Audi S4  2001  -  2002 

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Michael Galati and Derek Bell have set the second and fourth-fastest times in pre-qualifying practice for the Memorial Day Speedvision GT race at Connecticut's scenic Lime Rock Park. It has really been Quattro weather here in southeastern New England this weekend; rain has been falling nearly every day to greater or lesser extents, and our Audi S4 Competitions have shown their stuff in the changable conditions.

In Friday's second GT practice session, which was held under damp but drying conditions, Bell actually set the fastest time of the session, though not improving on his first practice session time. Both Galati and Bell sustained damage in the second session Friday, and though Bell's damage was superficial, Galati had a hard coming-together
on track which did substantial (though repairable) damage to the left side of his Audi, requiring replacement of most of the left-rear suspension.

All fixed by Saturday morning's third and final GT practice though, where the Champion pilots were again second and fourth fastest. Not long after Saturday's practice though, the dark skies opened up and the previously damp weather turned genuinely wet, with heavy and continuing rains. Due to the rain, the day's schedule got behind, and the World Challenge officials took the decision to cancel the afternoon GT qualifying session, and instead hold qualifying in place of the scheduled Monday morning warmup. Needless to say, the Champion Audi S4 Quattro crew were somewhat disappointed at this, as we felt the wet track conditions held our best chances in qualifying yet this season. Regardless, we'll be prepared and ready for the Monday session.

With some time on our hands after Saturday's qualifying was postponed, we opened our paddock area to the race fans, who were at the track in large numbers regardless of the weather. Many fans, old and young, stopped in to get a close look at our Audi's, to ask questions of the crew, and to get autographs from Derek Bell and Michael Galati, and pose for photos. A good time was had by all, and the crew really enjoyed talking racing with the fans.

Mosport Speedvision GT Results:

1. (1), Peter Cunningham, W. Bend, Wis., Acura NSX, 29 laps

2. (2), Mike Fitzgerald, Phoenix, Ariz., Porsche GT3 Cup, 29 laps

3. (3), Michael Galati, Olmstead, Ohio, Audi S4 Comp., 29 laps
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21. (6), Derek Bell, Sussex, England, Audi S4 Comp., 3 laps, Crash/DNF