Lexington, Ohio (August 9, 2003) – Toyota Atlantic veteran Jonathan Macri came to Mid-Ohio determined to make a new start after Trois-Rivieres, and so far he is doing just that. Macri will start 5th on the grid for tomorrow’s race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Course with his mind set on a victory.
Unfortunately for drivers and fans alike, the second qualifier was greeted by rain minutes into the session, driving many cars back into pit-lane. Knowing that teams couldn’t beat yesterday’s times on a now wet surface, drivers began to simply wait in their cars for the session to end. Macri, who turned a fast time of 1:18.239, was 3rd in today’s qualifier and was one of the only ones to put rain tires on and go back on out onto the wet track.
Drivers continued to pack up and head for their transporters as Macri raced turn by turn. Fans cheered as he sped by, pleased that at least one driver was giving them something to watch.“Of course I was disappointed in not being able to race dry to try and improve my time from yesterday, but we still took advantage of the situation by testing our rain tires”, Macri stated. “It’s great to still go out there and make the most of a situation and now we will be even more prepared if there is rain tomorrow.”
With no one improving their times, yesterday’s results stand for the starting grid. Round nine of the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship race is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. local time Sunday, August 10. Speed Channel will televise the race with a same day one hour tape delay.
To track Macri’s race results, log on to www.jonathanmacri.com. For further information on the Toyota Atlantic series, log on at www.toyotaaatlantic.com. |
 |