Pobst and Galati started from second and fourth positions respectively on the 24-car grid, Randy making it a fifth straight front row start in his Audi RS 6 Competition with defending GT champion Galati switching to last year’s S4 after a testing accident in his RS 6.

Pobst blasted away at the green light to snatch an important early lead although Galati completed the opening lap in 18^th place, his S4’s rear axle shaft breaking shortly after the start. 

Randy led until the 15^th lap when ultimate race winner Mike Fitzgerald (Porsche) eased ahead with Pobst surrendering second place to Bill Auberlen (BMW) and then third to Hans Stuck (BMW) three laps later after a tremendous dice.

But Pobst regained third position four laps from the checker - when Auberlen pitted with a puncture - and duly brought his Audi Sport North America RS 6 home to his fifth consecutive podium this season – and Randy’s 15^th straight top-three in the series.  

Michael Galati (43). Born: Alcaralifusi, Messina, Sicily. Lives: N. Olmsted, Ohio:

Speed World Challenge stats:  74 starts, 16 wins, 37 top-3s, 52 top-5s, 63 top-10s.

“I had a good launch at the start but then almost immediately a rear axle shaft broke – it’s the first time an S4 has done a standing start using this year’s bigger tires.  I just tried to nurse the car home and score some points and was made to work real hard for 13^th.”

Randy Pobst (46). Born: Dayton, Ohio. Lives: Gainesville, Georgia:

Speed World Challenge stats:  19 starts, 6 wins, 16 top-3s, 17 top-5s, 17 top-10s.

“I used its all-wheel-drive traction at the start to the full and then just hung on the best I could at the front.  The Champion team is doing a terrific job and continually improving the RS 6 and I’m sure happy to have extended my series lead.”

2003 Speed GT World Challenge – Driver’s Standings (after 5 races)

1   Randy Pobst, Audi RS 6 Competition.  141-points

2   Phil McClure, Corvette Z06. 129

3   Bill Auberlen, BMW M3.  128

4   Hans Stuck, BMW M3.  98

5   Mike Fitzgerald, Porsche 911.  84

6   Justin Marks, BMW M3.  83

14 Michael Galati, Audi RS 6 Competition.  47

2003 Speed GT World Challenge – Manufacturers’ Standings (after 5 races)

1   BMW,  31

2   Audi, 27

3   Chevrolet,  24

4   Porsche,  19

Champion Racing 2003 SPEED GT Formguide (Audi RS 6 “Competition”)

Rd 1:  Sebring (14 March) 18-laps – 66.6 miles

Galati - Qualified: 5^th (2:14.021). Race:  25^th (not running at finish), -9 laps

Galati - Qualified: 2^nd  (1:09.967). Race: 10^th, - 1 lap