24.05.2004 Despite having to repair a water leak, the SFoW Maserati Trofeo Light scored its first GrandAm GT Podium finish yesterday at Mont-Tremblant

The SFoW Maserati Trofeo Light scored its first GT Podium finish yesterday in the 6 Hours du Circuit Mont-Tremblant, part of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. 

This is the first season of competition for the Maserati Trofeo Light, and while drivers Emil Assentato, Joao Barbosa, and Steve Earle had led almost every race at one point or another, this was their highest finish yet. 

"We didn't qualify as well as we had hoped," said Assentato after the race, "but once the race started Joao really moved up. 

"We were up to second in GT in the second hour, and I think we could have won if it hadn't been for a two dollar hose."  

A water hose on the Maserati V8 engine had developed a pin-sized hole at about the midpoint of the race, and the leak finally became serious with only an hour to go. The Maserati was in second place when Barbosa pitted the car to replace the hose, a stop which cost the team a lap against its competition. 

"I think our strategy was just about perfect," claimed Earle. "We'd run most of the race planning for the last hour, and everything was going to plan when the hose failed. Still, finishing a six hour race on the podium is a big step, and we've not finished with out development. Today was great, and now our goal is the top step on the podium." 

The next race for the SFoW Maserati Trofeo Light is the Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen, at Watkins Glen, NY, on June 20.