Long Beach Archer/Viper qualifies sixth

Long Beach, Calif. - Tommy Archer, driving the number 36 Cinjo Racing/Motorcity True Performance/Viper, qualified sixth for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Trans-Am race to be run on Sunday afternoon.

Early in qualifying Archer was running a competitive third place in the 18-minute session until the car started to sputter at top speed down the long main straight. Even being down on speed the Viper posted a time of 1:24.059 and 84 mph, good enough for a third row starting position.

The team is confident that the changes being made prior to the race will see the Cinjo Viper in top form for the start of Sunday's 60-minute event.

Quotes after qualifying:

Tommy Archer: "I was running with Gentilozzi and was ready to pass him when the car began to surge at top speed down the main straight. I held off so I wouldn't hurt the motor, but still managed to qualify towards the front. I am disappointed that we didn't make the Fast Five, but the car is better than yesterday and we will have it ready for the race."

Steve Veeder, general manager Cinjo Racing: "The engine was a little lean down the straight. We will fix that and adjust on the suspension a little more and we will have a good car for the race. We are starting near the front and we have a good driver so we will be patient and let the race come to us."

<pre> Qualifying: 1. Paul Gentilozzi Jaguar 1:22.871 2. Boris Said Mustang 1:23.031 3. Brian Simo Mangusta 1:23.350 4. Michael Lewis Jaguar 1:23.517 5. Johnny Miller Jaguar 1:23.946 6. Tommy Archer Viper 1:24.059 7. Lou Gigliotti Corvette 1:24.225 8. Kenny Wilden Corvette 1:24.230 9. Justin Bell Corvette 1:24.543 10.Tommy Drissi Jaguar 1:24.660

</pre> The Trans-Am race will start at 3:45 p.m. PST and be televised on Speedvision, April 15th, at 12:00 p.m. EST.

-Kyle Chura