Lime Rock: Highcroft Racing Friday notes

HIGHCROFT RACING LEADS ACURA TRIO ON GRID FOR NEW ENGLAND GRAND PRIX
BRABHAM PLACES TEAM THIRD FOR TOMORROW'S RACE AT LIME ROCK PARK

July 6, 2007 -- David Brabham drove the Acura ARX-01a to an impressive third position in the day's first practice, scoring a top lap time of 45.799. Danbury, CT-based Highcroft Racing leads the Acura trio in the starting line up in tomorrow's New England Grand Prix at Lime Rock Race Park in Lakeville, CT. Due to the torrential downpour in the early afternoon, the afternoon qualifying session was cancelled and the morning session's results determined the starting lineup for the race Brabham, fresh off his victory in the GT1 class at the 24 Hours Le Mans, says he "didn't push 100% today due to the wet conditions. Today was about getting a feel for the track; I know I can go quicker. The biggest issue with Lime Rock is getting through traffic cleanly. We're third in lap time and, in comparison to everyone else, third in performance as well. We think it's a good start for tomorrow."

As Highcroft owner Duncan Dayton pointed out "We're also starting on the right side of the grid which will give Stefan, who leads off tomorrow, a great chance to keep a strong inside line going into turn one. Hopefully, the three or four LMP2 cars ahead of the Audis will prevent them from storming up the grid. With their torque, they have a great advantage at the start of a race."

Johansson, who is driving at Lime Rock for the first time, found that "although short, the track has some great, high-speed corners.It's just about flat and you can really get the car going out there." He noted "like everyone else out there, I found it difficult to get grip on the concrete patches, but the car is definitely close to where we need it to be and it should be a great battle for the win tomorrow.

The race will be delayed broadcast on CBS at 1:30 pm ET on Sunday, July 8.

-credit: hr