Mid-Ohio

MAY 21, 2005 ­ James Weaver was not able to duplicate his pole position of last year`s Mid- Ohio American Le Mans race, and will start tomorrow on the outside of the front row in second place. It was a red flag shortened session, which limited quality qualifying time. “We only got in two flying laps and ran out of time to respond to the Zytek`s pole time,” said James Weaver. “We were a little off on the tire pressures and there was more time in the car. A normally aspirated car around here is not easy to beat ­ it is all second and third gear corners and they can accelerate out of the corners more quickly. A turbocharged car takes a while to spool up.”

Starting behind James will be the two Audis, followed by Chris Dyson in the #20 Thetford/Norcold Lola. “My car is working the best it has all weekend and we have put together a good car for the race,” said Chris. “I was following the Audis and they are having to work harder than us to get their times. We are able to get on the power better.” Asked where we have our speed, James Weaver commented, “Having a lighter car with all the changes of direction on this track helps. We are a little quicker on top speed and are able to make up a tenth here and a tenth there and it adds up.”

Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger will rejoin the Dyson Racing squad for tomorrow`s race fresh off of a win today at the Six Hours of Circuit Mont Tremblant. The twenty year old pilot of the Zytek entry, Hayanari Shimoda, did well in qualifying but tomorrow`s two hour, forty five minute race will put a premium on experience.

Sunday`s race broadcast will be shown live on CBS 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET.