WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - Santa Maria's Paul Edwards and co-driver Kelly Collins will start on the front row of the GT grid for today's Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen, held on the full road course at famed Watkins Glen.
Edwards qualified the No. 07 Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.R in a time of one minute, 52.850 seconds, a lap that he joked may not be repeatable.
“We put in only the minimal amount of fuel to keep the weight of the car down and I was able to get a clear lap and put in a good time,” he said. “Since I haven't qualified the car all year I drove it a little over my head and was able to keep it under me. I am not sure if I could repeat that lap.”
The No. 69 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 of Jeff Segal took pole with a 1:52.329.
The duo, currently leading the GT points race due to three wins on the season, are carrying the burden of 100 extra pounds, mandated by Grand-Am officials for all Pontiac GXP.Rs following their Memorial Day victory at Lime Rock.
Still, the Banner group fought their way to the front thanks to some strategy gambles.
“We put on a new set of tires at the end of the last practice,” Edwards said. “I think this is the first time we have ever done that. After that practice we made some pretty bold setup moves and the car was the best it had been all day.”
The race will be shown in portions today on Speed Channel, beginning today at 8 a.m. and continuing at 11:30 a.m.
Prep Sports
Coaches needed at new prep school
The Orcutt Academy Charter High School is in need of coaches for their freshman-level teams in the upcoming school year.
The school is in need of coaches for its boys and girls cross-country program, as well as its girls' golf program.
Anyone interested can leave a message at 938-8933 or at 938-8830.
June 7, 2008
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