Tonis Kasemets

TONIS KASEMETS completes 2nd of 2 day Champ Car Test
at Sebring International Raceway
12.15.04 11:11pm
Indianapolis IN / Mundelein IL USA

Thanks to Dale Coyne Racing, Estonia now has a 1st in motorsports and Tonis Kasemets has a “taste of the future”. The 2nd day of Champ Car testing at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla. “went very well,” says Tonis. “I’m very happy for the chance to drive a Champ Car. I’m very appreciative to Mr. Coyne for the opportunity to test; I thank him for trusting me and my abilities in one of his Champ Cars.” Tonis hails from Parnu, Estonia, but has planted his roots in the United States since 1994. Tonis is the 1st Estonian to ever step in to a Champ Car, therefore making some history along with, as he says, “pursuing my dream.”

Kasemets piloted the #19 Lola/Ford Cosworth of Dale Coyne Racing around the 1.67 mile “short” course at Sebring, logging another 100+ miles today.

On a personal level, Tonis adds: “I’m quite happy with the results. Thanks to Stefan Dominic and the crew. They all did a great job, especially fixing and cleaning up… it was, well… a SPIN fest.” (Not all of Tonis’ spins were in the same turns either.) “That’s why it’s a test.” Don’t ask Tonis about the very cool and breezy weather conditions affecting his performance, as he has “nothing but pride to show for my results. No excuses.”

“The Coyne engineering staff were very easy to work with. No stubbornness or egos, it was just so easy to get along. I hope in the future more opportunities like this are available as I’d like to continue to have a chance at Champ Car. The team thought we can do it. I proved I can do it.”

As for Team Tonis’ 2005 plans: “We are working 110% towards the full season in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic Championship. The chance with Champ Car is because of Toyota Atlantics. Otherwise I would not have gotten the opportunity to get a peek at the next chapter."

SAVAGE MEDIA
Indianapolis IN USA

Images provided by: Pierre DuCharme

Tonis Kasemets CHAMP CAR TEST notes, day 1 of 2 :
12.14.04
Indianapolis IN / Sebring FL USA

Tonis Kasemets, the first Estonian to test a Champ Car in the history of motor sports, logged over 100 miles on the 1.9 mile short course at Sebring International today. Tonis is the current Sebring track record holder on the long course of 3.7 miles in Formula Atlantic in 2003. Now he takes it one step higher in the “Big Car”: Dale Coyne’s #19.

Tonis finds this first time experience: “Much fun with SO much Horse Power !!!” He adds: “The day went well, I had 4 spins in the first half of the day. We kept trying different set-ups to find what I like in the car. We’re going in the right direction and will do better tomorrow.”

Kasemets adds: “Compared to Toyota Altantics, Champ Cars are VERY fast, a lot of HP, brakes are incredibly good. It’s a LOT faster and heavier. I’m taking my time to trust the down force. The crew did a very good job. Stephan Dominic especially, he is very cool and cooperative, really cares about my driving style.”

Day 2 of testing continues tomorrow morning at 10am ET. Joining Team Tonis at Sebring is his younger brother Madis, (http://www.toyota.lt/en/motorsports/yariscup/?cup=2004&id=30) who made a special trip over from Europe to join his Big Brother.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE:
Toe-NEES Kaz-e-mets

Or as per Tonis: “Toe-niss is acceptable, I’m known as either.” Recommended reading: http://www.champcarfanatics.com/forums/

Many thanks to all who have made this journey possible. Tonis still has much to prove, this is just the beginning for this fierce competitor who made the United States his “home” between the years of 1992 – 1994. We’ll have full details of day 2 later tomorrow.

For more information:
Jsavage@toniskasemets.com
Team Tonis / Savage Media

TONIS KASEMETS to TEST in Dale Coyne CHAMP CAR
11.24.04
Indianapolis IN – Mundelein IL USA

Team Tonis is in full preparation for the entire Toyota Atlantic Championship Season in 2005. While we continue to complete finances, Tonis is taking a short time-out December 14th and 15th to strap into his “hopes for the future” and take a 2-day Champ Car ride at Sebring.

Having climbed through the ranks of SCCA of Formula Continental to Pro Zetec to Pro Atlantic (last season), this is “now a chance to taste a Champ Car”. Tonis also adds: “We’d like to thank Dale Coyne for choosing Toyota Atlantic drivers to test. We appreciate the fact that Dale still believes the Road to Champ Car is through Toyota Atlantics. I’m looking at moving up to the next level soon, therefore this is a good opportunity to ‘feel’ it now. Personal thanks to Dale for believing in the talent coming up through the Atlantic ranks.”

- continued -

Hope to see you Tuesday and Wednesday - December 14th and 15th at Sebring !! For more information about Dale Coyne: www.dalecoyneracing.com

Sincerely,
Team Tonis / Jill Savage

Indianapolis IN USA 46278
Office: 317.293.3236
Alternate: 317.374.0519

“Rookie Tonis Kasemets had an impressive effort finishing 5th in his 1st start at the tough Laguna Seca course. Kasemets, who ran a limited Atlantic schedule this season, equaled his top series finish with Sunday’s result.“
( above courtesy of www.toyotaatlantic.com Media Staff, link & read more )

After tackling one of the world’s most beautiful yet demanding road courses, for the 1st time in his career - Mazda Speedway – Laguna Seca, Tônis is now ready for “duties” at Mid Ohio for the 41st annual SCCA Run Off’s; “crewing” for Flexovit Sponsor Jay Ilonihan in GT5 & friend Dan Cobb in his Swift 014 / FAt.

