GRAND AM: Wallace Captures X-1R Pole in the Rain at The Glen

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 19, 2001

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Rainy conditions continued on Friday at Watkins Glen International during qualifying for the Rolex Sports Car Series' Six Hours of The Glen. Several cars slid off the track during the combined 30-minute qualifying session, resulting in several black flags. In the end, it was Andy Wallace (Raleigh, N.C.) in Dyson Racing Team's #20 Ford Riley & Scott that captured the X-1R Pole with a 2:12.728 lap at 92.219 mph, nearly 30 seconds slower than the track record. Dider Theys (Scottsdale, Ariz.) will start on the outside of the front row in the Doran Lista Racing #27 Judd Ferrari.

For the first time in Rolex Sports Car Series history a GT-class car will start on the second row. Terry Borcheller (Phoenix, Ariz.) piloted the JET Motorsports' #54 BMW M3 to the third fastest time of the session at 90.776 mph. However, Borcheller lost control of the BMW late in the qualifying session, sliding off the track through the grass and bouncing off the wall, tires and guardrail. The BMW was able to return to the pits on its own and plans to take its position on the second row on Saturday afternoon.

Canadian Bruno St. Jacques (Montreal, Quebec) will start beside Borcheller in his SportsRacing Prototype II entry, the Porschehaus Racing #89 Nissan Lola.

Chris Bingham (Kirkland, Wash.), in the Fordahl Motorsports/Park Place Racing #5 Saleen S7R, was the fastest in the GTS class with a slow 2:30.383 lap at 81.392 mph. Another GTS competitor, Schumacher Racing's #99 Porsche GT1, had a large chunk taken out of the rear of the car when he slid off the track late in the session.

The Hamilton Safe Motorsports #11 Camaro clocked the fastest American GT lap with a 2:38.563 lap at 77.193 mph. Kenny Bupp (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) will start the red Camaro in the 25th position overall. The AGT current points leader, Flis Motorsports Team X-1R #09 Corvette, was one of the cars that had trouble staying on the track due to the wet track conditions.

The checkered flag will fall on Watkins Glen International for the Six Hours of The Glen at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. World renowned Formula One driver Phil Hill will be on hand to give "Drivers Start Your Engines" command.

Text provided by Christie Hyde

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