The Scuderia Ferrari of Washington-entered Maserati Trofeo Light retired shortly before the half distance mark of yesterday's Salhen's 200 at Watkin's Glen, the eighth round of this year's Rolex Grand American Sportscar Series.

The 200-mile race, held at the famous New York circuit, was being visited by the GrandAm runners for the second time in less than two months, and it was also the second and final time this year that the sportscar series was sharing the bill with the NASCAR Nextel Cup.

The Trofeo Light, driven by Texan Stephen Earle, local driver Emil Assentato, and 2004 Daytona 24 Hours GTS-winner Joao Barbosa from Portugal, who recently replaced Nick Lonhi in the team, ran steadily during the early hours of the race, which was hit by torrential rain.

However on lap 34 the Maserati spun as it attempted to avoid a five car pile up at Turn 11, which brought out a full course caution.