American Le Mans Series

Corvette Quick Off The Mark At Baltimore To Secure Strong Qualifying Result

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Jan Magnussen and Tommy Milner proved to be quick off the mark after 75 minutes of practice at the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix lead them straight in to qualifying. The two Corvette Racing drivers put the C6.Rs in second and fourth place respectively ahead of the two hour street race on Saturday.

After running quickest in final practice Magnussen headed in to qualifying with high hopes setting his fastest lap time of 1:31.950 around the 2.04 mile circuit on his fifth flying lap. Milner set a 1:32.224 on his fourth lap to place him fifth quickets in the GT class.

Following the qualifying session the #45 Porsche of Patrick Long was excluded for “unjustifiable risk” moving Milner up to fourth. Dirk Werner set the fastest class time with a 1:31.362.

We didn’t have a lot of time to make changes or to find a good rhythm, so I’m very pleased with the work that the Corvette Racing engineers did,” Magnussen said. “All in all, I’m happy with the car. Now we have to work with the extra bit of data we have, and I think there is more speed to come. The walls get closer and closer the harder you push – that’s all part of it.

“There are some massive bumps out there, and the cars are taking a beating worse than Sebring,” Magnussen added. “It’s still good fun to drive this circuit, and you’re really feel that you’re racing in the heart of the city with the tall buildings all around. It’s cool, and I enjoy it.”

Milner agreed: “I’m really happy with the car here, no complaints. With so little track time, I’m sure we can make the car a little better here and there, but it’s good just to get some laps in and get comfortable with the track.

“I had a qualifying lap that would have been quicker, but I got into Turn 10 a little wide in the dirty part of the track and had a big, big moment. I was basically drifting through the turn!

“The track’s fun to drive and it will race well, too,” Milner predicted. “There are two good passing spots. It’s going to be tough to pass in GT because everyone is so close, but everything is slow enough that you can rub some fenders and make things happen. I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”

The two-hour Baltimore Grand Prix will start at 4:30 p.m. ET (9.30 BST) on Saturday, September 3. Live video coverage will be available on ESPN3.com in the U.S. and americanlemans.com for international viewers.

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Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Checkered Flag who grew up visiting race circuits around the UK also a freelance motorsport PR officer. Outside of motorsport a lover of music, photography, NBA and NFL.
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