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Johnny, Paul, and Brian started off the race weekend with a visit to the Cleveland Clinic. Here are some photos of the children receiving some autographs.
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Johnny settles into the car with his HANS device.
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Johnny enters the pits at Cleveland Burke Lakefront airport. This active airport is shut down one weekend each year for this event.
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We pit right at our trailers at this race. Check out that Rocketsports #3 Jaguar in the sunlight.
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This is the familiar sight of Gary from BFGoodrich checking tire temperatures after practice.
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Scott Pruett drops by for a short visit with Johnny after the morning practice.
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The crew actually had the rare chance to sit down and eat some of Butch's cookin'
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Larry, Brian, and Bobby have a few minutes to mentally go over the car before qualifying...The guys are definately in "the zone" for a big weekend.
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Here is your Cleveland "Fast Five" for 2001. Left to right is rookie Justin Bell (making his first fast five appearance), Johnny, Paul Gentilozzi, Brian Simo, and Tommy Archer
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Johnny and Paul listen carefully to a question being asked.
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The question asked was something to the effect of if Paul was concerned about a pile-up from behind on the first time through the dangerous turn one at Cleveland (as has been the case over the last several years). Paul's response was something to the effect that since his teammate Johnny was behind him that he is certain there will be no pile up this year!...that is, if Johnny wants to race at the next race in California...
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Johnny V just wishes dad would quit posing for photos..he just wants to RIDE...
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Nathan, Amber, Uncle Gary...here is your photo on the WORLD WIDE WEB...now you tell all your buddies in NC that you are famous throughout the world!
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Amber, John G, Nathan, Gary, and Johnny
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HEY!!! Who is that?
It's the GREEN GUY paying a visit.
Watch for race photos to come...
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Johnny took time out on race morning to discuss the track and team with CBS guys
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Johnny's morning also included a paddock tour for lots of Eaton Cutler-Hammer guests
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The paddock tour gives guests a chance to get a close up look at the car and the team preping for the race.
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Another picture during the paddock tour. The Eaton headquarters is located in Cleveland just a few blocks away from Burke-Lakefront Airport.
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Jeanne Pursuit from Eaton Cutler-Hammer did a great job hosting the guests, but still found a moment to check out the Jaguar Scooters.
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Jared on the scooter
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John looks ready for a ride
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Joe knows he can beat them all! Its all in the aerodynamics. (Denise, I did not forget you...I am so sorry, your picture could not be retrieved off the camera...ugh, the world of technology failed us. Come on down to Mid-Ohio racecourse and we can try again!).
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Matt Campbell is one of the many VOLUNTEERS that make the Cleveland Grand Prix a reality. The race could not be a sucess without all their hard work and dedication. Hats off to all the volunteers.
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Here are the winners of prizes in Eaton Cutler-Hammer's drawings (not in order of the photo): Sandi Nickolaus, Ray Hyster, Sheri Hyster, Jack Smith, Frank Chekella, Mike Wickline, Dave Young, Scott Deckrill, and Pete Cleaveland (Honorary Pit Crew member).
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Here are some more photos from Johnny's Chalktalk session at the hospitality tent...
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Now, it's race time. This photographer did not take this photo...is this kiss meant for wife Julie behind the camera or for all the fans?
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Here is a shot taken during the Cleveland Monsoon. Crew Chief Bobby Houghton took refuge inside the car to hold the tarp in place the best he could. It looks like quite a ride. Thanks Bobby!
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Even with the bad storm that swept through the region, there was ONE fan that just would not leave
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Here is some race action with Johnny working his way through the difficult turn one.
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Johnny is applying the pressure to Brian Simo early in the race
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Ughhh, a pass attempt in TURN ONE. The fans were going wild as Johnny set Brian up for the attempt, however, he couldn't get the tires to grip and Brian maintained his lead.
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Johnny's Rocketsport power eats up a Panoz down the straight
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On the podium. Paul 1st, Stu 2nd, Johnny 3rd
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The Rocketsports Team gets a group shot
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Johnny had a fan in the stands that made his "presence" known...HEYYYY JOHNNYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! (He was rewarded for his efforts with a race cap).
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Johnny fields a question at the post race winners press conference in the airport terminal
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The Cleveland winners at the press conference. Next race up is the live CBS broadcast at Sears Point...until then...
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John Sr, Johnny's mom Diana, Grandma Dorothy, and Judy made the trek to Cleveland. Also, we got a suprise visit from great friends Dale and Deb Schlobohm. We took a photo, but Deb won't let us post it...good to see you Dale and Deb!
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Another shot of Johnny entering the pits at the end of the dangerous turn one.
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Scott is definately ready for a spin
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Johnny takes Kevin Carlin for a spin around the paddock. Kevin you are a BRAVER young gentleman than many!!
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Here is a LOST PHOTO that we found from Cleveland. A young gentleman poses with Johny...
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