KONI CHALLENGE: Mechanical woes for Predators at Watkins Glen

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Predators Autosports has had a hectic few weeks leading up to this weekend's Koni Challenge Series race at Watkins Glen. The team was happy to have its ‘regular' Chevrolet Cobalt SS back in service for the Glen, and in practice, the team looked strong.

 

"We had some small issues to contend with," Predators Autosports driver Matt Pritiko said. "But it was nothing to be too concerned about. We had speed - that was the important part."

 

Robert Boyer qualified the team's Cobalt in 14^th, which became 12^th when two other ST class cars were disqualified. "I knew Robert would be able to move up," Pritiko said. "Our race pace always seems to be strong."

 

Boyer started off strong, but 12 laps in a sensor broke, putting the team's Cobalt SS into ‘limp' mode. Boyer was able to get the car back to the pits, but the team went 2 laps down as they frantically tried to fix the problem.

 

Pritiko went out and was able to salvage a 28^th place finish, but it clearly wasn't the result the team was looking for.

 

"All we can do is keep on trying our hardest," Pritiko said. "The whole team is working hard, but we just seem to be snake bit here lately."

 

Predators Autosports Fast Facts : Predators Autosports was formerly Kart Depot Predators. The Steve Morris owned team is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally a karting team, the team became Predators Autosports when the moved up to car competition in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series. For the past two seasons, Predators Autosports has been competing in the Koni Challenge Series.

 

 

Matt Pritiko Fast Facts : Matt Pritiko is one of Canada's up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15^th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the  2002 Most Sportsmanlike award.

Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.

 

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc. (www.russbondagency.com).