VIR: Ruman Racing race report

Amy Ruman Suffers Mechanical Trouble While Running 3rd at VIR Trans-Am Race

Munroe Falls, OH -- Ruman and the team rejoined the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) this past weekend for the SCCA Pro Racing Sports Car Wars Weekend.

The weekend started off well, Ruman was 4th overall in the combined results from Friday's practice sessions. On Saturday, the drivers had to wait until 3:55 pm for their qualifying session when Mother Nature decided not to cooperate. The drivers were set to go on the grid, when the officials decided to cancel the session due to dangerous track conditions from the rain. The starting order was then set by championship points, which put Ruman in the 5th slot on the grid.

"We were all disappointed that we didn't get a shot at qualifying. But I think the officials made the right decision, none of us needed to trash our cars in the rain and not make the race. Of course I would have rather started up front, but I guess 5th wasn't that bad," stated Amy Ruman.

Race day brought gorgeous weather, and the 9 car field took the green flag at 2:50pm. Ruman moved into 4th on the start and settled in behind Drissi. They were nose to tail for several laps, when Drissi overshot turn 14 and went sliding into the grass. Ruman drove solidly in 3rd the rest of the race behind Ave and Lopez, until she suffered a mechanical failure with 3 laps to go in the race.

"What an unfortunate end to this race weekend," stated Ruman. "We were looking at our fourth straight podium of the season in the #23 McNichols/Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette! Sometimes these things happen -- that's just part of racing. We have had a great year so far and I plan to finish on a good note. Now I will shift my focus to winning in two weeks at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America, WI."

-source: ruman racing