
MILLVILLE, N.J. (May 31, 2013) – Qualifying was the word of the day in the Eastern Conference Majors Tour on Friday at New Jersey Motorsports Park, as the initial times were placed for the grids for both Rounds Nine and 10.
Temperatures were pushing 90 degrees in South Jersey during the day, but drivers were obviously pushing themselves and their equipment to the limits.
That was most evident in the afternoon session for Touring 1, Touring 2, American Sedan, Super Touring Under and Super Touring Lite. Coming down the front straight and into Turn 1, one of the muscle cars blew a motor, oiling down the track. T1 point leader George Winkler, following close behind, found the oil and slid through turn one and the tires that separate the pit lane exit from the track. The debris blocked the entire track, causing a black flag for the session.
Despite the heavy damage on his Ford Mustang Boss 302S, Winkler exited the car under his own power. Rumor in the paddock is that he will still compete this weekend, switching to a backup car.
Each driver got a pair of sessions on Friday. The morning sessions, coupled with a 15-minute session on Saturday morning, will set the grids for Saturday’s races. The best time from either the afternoon session or Saturday’s race will be used to set the grid for Sunday.
This weekend’s races are schedule for 20 laps on Friday, and 22 laps on Sunday on the 14-turn, 2.25-mile Thunderbolt circuit.
All the information about the event, including results, schedule, entry list, and links to live timing, notes, and audio are available at SCCA.com/NJMPMajors.
Jersey Devil National-US Majors Showcase 2013 U.S. Majors Tour