Leaders carry momentum into second practice session
May 31, 2014
Ruman, Lawrence, Francis, Jr., and Berkeley put in repeat performances in practice at New Jersey Motorsports Park
Amy Ruman led Trans Am practice for the second time today, May 31, 2014, at New Jersey Motorsports Park, powering the #23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette for the fast lap of the session, a 1:17.426.
Ruman also led the first practice session of the day with a time of 1:17.870, a time she was able to eclipse in her second session. Ruman has historically had success at this track winning the Trans Am race here in 2012—her only Trans Am appearance on the course and second of three career Trans Am wins. If her speed continues into qualifying tomorrow, she could be lining up yet another career weekend at NJMP.
Following Ruman was defending TA Class Champion and current points leader Doug Peterson, in the #87 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet Corvette, with a time of 1:17.841, also his fastest of the day. He was followed by David Pintaric, in the #57 Kryderacing/ Carbotech/ WRP Investments Chevrolet Corvette, with a time of 1:19.482, strong enough for the third best time of the session.
In TA2, defending TA2 Champion and current points leader Cameron Lawrence once again led the class from behind the wheel of the #1 Trick Titanium Chevrolet Camaro. His time of 1:22.109 was the best of the session but a touch off of his 1:20.984 from earlier today.
Following Lawrence was Trans Am rookie Kevin Poitras, in the #73 Mike Cope Racing Chevrolet Camaro, with a time of 1:22.973 and fellow rookie Adam Andretti, in the #44 Engineered Components Chevrolet Camaro, with a 1:23.121.
In TA3, Jason Berkeley led the International Group once again, as the rookie and New York native powered the #67 BMG Management Chevrolet Corvette to a time of 1:1:24.501 easily setting the pace for the production based class. Russ Snow, in the #20 Carbotech Chevrolet Corvette, and Trans Am newcomer Joe Aquilante, in the #32 Phoenix Performance Chevrolet Corvette, filled out the top three for the group.
In the American Muscle Group Ernie Francis, Jr., in the #6 Breathless Performance Chevrolet Camaro, set the fast time with a 1:28.690 as he continues his strong rookie campaign. Defending Champion Chuck Cassaro, in the #76 StackData/ Aeromotive/ Metallica Ford Mustang, was second in the session; and Rob Bodle, in the #16 Caribbean Food Delights Ford Mustang, was third.
Trans Am will take to the track at NJMP once again tomorrow morning, Sunday, June 1, at 9:05 a.m. EDT for qualifying in preparation for the 101.5 mile Trans Am Race, the RacingJunk 100, taking place at 4:00 p.m.
Keep up with all the action this, and every weekend, at www.gotransam.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gotransam and on Twitter at @GoTransAm.
