After an Atlantic Molson Indy Montreal weekend that delivered a high-octane open-wheel racing spectacle - one that surely went beyond all expectations of most any avid fan - the CART Toyota Atlantic Series travels back south of the border to run the last race of its 2002 season. The Championship yet to be definitively settled, Denver will be the culmination of one of the most competitive Atlantic seasons to date. The inaugural event in the Atlantic Series, for Lynx Racing’s Michael Valiante (146 points) and Dorricott Racing’s Jon Fogarty (140 points), the Championship ring rests squarely on their performance on the 1.65-mile street course this weekend.
No doubt, a race that should not, in all good racing-conscience, be missed, Jonathan Macri, whose run for a podium finish was derailed when contact with Aaron Justus (Performance Development & Racing) sent both to the pits, will be preparing to mount his final challenge. An 11th-place starter in the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve this past weekend, the 20-year-0ld, Gormley, Ontario native pushed his P-1 Racing – NTN Bearings/Miller Genuine Draft/Battlefield Equipment Rentals Swift 014.a to 6th place by the end of the 4th lap. Running 5th at the time of the incident, on lap 12, Macri re-started the race in 20th spot after pitting to change a flat tire. Salvaging points became Jonathan’s objective from this time forward. He charged through the field making a total of 8 spots, finally finishing in 12th before the Checkered Flag waved.
“The race was really coming together for us,” Jonathan said. "P-1 Racing gave me a great car. It felt good and I continued to make my way through traffic, but, unfortunately, the incident with Aaron going into Turn 1 on lap 12 put us both out of contention. Aaron pitted and I came back after my stop way back in the field. So I just tried to re-focus and race for some points. Not a good day. We’ll just have to regroup and start fresh at Denver. Like most drivers, it will be our first race there, so it should be exciting. I like street courses and being the last race of the year, we’ll be racing to end the season on a high note.”
Jonathan maintained his 7th-place standing in the Championship, increasing his total points to 85.
Atlantic drivers will descend on the Denver street circuit at 1:45 p.m.EST Friday, August 31. Provisional Qualifying takes place Friday afternoon at 6:00 p.m. EST. Saturday morning will see drivers take to the track for Official Qualifying at 11:00 a.m. EST. The final race of the 2002 CART Toyota Atlantic Championship goes to Green at 5:30 p.m. EST. The race will be broadcast LIVE on Speed Channel.
For further information on Jonathan visit www.jonathanmacri.com or www.toyotaatlantic.com
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