Wallace, Leitzinger Complete Pre-Season Testing for Rolex 24 At Daytona
#20 Howard Motorsports Team conducts two-day test

Denver, NC (January 8, 2007) … It’s all over but the shouting! Pre-season testing for the 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona that is. For three days last week, sixty-three Grand-Am Rolex Series teams tested at the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona later this month.

The #20 Howard Motorsports Team, with Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger co-driving their Pontiac Crawford DP03, participated in the first two days of the test, Thursday and Friday, January 4th and 5th.

The first session of the test on Thursday morning did not last long for the #20 team. After completing only seven laps, Andy Wallace brought his Pontiac Crawford to pit road with a mechanical problem. Upon further inspection, the Howard Motorsports Team pushed the car to the garage area. The work on the car was completed in time for Wallace and co-driver Butch Leitzinger to practice in the second of three first-day sessions. Since very few laps were made in the first session, this practice was literally a “shakedown” and served as a starting point in their overall goals for the test.

The third and final session on the first day of testing saw the #20 Pontiac Crawford post the seventh fastest speed during the hour time limit. The 1:45.606 / 121.357 mph lap would be the fastest lap turned in by the #20 car during the two days of testing.

With renewed enthusiasm, the Howard Motorsports Team began the second day of testing with Butch Leitzinger piloting their Pontiac Crawford the entire session. All systems went well, but major traffic issues kept Leitzinger from getting a “clean lap” and posting one of the top speeds. However, the team worked on handling issues and felt as though progress was being made as testing reached mid-day on day two.

However, the second session on day two presented more engine issues to the team and Andy Wallace was able to complete only a few laps before the mechanical problem reared its ugly head. The crew spent the majority of the session diagnosing the problem and working to eliminate the bothersome issue.

With all systems working well again, Andy Wallace began the third and final session in the #20 Pontiac Crawford. However, another mechanical issue resurfaced early in the session, sending the Howard Motorsports entry to the garage for the duration of the time allotted. Day two was complete, and so was the preseason test for Howard Motorsports.

“I have mixed reviews about our two days here (at Daytona),” Wallace commented. “We had some issues that kept us from achieving all of the things that we wanted to test during lots of these sessions. But, when the car was working well, it performed great. Both Butch and I got laps to try several things and work on our setup for the Rolex 24. The mechanical issues were frustrating, but we did make some gains with the time we had on the course. Our Howard Motorsports Team will go back to the shop and work hard to prepare our Pontiac Crawford for the race. When we return, we’ll be just fine and be a contender.”

The season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona is set for January 27-28 at Daytona International Speedway. Practice and qualifying for the Rolex 24 will be held on Thursday and Friday, January 25th and 26th. The 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona is set for a 1:30 PM start on Saturday, January 27th. This year, FOX and SPEED will partner to televise the Rolex 24 At Daytona. FOX will begin their 90-minute coverage at 1 p.m. ET on the 27th, with SPEED beginning their 13.5 hours of live coverage at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Howard Motorsports, LLC is a car racing entity of the Crawford Group based in Denver, North Carolina. Howard Motorsports competes in the Grand-Am Rolex Series in their Pontiac Crawford DP03 cars. For more information on Howard Motorsports, visit www.howardmotorsports.com. For information on Andy Wallace, visit www.andywallace.com.
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Howard Motorsports Supports “Stocks for Tots”

#4 Pontiac Crawford on display at annual event

Denver, NC (December 13, 2006) … Howard Motorsports was well represented at the annual “Stocks for Tots” on Tuesday, December 12th with their #4 Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype on display for the event. The 17th annual holiday event and fundraiser was held at the Charles Mack Citizens Center in downtown Mooresville, North Carolina.

The #4 Howard Motorsports Pontiac Crawford was placed outside the main entrance to the Charles Mack Citizens Center and caught the attention of every attendee to this years event. Along with the Howard Motorsports DP car, the #19 Finlay Motorsports Crawford Daytona Prototype was available at the annual event. Race fans from throughout the country enjoyed viewing and taking photos of the DP03 Daytona Prototypes that compete in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series. This year marked the third year that Howard Motorsports has exhibited their Pontiac Crawford DP at the Stocks for Tots event.

Stocks for Tots was created as a way to bring together racing and its fans, while raising awareness of the child abuse problem in North Carolina. The idea was to collect toys and raise money during a festive, family-oriented holiday event. Admission to the event is a new unwrapped toy or a cash donation.

The first fundraiser was held at the Mooresville (NC) Armory in December, 1989. To date, the annual event has raised over $400,000 and distributed nearly 40,000 Christmas toys to children in the area. Thousands of race fans annually attend this event to see many of their favorite drivers, cars on display, and a visit from Santa. This year, over forty drivers and racing legends, as well as several crew chiefs and popular motorsports media and celebrities greeted their fans.

