Lawrence and TA2 showcase platform in unofficial session
August 30, 2014
It was defending TA2 Champion and current points leader Cameron Lawrence who showcased both his skill and the TA2 platform in an unofficial session this afternoon after qualifying was canceled due to wet conditions at Brainerd International Raceway.
Lawrence, behind the wheel of the No. 1 CTEK/NorthStar Dodge Challenger SRT, set the fast time for the wet session with a lap of 1:49. 063 as the TA2 platform continued its run of excellence in the rain. Of the 12 cars participating in the session the top five were all representatives of the TA2 class.
Lawrence was followed by Bob Stretch, in the No. 98 FixRim Mobile Wheel Repair Chevrolet Camaro, with a time of 1:49.755, reminiscent of his overall win at rain-drenched Lime Rock Park in 2013.
Tommy Kendall, continuing his return to Trans Am in the No. 1 CTEK/NorthStar Dodge Challenger SRT, was third in the session with a time of 1:50.349; as he continues to learn the TA2 platform.
Tom Sheehan, in the No. 97 FixRim Mobile Wheel Repair Chevrolet Camaro, was fourth with a 1:51.382 while track owner Jed Copham, in the No. 42 Archer Racing/ Race-keeper Chevrolet Camaro was fifth with a 1:54.223.
Ernie Francis, Jr., in the No. 9 Breathless Performance Chevrolet Camaro, led the TA3 class and was sixth overall with a 1:56.117; while Jim McAleese, in the No. 03 McAleese and Associates Chevrolet Corvette, led the TA class with a 1:58.180 as all participants of the TA class struggled to get the most of the cars’ massive power output in the wet conditions.
As this session was formally a qualifying session, Trans Am will grid by points for tomorrow’s race. As a consequence, Doug Peterson will start on pole in the No. 87 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet Corvette, with Simon Gregg, driver of the No. 59 Derhaag Motorsports, alongside and Amy Ruman, in No. 23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette.
In TA2, Lawrence will start on pole, with Adam Andretti, in the No. 44 Engineered Component Chevrolet Camaro, in second position and Ron Keith, in the No. 25 Mike Cope Racing Ford Mustang, in third.
In TA3, Francis, Jr.,will lead the American Muscle Group, while Norm Betts, in the No. Hoosier/ VP Fuels Chevrolet Corvette, will start in the lead of the International Group.
Trans Am will take to the track at Brainerd International Raceway once more before the 100-mile race, with a practice session at 10:30 a.m. CDT tomorrow in preparation for Round 8 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship at 4:15 p.m. CDT later that afternoon.
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