The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

CART: Gugelmin chasing best qualifying of the season at Cleveland

1 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
(Cleveland, Oh)--PacWest Racings Mauricio Gugelmin is on target to produce his best grid position of the season, after putting himself in the "fast" group for tomorrows final qualifying session for the Marconi Grand Prix of Cleveland.

Gugelmin was 11th fastest in his #17 Nextel PacWest Mercedes-Benz and will attack tomorrows final 30-minute qualifying session alongside the other drivers who finished in the top half of the field today.

Gugelmins previous best qualifying runs this season came in round five of the FedEx Championship Series in Japan (7th) and in the following round in Milwaukee (8th).

The Brazilian was the fastest of the Mercedes-Benz runners on the 2.1-mile course.

Mark Blundell was 17th quickest today with a 59.143-second lap in his #18 Motorola PacWest Mercedes-Benz.

MAURICIO GUGELMIN - # 17 NEXTEL PACWEST MERCEDES-BENZ 11th Qualifying: 58.273s "I had a lot of problems in the morning session," said Gugelmin. "When that was over, the boys did some major changes on my race car and I elected to use my "T" car for this afternoon. "My car is very well balanced and Im pretty happy with my position right now. "We will make some improvements for tomorrow. This is a car I am enjoying driving. "It doesnt have quite the push I have become used to."

MARK BLUNDELL - # 18 MOTOROLA PACWEST MERCEDES-BENZ 17th Qualifying: 59.143s "We had a relatively good run, but we made a damper change between sessions and simply went the wrong way," said Blundell. "One reflection we should have picked that up straight way, but thats the way it goes. "I think there is still plenty left in this car and I look forward to tomorrow with plenty of enthusiasm. "We have made some changes up the front (with the teams engineering staff) this weekend and we are on a learning curve mid-way through the season. "While saying that I think the transition in this area will be a pretty quick one.

PROVISIONAL QUALIFYING TOP TEN: 1: Dario Franchitti 57.961s; 2: Michael Andretti 57.976s; 3: Kenny Brack 58.049s; 4: Helio Castroneves 58.127s; 5: Gil de Ferran 58.147s; 6: Adrian Fernandez 58.188s; 7: Roberto Moreno 58.189s; 8: Cristiano da Matta 58.251s; 9: Paul Tracy 58.260s; 10: Juan Montoya 58.261.

Text provided by Brett Murray

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.