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Defending Champion Simon Gregg leads tight TA field in qualifying

September 28, 2013

When Simon Gregg led the Trans Am Series out on the track at Virginia International Raceway for qualifying today, Saturday September 28, 2013, for the Trans Am 100, Presented by World Information Systems, he brought with him what had been an incredibly consistent performance throughout the weekend. Gregg’s consistency was put front and center for all to see throughout the qualifying session.

Gregg, behind the wheel of the #1 Derhaag Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, led what was an incredibly tight TA field with a time of 1:49.136. Following him was the #87 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet Corvette, piloted by Doug Peterson, with a time of 1:49.142, Amy Ruman, in the #23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette, at 1:49.233 and John Baucom, in the #86 Baucom Motorsports/Roadraceparts.com Ford Mustang, with a time of 1:49.575.

With the top four cars all within four tenths of a second, Trans Am seems set for one of the most competitive TA races of the year—which means Gregg with have to replicate his consistency and excellence from the practice and qualifying sessions this weekend during the race in defense of his TA Championship. A lot of pressure, pressure he seems ready to face head-on.

“I’ve been working on the track for years now and studying all the video of my laps,” Gregg said. “You always want to be consistent, and fortunately I got about the same times every lap. I like this track; it’s always interesting to drive and doesn’t allow you to ever ease up or take anything for granted. It has long straightaways, elevation, corners of every type—it really lends itself to precision driving because of how narrow it is, you have to stay right on line.”

“I know I’m behind in the points and I’m trying to play catch-up,” Gregg continued. “But I’m somewhat fortunate that the last three tracks are all ones I’m comfortable with. I’m motivated to do my best, and I know I have the best-prepared car out here, thanks to Derhaag Motorsports, so I’m going to go out there and drive the best I can.”

In TA2 current points leader Cameron Lawrence led the pack of Mustangs and Camaros during the second half of the split qualifying session featuring the TA2 and TA3 classes.

Lawrence, behind the wheel of the #11 Ctek/Motorstate/NorthStar Battery/Bay Investments/Outofthelife.org Chevrolet Camaro, set the fast lap for the TA2 class with a time of 1:56.168, beating out the 1:57.086 of Robert Huffmaster, in the #27 Kryderacing/VirSec Chevrolet Camaro.

Lawrence is aware of his circumstances; he needs to finish fifth or better to clinch the 2013 TA2 Championship this weekend, but is doing his best to block it all out.

“Everyone is talking about ‘fifth or better,’” Lawrence said. “But we know what we have to do. I’m just ignoring it and doing what we always do. And we run conservatively and on the safe side of things, so that does play into this, but that doesn’t mean we won’t go fast or try and win—just don’t expect me to risk anything that doesn’t need to be risked.”

The #11 Camaro is also featuring two more recent sponsors in his search for a TA2 Championship.

“Bay Investments just came on to help us finish the year strong,” Lawrence said. “And working with Out of the Life™ has been a great experience; they visited us at Mid-Ohio and we’re raising awareness to help people escape human trafficking, and helping a good cause while racing is always something to be proud of.”

Following Lawrence and Huffmaster was the #33 Pinnacle Autosports Chevrolet Camaro of Gregg Rodgers with a time of 1:58.879. Rodgers has come on strong as of late, with two podium placements, his first of the year, in a row—enough to power him to fifth in the TA2 points. If he can replicate his success from the past three races, he could make a late season surge for a top three finish.

In TA3 Steve Kent, Jr., in the #17 XLR8 Diesel Trucks/SKS Equipment Ford Mustang, led the way once again after having to sit out the second practice session yesterday due to repairs. The #17 Mustang led all TA3 competitors with a time of 2:04.948. Kent, Jr., is making his third appearance of the 2013 Season and has a victory and a third place finish to his name so far.

Defending TA3 Champion Chuck Cassaro, in the #76 Stack Data/Aeromotive/ Metallica Ford Mustang was well off pace as he continues to work on bringing his new ride up to speed. Cassaro’s prior car was the casualty of a harsh collision at Brainerd International Raceway during Round 7. However, as Cassaro continues to make adjustments, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him challenge for a top three placement in pursuit of consecutive TA3 Championships.

The 28-car Trans Am field will take to the track again tomorrow, Sunday, September 29th at 12:45 p.m. EDT for the 101.37 mile race for Round 8 of the 2013 Trans Am Championship.

As always, keep up with all things Trans Am at www.gotransam.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gotransam and on Twitter @gotransam.