Transnet Racing to skip season finale.

Transnet Racing have announced that due to lingering problems with the race car as a result of a crash sustained during the last few minutes of Friday qualifying, the team will not compete in the Toyota Atlantic Championship season finale in Denver.

The short interval between races and the long transport distance added to the decision. The decision was made by team officials after the race at Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal last weekend, where Venezuelan driver, Alex Garcia managed to finish 15th, adding another point to his season total.

"After the accident on Friday qualifying, we experienced several problems with the car," explained Garcia. "First, we thought we would use the spare 08 car, but the Transnet Team made a huge effort and worked all night Friday to repair and put the 014 car back together. The repair was completed in time for the Saturday race in Montreal, but we found the car had no balance.

"During the race we experienced problems with the brakes, the gearbox and we struggled with the handling throughout the race. In spite of that, we managed to finish in 15th position, gaining another point.

"It was a shame. The crash severely damaged the car and the new engine we had in it. Before the accident the car was very good, but after, we couldn't get back to that point. It would be unwise to go to Denver to try and repair the car further at the racetrack without first having had the opportunity to take it completely apart for inspection and major repair if necessary. The short turn-around for the Denver race makes it impossible to show up with a safe and competitive car."

However, Garcia added that his evaluation of the season is an overall positive one. "Being a new team, for us, it was important to learn to work together, get experience on the tracks and gain knowledge. We accomplished all of those goals and I think our car, at the end of the season, was competitive. Now, it is time to evaluate the year in more detail and make some decisions for 2003."

Alex Garcia drove with Transnet Racing in 11 races during the competitive Toyota Atlantic season and in so doing, became the first Venezuelan driver ever to compete in this prestigious Series.

The Toyota Atlantic schedule opened in Monterrey (Mexico), last March, and will close next weekend in the street circuit in Denver (Colorado). Garcia's best race was in (Trois-Rivieres (Quebec, Canada) where he finished 12th. He also took points in Long Beach (California) and Montreal (Canada).