Second practice finishes as drivers prepare for qualifying

New Jersey Motorsports Park and nearby Millville were both ravaged by storms early in the morning, many of the teams awoke powerless and found the surrounding roads strewn with downed trees. However, after pushing back the weekend’s schedule by an hour, Trans Am continued as planned.

Headlining the practice was Tony Ave, who despite a rough start to the season seems ready to reclaim his Trans Am crown atop the podium. The #4 Lamers/PME Engines/RPX Chevrolet Corvette may end up in the winner’s circle after all this weekend. Not only was Tony’s lap time of 1:18:214 a full second faster than his closest competitor, Amy Ruman, as he set the Trans Am track record, breaking the one he had set only just yesterday.

The practice lacked any major variation from the first run, with defending TA2 champion Bob Stretch overtaking Mike Miller on lap time and Michael Wilson, having repaired his #08 Wilson’s Carpet Chevrolet Monte Carlo, powered his way into the top four of TA2. Track newcomer, but Trans Am veteran, Pete Halsmer remained on top of the TA2 standings. Halsmer, having just returned from sitting out Mid-Ohio due to back pain, led Bob Stretch by almost a second.

Qualifying will be held at 5:00 p.m. this evening, with updates to follow.