For immediate release:

January 15, 2004 - D’Agostino gears up for qualifying after good pace in practice

Invercargill, New Zealand - Joe D’Agostino recently completed several practice sessions in preparation for the second round of the Talley’s New Zealand International Formula Ford Championship being held at the world’s most southerly race track, Teretonga International Raceway in Invercargill, New Zealand.

D’Agostino will have a chance this weekend to join some illustrious company should he win the New Zealand Grand Prix. One of the most prestigious titles in the Southern Hemisphere, the race has been won in the past by some of the most famous names in the sport, including Sir Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and John Surtees.

D’Agostino set a good pace during the practice sessions on Thursday and Friday and looks forward to today’s qualifying sessions. “So far I have been able to set a strong, consistent pace by myself during practice and I am excited to see how qualifying turns out today. The track is going to promote a lot of slipstreaming, so it should be fun -- and fast. It’s really cool to be competing in a race with so much history behind it,” said D’Agostino.

D'Agostino wishes to thank all of his sponsors, Team USA Scholarship, Arai, Sparco, Corsa, Kart Mini, MG Tires, Racer Magazine, Dodge, Michelin, Skip Barber Racing School and all of his personal sponsors.