Flanagan-Long Combo Takes Top-10 in DP Debut

WATKINS GLEN, NY., September 26, 2005 � Neither Pat Flanagan (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) or Patrick Long (Las Vegas, Nev.) had ever driven a Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype (DP) in competition prior to Saturday's Crown Royal 250 at the Glen. However, they quickly showed that the two Grand Touring (GT) specialists have a knack for the high-horsepower, purposely built racing machines. With on-track carnage swirling around the No. 5 New Century-Essex Racing Crawford, the two drove a strong and focused race to capture a ninth-place finish here at Watkins Glen International. The No. 5 DP held closely to the race strategy setout by team owner Michael Gue. Through the excellent teamwork and driving precision of Long and Flanagan, the finish showcased not only their potential but also marked the highest finish for Essex Racing in 2005. “Overall it was a great and valuable experience,” said Long. “Attrition helped us with our result but the goal was to keep out of trouble and get as much experience as possible. I want to thank Essex Racing, Pat and Porsche for giving me this opportunity. I definitely look forward to getting back into a prototype again soon.”Flanagan and Long will return to the No. 26 New Century Mortgage Porsche 911 GT3 Cup of Aasco Motorsports for the next Rolex Series race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) on October 9th. The two have combined to race the GT class car five times previously this season with a season-high fourth at California Speedway. Overall, they have earned three top-10 finishes driving together this season.For more, please visit www.AascoMotorsports.com. To learn more about New Century Mortgage, please log on to www.NewCentury.com.###