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Trans-Am: Gentilozzi Fastest in Trans-Am Qualifying at Trois-Rivieres

1 August 1999

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, Canada - Paul Gentilozzi, of Lansing, Mich., drove his No. 1 Johnson Controls/HomeLink Ford Mustang Cobra to a top time of 1:04.287 (84.334 mph) to front a 21-car field for the 55-lap, 82.83-mile BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series race at the 1.506-mile, 10-turn Trois-Rivieres street circuit.

Michael Lewis, of San Diego, Calif., qualified second but his No. 12 AmeriSuites Mustang Cobra failed post-qualifying technical inspection, elevating Brian Simo, of Carlsbad, Calif., in the No. 2 Valvoline Mustang Cobra, to the outside front-row starting position, followed by Randy Ruhlman (No. 49 Preformed Line Products Mustang Cobra), Johnny Miller (No. 64 Automationdirect.com Chevrolet Camaro) and G.J. Mennen No. 4 Smith Eye Wear Mustang Cobra).

I got a good lap early on and just waited to see what the others were capable of doing, said Gentilozzi. With only 21 cars, and the likelihood of less cautions, this could be a very fast-paced race. Its no fun to come out and just run conservative -- for me thats just boring, so Im really looking forward to the race.

Lewis, the Drivers Championship points leader, will start the race in the 20th position after Ted Sullivan, the 21st qualifier, also failed post-qualifying technical inspection.

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