A question about a last minute
engine rules change kept the Ford Cosworth powered teams off the
track until the last 15 minutes of the Friday morning session.
There were no such limitations
in the afternoon session and Max got his first solid exposure to the
demanding, concrete wall-lined, bumpy temporary street circuit on
Belle Isle.
That session was interrupted
when his primary car developed an oil leak so he transferred to his
backup winnerB2B Lola.
"Max made progress every
time he went out," said Bob Sprow, Arciero Blair Racing general
manager. "He likes the circuit."
The final practice before
qualifying was held the next morning and Max continued his progress,
turning his fastest lap at 1:16.531 for an average of 110.355 mph.
Max's Lola ran without any
problems and he completed 23 laps in the session.
"We didn't have any
dramas," said Sprow. "We're just playing a little bit of
catch up after losing all that track time yesterday. We made good
progress and Max just keeps getting quicker every time he goes
out."
RACE
REPORT