From the Toyota Atlantic Banquet, quick trip back home to Illinois, now to
Mansfield OH through Sept. 26th, Tônis takes no time for a vacation:
“I have no time to rest, I MUST work.” ( he says that with a big smile on his face ).

Our final season comments are delayed due to our Webmaster having to cope with a family emergency… & we at Team Tonis wish all well, you are in our thoughts & prayers. If there’s one thing that comes first: It IS “family”.
Then, we race.

Soon, we’ll have our final thank you’s & announcement about next season,
with a FULL schedule in preparation now.

Again, our thanks to all who ‘believed’… we hope we proved you right.

Once Tônis has a chance to ‘catch his breath’, we’ll have some comments
concerning “ the incredible Laguna Seca experience”. Tônis is “very happy with
the outcome.” Anyone who knows Mr. Kasemets knew: either the #6 would end
up in the front or … come home in several pieces. This is one fierce contender,
yet a Gentleman Racer. He sacrificed much to run the partial season, “it’s hard
to believe it’s already over !” and we have much work to do for ’05.

To all who’ve made repeated returns to Tônis’ site, we appreciate your time.
Keep the ‘hits’ coming ! More soon !

xoxo,
Jill (Savage Media) & Tônis

Indianapolis, IN / Monterey, CA USA

Practice:
After 2 laps, running 10th: Tonis pits for adjustments. 24 minutes to go.

OVERVIEW:

Taking advantage of less than half of the 30 minute session, Tonis jumps from the back of the pack to 5th within 7 laps. To 4th within 11 laps.
Completing only 12 laps total running 5th quick overall. Fastest ROOKIE
in this practice session.

In 1st practice Friday, Team Tonis ran the “Road America” set-up,
then “switched to new program for 1st qualifying session later in the day.”
These are necessary adjustments, but Tonis is “adapting to this course quite well.”

Tonis adds: “this involves a LOT of banking, unlike many other road courses I’m accustomed to.” During the 2nd practice he reveals: “Letting the Front Runners shake it down out there, keeping my distance while trying to take it to the limit.” Tonis is “not one to take away from Points Leaders, that’s cruel… as we’ve only been in position for a partial season.” Falling to 7th in Rookie Points, “this is a building year, not so much about being the Toyota Atlantic Champion, yet. Due to circumstances beyond our control, running for top Rookie points just wasn’t possible. It’s a sacrifice I had to make for testing and proper preparation. I’m very grateful for the time I DID get in this season. And next year, look for Team Tonis to be on board for the entire schedule in Toyota Atlantic Championship.”

For the record: Tonis feels he “is surrounded by family, having competed with most of this elite group of Racers along the way to the Pro level.” Not one negative word has been uttered by Tonis concerning any driver he’s raced against all season. And keep in mind:
it’s Tonis’ FIRST time at Laguna… “so far, so good”. Getting acclimated more quickly than he anticipated. But the weekend is still far from over. “Caution and preparedness are top priorities.”

2nd Qualifying Results: 15 laps completed, best time is lap 13 @ 100.063 mph / 1:20.517

FINAL Combined Qualifying Results:
Tonis starts outside Row 4 @ 8th position.
The 30-lap race takes the green flag at 12:30pm CDT Sunday 09.12.
The race will air on Speed - Sunday, September 26th at 1:00 pm CDT.

Indianapolis, IN / Monterey, CA USA

Going into this weekend, Tonis arrived early to take a serious look at what is facing him. A “new road course” on his radar. Having never turned one corner of this track, “this is nothing to take lightly.” After cracking 2 track records at his last Toyota Atlantic Championship outing at Elkhart Lake, “it’s been a long wait to get to this weekend.”

Although the track record holder of 11 road course titles within 10 events in the Continental U.S. (amongst many others worldwide), Tonis only pre-event comments were: “This is all new terrain. And this looks very demanding”. He quickly went into his … state of preparedness. Thinking he might need “2 sessions” to “find his line”… by the 8th lap of practice session #1, Kasemets was already 4th quickest. Taking advantage of nearly every minute available of each 30 minute session, Tonis is running strong in 1st qualifying at 5th by lap 2, 4th fast at lap 5. Settling for 7th overall with 19 laps total in the 1st qualifying session.

Tonis was 1st out on course for qualifying, as the team “ran the Road America set-up in 1st practice, then switched to new program for quals.” Within 2 laps, Tonis was 5th quickest again. 5 laps, moving up to 4th. Adam Picorari ( whom Tonis is “very glad to see in Toyota Atlantic Series !” ) “spun right in front of me”, which brought out the Red Flag. With 18 minutes to go, Tonis was quickly back out and ran 2nd by lap 10. With 4 minutes to go, Tonis made a 20 second pit stop for a wing adjustment then settled for 7th overall with 19 laps completed.

