Brazilian Stock Cars: Drivers chase ‘The Million’ in Goiânia

Goiânia is once again the venue to another Brazilian Stock Car race. After opening the 2015 season with the all-star race, now the drivers will compete for more than a victory, 24 points and a trophy on the shelf: the winner takes one million reais (around 300,000 dollars). It is the traditional ‘Million Race’, which comes to its seventh edition - and five different winners: Valdeno Brito (2008), Ricardo Maurício (2010), Thiago Camilo (2011 and 2012), Ricardo Zonta (2013) and Rubens Barrichello (2014).

Camilo, the only two-time millionaire, had been released by the doctors to take part in the race after the horrific crash on heat one of round six in Curitiba. His car had an ECU problem that slowed it down in the main straight. While he was trying to reach the grass to park his machine, his car was hit from behind by Rafa Matos followed by a shunt by Felipe Fraga. Camilo and Fraga were taken to hospital for further examination and both spent the night to be clinically released the day after with only minor bruises. Thiago had been in intensive physiotherapy treatment for his left ankle, which was not fractured, but swollen.

He arrived at the racetrack on Thursday wearing an orthopedic boot to stabilize his left foot, but he says he is ready to race. "I am really motivated to show on track all the work the guys at the shop did to rebuild the whole car", he told. "I am not 100% physically, but 200% motivated. I must thank God to be here two weeks after that accident. The car showed that it is safe, and we could learn a little more about it and how to work to develop the car safety even more", analyzed Camilo.

Felipe Fraga was happy his new car was built in such short notice. "We had already won a race even before we stepped on the grid. I am deeply impressed with the hard work and dedication of all the guys in the team. It was a huge challenge because the other car was completely destroyed in the crash and to build a new one from scratch was unbelievable. I can’t wait to put the pedal to the metal and try to get a million", said the youngster.

About the accident, the 19-year old said it was "pretty scary": "It was a frightening moment, the biggest one in my career, but thankfully the consequences were minimal. I’m fully recovered and hoping to fight for the victory and if I win it would be more than a pleasure to share this prize money with the whole team", told Fraga.

Unlike the previous rounds, Goiânia will host only one Stock Car race, 45-minutoes long with one mandatory pit stop for tyres and refueling. There will be no prize money for second and third placed drivers. The winner takes it all.

The ‘Million Race’ will be broadcast live by Globo TV this Sunday at 10:30 am local time (14:30 GMT).

www.stockcar.com.br

More information
VICAR Communications Department
Eduardo Antonialli / Cleber Bernuci
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