Just an hour before qualifying today, a hard rain fell in the Portland area leaving the track wet for the afternoon provisional qualifying session. Macri, driver of the #84 -- NTN Bearings Polestar Atlantic swift, qualified 8th with a best lap time of 1:07.988 after a frustrating session on the wet 1.969 mile road course track.
We are just not where we want to be yet this weekend, said Macri. The rain has really messed us up. We started on wet tires for the qualifying session, but after five laps I came in to put slicks on the car because the track was drying up. The slicks seemed to help a little bit. We were able to get more support on the rear, but not enough. The car is still really loose and we need more grip.
With 10 minutes left in the 40 minute provisional qualifying session, dark clouds invaded the sky and rain started to fall ending the session five minutes early.
I just hope the weather is better tomorrow so we can have a decent session, said a hopeful Macri.
Tomorrow's on track activities begin at 9:05 a.m. PST with the second and final qualifying session to determine the starting grid. Round five of the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship race is scheduled to being at 4:00 p.m. PST. Speed Channel will televise the race from Portland International Raceway tape-delayed on Monday, June 23, 1:00 p.m. PST, 4:00 p.m. EST.
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