remember Klaus Graf? drove a few Cup races for BAM Racing in 2004 and was supposed to drive a few in 2005, but have heard nothing and he is not on the current entry list for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway…..Klaus Graf entered Saturdays Rose City 100 Trans-Am race at Portland International Raceway a rookie and left a veteran as the German graduate of Porsche Michelin Supercup competition won his first Trans-Am race in just his second start. Driving the #7 Jaguar R Performance XKR, Graf became the first German national to win a Trans-Am race since rallying World Champion Walter Rohrl in 1988. He is also the first rookie to win a Trans-Am race since Butch Leitzinger in 2002. Graf won the pole, but started fifth due to Trans-Ams Fast Five Qualifying inversion. He drove through the field and took the lead for good from team owner Paul Gentilozzi when Gentilozzis Jaguar suffered a mechanical failure on lap 16. Graf wasnt seriously challenged from there. This feels great, said Graf. At Long Beach, we had the pace down, but we couldnt finish the race. We focused on improving the car each session. I knew it was going to be tough in the race. It took me awhile to get my rhythm and set the brake bias. I ran behind Randy for awhile. Then I passed him in the Festival Curves and then Paul had a problem. I held my pace from there. This is very special, being accompanied by Walter Rohrl because he is a very, very famous driver in Germany, added Graf. Hes a World Champion in rallying and one of my heroes. He is one of the best race car drivers ever. The race will air on a tape-delayed basis, Sunday, June 26 at 1:00pm/et on SPEED Channel.(Speed Channel)(6-21-2005)
