Fix and Machavern lead final practice session at BIR, Fix capitalizes on second chance
July 2, 2016
Anderson and Janke set the pace for TA3 and TA4
BRAINERD, Minn. [July 3, 2016] – As drivers made their final preparations at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) for tomorrow’s two 100-mile Trans Am races, comprising the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic, Dillon Machavern and Paul Fix led the way in their respective sessions. Also leading their respective classes were Anderson and Janke who paced the TA3 and TA4 classes around the 2.5-mile competition course.
Paul Fix, driver of the No. 50 StopFlex.com/TheCarCoach.com/ Chevron Techron, capitalized on the second chance to qualify, turning a 1:27.974 to improve his starting position in the TA class from 12th to 6th on grid— capturing the highest possible position awarded in the qualifying format. The time was faster than the 1:28.272 turned by Cliff Ebben for pole in Fast Five qualifying earlier today.
Machavern, in the No. 24 Heritage Motorsports Ford Mustang, paced the TA2 field with a 1:32.170 lap, just ahead of Shane Lewis, in the No. 72 Pura Vida Tequila/ 74 Ranch Resort Chevrolet Camaro, who turned a 1:32.390.
The TA2 class’ top five from the session also featured Minnesota native Tommy Archer, in the No. 54 ECC/KolarChev.com Chevrolet Camaro, who turned a third quick 1:32.427; while defending TA2 champion Gar Robinson, in the No. 74 Pura Vida Tequila/ 74 Ranch Resort Chevrolet Camaro, turned a 1:32.663 lap of his own. Adam Andretti, in the No. 44 ECC/Anchor Bolt and Screw Ford Mustang, completed the top five with a 1:32.986.
TA2 will return to the track at BIR for a 100-mile independent TA2 race at 1:00 p.m. CT, with Tony Buffomante, in the No. 34 Mike Cope Racing Ford Mustang, starting on pole.
In the TA class, Paul Fix also led the way, this time turning a dominant 1:27.921 lap, also faster than the pole setting time of Ebben from Fast Five qualifying and the fastest lap of any formal session this weekend. Amy Ruman, in the No. 23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette, turned a 1:28.599, second best in the session as she made final preparations for tomorrow’s race as well.
TA pole sitter Cliff Ebben, in the No. 36 Stumpf Ford/McMahon Group/ Lamers Ford Mustang, was third in the session with a 1:29.075. Ebben was followed by track owner Jed Copham, in the No. 4 BrainerdRaceway.com Chevrolet Corvette, and Vincent Allegreta, in the No. 41 TA Sights and Sounds Chevrolet Corvette, who turned laps of 1:30.047 and 1:30.559, respectively.
The TA3 class saw Keith Anderson, in the No. 81 Archer Racing Dodge Viper ACRX, edge out Steve Streimer, in the No. 42 Lux Performance Dodge Viper ACRX, with a 1:36.074 lap to Steimer’s 1:36.604.
Trevor Janke, in the No. 31 Janke Auto/ Pender Chevrolet Camaro, was the only member of the TA4 class who elected to participate in the practice session, turning a 1:41.879 lap.
The TA, TA3, and TA4 classes will take to the track for a 100-mile multiclass race tomorrow, Sunday, July 3 at 3:10 p.m. CT.
Fans can keep up with the action through the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic online at www.gotransam.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gotransam and on Twitter at @gotransam.
Remaining Event Schedule:
Sunday, July 3, 2016
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM – Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic Muscle Car Challenge featuring TA2, powered by AEM
3:10 PM –4:25 PM – Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic TA/TA3/TA4 Race
All times central
How to Watch on CBS Sports Network:
The Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic, featuring TA/TA3/TA4 will broadcast on Saturday July 23, 2016 at 12:00 PM ET.
The Ryan Companies Muscle Car Challenge, featuring TA2, will broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Sunday July 31, 2016 at 1:00 PM ET.
