INDYCAR: Toronto notes

• tomh@motorsport.com (Tom Haapanen)
• MNI - Motorsport News International
• Thu Jul 18 18:22:39 EDT 1996

Molson Indy Toronto

Firestone won its seventh PPG Indy Car World Series event of the season
Sunday, but lost a good friend Arciero Wells Racing's Jeff Krosnoff,
supported by Firestone, died on the ninety-second lap of the Molson Indy
Toronto in a crash with Stefan Johannson and Andre Ribeiro. A track
marshal, Gary Avrin, also lost his life in the accident

"We are very saddened over the tragic incident which cost Jeff Krosnoff
his life," said Bridgestone/Firestone motorsports manager Al Speyer.
"Jeff was a true professional and an excellent ambassador for our
sport. We have lost a special person. You realize there is danger in
our profession, however, you can never accept the emptiness a moment
like this brings. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Tracy, his
parents and the Arciero Wells racing team. Our sympathy is also extended
to the family of Mr. Arvin."

Following the wreck Tasman Motorsports' Adrian Fernandez took the
checkered flag under the red flag on the ninety-third lap of the 95 lap
event. Fernandez edged Target/Chip Ganassi Racing's Alex Zanardi for his
first career IndyCar victory and improves Firestone's record to 7 and 4
this season.

"This was a great victory for Adrian and Firestone," said Speyer. "It
was evident at the end that Adrian and Alex had the race in control It's
nice to be back in the winner's circle, very nice."

"The tires were awesome, they got better and better as the race went
along," said Tasman Motorsports owner Steve Home. "Our biggest boost to
victory were the Firestone tires and Honda engine."

Firestone made its strongest statement this season in qualifying as all
cars on the first three rows were wearing Firehawks. Ribeiro started
from the pole followed by: Zanardi, Fernandez, Patrick Racing's Scott
Pruett and Brix Comptech Racing's Parker Johnstone. The Molson Indy
Toronto also marked the fourth consecutive race a Firestone-equipped
machine held down the front spot.

Rain fell during the early stage of practice on Saturday affording
Firestone the opportunity to show progress made on its wet weather
product. A new softer compound Firehawk proved successful during the
session.

"Our drivers are pleased with the improvement we've made with our rain
tire," said Speyer. "The word this weekend was Firestone didn't want it
to rain. We preferred a dry race, but if it had been wet we would have
been competitive. We're continuing development in this area and there's
more to come."

The next stop on the IndyCar schedule is the Marlboro 500 July 28 at
Michigan International Speedway. In last years run Pruett nipped Al
Unser Jr. in the second closest race in modern Indy Car history, giving
Firestone its first victory in its return to the sport.