Along with their #4 Pontiac Crawford DP, Crawford Race Cars Chief Designer Andy Scriven, Crawford Race Cars Engineer Abe Headley, and Howard Motorsports team members Scot Sterkenburg, Billy Hughes, Katie Bolick, Mike Seymour, Bob Temple, Tristan Temple, and Justin Alspaugh attended the event. Scriven discussed the design and performance of the DP03, and team members held informal questions and answer sessions with the fans.

“Stocks for Tots is annually a huge event for racing fans during the holidays,” Rick Howard, President of Howard Motorsports, commented. “The event has really grown over the years, and the toys and cash proceeds raised at this event has benefited many needy families. It was great to see the excitement surrounding our #4 Pontiac Crawford on display this year. For many race fans, it was their first close up look at a Daytona Prototype car. From their reaction and the number of photos taken, I believe we gained some fans for the Rolex Sports Car Series.”

The 2007 Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series opens with the 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona at the Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, January 27th.

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Crawford Race Cars Leads the Pack at Homestead Test
Finlay Motorsports Ford Crawford fastest during two-day test

Denver, N.C. (December 7, 2007) … Crawford Race Cars, led by the #19 Finlay Motorsports Ford Crawford, posted the fastest overall speed during the two-day Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway this week. The test was the second of three scheduled “off-season” sessions for the Daytona Prototype and GT cars in preparation for the 2007 season.

A total of 36 cars participated in the test with 21 Daytona Prototypes and 15 GT cars entered. With two sessions each day, the action on the track, and in the garage area, was fast and furious. At the end of both days, the #19 Finlay Motorsports Ford Crawford piloted by Michael Valiante stood atop the speed chart. On Tuesday, Valiante turned his fastest lap, 111.664 mph, late in the afternoon session to capture the top position. On Wednesday, the Canadian once again blistered his fastest lap, 112.068, late in the day. His lap of 112.068 mph was the fastest overall lap of the two-day test.

The combined overall test results show four Crawford DP03 Daytona Prototypes in the top eight. The #51 Porsche Crawford from Cheever Racing, driven by Tommy Erdos, was fifth fastest at 111.717 mph, followed by Andy Wallace in the #20 Howard Motorsports Pontiac Crawford at 111.652 mph. The #23 Alex Job Racing Porsche Crawford ranked eighth with a speed of 111.307 mph. Needless to say, the test results were pleasing to Andy Scriven, Chief Designer if the Crawford DP03 Daytona Prototype.

“I think it was a very good test,” Scriven stated. “The cars that we had there all went quickly. The Finlay Motorsports car driven by Michael Valiante was quickest on both days. So, it’s quite pleasing when our customer cars run well. Our other customer cars, Cheever Racing and Alex Job Racing ran very well. The Howard Motorsports car had limited testing at Homestead, but did well. We had a few different pieces to try, and we’re working very hard with the new Bosch system and the new Hoosier tire.”

“As a company, we’re very happy with what we learned,” Scriven continued. “We’ll take that information and use it when we get to Daytona. We also had the Dyson car down there, and the effort and their performance was very pleasing. We don’t run that car that often, but I think the results from Homestead were very good for them, and they can look forward to a good Daytona.”

“The GT program we had at Homestead was with two very new cars,” Scriven added. “We’ve still got a steep learning curve with them, but I think the fact that both cars tested and had no major problems is a plus. There were a few little glitches, but that’s to be expected with new cars. We were extremely happy with the performance of the Mustang in its first time out. The Blackforest Motorsports Team was very happy with the car and their performance showed that. We learned quite a lot with the Infiniti with Andy Wallace, Terry Borcheller, and Johnny Mowlem driving the car. We need more time with this car, but it’s going to be good. We’re a little green with GT cars, but we came away from Homestead knowing what we need to do. We feel strongly that we’ll be ready when we get to Daytona.”

Max Crawford, President of Crawford Race Cars, echoed many of Scriven’s thoughts about the Homestead test.

“I’m ecstatic,” Crawford said. “I’m very happy that a Ford, Porsche, and Pontiac Crawford all ran at the front during these sessions and having four in the top eight overall is very satisfying for our company. I’m very pleased with that performance. After the earlier Daytona test, we went back to our Denver, North Carolina shop and worked very hard on our overall program, and the performance showed the fruits of that effort. Daytona was all about the new Bosch system. We spent two days working that system out. Homestead was much better, and I feel we have a better handle on it. That translates into better performance with our cars.”

