Tonis Kasemets and Amy Ruman lead second practice sessions
August 12, 2016
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Kezman and Boden pace production classes in final Trans Am action of the day
MANSFIELD, Ohio. [August 12, 2016]— The Trans Am Series closed out its day at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a final series of practice sessions and a “2nd Chance” qualifying session as drivers and teams alike made their last preparations for the First Energy Trans Am 100 and Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman Transmissions.
Tonis Kasemets, in the No. 03 Newman Wachs Racing Ford Mustang, led the TA2 class in its final session, continuing what has been a stellar Trans Am Series debut with a 1:27.567 lap to lead the participating TA2 field. Kasemets will start tomorrow’s TA2 exclusive Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 in second position alongside polesitter Lawrence Loshak.
Kasemets was followed in the session by Justin Haley, in the No. 99 Braun Foundation Ford Mustang, who turned a 1:27.600 around the course, continuing his strong form in what is his Mid-Ohio debut. Haley’s Mike Cope teammates Tony Buffomante, in the No. 34 Mike Cope Ford Mustang, and Loshak, in the No. 5 Pennzoil Platinum/ ETE Reman Chevrolet Camaro, where third and fifth quick in the session with times of 1:27.708 and 1:28.068, respectively. Road Racing icon Tommy Archer, in the No. 54 ECC/ KolarChev.com Chevrolet Camaro, was fourth quick with a time of 1:27.934.
In TA, defending champion and Ohio native Amy Ruman, in the No. 23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette, set the pace for the final practice session with a time of 1:23.815. Ruman will start tomorrow in second position alongside Cliff Ebben as she aims to finally secure what has been an elusive victory at her home track in tomorrow’s TA, TA3, TA4 multiclass race—the First Energy 100.
John Baucom, in the No. 86 Roadraceparts.com Ford Mustang, was second to Ruman in the session with a time of 1:24.589, while Simon Gregg, in the No. 59 Derhaag Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, continued what has been a very competitive weekend for the 2012 TA champion with a time of 1:24.664. Paul Fix, last year’s victor at Mid-Ohio and driver of the No. 50 StopFlex.com/ TheCarCoach.com/ Techron Chevron Chevrolet Corvette, and polesitter Cliff Ebben, in the No. 36 Stumpf Ford/ McMahon Group/ Lamers Ford Mustang, were fourth and fifth in the session with times of 1:24.714 and 1:25.024.
In TA3, Tim Kezman, led the way from the behind the wheel of the No. 4 Fall-Line/ Calypso Porsche 997, with a time of 1:30.190. Kezman was followed immediately by Mark Boden, in the No. 47 Fall-Line/ Calypso Porsche 997, who turned a 1:30.193 lap— just three thousandths off of his teammate.
In TA4, Tristan Herbert, in the No. 33 DC Prime Steak & Lobster Chevrolet Camaro, paced the rest of his class with a time of 1:32.33, beating out Brian Kleeman, in the No. 07 DWW Motorsports Ford Mustang, who turned a 1:32.669.
Trans Am will return to the track tomorrow, Saturday, August 13, for the First Energy Trans Am 100 and Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman Transmissions.
Fans can keep up with all the action throughout the First Energy Trans Am weekend, the First Energy Trans Am 100 and the Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman Transmissions at www.gotransam.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com and on Twitter at @gotransam.
FULL RESULTS STILL FORTHCOMING
How to Watch on CBS Sports Network
The First Energy Trans Am 100, featuring TA, TA3 and TA4 - Saturday, August 27 at 12:00 PM ET
The Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman - Saturday, September 17 at 10:30 am ET
Remaining First Energy Trans Am Weekend Schedule
Saturday, August 13
9:30 – 10:45 AM First Energy Trans Am 100
12:45 – 2:00 PM Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman Transmissions
*All times Eastern
About Pura Vida Spirits Company
Pura Vida is Spanish for “Pure Life,” an expression often used to celebrate the joy of life. It is a toast and tribute to those who live life to the fullest. Founded in 2011, Pura Vida Spirits Co. has created a fine line of elixirs all carefully hand crafted and imported from Mexico: four award-winning, super-premium tequila expressions crafted from 100% blue weber agave in the highlands of Jalisco; NARANJA, an authentic Mexican orange liqueur which was used to make the first margarita in 1941 at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, Mexico; Sangrita and Bloody Mary Maria mixes which are handmade using El Guapo’s secret family recipes.
About ETE Reman
ETE Reman is the world’s largest transmission-focused provider of warrantied, better-than-new remanufactured automatic transmissions for domestic and import cars and trucks. With over 225,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing facilities, operations nationwide, and more than 450 employees, ETE is one of the fastest-growing companies in the automotive aftermarket. Family-owned and operated, ETE is a recognized industry leader in technology, innovation, and R&D, with extensive testing facilities as well as the ability to test its materials, lubricants, processes and people on the race track.
