Washington DC: Alex Job Racing Friday notes

strong start

Alex Job Racing recorded the first and third-fastest GT times during the first American Le Mans Series practice on the new Washington, DC track. Lucas Luhr was quickest with a time of one minute 13.607 seconds on the 1.7-mile course in the No. 23 McKenna Xybernaut Porsche that he drives with Sascha Maassen. Timo Bernhard, who shares the No. 22 Porsche with Jörg Bergmeister, was third in class (1:14.814).

"The car was very good, even on used tires, " Luhr said. "We were able to run consistent lap times, which is good for the first day." But he noted the track conditions are still green, and the cars aren't gaining the expected grip as tire rubber builds up on the track. "The rubber is not going on the asphalt," he said. "It seems like we're sliding a lot."

Bergmeister said his crew is looking for a comfortable middle ground on car setup. "We went out on new tires to work on the rear setup," he noted. "In the first [morning] session we had a small understeer problem. Right now [after the afternoon session] we have much oversteer. Hopefully, we'll find some balance for tomorrow."

hot times

As expected, Washington temperatures are challenging the ALMS drivers and teams. Alex Job Racing's crew reported the highest readings of the season so far - air 105 degrees F, track 132, tires 261, engine 109 and inside the car 105.

coach Maassen

Sascha Maassen started his Washington race week early, coaching seven students in the Porsche Cup car he raced last year. Washington businessman Henk Wisker bought the car and invited Maassen to instruct the group at Virginia International Raceway.

"The track is fantastic," Maassen enthused.  "I really enjoyed the track, but
I didn't enjoy being a passenger!  But everyone behaved, so it was okay."

-ajr/sp-