Perhaps Scriven described the test best. “We really came out of Homestead with a lot of optimism. We’ve still got some more ideas to work on before Daytona. We have a high degree of optimism that all of our cars will be running very well at Daytona, and that Crawford Race Cars will be a strong contender “

The next test for the Rolex Series cars will be at the Daytona International Speedway on January 4-6, 2007. And, if the Homestead results are any indication, look for Crawford Race Cars at the top of the speed chart.

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Howard Motorsports Completes Initial 2007 Test at Daytona

Drivers, team work to solve many issues for upcoming season

Denver, N.C. … With a two-day test session at the Daytona International Speedway on November 6th and 7th, Howard Motorsports began their testing for the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona. And, with two Crawford DP03 cars and four drivers participating, it was a very interesting two days at the World Center of Racing.

The November test at Daytona was basically an opportunity for Howard Motorsports to test the new Bosch system. Howard Motorsports was excited to also give two very talented drivers the chance to drive a Crawford Daytona Prototype. With regular Howard Motorsports drivers Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger handling the bulk of the on-track testing, Howard Motorsports was able to maximize their two days in Daytona.

Andy Wallace, who piloted the #20 Crawford DP03, tested the new Bosch system to work out some “teething” problems. While there are still issues to resolve, a tremendous amount of knowledge was gained during the test.

“It took us both days to sort out the new Bosch system that Grand Am made mandatory for the 2007 season,” Wallace commented. “We did long runs on the tires and a few aero tests. We got a lot of feedback from the car and now we just need to digest all the data we got from these two days.”

Butch Leitzinger tested the #2 Crawford DP03 with the 2006 ignition spec and worked with some different aero packages. Leitzinger also tested the 2007 spec Hoosier tire.

“We had a very productive test at Daytona,” Leitzinger added. “Our main reason for testing this weekend was to get the Bosch unit working with the cars. We also focused on a variety of setups and had two drivers get a chance to drive the Crawford Daytona Prototype. Both did a good job.”

The two drivers Leitzinger mentioned were Rafael Matos and Joey Hand. Both were given an opportunity to pilot the Crawford DP03 during the test. And, both received high marks.

“Both Rafael and Joey impressed me very much,” Max Crawford stated. “They were both fast, professional, and did an excellent job even though they had limited testing time due to the rain.”

“My first impression of the Crawford DP03 was that the car was very easy to drive and comfortable,” Joey Hand said. “My driving style is aggressive and the car took to my style right away. The car drives aggressively, so it was a good fit. The car handled the corners well, and the only thing that I had to adjust to was the brakes. I just need a little more time to get use to the brakes. Other than the brakes, I loved the car and want to thank the Crawford’s and the team for all their help this weekend.”

“This weekend was a great experience for me,” Matos added. “I first want to thank the team and Max (Crawford) for all of their help this weekend. I drove the Crawford DP03 for the first time on Monday, and my second time around in the car on Tuesday, I felt better and more comfortable. Unfortunately, my track time was limited due to the rain. This was a great opportunity for me to see where I can improve my driving skills with the DP car. I would love to come back for more testing and possibly for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.”

The next test session for the 2007 season will be held at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on December 5th and 6th. Between now and then, it’s back to the Denver, North Carolina shop and more hard work as Howard Motorsports continues preparation for the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.

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Howard Motorsports Participates in Denver Days Fall Festival

DENVER, N.C. (October 2, 2006) -- Howard Motorsports had a major presence on Saturday at the 4th annual Denver Days Fall Festival in Denver, North Carolina. The third-year Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Team displayed the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford at their booth on Friday and Saturday.

Two large televisions in the Howard Motorsports booth enabled the team to show fans actual racing action from the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series as well as a slide presentation featuring highlights of the season. Banners celebrating several Rolex Series victories for Howard Motorsports were displayed and hero cards distributed to the fans in attendance. Team members were available throughout the weekend to answer questions and enjoy discussing racing with their many fans.

The Denver Days Fall Festival is a free, family oriented three-day event for the entire community. Its purpose is to enhance civic pride in the Denver and Lincoln County area and raise funds for recreational facilities and resources for the community.

Denver Days Fall Festival began on Thursday, September 28th and ran through Saturday, September 30th. Attractions at Denver Days included vendor booths, festival rides, Miss Denver Pageant, dance exhibitions, gymnastics, local entertainers, arts and crafts, plus games and activities for the kids. On Friday evening, the Band of Oz performed for the festival, and Saturday, the Marshal Tucker Band highlighted the huge crowd with two concerts. Festival organizers estimated attendance at 40,000 for the weekend.