Kasemets comments:
“We have to make some more adjustments for 2nd practice tomorrow morning.
The car is very consistent. Just need to find some more in my
driving, a little more in my car and then we’ll be golden.
Also: Thank you crew and mechanics Mark and Will (with Shane on data.) All are
doing a tremendous job… and a big thank you to John Brooks for putting up with this stubborn Estonian.”

Team Tonis / Savage Media
Indianapolis, IN USA

First practice session 9.10.04 1:45p – 2:15p CDT

Indianapolis, IN / Monterey, CA USA

Tonis is 9th out of 14 on course, his first laps ever at Laguna Seca.

4th quickest within 8 laps. Pitting after lap 10, not wasting any time getting familiar with the course. Running for nearly 15 minutes; Tonis is consistently faster with each lap.

( Note: Recent new rules mandate only 2 sets of tires per event, not including
optional “practice” days. Taking some “calculated risks” on his 8 allotted tires for 2 practice sessions, 2 qualifying rounds, race day warm-up AND the Race. )

Back on course with 12 minutes to go. 13 laps complete with 8 minutes to go. Tonis is turning his #6 into the “rocket ship” that it is ( with help from incredible engineering staff: Alan O’Leary ).

Using 28 of the 30 minutes allowed in 1st practice, Tonis settles for 10th
overall, lap 15 of 20 is his best time.

First Qualifying is at 6p CDT tonight. Continue to follow this incredible
story, on the heels of 2 course records at Tonis’ last Toyota Atlantic Championship outing at Road America… this is ONE weekend to keep your eyes on ! Our prayers and hopes are to “do well this weekend… end the season on a
high note and see you ALL next season running a FULL Toyota Atlantic Championship schedule.”

Again, our deepest thanks to ALL who “believe”.

Team Tonis / Savage Media

For more results and box scores, log onto: www.toyotaatlantic.com or hit the link in our Sponsor(s) Area.

Additional “Laguna” Race Weekend Factoid:
**A.J. Allmendinger holds the series track qualifying record, established in 2003. Allmendinger turned a lap of 1:16.986 (104.653 mph) as the fastest single qualifying lap. Allmendinger also holds the record for the quickest race lap at 1:17.727 (103.655 mph), set in 2003. Dan Wheldon established the fastest race time (30 laps) at 40:29.847 (99.473 mph), set in 2000.
**Tonis Kasemets is proud owner of the record breaking Allmendinger Swift 014. That is our Team Tonis #6. Thanks AJA !! And yes, we’re sending many good
wishes to Dan this weekend at Chicago. Tonis is “looking forward to returning
to competition with Dan” at their home karting center “soon !” ?

First practice session 9.10.04 1:45p – 2:15p CDT

Indianapolis, IN / Monterey, CA USA

Using 28 of the 30 minutes allowed in 1st practice, Tonis settles for 10th
overall, lap 15 of 20 is his best time.

Again, our deepest thanks to ALL who “believe”.

Team Tonis / Savage Media

For more results and box scores, log onto: www.toyotaatlantic.com

Additional “Laguna” Race Weekend Factoid:
**A.J. Allmendinger holds the series track qualifying record, established in 2003. Allmendinger turned a lap of 1:16.986 (104.653 mph) as the fastest single qualifying lap. Allmendinger also holds the record for the quickest race lap at 1:17.727 (103.655 mph), set in 2003. Dan Wheldon established the fastest race time (30 laps) at 40:29.847 (99.473 mph), set in 2000.

**Tonis Kasemets is proud owner of the record breaking Allmendinger Swift 014. That is our Team Tonis #6. Thanks AJA !! And yes, we’re sending many good
wishes to Dan this weekend at Chicago. Tonis is “looking forward to returning
to competition with Dan” at their home karting center “soon !” ?

Mid Ohio Road Course
Mansfield OH / Indianapolis IN USA
August 14 – 15, 2004

Coming off of a scorching dual record breaking weekend at Road America August 4th – 8th, Tonis makes time to “give back” to those who’ve helped him climb to the Pro level. Kasemets piloted the #59 Alfa Romeo of Jay Iliohan to first place in GT5 during the NEOHIO 17th Annual SCCA Buckeye Sprint Nationals. No stranger to Mid O, Tonis is the current course record holder in Formula 2000.

Next Toyota Atlantic outing:
Laguna Seca – ’04 Season Finale

See you in the #6 “Team Tonis” paddock!
SAVAGE MEDIA

KASEMETS’ RECORDS {as of August 15, 2004} :

1) Road America Toyota Atlantic (Pro Series / 2 new track records within 1 event)
2) Road America Z-Tech (Pro Series)
3) Road America Formula 2000 (Pro Series)
4) Blackhawk Farms Formula Atlantic
5) Gingerman Formula Atlantic
6) Hallett OK Formula Continental
7) Stapleton Airport CO Formula Continental
8) Mid Ohio Formula 2000
9) Sebring Formula Atlantic
10) Moroso Formula Atlantic

Breaking News::
http://www.tour-de-ra.org
--- more details of Team Tonis involvement forthcoming asap ! ---

Breaking News:
KASEMETS establishes 2 NEW TRACK RECORDS at Road America!
#6 Flexovit Abrasives / MK Ind. / TMI / Redline Oil / “Live Strong” LAF

Although not the “Top of the Podium finish” Kasemets “knew (he) had
a shot at” during the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama, Tonis did add another NEW TRACK RECORD to his resume.
The record is also historic as the “Fastest Lap of the Day” (lap 10 of 17)
NEW TRACK RECORD: 120.984 MPH

Tonis comments on today’s History: “2 records in one day. This is very
interesting and ironic actually. At Road America in Formula 2000 with old Pinto motors… I had the track record in 2001. In 2003 another RA course record in Formula Z-Tech. Now… 2004 brings me records in Formula Atlantic at MY track. Road America is MY race track. I love it. It’s my home.”

