Road America DSTP/Rice qualifying report

Elkhart Lake, WI (August 19, 2000) - Buddy Rice and the DSTP Atlantic team will start 7th for tomorrow's CART Toyota Atlantic race at Road America after setting the 6th fastest time in final qualifying today. Andrew Bordin will start ahead of Rice by virtue of posting a faster time in yesterday's provisional qualifying round.

"Well, we're definitely starting further back than we had hoped," said Rice, who set the third fastest time in this morning's practice session. "The car is actually very good, we were just caught out by the draft on a few laps. We'll be in good shape for the race. I was able to get around all of the guys who are starting in front of me during this session, so we're not too worried. Tomorrow's a long race, and we have a great car to go the distance."

Martin Basso's time of 2:02.734 set in yesterday's first round of qualifying held for pole position today. Starting second is Hoover Orsi (2:03.249), followed by Bob Perona (2:03.307), David Rutledge (2:03.433), Dan Wheldon (2:03.656), Bordin (2:03.660) and Rice (2:03.712).

"We'll have a good race tomorrow," said Dede Rogers, team owner. "The car is great and Buddy is one fierce competitor. It will certainly be exciting to watch. 17 laps is a long race at Road America, and it will be important to stay in the lead pack and keep away from trouble. We have a great team, and nothing would make us happier than to finish up front tomorrow."

Tomorrow's Atlantic activities begin with a 15-minute practice session at 8:00 a.m. The 17-lap race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and will be televised via espn2 on Saturday, August 26, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).