Howard Motorsports, LLC is a car racing entity of the Crawford Group based in Denver, North Carolina. Howard Motorsports competes in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series in their Pontiac Crawford DP03 cars under the name Howard Motorsports. For more information on Howard Motorsports, visit www.howardmotorsports.com. For information on Andy Wallace, visit www.andywallace.com. To learn more about The BOSS Snowplow, visit www.bossplows.com.

BOSS Snowplow Team ends season with two podium finishes

With the checkered flag for the Discount Tire SunChaser 9-Hour event at Miller Motorsports Park on September 2nd, Howard-Boss Motorsports completed their third year of competition in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. This season, Howard-Boss Motorsports fielded one fulltime team, the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford, and two teams who competed in selected events, the #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford and the #2 Callaway Golf Pontiac Crawford. Overall, Howard-Boss Motorsports earned two podiums (top three), six top-five, and ten top-ten finishes during the 14-race season. Plus, the driver roster for Howard-Boss Motorsports includes some of the premiere motorsports competitors in the world – Andy Wallace, Butch Leitzinger, Jan Lammers, Allen McNish, Rusty Wallace, Danica Patrick, Rob Dyson, Chris Dyson, Guy Smith, and Oliver Gavin. Let take a race-by-race look at the 2006 Rolex Series season for Howard-Boss Motorsports.

Rolex 24 At Daytona; Daytona International Speedway; Daytona Beach, FL
Qualify 19th, Finish 30th (15th in DP Class) - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

In the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford had Andy Wallace, Butch Leitzinger, and Tony Stewart at the wheel in search of the coveted Rolex 24 win for Howard-Boss Motorsports. After qualifying 22nd, Wallace moved into the top ten before handing the driving chores to Leitzinger. The veteran piloted the car into the top five at the 100-lap mark. Tony Stewart would begin his first stint in third, but a lengthy pit stop dropped the team to 11th. Stewart would experience a problem with the electrical system and alternator and drive to the garage for repairs at the 210-lap mark. The BOSS Snowplow crew worked for one hour and ten minutes before sending the Pontiac Crawford back in the race in the 41st position. After only thirty-five laps, the team was back in the garage for another one hour twenty minute repair. However, the persistence of this team enabled them to complete the endurance race in 30th position, gaining eleven valuable positions in the latter stages of the race. Wallace, Leitzinger, and Stewart completed 593 laps or 2,111.08 miles during the event.

Qualify 16th; Finish 50th (24th in DP Class) - #2 Callaway Golf Pontiac Crawford

This Howard-Boss Motorsports entry was the first-ever Rolex 24 At Daytona start for NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace and IRL Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick. Wallace and Patrick teamed with sports car veterans Jan Lammers and Allan McNish for the endurance event. Lammers qualified the #2 Callaway Golf Pontiac Crawford in the 16th position. Lammers raced toward the front at the beginning of the race, and when the first caution waved on lap 20, the veteran stayed on course and led two laps. McNish was the next of the super quartet to pilot the #4 car and led lap 60 before turning the driving over to Wallace. Wallace drove a very competitive stint before turning over to Patrick for her first Rolex 24 experience. Patrick drove the Pontiac Crawford up to sixth before making her pit stop on lap 115. Lammers would reenter the race and move up to third before he pitted on lap 149. McNish assumed the driving duties on lap 178 and reentered the race in sixth position. On lap 228, McNish would take the lead for five laps until he pitted on lap 234. Wallace climbed aboard for his second stint, and was running as high as third on lap 250. On lap 266, Wallace was tapped and spun just before entering NASCAR turn one. He was able to drive to the pits where Patrick took over for her second stint. However, a problem with the water temperature brought her back to pit road after only four laps. A lengthy stop to address the water temperature issue would drop the team out of the top ten. Patrick would return to the race, but would complete only four additional laps before problems with the temperature and head gasket ended their race. Completing 273 laps, the #2 Callaway Golf Team was credited with a 50th-place overall finish.


Qualify 25th; Finish 14th (10th in DP Class) - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

After two early-race setbacks, the #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford team of Rob Dyson, Chris Dyson, Oliver Gavin, and Guy Smith rebounded for a 10th-place finish in the Daytona Prototype Class in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Twice during the prestigious endurance event, the #16 car experienced mechanical problems that dropped them to a 40th position or worse in the overall running order. However, the team persevered and fought back in the final hour for a top-ten finish in the DP Class (14th overall) in the season-opener for the Rolex Series.

