Star Mazda - Juncos Racing Baltimore Grand Prix Update

Baltimore, September 3, 2011: For Juncos Racing and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, the inaugural Grand Prix of Baltimore has so far brought some unexpected challenges. Due to delays on Friday, the series' first scheduled 30-minute practice session was cut down to just 15 minutes, and the second was cancelled. With very little experience on the new and difficult street course, it was agreed that it would benefit the drivers more to replace today's qualifying session with another official practice session. Since there was no qualifying session today, the starting grid for tomorrow's race will be determined by championship standings. J.V. Horto will start in fourth position, Gustavo Menezes will start in sixth, and Tatiana Calderon will start in seventh.

J.V. Horto: "I'm really disappointed that we only got six laps of track time yesterday and 30 minutes today at this amazing course. However, the crowd here is so enthusiastic, and that makes me very motivated to do my best in the race. I'm starting in fourth position, and I have nothing to lose. I am definitely going to push as hard as I can to win these last two races. The championship is about to end, and the only thing I am focused on is getting as many points as I possibly can."

Gustavo Menezes: "Yesterday was kind of a frustrating day with all the waiting to go out on track, but things happen, and we are still racing, so it's okay! I only got to do two laps yesterday before I crashed, but there wasn't too much damage, and I was able to get back on track today. We still have some work to do for tomorrow, so we can kick some butt! I will definitely be going for a podium finish, and I am still very hungry for a win. I'm starting sixth which not perfect, but it's still third row and a good position to be in for the race. This track is very challenging-probably one of the hardest tracks I've ever been on, but it's also a lot of fun. Hopefully, we can pull together a good result tomorrow. My teammates look really good, too, so I hope Juncos Racing can move forward and go to the top!"

Tatiana Calderon: "I'm definitely feeling better than yesterday now that I know what way the course goes. I am picking up some reference points the more I'm out there which definitely helps. Today wasn't my best day, but I know what I have to work on for tomorrow's race. I'm happy we are starting in the championship order instead of qualifying, because if not, today's session would have been a mess with everyone trying to push hard and making mistakes. I'm going to try to stay with the fast group, have a good start, and see what happens during the race. I'm looking forward to it!"