him hungry for his first win. "Its great to
be on the podium again," said McMullen, 19. "But for the next race I hope to be standing on the top step instead. "
To the surprise of many, in addition to winning this round, Spengler was also credited with a new outright track record
at this the 21st event held at Mid-America Motorplex. He beat the four-wheel record previously set in a Swift Toyota
Atlantic as well as the 2-wheel record set on an AMA SuperBike.
The rest of the top 10 was made up of Antoine Leclerc of Epinal, France; Aaron Ellis of New Palastine, Indiana; Chris Field
of Richmond, British Columbia; Galen Puccini of Simi Valley, California; Lucas Strackerjan of Halifax, Nova Scotia; John Puccini
of Simi Valley, California; and Michael Brooks of Barrie, Ontario.
Rounds five and six of the 2002 Fran-Am 2000 National Championship Pro Series will be contested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
in Las Vegas,Nevada on October 25-27.
The Fran-Am 2000 North American Pro Championship is a cousin of Formula Renault in Europe, South America and China. Each
Fran-Am 2000 race features a $25,000 Michelin International supported cash prize fund, with the overall series champion winning
a ride with a leading Formula Renault team for the 2003 European series. Formula Renault is recognized worldwide as a primary
feeder for the Formula One stars of tomorrow. Recent graduates include McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen (who went straight to Formula
One from Formula Renault) as well as Sauber's Felipe Massa.
The Fran-Am 2000 race car features a spec-Tatuus carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, sealed 2.0-liter/186-horsepower motor
(capable of running an entire season without a rebuild), 6-speed sequential gearbox, and spec-Michelin Sport racing tires.