Mexico City 250; Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez; Mexico City, MX
Qualify 9th, Finish 4th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

In their second visit to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez in Mexico City, Howard-Boss Motorsports scored a hard-fought fourth place finish in the Mexico City 250. After Leitzinger qualified the BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford in ninth, the sports car ace moved to second by lap 40. Wallace took over during a pit stop on lap 47 and was running third. Three laps after returning to the race, the left door began “flapping� and wouldn’t stay closed. The door issue caused handling problems that eventually cost the team third place. Wallace was able to fight off numerous challenges for fourth, the top finish for Pontiac in the event.

Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami; Homestead-Miami Speedway; Homestead, FL –
Qualify 7th; Finish 30th (24th in DP Class) - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

What had been a very good track for Howard-Boss Motorsports in previous races turned out to be not so kind during the 2006 Grand Prix of Miami. Wallace, who has two wins on the Homestead-Miami course, qualified the Pontiac Crawford in seventh. After dropping back to 12th early in the race, Wallace raced back to 7th when he brought the car to pit road on lap 37. Leitzinger would take over the driving duties and moved to fifth by lap 51. However, when Leitzinger made an evasive move to miss another Daytona Prototype car that had slowed entering turn eight, the result was a trip to the gravel pit. After getting pulled out of the pit under caution, Leitzinger would reenter the race in 27th. He would race back up to 21st before overheating issues brought the #4 BOSS car back to pit road. After rectifying the overheating problem, Leitzinger would reenter the race in 32nd and gain two positions in the remaining laps.

Qualify 8th; Finish 7th - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

Chris Dyson and Guy Smith teamed to give the Thetford / Norcold Team their first top ten finish of the season in Rolex Series competition. Smith qualified the Pontiac Crawford in the 8th position and assumed the lead under caution on lap 37. Smith would maintain the top spot for ten laps before pitting on lap 54 for service and driver change. Dyson would take control and reenter the race in 8th position. Dyson would run consistent laps and gain one position before the checkered flag.

Grand American Challenge of Long Beach; Long Beach, CA
Qualify 6th; Finish 4th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The BOSS Snowplow Racing Team earned their second fourth-place finish of the season with a strong performance in the first visit of the Grand American Rolex Series cars to the street course at Long Beach. Wallace qualified the Pontiac Crawford in sixth, and would move to fourth on the initial lap of the 90-minute race. When a multi-car crash on lap eleven brought out the caution, Wallace would pit for service and driver change. Leitzinger would reenter the race in fifth, but race back to third by lap 24. In a heated battle for the final podium position in the final stages of the event, the #3 driven by Bill Auberlen edged Leitzinger.

VIR 400; Virginia International Raceway; Alton, VA
Qualify 9th; Finish 6th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The VIR 400 was the first Rolex Series race run under a new format for determining the starting grid. A special thirty minute qualifying race would be held with finishing positions in that event determining your starting position for the VIR 400. Wallace would drive the qualifying race, and finish in the 9th position. The race was run on a very slick, rainy track where everyone basically played “follow the leader� for thirty minutes. Starting 9th, Leitzinger experienced a problem on the second lap when the #77 car made contact with the #4 Pontiac Crawford, sending him off course and back to 25th position. Using excellent race strategy, Leitzinger took only fuel on his first stop and moved up to sixth. On lap 31, Leitzinger would make his second stop and Wallace assume the driver chores. Wallace would restart 9th and begin his charge toward the leaders. However, when one of his safety belts worked loose on lap 45, Wallace was forced to pit. He would reenter the race in 11th and managed to drive his way through traffic back to sixth at the checkered flag.

Qualify 26th; Finish 10th - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

Chris Dyson and Guy Smith recorded their second consecutive top ten finish in the 2006 Rolex Series season with a strong 10th-place finish in the VIR 400. Their outstanding performance earned the team the “Sun Trust Improve Your Position Award� for advancing the most positions during the event. Since they were racing only a limited Rolex Series schedule in ’06, the Thetford / Norcold Team decided not to take any changes in the qualifying race and elected to start at the rear of the Daytona Prototype cars. In the first eight laps, Smith showed that the #16 Pontiac Crawford came to race as he climbed from 26th to 7th position. Smith would run as high as second before pitting on lap 31. Dyson would climb aboard the Pontiac Crawford and reenter the race in tenth. Although the team was out of pit sequence with the leaders, Dyson would maintain tenth and bring the Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford home with their second consecutive top ten finish.

Road & Track 250; Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; Monterey, CA
Qualify 9th; Finish 6th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The talented team of Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger earned their sixth top-ten finish of the season with a 6th-place finish in the Road & Track 250 at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. In a wild race that saw seven caution flags for a total of 35 laps, the duo battled their way around the 2.238-mile course. In the qualifying race, Leitzinger started tenth and finished ninth. Wallace would start the potent Pontiac Crawford and moved from ninth to fifth by lap seven. The veteran road racer would run as high as third before contact by the #76 car dropped him to fifth. Wallace made a green-flag pit stop on lap 57 and Leitzinger took control for the final stint of the event. Leitzinger would reenter the race in eighth, but waste little time charging to the front. With only three laps remaining, the #17 GT car made contact with Leitzinger entering turn one and dropped the Pontiac Crawford to seventh. However, Leitzinger would pass the #77 car on the final lap to finish sixth.

