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<body> <Table Width="550" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" cellpadding="0"><TR><TD Width="35"><IMG SRC="//www.totalmotorsport.com/images/spacer.gif" WIDTH="35" HEIGHT="1"></td><td> <CENTER><Table border="0" width="100%"> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="5">AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">24/10/2000</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="4">DRIVERS ARE PENALISED</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="3">For contact</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="1">  </FONT></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">Doug Robinson, Managing Director of PSCR, issued this directive to all ALMS competitors after Laguna Seca. <BR> <BR> For several races we have requested that all competitors, especially drivers, cooperate to help reduce the car-to-car contact which has been occurring at ALMS events. We understand that automobile racing is an aggressive sport that is inherently dangerous. However, avoidable contact cannot and will not be tolerated. <BR> <BR> At the Driver and Team Manager briefing at Laguna Seca, The Race Director stated that penalties would be imposed anytime during the event when contact occurred and fault could be determined. Subsequently, during practice, qualifying and the race, several warnings were given and one penalty was imposed. <BR> <BR> During the race, the Race Director and the Stewards received additional reports of improper Driver conduct. Currently all written logs and videotapes are being reviewed to determine whether further actions will be taken by SPORTS CAR. <BR> <BR> Obviously, the race cannot be re-run and the results are "Official" and final. If, however, after the final review is completed, it becomes apparent that further actions are warranted, Driver and/or Entrant penalties including but not limited to monetary fines, loss of accrued Championship points, reprimand and/or probation will be imposed prior to the Las Vegas ALMS Event.<BR> <BR> Penalties have now been imposed. The following drivers are being penalized by SPORTS CAR per Article 5.10.3 of the 2000 SPORTS CAR CODE for inappropriate driving conduct during the Laguna Seca ALMS event including but not limited to the specific example(s) cited for each driver:<BR> <BR> 1. Jean-Marc Gounon, driver of Car #43, is being reprimanded for his actions on the race track, specifically for contact with Car #77, during the Laguna Seca ALMS race. Additionally, effective immediately, Mr. Gounon is being placed on probation for two races and fined the amount of $5,000 USD. <BR> <BR> 2. David Donohue, driver of Car #92, is being reprimanded for his actions on the race track, specifically for contact with Car #4, during the Laguna Seca ALMS race. Additionally, effective immediately, Mr. Donohue is being placed on probation for two races and fined the amount of $1,000 USD. <BR> <BR> 3. Rinaldo Capello, driver of Car #77 is being reprimanded for his actions on the race track, specifically for contact with Car #s 43, 3 and 92, during the Laguna Seca ALMS race. Additionally, effective immediately, Mr. Capello is being placed on probation for two races and fined the amount of $6,000 USD. <BR> <BR> 4. JJ Lehto, driver of Car #42, is being reprimanded for his actions on the race track, specifically for contact with Car #21, during the Laguna Seca ALMS race. Additionally, effective immediately, Mr. Lehto is being placed on probation for two races and fined the amount of $3,000 USD.<BR> <BR> Doug Robinson concludes by stating that "it is our intention to enforce our sporting regulations and impose any necessary penalties in a timely manner, during the event. However, in those instances where further analysis is required, we will impose alternate remedies as defined in the SPORTS CAR CODE even though implementation may not be possible until after the event."</FONT></TD></TR> </TABLE><BR> </CENTER> <BR><CENTER><font size="1" color="#808080" face="Tahoma">Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport</font></CENTER> </td> </tr> </table> </body>