Audi’s Galati nets fourth place in Atlanta
Mike Galati steered his Champion Audi S4 “Competition” home fourth in the ninth round of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed Channel GT Series race in Atlanta (11 Oct). Series leader Galati qualified fifth and followed team-mate Paul Edwards to make an Audi one-two for the first lap. “I got a good start and I led a couple of laps, which is good for a point towards the championship. It is difficult to maintain a lead with our extra weight at a momentum track like Road Atlanta. We will need another strong finish at VIR to take the Championship.” Edwards, driving an Audi S4 Competition for only the second time, finished a strong fifth – allowing Galati to inherit fourth on the last lap. Ex-Formula Palmer Audi single-seater racer Edwards qualified an excellent second fastest. “I really had a good start and it was nice to lead a lap. On the restart Mike got by me and I just tucked in behind him. I was really fast through the esses, but I was giving some away down the straight. In the end Mike is running for the championship and needs maximum points so I wanted to support that effort.”
Derek Bell claimed 16th place. Bell had qualified ninth but after getting a good start, the sportscar legend was hit from behind in turn six sending him into the Georgia clay on the first lap. “I had a good start and was running in fifth when I was hit from behind – really uncalled for on the first lap. I had to limp around to the pits and that was my race.” Bell rejoined the race a lap down. “We had a good weekend. Michael did a good job and scored maximum points. Derek had some tough luck, but rejoined the race and ran competitive laps. Paul is quite a talent. He lead a lap, qualified great and helped us get Mike in a position to win the championship. We wish Paul all the best in his quest for the Red Bull Drivers Scholarship,” said Rod Bymaster, manager of motorsports for Audi of America.
Road Atlanta Finish: 1. Peter Cunningham, Acura NSX
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