Gainsco Grand Prix; Phoenix International Raceway; Avondale, AZ
Qualify 21st; Finish 15th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The Gainsco Grand Prix was one race during the 2006 Rolex series season that Howard-Boss Motorsports would like to forget. In what would eventually be the final qualifying race for the Rolex Series cars, the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford received heavy damage in a massive wreck that occurred on lap ten. After spending nearly all Friday night and Saturday morning repairing the car, the Pontiac Crawford was back in order and competed in the final practice on Saturday afternoon. Leitzinger would start the race, and within three laps had driven his way up to the 12th position. He would work his way up to sixth before the next major issue developed on lap 50. Leitzinger made contact with a Corvette while working his way through traffic. The resulting damage to the right front brought the BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford back to pit road on lap 53. After the crew replaced the front nose section and serviced the car, Wallace assumed the driving duties and reentered the race in the 19th position. Posting competitive lap times, Wallace was able to gain several positions and take the checkered flag in the 15th position.

Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen; Watkins Glen International; Watkins Glen, NY
Qualify 10th; Finish 5th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

This weekend of racing was disrupted due to a legal issue between one of the competitors, the series, and the track. As a result, Grand American was forced to cancel DP practice on Thursday while these issues were resolved in court. The Friday schedule was adjusted after issues were resolved, and three practice sessions were held instead of qualifying. The field was set by points per the rulebook, placing Andy Wallace tenth on the grid. Wallace would drive a competitive, yet conservative race during his first stint. He would run as high as second and as low as 17th during the first 63 laps. When he turned the BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford over to Butch Leitzinger on lap 64, he was running second. With rain beginning to be an issue, Leitzinger came to pit road for “wets� on lap 69. He would reenter the race 18th, but would race his way back to fifth when he pitted for driver change on lap 111. Wallace would drive the final stint and maintain the fifth position until the checkered flag.

Qualify 24th; Finish 44th (25th in DP Class) - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

With the field set by points due to the cancellation of qualifying, the #16 Thetford / Norcold Racing team started from the 24th position. Rob Dyson started the Pontiac Crawford and was joined by son, Chris Dyson, and Guy Smith for the six-hour event. At the start of the race, Rob maintained a steady pace and gained five positions in the first twenty laps. However, the race was short lived as Rob spun the car on lap 21. The accident damage was too extensive to continue, and since this team was not racing for series points, the car was retired for the afternoon in the 44th overall position.

EMCO Gears Classic; Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course; Lexington, OH
Qualify 6th; Finish 5th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The annual Rolex Series visit to the beautiful Mid-Ohio Road Racing Course brought the BOSS Snowplow Racing Team their second consecutive top five finish. However, the big story of the weekend was a horrific rainstorm that hit the Lexington, Ohio area on Thursday afternoon. Extensive damage to hospitality tents, haulers, and the Sahlen Paddock area created quite a stir; however, the race schedule was not affected. Leitzinger qualified the potent Pontiac Crawford in ninth; however, three cars were disqualified in post-qualifying inspection, and the #4 car would start sixth. Leitzinger would race up to third by lap forty when he pitted under caution. Wallace would assume the driving duties and restart sixth. For twenty-five laps, Wallace would engage in a “spirited battle� for the fourth through sixth positions. Wallace was running fifth when a serious accident involving a GT car brought out the caution on lap 97. With the accident requiring major cleanup and the race time limit becoming a factor, the race would end under the caution with Wallace in the fifth position.

Brumos Porsche 250; Daytona International Speedway; Daytona Beach, FL
Qualify 9th; Finish 38th (24th in DP Class) - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The annual “one-day show� for the Rolex Series at the Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway saw early problems foil the promising race hopes for the BOSS Snowplow Team. Technical difficulties at the track forced Grand American to cancel one practice session as well as qualifying. Therefore, the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford would start ninth per points. Andy Wallace started the race and the veteran sports car ace would have to dodge two major accidents within the first six laps. A three-car spin on lap two, and an accident in the bus stop area of the backstretch nearly collected the #4 Pontiac Crawford. However, Wallace was able to narrowly miss both incidents even though he had to venture off course through the grass to avoid hitting other cars in the chicane area. On lap twenty, heavy smoke began showing from the left front of the Pontiac Crawford, and Wallace came to the pits. After inspection by the crew, the car was pushed behind the wall for suspension repairs. When the car resumed action on lap 31, Leitzinger was behind the wheel. Although many laps down, the veteran would run competitive laps and gain several positions in the overall running order.

