Cleveland: RuSPORT preview

* American AJ Allmendinger hopes to make up ground in the Rookie of the Year standings on a track he knows well. The 2003 Toyota Atlantic race was dominated by the eventual series champion as Allmendinger won from the pole after setting a new track record. The first-year Champ Car driver currently sits second in the Rookie of the Year standings trailing Justin Wilson by 17 points.

* Gigante driver Michel Jourdain showed his resilience at last year's Champ Car race. Jourdain qualified sixth for the night race, but a first lap spin put the Mexican at the back of the field in 18th place. He battled back though to finish seventh.

* The RuSPORT teammates will participate in Wednesday's Bridgestone Presents Champ Car Night to kick off the holiday weekend US Bank presents the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland. The street festival will take place in the Warehouse District of Cleveland on West 6th Avenue between Lakeside and St. Clair from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.