Montreal: Ryan Lewis race notes

Gearbox gremlins cause early retirement in Canada

Sunday's Champ Car Atlantic race finally got underway a day late after being delayed due to heavy rain at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Ryan qualified way back in 23rd place, just behind fellow Brit, Tim Bridgman, after hitting the wall in the morning practice session, but after posting the second fastest time in the race day warm up he was hopeful of another strong run through the field.

Unfortunately his efforts were thwarted by gearbox problems that ended his race just a few laps in.

"I had a good start today," said a disappointed Ryan after the race. "I was making my way up but then a few laps in I started to have trouble with the gearbox. I tried to keep going for as long as possible but eventually it just let go and that was the end of it. It's a shame because the car felt good before that and I know I could have made steady progress."

There is just one race left in the 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Championship. Ryan will head to Wisconsin in a few weeks' time for the season finale at Road America (23 September).

-credit: www.ryanlewis.com