Tonis day began as brightly as it ended, quickly climbing to the top of the speed charts in early morning warm-ups. Running 1st quick by the 3rd lap, he settled for 2nd fast overall. Consistently in the top 1 and 2 positions during the entire 15 minute practice session.

Starting 7th in the race: Kasemets immediately charged to 4th by lap 4. During lap 5 Tonis was already the ‘fastest of the race’ at 119.878mph. During lap 7, the yellow #6 made it into 3rd place with another ‘fast time’ of 120.544.

Tonis: “The race went very well until the 2nd full course yellow. By then Dalziel, Fogarty and myself had a comfortable lead over Patrick and Ranger. With 2 laps to go, I was fired up for the green (re-start), got on the throttle too early at Turn 3. Ranger, then Danica passed me. I tried to overtake them… first Danica, then Ranger… but there was not enough room. Danica and I had a cool battle going on. I really wanted this event… but I had to just back off, accept the fact there was not enough room to make these passes and just settle for 5th. Danica is VERY clean. She’s actually quite a racer!”

2 hours after Tonis discovered he “was everywhere in the press“, he was
asked to be “a Guest Commentator” in the booth for the live International TV broadcast of Champ Car, shown in 50 Countries outside of North America. “Which I was VERY happy to do. It’s very nice to finally have people asking: WHO IS this guy ?”

Kasemets adds: “I won’t deny: At first, not holding onto that 3rd spot,
I feel like I let my team down. But after returning home (Mundelien, IL) and looking back at what a wild week it’s been… I feel blessed. But it’s not all sunk in quite yet. As of now we have 1 more race to go, Laguna Seca, which I will try to do as well as today.”

Special thanks to:
1) John Brooks: “for making the puzzle work.”

2) Gerald Tyler: “for putting us back on the planet where we belong!”

3) “Fat Bastard” Alan O’Leary: “for NOT reading the math channels at race weekends” and “for trusting whatever Tonis’ ass FEELS during race weekends.”

4) Mechanics Mark, Nuno and Shane: “for all of their hard work and prepping our #6 at the highest level this weekend.”

5) Ove Olsson/Olsson Engineering: “who’s always believed & opened many doors on this path.” Especially appreciate the “show of pride” at the finish line Sunday!

6) Merrill Cain, all of the wonderful staff at Toyota Atlantics and TA Media: “for recognizing our Media passion & allowing us to be different.”

7) Jeremy Shaw/World renowned motor sports journalist:
“for your faith” in Tonis’ talent, skill and the future that much of this is riding on.

8) TNT Images: “for the awesome shots & support at all of our race weekends.” Incredible work!

9) To all of our sponsors: Flexovit Abrasives – MK Industries – TMI – Redline Oil and “Live Strong” Lance Armstrong Foundation.

10) To Tonis’ “wonderful Family members” who are watching from all over the world, regardless of time zone differences! To wife Ilona, “the best wife in the world.”

11) To the FANS who “are ALWAYS there at every race.” Tonis was “totally blown away” to see the “sea of Orange Team Tonis shirts @ Turn 5 this weekend.” Tonis has “never felt anything like that before”, to see the many ‘orange-ites’ on the spectator mound. (yes, we’ll get those new “orange” shirts to the Merch area asap !)

12) Last but not least: RYAN MAY (Darksyd Designs)– WebMonster! We pushed you (almost) to the limit this week-weekend and your work will not be forgotten. Special thanks to Mrs. May for allowing us to disturb your Newlywed status at nearly every odd hour of the day, night, morning. Ryan went above & beyond the call of duty !!!

Staggering amounts of people across the globe made repeated returns. Just some of the “Hits” during Road America Weekend:

Niedersachsen, Hannover, Germany
Brussels, Belgium
Harjumaa, Tallinn, Estonia
New York, Bronx
Ohio, Mansfield
Illinois, Chicago
Michigan, Detroit,
*United States
(* from all 50 States !)

We see you, we feel your love. Without your support,
this “dream come true” would have not been possible.

Tonis Kasemets starts 7th moves up to 3rd and finishes 5th overall. Although no podium finish, there were plenty of major accomplishments today for Tonis and his team. Not only did Tonis post the "Fastest Lap of the Day," but at the same time he set a "New Track Record" at a speed of 120.984 MPH on lap 10 of the race.

· Round 9 of the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama is scheduled for 17 laps or 45 minutes on the 4.048-mile, 14-turn Road America permanent road course at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. As race time approaches, the sun is trying to peek through the cloud cover and conditions are dry. Former competitor Jonathan Macri holds the record for the fastest race lap of 2:02.688 (118.779 mph), set in 2001 and the quickest 17-lap race-winning time of 35:37.944 was established in 1999 by Andrew Bordin for an average speed of 115.877 mph.

