Mid-Ohio: Guy Cosmo qualifying report

Cosmo / Baker Top of the Challenge Class for American Le Mans Series Acura Sports Car Challenge of Mid-Ohio

Lexington, Ohio - August 7, 2009 In what is the largest field of ALMS Challenge cars to-date, Guy Cosmo piloted the No. 47 Orbit Racing prepared Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to the pole position in class with a lap time of 1:27.070. Cosmo battled back and forth with competitor and close friend Shane Lewis throughout the 20 minute qualifying session. Lewis was just 0.133 seconds back.

In post qualifying comments, Guy made mention of battling with Shane Lewis;

"The whole session and the back and forth with Shane was a lot of fun. It always is at Mid-Ohio.The track is fabulous. Mid-Ohio has always been my favorite. You can charge and attack this course but you have to think about it. The grip may not be as strong after having it repaved a couple of years ago but it's still a great circuit."

Cosmo also commented on the quality of competition in the ALMS Challenge Class;

"There is a lot of good competition in this new class. I'm here primarily as a driver coach for John (Baker). I've been in the top categories of series and now experiencing racing the new Challenge division. I can tell you, it's an art to stay out of the way. None of us want to screw anything else up that's happening in the Series."

"We'll start John in the race and it will be his first opportunity, noted Guy. For him to be able to race a car like this in a Series like the American Le Mans is a dream. I think we have a very good shot. We have to make sure we stay out of trouble."

The Acura Sports Car Challenge is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, August 8 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The race will air at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 9 on NBC.

-credit: guycosmo.com