Paul Fix on Speed

Hank Dondero · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 05:21 AM

Paul Fix made a brief announcing appearance on Speed Channel Saturday during the ALMS. He was driving an LMP675 and he and his co-driver came in 3rd.

He was planning to run in the Trans Am the next day.

"Hey, I know that guy".

Hank
FFR 1776-II

John McMahon · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 06:32 AM

Hank,

He seems to be holding his own out there. He has lots of top 10 finishes this season...or top 15.

Glad to see he some some sponsorship! Nice to see some local boys doing well.

...the question is....will he be following his missus into broadcasting?????

More info on Trans Am Series:

http://www.trans-amseries.com/

More info on Paul Fix:

http://www.fixmotorsports.com/

Hank Dondero · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 07:01 AM

Thanks for he link to the Trans Am website.

What happened to the racer Gentillozi was battling with for 1st last couple of years. I think he used to drive on of the Tommy Bahama entries?

Hank
FFR 1776-II

John McMahon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 07:54 AM

Hank,

Butch Leitzinger drives the Tommy Bahama Vette, but I think you are talking about Lou Gigliotti, right????

Trans-Am Jim · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 08:38 AM

Hank:

I think yer referring to Brian Simo. He showed up at the first Trans-Am race in April at Long Beach in a Jaguar out of Joe Huffaker's shop looking for sponsorship. None was forthcoming, so they loaded it up after the first practice session. They are planning a full-fledged effort in TA in 2003. Huffaker builds the motors for Boris Said and a few other TA teams.

John:

My buddy "Sweet Lou" has become disenchanted with the current Trans-Am series Administration (it has to do with who ya gots to buy the bodies from) after running 4 races this season and has gone Grand-Am AGT racing. Won the class his first time out at Daytona last month.

A little bit of trivia - Lou was one of the "bog people" at the Watkins Glen F1 races in the late 60s - early 70s.

Didja watch the TA race from 3 Rivers, Quebec?? Quite the demolition derby.
P.S. Linda LaBarberra sez hi!

John McMahon · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 08:42 AM

Holy Cheese Jim!!!!!

You know the LaBarbaras????? I bought my Mustang from them. The McStang was Linda's car!

I see Rich L. keeps on breaking most races he's in. What a shame, it takes some deep pockets to stay in that series now. I don't blame Lou for getting out.

I missed the Quebec race, I meant to tape it but forgot to.

Trans-Am Jim · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 09:32 AM

I thought you knew I know Linda and Rich?

They finally stopped using reconditioned NASCAR Busch Series motors (after blowing up 2 engines in 3 laps at Lime Rock) and started using the Lozano Bros. 312 CI Trans-Am motor. (Don't tell Cranky this, but a circle track motor usually don't last long road racing)

First race they had the new engine package at - Mid-Ohio - Rich fails the drug screening. Some antibiotic his doc prescribed for him, but our race doc sez no-go and won't let him go out on the track. He then misses the Cleveland race cause the antibiotic is still in his system. At Washington D.C. (145 degree track temps), overheats the motor and retires before he blows it. This past Sunday in Canada, finishes a well-deserved 13th. I think he'll finish a lot more now that they have a purpose-built road-race engine.

John McMahon · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 09:38 AM

Jimbo,

Don't mind me...I keep misplacing my memory!

I'm sure you told me one, but now I've forgotten!

They're good people, I hope they do well!

Hank Dondero · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2002, 11:59 AM

I used to enjoy watching Trans Am, and still do, but the scheduling with Speed Channel seems inconsistent and hard to follow.

Jim, interesting that Huffacker builds Said's motors. I thought the car was fully supplied by Panoz. In name only I guess.

Thanks for the info on Simo. He seems like a great sportsman and competitor. Gentillozi seemed to take advantage of his gentlemanly ways.

Hank
FFR 1776-II