· At 11 a.m., the command is given for driver’s to start their engines and all engines are reported to be running.

· At 11:05 a.m., the GREEN flag waves to signal the start of the race and all cars make it through turn 1 without incident, with #28 DALZIEL taking the lead.

· Lap 2, #15 HUNT goes off course between turns 1 and 2, comes back on and hits #69 FIGGE; #15 HUNT has front end damage and continues around to pit lane; #69 FIGGE is stopped on course.

· At 11:09 a.m., the YELLOW flag waves signaling a full-course caution while #69 FIGGE is moved off course.

· At 11:14 a.m., the GREEN flag waves to resume the race on lap 4; race control reports that #15 makes repairs and returns to the race.

· Lap 4, #24 PATRICK passes #27 RANGER for fourth and #27 RANGER goes off course in turn 9 and continues; passes #24 PATRICK for fourth. #28 DALZIEL leads, followed by #96 FOGARTY and #4 BREMER; #27 RANGER dropped back to seventh.

· Lap 5, #28 DALZIEL leads by 0.777 seconds over #96 FOGARTY; #4 BREMER is third 1.583 seconds behind the leader.

· Lap 7, #4 BREMER, and #24 PATRICK go into turn 1 three wide. #24 PATRICK backs off and #6 KASEMETS passes #4 BREMER for third. #27 RANGER is closing in on the battle for third.

· Lap 7, #28 DALZIEL leads by 1.704 over #96 FOGARTY followed by , #4 BREMER, #24 PATRICK and #27 RANGER; only six-tenths of a second separate fourth through sixth.

· Lap 8, #24 PATRICK passes #4 BREMER for fourth and takes off after ; #28 DALZIEL has expanded his lead to 2.019 seconds over #96 FOGARTY with #6 KASEMETS 3.543 seconds behind the leader in third.

· Lap 9, the top five are: #28 DALZIEL, #96 FOGARTY, , #24 PATRICK, #4 BREMER.

· Lap 10, #28 DALZIEL has a 2.647-second lead over #96 FOGARTY; is 3.495 seconds back in third.

· Lap 11, #27 RANGER passes #24 PATRICK for fourth; #15 HUNT passes #10 UNSER for ninth.

· Lap 11, #4 BREMER crashes and rolls over against the tires in the gravel in turn 14 on driver’s right; YELLOW flag waves for full course caution.

· Lap 12, #28 DALZIEL leads under the yellow flag behind the pace car, followed by #96 FOGARTY, , #27 RANGER, #24 PATRICK.

· Lap 13, the safety team rights #4 BREMER and he appears to be OK but will be taken to Champ Car Medical for evaluation; the car is being removed to a safe place.

· Lap 13 under caution, #28 DALZIEL leads, followed by #96 FOGARTY, , #27 RANGER, #24 PATRICK, #19 SELLERS, #25 FESTA, #15 HUNT, #10 UNSER, #2 JENSEN.

· Lap 16, goes off course in the exit of turn 3 and both #27 RANGER and #24 PATRICK get by; he continues on course in fifth place.

· Lap 16, gets by #24 PATRICK for fourth, then #24 PATRICK re-passes for fourth.

· Lap 17, CHECKERED flag waves to signal the end of the race. The top five are: #28 DALZIEL by 1.026 seconds over #96 FOGARTY, followed by #27 RANGER, #24 PATRICK and . The fastest lap is turned in by at 2:00.452 (120.984 miles per hour), which is a new track record, breaking the mark set by Jonathan Macri in 2001 at 2:02.688 (118.779 mph).

· Temperatures as measured by the Yokohama Tire engineers were 77 degrees ambient and 83 degrees on track.

· ANDREW RANGER (#27 Tide/Charmin/Mr. Clean/Snugabye), this was the rookie driver’s fifth podium finish of the season and third third-place finish. He took over the lead for Rookie of the Year over Ronnie Bremer, 188-178. "I had a great start, starting in third place. In the straights, I think my fifth gear was too long because when I shifted (into fifth), everybody could catch me. After the yellow (for Ronnie Bremer’s crash), I tried to draft but I could not because I had a push in the front end. In the ninth corner (on lap four), Danica (Patrick) came very fast and took all of the track. She put me in the grass. I was able to keep going but I dropped back. I just put my head down and pushed all the time. I’m very happy (with the result). This is a very fast track; it was difficult."

· JON FOGARTY (#96 Pacific Coast Motorsports/Umbrella Entertainment), his second-place finish gives him six podiums on the season and was his 13th in 23 Toyota Atlantic starts. "We have a positive outlook every weekend. We were strong. I thought we would be stronger for the race, so I’m a bit puzzled about that. Like Andrew, my top gear was too tall and that caused me to drop out of the draft. It’s a tough circuit; physically demanding. It sounds kind of lame not to be happy with second, but it is just a matter of seeing the points go down. (He now leads Ryan Dalziel by only six points, 239-233, for the championship.) We’ll just keep on. I’m going to bring the car home each race with the best it can do. (Mid-race, closed on him.) I was not surprised to see him there. They () did a good job. They had his car set up the way he needed to draft and go fast. (At Denver, the next race,) I would like to repeat what we did in 2002 (where he won the series title by winning the race); I’m sure Ryan wouldn’t agree. It’s a good circuit. Montreal and Laguna Seca are both great circuits. (The championship race) is going to be interesting. They are tracks that I enjoy driving. They are all tough tracks and some are physically demanding. We have as good a shot as anybody."

