Bowmanville, ON - May 22, 2001: "Expectations for a wonderful weekend were high. Entry among the divisions were strong, the car count for the Trans-Am race was the best in recent years and fans were here by the thousands camping and arriving race day Sunday. But all of this pales in comparison to the tragedy that took place during the Trans-Am race."

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mike Gagliardo following a racing accident on lap 38 of the 50 lap Trans-Am Series race at Mosport this past Sunday (May 20, 2001). Tragedy has very few consoling words. Our thoughts and prayers along with those of everyone involved with Mosport and the racing community is with Mike's wife, twin daughters, family, friends and teammates during this most somber time. Our prayers are also with Gary Longo and his family as he recovers at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre following successful spinal Column surgery. Gary's prognosis for recovery is certainly a blessing as his condition has been upgraded to fair." - Myles Brandt, Executive Director, Mosport International Raceway.

Gary Longo, 25 (Evanston, Ill) driver of the #53 Wickes Lumber Trilithic Panoz Esperante and Mike Gagliardo, 46 (Chicago, Ill) driver of the #29 Agri Oils Chevrolet Corvette were involved in a serious incident on lap 38 of 50 during the running of a Trans-Am Series race at Mosport International Raceway, May 20, 2001.

Gagliardo was transported to Lakeridge Health Center in Bowmanville and pronounced dead upon arrival. Longo was airlifted to Sunnybrook Medical Center, Toronto in critical condition, but conscious and alert. His condition has been upgraded to fair following surgery Monday May 21^st.