Qualify 23rd; Finish 13th - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

Chris Dyson and Guy Smith teamed to give the #16 Thetford / Norcold Racing Team from Howard-Boss Motorsports their second top-15 finish of the season at Daytona. The team finished 14th in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona. Guy Smith would have to start the Brumos Porsche 250 in the 23rd position based on points since qualifying was cancelled. Smith had to make a trip to pit road on the pace lap to check oil pressure; therefore, he would actually start the race at the rear of the field. On lap 22, Smith had raced his way up to tenth as teams were beginning to make green-flag pit stops. On lap 28, Smith spun entering the infield portion of the 3.56-mile course, but made no contact and was able to resume racing. Smith was running 12th when he came to pit road on lap 36 for service and driver change. Chris Dyson took over at this point and reentered the race in 15th position. He would gain two positions during his stint to post the 13th-place finish.

Porsche 250 Presented by Bradley Arant; Barber Motorsports Park; Birmingham, AL
Qualify 6th; Finish 36th (23rd in DP Class) - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The story of this race was told on the very first lap as the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford literally got “punted� off course by the #11 car in turn six. Leitzinger, who qualified a strong sixth, was in the outside lane as the cars entered the hairpin section of the course when the #11 car slammed into his left side forcing him off the track. The veteran brought the damaged car to pit road and on to the garage for extensive repairs to the left rear wishbone, gear plate, and quarter panel among other damaged parts. After 29 minutes in the garage, Leitzinger returned to the race on lap 17 in the 40th position. Battling a tough handling car, Leitzinger turned the driving over to Wallace on lap 62 in the 38th position. Miraculously, Wallace turned some of the fastest laps of the event during his stint; however, the early accident was too severe to overcome and the team would have to settle for a 36th place overall finish.

Crown Royal 200 at The Glen; Watkins Glen International; Watkins Glen, NY
Qualify 9th; Finish 18th - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The “tough luck� season for the BOSS Snowplow Racing Team continued at Watkins Glen International during the second visit of the Rolex Series during 2006 to the New York course. The two-hour “sprint race� format for this event usually brings out the best in the competitors, and this race was no different. Wallace qualified in the ninth position, and nearly had his day ended on lap seven when the #12 and #19 cars spun in turn one. Wallace had to take quick, evasive action to avoid the spinning cars, but managed to miss the accident and maintain track position. On lap 32, Wallace came to the pits for service and driver change in the seventh position. Leitzinger took control at this point and lost several positions on pit road because he was blocked in his pit. He would reenter the race tenth, but quickly move up to eighth by lap 38. While he was racing in a group of cars battling for position in turn 11, the veteran was forced into the “ripple strips� by the #60 car and made contact with the inside retaining barrier. Leitzinger came to the pits for inspection of the damage by the crew and returned to the race in 18th position. However, as he drove through the “interloop� section of the course on the backstretch, handling issues resulted in a spin off course into the gravel pit. The evening was over for the BOSS Snowplow Racing Team after 57 laps. The result was an 18th-place finish.

Qualify 23rd; Finish 20th - #16 Thetford / Norcold Pontiac Crawford

The final event for the #16 Thetford / Norcold Racing Team for the 2006 Rolex Series season ended early when an alternator problem foiled their hopes for a strong performance. Rob Dyson qualified the car and started the two-hour sprint race in the 23rd position. He had raced up to the 15th position in eight laps when he came to pit road with a problem. After the team pushed the car behind pit wall for repairs, the elder Dyson returned to the race on lap 41 in 22nd position. Rob would pilot the car until lap 62 when he pitted for service and a driver change. Chris Dyson assumed the driving duties and turned very competitive laps during the final stages of the event. In fact, Chris was able to gain several positions and take the checkered flag in 20th position.

Sonoma 250; Infineon Raceway; Sonoma, CA
Qualify 7th; Finish 2nd - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

The first visit to the Infineon Raceway for the Grand American Rolex Series proved to be just the medicine to cure the season-long ills of the #4 BOSS Snowplow Racing Team. With drivers Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger having previous experience on the picturesque Sonoma, California course, hopes were high entering this event. Those hopes turned into reality as Wallace, Leitzinger, and the entire Howard-Boss Motorsports Team turned in their best performance of the season with a second-place finish. It was the first podium of the 2006 season for the #4 BOSS Snowplow Team. Leitzinger qualified seventh and quickly moved to third in the first eight laps of the race. On lap 20, the veteran moved to second, and, when caution waved on lap 23, Leitzinger was scored the race leader. It was the first lap led by the #4 team this season in Rolex Series competition. Leitzinger made his first stop for service on lap 27 and rejoin the race in the second position. Leitzinger would maintain that position until he pitted on lap 73. Wallace would climb aboard the potent #4 Pontiac Crawford for his stint and returned to the race in second. However, the #01 car was on a different pit cycle and assumed the lead at this point. The #01 car had to make a quick “fuel only� stop late in the race, but the deficit was too large to overcome and Wallace had to settle for second at the checkered flag.

