Glock Devastated by Gearbox Woes

The former Formula One driver was on course for his maiden Champ Car podium when his Rocketsports Lola stripped third gear. A couple of laps later the problem became even more crippling and Glock coasted back to the pits to retire.

The amiable German was crestfallen to lose a strong finish within sight of the chequered flag for the second time in three races; in Edmonton last month he collided with Justin Wilson while lying fourth.

"It goes without saying just how disappointed I am," Glock said. "I began having problems getting into third gear on the straight, but the DHL Global Mail car was near-perfect halfway through the race.

"I was able to run quick laps and hold off (Paul) Tracy and that was critical - he was the leader and we saved ourselves from going a lap down.

"Then, after the last yellow, (Mario) Dominguez came up on me and we were racing hard for third. I was able to hold him off until third gear went. He got around me and I just tried to keep pushing, but then fourth gear started to go, then fifth. There was nothing I could do but bring the car in.

"It is so frustrating. My Rocketsports team did such a great job today and really deserved a great finish, but we will move on and try again in Montreal."

Team owner Paul Gentilozzi added: "You can't imagine how heavy my heart is. Timo drove a fantastic race. He was holding off Mario; the kid's got great heart and great speed. Today unfortunately we let him down."

Glock's retirement sees his lead in the Rookie of the Year standings dwindle to just two points over Ronnie Bremer, who battled an ill-handling Dale Coyne Racing car to seventh place and freely admitted he was the beneficiary of some good fortune.

"We got a bit lucky today," said the Dane. "We didn't have the car today but I got lucky a couple of times and hung in there till the end."