Tony Ave Shatters Mid-Ohio Track Record in Trans Am Qualifying
This was Ave's third consecutive pole of 2012. Unfortunately, Ave has not been able to convert his qualifying positions into a win this year.
"That was a lot of fun," laughed Ave. "I've always enjoyed this track and enjoyed a fair amount of success here… I'm thrilled to add a track record to the list. The car was great. I got into a bit of a communication breakdown with the 59 car and crumpled up the nose. I'm curious to see how quick the car is going to be with a smooth front end. It'll be nice to get that first win on the year."
In TA2, Bob Stretch set the pace in the No. 98 Fix Rim Mobile Wheel Repair Camaro, turning in a 1:27.452 to take the pole. He was followed by teammate Tom Sheehan in the No. 65 Guardian Angel Motorsports.com. The third fastest qualifier was Kurt Roerhig in the No. 04 Roerhig Enders Suspension Camaro.
Missing from the morning TA2 qualifying action was Pete Halsmer and his No. 12 CTEK Charger Camaro. Currently sitting second in the points standings, Pete withdrew from competition citing back pains.
"I'm real disappointed that we won't be running," said Halsmer. "Mostly I'm disappointed for my guys. They all work so hard getting the car ready and they do such a great job. But given the situation, it would be pretty selfish to risk going out there and having my back act up with a bunch of race cars around me. It's a problem I've had… and I was aware this could happen. I'm not happy about it, but withdrawing is the fair and safest thing to do."
The 100 mile feature will take the green flag Sunday at 1:45PM. Video updates will be available though out the weekend at goracingtv.com and the half-hour race recap will air on MAVTV, Sunday, July 1 at 6:00PM EST.
Starting lineup for Sunday's Trans-Am Championship Trans-Am Championship Series Round 3 race, part of the Emco Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with position, class, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.
1, TA, (4), Tony Ave, Maiden, N.C., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:21.645, 99.562.
2, TA, (87), Doug Peterson, Bonita Springs, Fla., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:22.080, 99.035.
3, TA, (23), Amy Ruman, Kent, Ohio, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:22.289, 98.783.
4, TA, (59), Simon Gregg, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:22.466, 98.571.
5, TA, (66), Denny Lamers, Appleton, Wis., Ford Mustang, 1:25.698, 94.854.
6, TA2, (98), Bob Stretch, Arlington, Texas, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:27.452, 92.951.
7, TA2, (65), Tom Sheehan, Bow, N.H., Chevrolet Camaro, 1:29.188, 91.142.
8, TA2, (04), Kurt Roerhig, Greensboro, N.C., Chevrolet Camaro, 1:29.550, 90.773.
9, TA, (88), Jonathan Brett, Mt. Elgin, Ontario, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:29.632, 90.690.
10, TA2, (08), Michael Wilson, Blairstown, N.J., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1:30.032, 90.287.
11, TA2, (02), John Atwell, Azle, Texas, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:30.177, 90.142.
12, TA2, (11), Mike Miller, Okemos, Mich., Chevrolet Camaro, 1:30.444, 89.876.
13, TA2, (33), Gregg Rodgers, Decatur, Texas, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:30.456, 89.864.
14, TA2, (14), Joe Sturm, Neenah, Wis., Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1:32.965, 87.439.
15, GGT, (7), Jan Heylen, Tampa, Fla., Dodge Challenger, 1:35.025, 85.543.
16, TA2, (53), Mel Shaw, Voorhees, N.J., Chevrolet Camaro, 1:42.996, 78.923.
17, GGT, (76), Chuck Cassaro, Caledonia, Ill., Panoz GT, 1:49.486, 74.245.
18, TA2, (12), Pete Halsmer, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Chevrolet Camaro, no time.
19, TA2, (26), Cameron Lawrence, Windermere, Fla., Chevrolet Impala SS, no time.