Posted (09/28/2010) -
Team Sahlen has signed Catherine Crawford Wallace to be the lead Engineer for the 2011 Campaign in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. Catherine joined Team Sahlen at the mid-point in the 2010 season at Daytona International Speedway. Her input and guidance assisted in Team Sahlen’s steady progress to the front of the very competitive GT class field.
“I had only observed Catherine at the track before she joined Team Sahlen this year. But I can only say that after having met her and saw her in action, I am very happy to have her on board. She is very much a team player. As well, she is focused to making sure that we get the maximum out of the already well developed SpeedSource built Mazda RX-8.” Stated Joe Sahlen
“I am very excited to continue forward in 2011 with Team Sahlen. As soon as I met up with Team Sahlen at Daytona, I could tell two things right away: This was a very family oriented team, which I enjoy, and everyone on the team very much wants to improve the processes and of course to win,,,which is an atmosphere that I really enjoy. To be part of the full 2011 season is very invigorating. This will provide me with a great chance to develop continuity in the development of the Mazda RX-8 as we all work to get to the front of the GT field.” Shared Catherine Crawford Wallace
Beyond her duties and responsibilities as lead Engineer at Team Sahlen, Catherine will also be the Race Strategist for the #43 Mazda RX-8 that will be driven by Memo Gidley and Wayne Nonnamaker. Except for a late race yellow disturbing her strategy, Catherine’s skills as a strategist almost resulted in a top spot at the season finale at Miller Motorsports Park.
“Catherine has been a great addition to the team. She fits in very well with the whole crew. Not only is she dedicated and focused at the track, but she is constantly thinking of new ideas and solutions away from the track to improve the RX-8s. During 2010, we have received excellent technical feedback from SpeedSource Engineering. And they will continue to provide the same guidance next season. Hopefully with the addition of Catherine, we will be able to build upon that knowledge and continue to work to get the maximum potential out of the Mazda RX-8.” – shared Jay Chapman, Team Manager
As part of Team Sahlen’s Technical program in 2011, the expertise of a Tire Engineer has been secured to help in the transition from the Pirelli to Continental Tires. Additionally, Chris Lowe will continue forward as Team Sahlen’s Data Acquisition Technician.
Catherine graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University where she also completed internships in racing ranging from Aerospace projects, Sportcar racing, with Dyson Racing winning the Daytona 24 twice, to NASCAR with Team Penske. Straight after graduating she was hired into Formula 1, working in the Wind Tunnel for Jordan F1. Catherine returned to Sportscars by joining her family in running the Crawford DP03 and then DP08, developing skills not only on the Aero side but extending to setup, strategy, and geometry
The 2010 Team Sahlen GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 & GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Campaigns will be supported by Mazda, Mazdaspeed, HRPWorld.com, HAWK Performance, Cool Shirt, Racetech Seats, BBS, Racing Print Media, Alcon, Mothers Polish, EMCO, TheRaceSite.com, Grassroots Motorsports, Holliday Canopies, Alcon, CM Racing