· RYAN DALZIEL (#28 ProWorks), fourth win this season and second straight; closed within six points of Jon Fogarty, 239-233. "It’s a huge recovery from the accident Wednesday. That’s why this team is so great. It was a bad practice week. We destroyed our primary car. It shows how good this team is when we can roll out the second car and do so well. The car was fast right out of the box. We have the best engineers with Kyle Brannan and Dave Faustino and the best driver coach, David Empringham. Road America is notorious for drafting. We had a mega car. It was good on the restarts and extremely quick through the first couple of corners. It was an awesome result for the team and the Kottke family (team owners). (Regarding the championship battle) Bring it on. We’ve been very quick every time on the track. We’ve just had some bad luck, as has Jon. We’re confident in the team and in the cars. We’ve made great strides all year."

Argent Mortgage Toyota Atlantic Championship of Road America Presented by Yokohama in Elkhart Lake, WI. The Toyota Atlantic race is scheduled for 11 a.m. CDT. Sunday (17 laps or 45 minutes) on the 4.048-mile, 14-turn permanent road course.

The Atlantics did not run here last year, so there is no 2003 pole sitter nor race champion.

With approximately 3 minutes to go in the final session of qualifying,
the Red was flown; stopping all activity. Tonis & the #6 are “fine”.
More details as they become available at: www.toyotaatlantic.com

Sunday's Argent Mortgage Toyota Atlantic Championship of Road America Presented by Yokohama
(tape-delayed on SPEED Channel on Sunday, August 8th – 1pm ET/ 12pm CDT)

Kasemets “Team Tonis” #6
Road America Updates
Friday August 6 and Saturday August 7, 2004

Kasemets 11th in Round 1 of Qualifying at Road America
8th fastest in morning practice; in Top 5 & leading at one point:

Practice 1: ( live T & S provided by www.toyotaatlantic.com )
At 9:30am - after 15 minutes of the session, the top five on the scoring charts are:

#28 DALZIEL at 2:00.726 (120.710 mph)
#4 BREMER at 2:01.411 (120.029 mph)
#69 FIGGE at 2:01.891 (119.556 mph)

#24 PATRICK at 2:02.372 (119.086 mph)

Then the “ bad mistake “ ruins Tonis’ day during 1st qualifying round.

• At 3:24pm, a **RED flag stopped the session as #6 KASEMETS goes off course into the sand trap in turn 14; his car is moved to a safe location until the completion of the session. He lost his quickest lap as a penalty for causing the red flag.

The FIGHT BACK:
Final 30 minute practice session Saturday 9:15am CDT
Tonis is back on TOP of scoring charts, leading the field for a couple of laps, ending up posting 2nd quick time. An incredible comeback after 1st quals ‘mishap’.

Kasemets #6 makes STRONG comeback after 1st round qualifying “mistake” and sports the unique “LIVE STRONG” Lance Armstrong Foundation signage this weekend !

Indianapolis IN / Elkhart Lake WI
Saturday August 7, 2004

Tonis comments: “Everything went well this morning after the mistake I made in 1st qualifying yesterday. The Boys cleaned up the car well. Yesterday’s car was VERY good, today’s car is very good. I have a 2nd wind and we’re back on course. It’s always a long night after a mistake like that.“ Luckily, Tonis hit mainly small gravel in the sand trap in turn 14, but that alone can do severe damage to any car. Especially the sturdy, yet delicate Swift 014. His crew “did an amazing job” of getting everything back in place.

Additionally, the news of our partnership supporting the Lance Armstrong “Live Strong” Foundation (aka LAF). Look for the “LAF” logo on the nose
of Tonis’ yellow #6. Also on the only Toyota Atlantic to sport the signage: the rear wing is decorated upper and lower with LAF graphics.

A perfect combination for Lance & Tonis #6, as Armstrong made history in the famous “yellow” jersey; winning his record breaking 6th Tour de France recently. Since Tonis has gotten more involved w/ LAF, he & the entire Kasemet’s Family: wife Ilona with daughter Adry on the back of their bike, son Ayrton and Tonis will all compete in the Tour de Road America this evening on their private “Trek” bikes (Lance’s “brand” fyi).

We hope you all help support LAF. Hit the link, buy a bracelet.
http://www.tour-de-ra.org/

Finally the unmistakable yellow #6 of the first Estonian in this Series: Tonis Kasemets - returns to Toyota Atlantic @ his “favorite on the circuit!”

And, with a surprising new team mate !

Tonis Kasemets is back in action at his ‘home track’, where he swept the 2001 Road America 500 Double Header Weekend, almost exactly 3 years ago to this date. Okay, it was 7/8/01; but close enough to make the fire within Tonis rage even higher. This is one podium Tonis has had many views from. He’s also been denied with 1 DNF here also.

Making much noise in the news and rightfully so: Tonis’ new team mate at Brooks Associates Racing is none other than the 3rd Generation Unser who likes to simply be known as:
Just Al. (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/12330/)
Just Al and Tonis Kasemets.
At least from this side of things, we’re ecstatic.
John Brooks was able to find the right combo and help Just Al along.

