Team Seattle Qualifies in Top Ten
The Team Seattle/Dempsey Racing #41 Mazda will start the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona from the ninth spot on the GT starting grid. About half-a-second separates the 9th spot from the pole and Team Seattle car owner John Graham, says qualifying went just as planned. “This is an endurance race, not a sprint. We are just where we want to be with an excellent driver line-up and a very strong car. We’re excited about the race and believe we can finish well.” Graham and his group, JG Sport, are making their first start in the Rolex series. The drivers include defending Rolex GT champion Leh Keen, Rolex veteran James Gue, two-time second-place finisher Dave Lacey, and former Rolex GT winner Don Kitch Jr., the founder of Team Seattle.
In addition to the strong qualification, the team is already celebrating a victory of sorts in its campaign to raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. The race car is adorned with photographs of 52 individuals (and a pet dog) as part of the “Faces & Names” program. An additional 28 “names” are on the roof of the car. Donor’s paid for the opportunity to “ride along at Daytona” as part of the fund raising effort. The “Faces & Names” project netted the campaign almost $70,000. Adding that to other donations, Team Seattle has already raised more than $225,000 – and race has not even started. Team founder Kitch says he believes Team Seattle can end the race with $400,000 in contributions. Those who wish to campaign can go to www.TeamSeattle.com and donate on-line.
