Sierra Sierra Enterprises captures ChampCar Atlantic title

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Even with one race remaining in the Champ Car Atlantic series, Minden-based open wheel racing team Sierra Sierra Enterprises is already celebrating the championship.


Sierra Sierra's lead driver, Raphael Matos, placed fourth at the San Jose Grand Prix Sunday to clinch the season title and the $2 million prize toward a 2008 Champ Car World Series ride.


"It's an unbelievable feeling," Matos told Champcaratlantic.com. "I can't really describe what I'm feeling right now.


"It's definitely like a dream coming true. I worked my whole life and I dreamed about this moment. I dreamed about being in Champ Car."


It marked the 10th top-four performance in the 11 races so far this season for Matos.

Matos will be honored during the season finale weekend at Elkhart Lake, Wis., on Aug. 12 at the series awards banquet.


Matos has now won three North American titles, including the Star Mazda championship in 2005 and the Formula Dodge National Championship in 2003.


For Sierra Sierra, it marked the first Champ Car Atlantic title despite being a favorite heading into every season.


Previously, the team placed second in both the 2003 and 2004 seasons with Ryan Dalziel at the wheel. Dalziel now races in the Champ Car World Series.


"I just can't thank enough the Sierra Sierra/Pro Works team," Matos said. "This is the second year that they gave me the chance to drive this car. They are like a family for me. I love them for life and I appreciate very much what they've done for me."


Jonathan Bomarito won the San Jose race, but Matos' fourth-place finish put him 36 points ahead of the closest competition in the season standings with only 34 points available at the Wisconsin finale.


Sierra Sierra's No. 2 driver, James Hinchcliffe, fell back to fourth-place in the overall standings after his car took an early exit Sunday when he failed to complete the opening lap of the race.


"It's just so unfortunate for points and for my Sierra Sierra guys who gave me such a good car all weekend," Hinchcliffe said.


Hinchcliffe had been in third heading into the weekend.


The race will be televised on ESPN2 Friday at 2:30 p.m.