Dumas Qualifies Seventh for Porsche 250
July 18, 2009
LEEDS, Ala (July 18, 2009) – Penske Racing’s Romain Dumas will start the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley from the seventh starting position in Sunday’s Porsche 250 Presented by Legacy Credit Union at Barber Motorsports Park.
Dumas turned a fast lap of 1:21.647 seconds, posting a speed of 101.412 miles per hour, at the 2.3 mile, 16-turn road course to secure his starting position in round eight of the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.
Dumas’ lap time was six-tenths of a second slower than his morning practice session speed. He attributed the speed difference to the rising temperatures.
“The Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley picked up some under steer from where we were this morning,” said Dumas. “The car was sliding around a bit but this is for sure from the [warmer temperatures].”
Dumas drove the Saturday morning practice and afternoon qualifying sessions after taking a rough ride off course on Friday. Dumas sustained surface cuts and heavy bruising above his left ankle during his adventure but will compete in the 250-mile, 2.75 hour event on Sunday, July 19.
“It was for sure a hard hit,” said Dumas. “I could not believe it. My ankle is sore so I am trying to not [over-extend] myself. I have a race to run on Sunday.”
The Porsche 250 Presented by Legacy Credit Union is scheduled for live broadcast on SPEED TV at 2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET) on Sunday.
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