Racing fans were treated to an action-filled day of open-wheel racing at yesterday’s Texaco Grand Prix of Houston. The drama was quick to unfold as Atlantic front-runners Martin Basso and Hoover Orsi made contact into turn one of the first lap. Whereas some drivers made it through turn one without incident, others, such as Case Montgomery and Rodolfo Lavin were less fortunate, their race day being brought to an abrupt end.
As for Gormley, Ontario rookie Jonathan Macri, all went well as he avoided any contact in the melee that snarled turn one. In fact, Macri moved his P-1 Racing/NTN Bearings Swift up to 3rd place after the re-start as teammate Tony Ave was forced to pit because of a punctured tire he received from debris in turn one. By the 7th lap, Jonathan captured 2nd spot from rookie Jason LaPoint. Now firmly in second, Macri moved to catch race leader Joey Hand. However, the pursuit was brought to a quick halt and any hope of challenging Joey was derailed when Jonathan’s front wing was clipped by back-marker Scott Wood.
“We had a real winner today,” Jonathan said. Going into the first turn, I tried to just maintain my position and make it around safely. After about six laps, the car moved quicker. By the seventh, I had Jason in a good passing position so I took him on the straight. Once I got passed Jason, I pushed hard to catch Joey. I finally got close to Joey, probably about four car lengths separated us. Joey and I came up to a back-marker, Scott Woods. Joey got passed Scott, right at the beginning of the straight. I positioned myself to take Scott at the end of the straight, but into the breaking zone, Scott turned into me and clipped my front wing. After that my chance of catching Joey was over. I lost a lot of grip because of the damaged wing and so from that point I drove to preserve my spot and come away with whatever points I could. In all, it turned out to be a good day. I salvaged a strong 4th place and I think that the team showed that we can compete right up front. We definitely had a podium car. The team did a fantastic job and I’m really looking forward to Monterey next week because I know that the car we field will be at optimum performance.”
No doubt, Macri will show well in Monterey. Team P-1 Racing/NTN Bearings has put in a few test days at Laguna Seca, and Jonathan likes the track. Being the last race of the season, it would be fitting for Jonathan to cap a very successful Atlantic season on a high note, maybe even with a win.
With Joey Hand’s first place finish at Houston, he captured the Atlantic Rookie of the Year Championship for DSTP Motorsports/BG Products. Hoover Orsi, the 2001 Atlantic Champion, came second with David Rutledge in 4th. Jason LaPoint rounded off the top 5.
Report by Fedele Fortino
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