The crowd pleasing prototype has been under repair at both Lola and AER in England since catching fire at the end of the 8th hour at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driver Mel Hawkins was unhurt.

The KnightHawk squad raced last weekend nonetheless in their B2K/40 from last season’s American Le Mans Series. Perhaps last year’s Lola has been angry at taking second stage to the team’s new MG Lola, because it sure showed its might at the Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio by delivering the third in class podium to the prodigal team.

Sharing driving duties for the Independence Day weekend 500-miler will be Mel Hawkins, Steve Knight and Chad Block.

KnightHawk just closed a two-race deal with Block to share driving duties at both Road America and the Cadillac Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. Fans of the team will remember that Block raced with KnightHawk at the Grand Prix of Sonoma in May and at the Rolex 24 in February. In both 2000 and 2001 Block distinguished himself in the Star Mazda Series.

Block is being sponsored for both races by Gestetner. Gestetner offers leading-edge digital document management solutions, including digital duplicators, digital imaging systems, network laser printers and facsimile machines that deliver document output solutions for businesses of all sizes ­ at speeds from 13-105ppm. For more information on Gestetner systems, please visit www.GestetnerUSA.com.

“I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to race again with KnightHawk,” said Block. “Mel and Steve are both great guys and I really would like to deliver some great results to them and the team. My performance with them at Sears Point disappointed me, but with the extra time in their MG Lola at both the Road America and Washington, D.C. races I think I can improve on my results behind the wheel and make a good effort at performing to the car’s capabilities.”

This is the first appearance by the ALMS at the fabled Road America circuit at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 12-turn 4-mile road racing course - the longest circuit ever visited by the ALMS ­ will host the four classes of sportscars for the 125 lap event.

“I missed being at the race last week ­ which makes me even more excited to be at Road America,” said Mel Hawkins. “I haven’t been in the car since Le Mans so I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car and hopefully having a great race ­ and ending the day with a good result!”

“I’m very excited to get our MG Lola back on a track in the USA”, Steve Knight said with a grin. “I just can’t wait to get back in it and show the fans at Road America just what a great car it is.”

The race will begin Sunday, July 7 at 12:15pm CDT and will be televised live on CBS beginning at 4:00pm EST and tape delayed on Eurosport at 20:00 European Time on Sunday, July 14, 2002.

Complete information on the team is available at www.knighthawkracing.com

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