After a large day of bonus testing for Toyota Atlantics and BMW with a rookie test unexpectedly added for Champ Car, Tonis felt all 3 outings “ went very well.” Others were in front of him: “Dalziel, Ranger, Bremmer & 1 other … forgive me, I was focusing very hard. Good ones running up front. We have the skill to find what we have and look forward to getting real at our next opportunity out there.”

Without provocation, Tonis expressed his excitement about Just Al when asked if the #10 of Unser took advantage of the extra on-track time: “Yes ? he did. And he’s a pretty cool guy. Nice and calm. GOOD sense of humor, we’re getting along great. I’m really looking forward to him being my team mate. Cool kid. I like him. And all of his Family members are kind to me as well. They are fun ! ”

More soon. Thanks again for logging onto Tonis Kasemets site.
Your support is deeply appreciated.

WELCOME BACK AL 3 (aka Just Al !) Great to have the Unser’s back in the paddock !

“All times of this session were faster than 1st ( for everyone ).
2nd qualifying is done, we tried some things, made some changes…
it didn’t make us any faster … so we just have to work harder and go
another way … we have the last thing to try tomorrow morning in
the 15 minute warm up ( 10:45 – 11:00am ) and we have to try something else.
Still sorting, still have time … after that warm-up: bring on the race ! I’m
confident: we’ll have it all sorted out by then.”

Additionally, this is an extra special event for the Kasemets Family:
Tonis’ mother Juta is visiting from Estonia, his father Toomas is here;
as well wife Ilona with Tonis’ mother-in-law Kully and both children:
daughter Adry and son Aryton. This is the first time “Family Team Tonis” has gathered for Toyota Atlantics. Brother Madis is ‘with us’ from afar,
on Tonis’ phone often.

Again, our heart felt thanks to our sponsors, John Brooks and crew,
the fans and the hard working Toyota Atlantic Media team.

News Flash:
Tonis Kasemets / Brooks Associates Racing, Inc.
Toyota Atlantics PRACTICE Round 2 (final practice)
July 2, 2004 9:15 – 9:45am ET
Indianapolis IN/ Cleveland OH

Q: You’ve made some great moves up this weekend VS
your other outings in Toyota Atlantic. Are you getting the set-up better suited ?
A: “ In & out of pits during last session, we found a pattern of which way to go.
Making a couple more changes, hopefully we’ll have a good 2nd Qualifying.
Really looking forward to final Qualifying session … the car is very close to perfect.
Working on race conditions, Chief Engineer Peter Jacobs & I are communicating
very well. Ronnie Bremmer ran a different set-up, since he’s moved
on we’re getting my set-up arranged. All is well. “

Team Owner John Brooks: "Tonis continues to do a solid job in the car. Watching him on track, it's easy to forget that he is only on his third race weekend (Portland being a doubleheader) in the Atlantic series. Impressive!"

Q: Tonis, any final thoughts about this morning’s final practice ?
A: “With a shortened season and lack of testing… if I get in the Top 5
this weekend I’ll be happy. This is basically: getting the car
ready for Road America.
I’m happy, taking the smart path, conserving somewhat. Not
going to risk it; not stepping over my shadow… until this car is
perfect, and we are close.

Session ended 3 minutes early, due to a single car incident involving Philip Fayer which brought out the Red Flag. Kasemets is 6th fast with 18 laps completed. Tonis made several pit stops, working on “handling issues.”

Tonis Kasemets:
“We took it out on new tires, everyone did, we have to conserve but that makes
it more fun. It takes time to learn each others ‘language’. ( within Team )
Ways to communicate effectively.
To tell the team quickly what is needed as you are coming into pits. I’m very careful to explain. Peter Jacobs (Brooks Assoc. Racing Engineer) is working with me nicely. We’re making some changes to the car this evening for the next practice so we know which way to go later tomorrow. The car is VERY close, just needs fine tuning. Time for a good meal, a good night’s rest and looking forward to 9:15am practice and final Quals at 1:00pm tomorrow.”
(all times ET)

A: “WOW, thanks to everyone who is hitting the site! Please, keep the hits
coming. We’re going to land that big sponsor yet! With fans help this dream
is a reality, but we do need more. I’m very happy, this is a great venue.
And being with John Brooks, I know I have the crew and team to make IT happen.
4 times the hits ? I’m still amazed … I don’t know what to say !? Thank you all !! And to everyone in the Media Center keeping the press up at Toyota Atlantic, we appreciate your time and efforts also. Have a great night everybody !”

John Brooks, team owner: “Tonis did a really good job today - as he continues to learn the track, his times are consistently improving and he’s sending back good information for our engineer and crew. We’ll make some changes this afternoon and look to see him continue to move up the grid. Good start for the weekend.”

Other: Log onto www.toyotaatlantic.com for LIVE Timing & Scoring.
Saturday July 3
Warm-up @ 10:45 – 11:00a ET

Argent Mortgage Presents the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama
Grid @ 2:15p ET 32 lap (or 50:00) race @ 2:30pm ET
The race airs on Speed: Sunday, July 11th at 1:00 pm ET.

July 1, 2004 Cleveland Grand Prix
Toyota Atlantic PRACTICE session #1
10:45am – 11:15am ET Indianapolis IN / Cleveland OH

Tonis: “I like the track, I feel good, the crew is doing a great job. Now we will
see in next qualifying if any changes the crew makes are helpful.”

