WEST ALLIS, WIS. (June 3, 2003) – The 2003 CART Toyota Atlantic Series resumed this past weekend with the running of the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wis. The third leg of the Championship and the first and only race on an oval track, Atlantic teams and drivers were greeted with chilly, windy weather. Not ideal racing conditions, especially on a track as demanding and unforgiving as the Mile, where any lapse of concentration could see drivers buttress the walls at speeds of up to 150 mph.
For 21-year-old Jonathan Macri and Polestar Atlantic, the top of the podium was deemed to be their target. And why not, given their performance in the second and 3rd practice sessions, which saw Macri pilot his No. 84 NTN Bearings Toyota Swift to a first and fourth place finish, respectively. In good stead for mounting a run for first place qualifier, Macri was all too anxious for the opportunity. However, rainy weather denied Macri this challenge. Qualifying was rained out and as a result of his fastest lap time in combined practice sessions of 24.839 seconds at 149.571 mph, the Gormley, Ontario, racing talent would have to settle for a second-place start on the grid.
A pre-race warm-up further attested to Marci’s speed and readiness to race as he planted the fastest lap. However, expectations were not fully realized by Macri and team Polestar Atlantic, as the checkered flag, ending the 70-lap race, would see Jonathan crossing in fourth.
“We hoped for a lot more from this race”, Jonathan said. “We were fast throughout the weekend right up to the warm-up session and were confident that we could challenge for first. But I’m not sure what happened. The car felt a little loose the first couple of laps; something didn’t play into our set-up – it might have been the change in track temperature. So, I tried to salvage as many points as possible. We walked away with some good points, enough to put us in second. So, we’re not too disappointed. We’ll just have to look to Laguna Seca for our first win. Polestar Atlantic did an excellent job. The team and my long-time sponsor NTN Bearings definitely deserve a win. That’s what I’m aiming for.”
Finishing 4th is no doubt an accomplishment, especially in a series that boasts a field of drivers and teams so fiercely competitive. However, for Macri and Polestar Atlantic, expectations, it seems, will continue to run high with each race. This is no wonder, considering their track record thus far, a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th place finish in the first three races. No doubt, Macri and Polestar know well enough that any slight edge in racing form or will to win will mean the difference between capturing that elusive Atlantic Championship and allowing it to slip past.
As a result of his 4th-place finish, Macri sits firmly in 2nd place in the standings, only two points behind leader A.J. Allmendinger (RuSPORT).
Sierra Sierra Racing’s Ryan Dalziel took the checkered flag to win the Milwaukee Mile, followed by Kyle Krisiloff (Dorricott Racing) and A.J. Allmendinger. Sierra Sierra Racing’s Hoover Orsi took 5th place. |
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