FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Information: Greg Franz (949) 851-4731
gfranz@competentms.com
PIRELLI DRIVERS CUP USA TREKS UP TO PORTLAND FOR THE 51ST RUNNING OF THE ROSE CUP RACES
The Pirelli Drivers Cup USA series returned to the Portland Rose Cup Race event as invited guests to be a featured race and were recognized for their very competitive but clean racing by all in attendance.
As with all events this season so far, we have out run the rain, wind, and almost snow in competing on the track; this event was no different. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the drivers had to wait until the start of practice sessions, qualifying session, and races (#7 and #8) to determine how the weather was going to impact their race strategy.
The race weekend had a mix of new drivers to the series and seasoned drivers as well as a number of drivers with local track knowledge resulting in some very interesting and exciting racing.
Qualifying on Friday afternoon was fast and furious as the drivers adapted to the cool weather and changing track conditions. Jim Walsh (Truspeed) led all racers with the fastest time of 1:15.5 with Bryce Miller (Truspeed) second at 1:15.6 and Rich Walton (Jerry Woods) third; Dave Cormier (VICI Racing) led Group B as Group A was headed up by Doug Baron (911 Design).
Race #7 (which was the qualifying race for Race #8) was held on Saturday afternoon and the racers were ready to test themselves and each other in the qualifying race. The race being held on the 1.95 mile course gave plenty of races within the race for both the drivers and the fans in attendance. The race was incident free and had Group A (2000-2005 996 GT3 Cup) point leader and 2010 Champion Doug Baron (#77) winner with local knowledge racer Steve Streimer (#02) (Streimer Racing) finishing second and keeping Doug honest. Mark Whyman (#18) (Rothsport Racing) brought home third place on the podium and after his second event with Pirelli Drivers Cup this New Zealander is getting used to the competitive racing action. Dave Cormier (#24), the current points leader of Group B (2006-2009 997 GT3 Cup), had a tight race on his hands from a newcomer to the series in Phil Frogg, Jr. (#29) (Truspeed). Phil finished second with second place points leader Sloan Urry (#20) (Turspeed) rounding out the podium in third place.
After a morning warm up session on Sunday in semi wet conditions; the racers had three hours to see what conditions they were going to have to deal with in their featured race (Race #8) at the Rose Cup Races.
Although the sky was overcast the track was in excellent condition in time for the green flag; with drivers on the grid and the spectators in stands…the race was on!
Again everyone was pleased to see tight competitive racing with the racers co-existing with each other through the exciting 12 turns.
Results of Race #8 had Bryce Miller (#34) in Group A again on top of the podium after he lead going into turn 1 and never looked back for the entire race. Rich Walton (#75) and Jim Walsh (#96) enjoyed a back and forth race with Rich holding on for second and a repeat performance by Jim for third place on the podium.
Group B had a change early on when Dave Cormier (#24) suffered a flat tire ending his race in the first lap allowing the other racers in the group challenging each other to get onto the podium. Roger Rodas (#52) (Competition Motorsports) came away as Group B winner with another racer with local knowledge Steve Valentinetti (#40) (Gruppe Orange Racing) second after starting last in the field and again Sloan Urry (#20) capturing third place after this tight battle.
Group A brought Doug Baron (#77) his fifth straight win; again holding off Steve Streimer (#02) with Lorne Leibel (#8) (Truspeed) finishing third and his first podium finish of the 2011 season.
With four of our six events completed in the 2011 racing season the Pirelli Drivers Cup USA drivers will take a three month break and get ready for our remaining two events of the season.
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