Loshak and Ruman pace practice at Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic
July 2, 2016
Streimer and Francis lead TA3 and TA4 as BIR weekend begins
BRAINERD, Minn. [July 2, 2016] – The Trans Am Series formally commenced the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic celebrations with practice sessions, giving drivers a final opportunity to dial in before this afternoon’s qualifying sessions on the 2.5 competition course at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), Round 5 of the 2016 Trans Am Championship.
TA2 commenced the sessions with Lawrence Loshak, driver of the No. 5 Pennzoil Platinum/MOMO/ETEReman Chevrolet Camaro, leading the way with a 1:31.060 lap time, already quicker than last year’s pole, a 1:32.800, set by Tommy Archer. If Loshak can carry his form into qualifying later today, the result could put him in prime position to capture his first career TA2 win.
Trans Am, and BIR, veteran Tommy Archer was close behind in the session, turning a 1:31.638 lap of his own behind the wheel of the No. 54 ECC/KolarChev.com Chevrolet Camaro, just edging out Tony Buffomante, in the No. 34 Mike Cope Racing Ford Mustang, for the second spot in the session. Buffomante was also under last year’s pole time with a 1:31.780 lap.
Adam Andretti, in the No. 44 ECC/Anchor Bolt and Screw Ford Mustang, and Dillon Machavern, in the No. 24 Heritage Motorsports Ford Mustang, completed the TA2 class’ top five with times of 1:32.221 and 1:32.331, respectively.
The TA2 practice top ten also included Jordan Bernloehr, Shane Lewis, Gar Robinson, John Atwell and Tom Sheehan, in that order.
The practice session continued with the TA, TA3 and TA4 classes taking to the track, where, as with much of the 2016 season, Amy Ruman led the way from behind the wheel of the No. 23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette.
Ruman, the current TA points leader and defending champion, set the pace with a 1:27.986 lap, just edging out Cliff Ebben, in the No. 36 Stumpf Ford/ McMahon Group/ Lamers Ford Mustang, who pushed Ruman with a time of 1:28.072—continuing a season that’s seen the two vying for position in both qualifying sessions and races. Ruman is also the defending victor at BIR beating out, once again, Ebben for the top spot in 2015.
David Pintaric, in the No. 57 Kryderacing Chevrolet Corvette, was third quick in the TA class with a time of 1:28.487—a continuation of the momentum that has seen Pintaric rise through the points to second in the TA class championship.
Simon Gregg, in the No. 59 Derhaag Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, and Vincent Allegretta, in the No. 41 TA Sights and Sounds Chevrolet Corvette, rounded off the TA top five with times of 1:29.002 and 1:30.266, respectively.
In TA3, Steve Streimer, in the No. 42 Lux Performance Dodge Viper ACRX, led the way with a time of 1:35.760—already quicker than last year’s TA3 qualifying time of 1:36.400 set by his teammate Cindi Lux. Streimer was followed by Keith Anderson, in the No. 81 Archer Racing Dodge Viper ACRX, who turned a 1:35.917; while Cindi Lux, in the No. 45 Lux Performance Dodge Viper ACRX, logged a 1:36.040 lap of her own in the tight TA4 top three. Lux will aim to improve in her quest for a second consecutive victory at BIR.
In TA4, Ernie Francis, Jr., two-time defending champion in the No. 98 Beta Tools/Liquid Performance Ford Mustang, turned a 1:36.871 as he prepares for qualifying and his bid to secure a second consecutive BIR victory of his own. Francis was joined in the session by Trevor Janke, in the No. 31 Janke Auto/Pender Racing Chevrolet Camaro, as he makes his Trans Am debut.
The Trans Am Series will return to the track at BIR for qualifying later this afternoon in preparation for the two 100-mile races tomorrow, Sunday July 3, for the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic.
TA/TA3/TA4 Practice Results in Full
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.
Remaining Event Schedule:
Saturday, July 2, 2016
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM – TA2 “Fast Five” Qualifying
1:20 PM – 1:40 PM – TA “Fast Five” Qualifying
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM – TA3/TA4 “Fast Five” Qualifying
5:00 PM – 5:20 PM – TA2 Practice 2
5:20 PM – 5:30 PM – TA/TA3/TA4 Practice 2
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM – 2nd Chance to Qualify
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