Q: You’re back on top, where we are accustomed to seeing you,
this must feel better than your previous outings. What changed ?

A: “One simple reason: the driver does his job. And the crew does
their job good as well. Media/team people often call drivers ‘babies or silky hands’, but they don’t understand, we have to DRIVE these cars … the crew works
equally as hard.”

Q: Top 5 or 5th fast, that was your goal. Now, can we look for you in Top 3 during
Qual 1 this afternoon ? A: “Things are good. But we’re only allowed to use 2 sets of tires this weekend
( i.e.: practice, quals and race )
We only have 2 sessions to find results, managing the tires for a total
of 6 sessions is important. Gotta be smart about it, make the right calls.
Not so much concerned about being in Top 3 or the Pole, but on top of
the Podium race day.”

Q: As mentioned in previous ‘press’, this is your 1st time around the Grand
Prix of Cleveland. Sounds like you took to it nicely. Comments ?

( FYI, the only course on TA schedule Tonis is familiar with is Road America.
Otherwise, these are all new venues for Tonis. )

Q: You’ve had your setbacks big-time this rookie year.
Why do you do this stuff? ( most asked question ).

A: “You love everything about it. You love the good,
you learn from & love the bad. That’s the (expletive) bottom line. I just can’t fake it; it IS what it is. We do this because, it’s LOVE.”

Q: You are back, full force this weekend. How’s the attitude after PIR ‘problems’ ?
A: “We had a not so good weekend in Portland, trying to close that chapter & open a new book at Cleveland.”

Q: Your former teammate, Ronnie Bremmer… you’ve become good friends & now he’s moved on. How does this recent team change affect you ?
A: “Because of the team changes, now I finally have the mechanics & dedicated engineer… so hopefully my Golden horse will finally shine. And hopefully the driver will be up to speed with the mechanics & can live up to the crew’s experience. The weekend starts tomorrow (July 1) with the 1st practice. That 1st outing will tell how the weekend will go. If we are in the top 5, there’s a good chance at a successful weekend.”

Post race Quotes: Portland International Raceway
Toyota Atlantic Double-Header June 19-20, 2004

Race 1:
Qualified 13th Finished 11th.
On the warm-up lap, the car simply…
shut off. Master switch wasn’t in the ‘detent’. Tow trucks
tried to pull Tonis back in to the pits, but for some reason
he was pulled behind the wall (back straight). Track-workers
asked him to get out of his #6, saying “you are done”. Tonis asked corner-workers to “please turn off and on the master switch”. The power was ‘live’ again. He asked permission to ‘fire’.
After quite a length of time, he was finally cleared to ‘fire’.
He resumed getting back on course. Not lapped down yet,
the field was ‘green’.

Yellow coming out gave Tonis a chance to catch-up with the
field. Back to green. Moves up 2 positions.

Race 2:
Qualified 12th Finished 12th
During the start, Tonis avoided a crash in turns 1 and 2. Chief
Steward misunderstood Tonis’ maneuvers to avoid the debris, and was accused of “short cutting”. Tonis’ intentions were to
avoid Danika Patrick. Yet, he was given the Black flag. Awaiting radio communications from Chief Steward before the Black, all was settled with a ‘drive though penalty’. Tonis continued his race, he “wasn’t fast all weekend. Every session was a test. Something going haywire with every outing.”

With each event, more lessons learned.
“Perhaps things will be better at Cleveland”.
Optimism, is one many of Team Tonis’ strong points.

After missing Monterrey and Milwaukee (running a limited schedule) Tonis Kasemets used some recent days off to test his freshly repaired #6 Swift 014/Brooks Associates Racing Inc. Toyota Atlantic at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Wisconsin June 7th & 8th before jetting to Oregon. The damage occurred during Champ Car's opening weekend at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. During the restart of lap 17, the #6 (running 4th at the time) felt confident enough to make his move at turn 5. Unfortunately, the car "got away" from him & Tonis received his first taste of hitting the tire barrier at the Pro-level. Only his 'ego' was hurt, thankfully he was fine and able to walk away from the accident. The #6 however, received much damage to the front-left.

Now, coming into rounds 4 & 5 (races 2 & 3 for Tonis) he's "looking forward to winning (his) first Atlantic race this weekend". "If we don't have any weird problems with the car, I hope to see the Podium".

Many thanks: to all at Brooks Associates Racing, Inc.; to our sponsors ; Toyota Atlantics staff and management; and most importantly: to family, friends and FANS. We appreciate your unwavering support... one of the many reasons, we FIGHT ON.

News Flash- Press Notes from Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Tonis Kasemets 1st Toyota Altantic race:
Events leading up to Race Day 4/18/04

Dateline
April 15 - 17, 2004
30th Anniversary / Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Press notes
>From Savage Media

First Practice session 4/15/04:
Q: Give me your FIRST Pro Atlantic Quote !
A: What is that ? (chuckles)
Q: Really, how did it FEEL ??
A: It's the first practice session Baby ! I'm very happy and taking my
time. My first qualifying will be the last qualifying. It's the first
time ever on a street course. It's still my car, I must keep my eye on it...
can't go balls out. It's just learning the track and having fun !"