Discount Tire SunChaser 9-Hour; Miller Motorsports Park; Tooele, UT
Qualify 11th; Finish 3rd - #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford

Following their strong second-place finish at Infineon Raceway one week earlier, the #4 BOSS Snowplow Racing team ended the 2006 Rolex series season with another podium finish. The first-ever race for the Rolex Series at the new Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah saw the duo of Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger charge to a third-place finish in the season-ending nine-hour event. But, achieving that podium finish was not nearly as easy as it might appear. After an “open test day� and three practice sessions, Wallace was chosen to qualify the #4 Pontiac Crawford for the race. He would turn the 11th fastest speed during the session, and would maintain that position for the first twenty laps of the endurance race. After a stop for service on lap 25, Wallace would race into the top ten by lap forty. When he pitted on lap 52 for service and a driver change, Wallace was running eighth. Leitzinger would reenter the race in 12th, but quickly raced back into the top ten. With teams on different pit cycles, the running order would change quickly, and Leitzinger moved to second when he pitted on lap 106 for service and driver change. Wallace climbed back aboard the BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford and reentered the race in sixth. However, twelve laps later, Wallace drove back up to second before pitting on lap 136 for fuel and tires. Four laps later, the only caution of the race waved for debris on the course. Wallace would continue to run second until he made the final pit stop of the race on lap 166 and turn the driving duties over to Leitzinger for the final stint. With darkness beginning to become an issue, Leitzinger reentered the race in the 7th position. Within five laps, Leitzinger raced up to the 5th position and was gaining on the leaders. On lap 185, Leitzinger turned the fastest lap of all the competitors and moved to within eight seconds of the lead. Five laps later, the veteran sports car competitor cut the deficit in half and moved to within three car lengths of third-place Scott Pruett. With only two laps remaining in the nine-hour event, Leitzinger made a charge past Pruett for the final podium position. At the checkered flag, Leitzinger was closing in on the second-place #19 car and finished only three seconds behind the victorious #60 entry. The BOSS Snowplow Racing Team from Howard-Boss Motorsports ended the 2006 Rolex Sports Car Series season with two consecutive podium finishes, their only podium finishes of the 14-race campaign.

“It was a very difficult year,� Andy Wallace noted. “We had more than our share of ‘avoidable incidents’, where our car was quite literally attached by out of control competitors. There were flashes of speed all year, usually dashed by mechanical issues like seven alternator failures at the Rolex 24.�

“The car and engine performance improved steadily race by race, and for the last four races, we had a potentially race winning car,� Wallace added. “Two of those events didn’t go our way for reasons beyond our control, but in the last two races of the year at Infineon and Miller Motorsports Park, we finally were able to show what we as a team are capable of. Although we ‘only’ finished second and third in those races, it was clear we were serious contenders for victory. At both events, we were merely a couple of seconds behind the winner at the flag.�

“What 2006 proved was that Howard-Boss Motorsports is a first-rate team,� Wallace concluded. “We never gave up trying despite being bitten in the bum time and time again. Those results in the final races were a credit to everyone’s hard work and determination. There will surely be a number of first place trophies heading to Denver, North Carolina in 2007.�

The Howard-Boss Motorsports Team has already begun working on their 2007 program. Off-season testing begins in early November, and Howard-Boss Motorsports looks to take the momentum generated at Infineon and Miller Motorsports Park into the 2007 season. With six wins, seven second-place, seven third-place, 34 top-five, 49 top-ten finishes, and 967 laps led in only three years of Rolex Series competition, Howard-Boss Motorsports has established themselves as contenders at each and every event.

Howard Motorsports, LLC is a car racing entity of the Crawford Group based in Denver, North Carolina. Howard Motorsports competes in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series in their Pontiac Crawford DP03 cars under the name Howard-Boss Motorsports. For more information on Howard-Boss Motorsports, visit http://www.howardbossmotorsports.com/. For information on Andy Wallace, visit http://www.andywallace.com/. To learn more about The BOSS Snowplow, visit www.bossplows.com.

Photography courtesy of Victor Newman

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