Team USA Drivers Shine in Winter Series Openers

Nov 13, 2000
Attleborough, England — The Formula Palmer Audi Winter Series kicked off yesterday at Snetterton, England, with Team USA Scholarship winners Joey Hand and Phil Giebler each claiming a front row start and a podium finish from the two races.
Qualifying for both 12-lap events was held in wet conditions. In the first race, held on a dry track, Giebler started second on the 20-car grid, with Hand directly behind him in fourth. Czech driver Jaroslav Janis started from the pole and was never headed. Giebler was passed by English Formula Vauxhall Champion Robert Huff on the first lap, but held on to finish third. Like Hand, who was pushed onto the grass while challenging for third place but recovered to finish seventh, it was his first experience driving the 300-horsepower FPA Van Diemen-Audis in dry conditions.

“It was a challenge to dial in the car for the dry without any dry running, but the race went well,” said Giebler. “It was a good way to start the series.”

Hand started on the pole for race two, with Giebler back in seventh after an off-course excursion. Hand was beaten away from the start by Briton Rob Jenkinson, and the pair fought a race-long duel that was decided only at the final corner.

Hand managed to find a way past on the main straightaway on the last lap and seemed set for victory. Unfortunately, he encountered some lapped traffic at the notorious Russell corner. Jenkinson took advantage by sneaking back through to score a narrow victory. The two leaders were separated by just 0.124 seconds at the checkered flag.

“That move took a lot of guts and I really didn’t think he was going to make it,” said Hand. “Obviously, I would have liked to win, but second is still a good result.”

Giebler finished sixth, within five seconds of the race winner, while first-round winner Janis spun out of fourth place on lap seven. Jenkinson and Huff, who finished second and third in the two races, are tied for the series lead on 38 points. Hand and Giebler lie third and fourth on 33 and 32 points, respectively. Another young American driver, Josh Rehm, placed eighth and seventh in the two races and is placed seventh in the title chase with 25 points.

The series will conclude with two more races on Sunday at Brands Hatch, former home of the British Grand Prix. All four races will be broadcast later this year on Speedvision.

“It’s cut-throat racing over here,” declared Hand. “I’m learning, but I’m learning a little late. I’m going to Brands Hatch swinging. I’m third in the championship and only five points out, so it’s anyone’s ballgame right now.”

“I feel good,” added Giebler. “The cars are great to drive and it’s a real thrill to be representing the U.S. I can’t wait to get to Brands Hatch.”

Hand and Giebler drive identical cars painted in a stunning red, white and blue Team USA Scholarship livery. The program, which began in 1990, is supported by a variety of companies within the American auto racing industry including Valvoline, Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc., Tasman Motorsports (owned by former Indy Lights and Champ Car entrants Steve and Christine Horne), Mitel Semiconductor, Mercedes-Benz of North America, PacWest Racing Group, Klein Tools, Skip Barber Racing School, and RACER and Champ Car magazines.