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Milwaukee: Guthrie Racing race notes

The dust has barely settled from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway only one week ago, and the team had a few days to rest and prepare themselves for the the always exciting Milwaukee Mile. The Guthrie Racing team was back running three cars this week ...

Edited: Jun 2, 2008, 11:41 PM

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The dust has barely settled from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway only one week ago, and the team had a few days to rest and prepare themselves for the the always exciting Milwaukee Mile. The Guthrie Racing team was back running three cars this week and again all three cars finished the race where Logan Gomez ended in 9th, Sean Guthrie in 10th and Mickey Gilbert in 17th.

The track conditions proved to be very challenging as they were changing dramatically each time the Firestone Indy Lights cars took to the asphalt. By the time the race had started, the track was an entirely new oval to conquer according to Gomez.

"The stock car race the night before laid down a lot of rubber," Gomez said. "We thought it would create more grip, but the track turned out to be very slick. I struggled with the car for most of the race, but by the end, the car came into its own and I was happy with its handling."

There were many close calls on the track for all drivers today, running three wide, dicey moves down the back stretch causing near crashes, and the fast-paced action didn't stop on the final lap as both teammates Gomez and Guthrie drove side-by-side around the last corner crossing the finish line inches apart.

"I stayed behind Sean for most of the race until I got a run on him on the last lap and was able to get by. I ran to the outside going into Turn 3, while he held the inside line. We were 6 inches apart at the finish, but I barely had the edge," reminiscent of Gomez's World Record close finish at Chicago last year. Guthrie recorded another solid top 10 finish, but did not achieve the results he was hoping for.

"It was a frustrating weekend out here on the short oval," Guthrie exclaimed. "We were fast during the first test session, made a few minor changes going into the second practice and suddenly our car was super loose. This was a big setback as we had no time to really figure out the handling issue before qualifying. Luckily the Guthrie Racing crew made some good changes and I had a solid car for the race."

He drove a clean race staying in front of Gomez until the final lap where a communication error with the team caused Guthrie to slow his pace momentarily.

"There was some miscommunication on the final lap and the crew called the checkered flag one lap too soon so I lifted off the gas for a moment before quickly realizing that the race wasn't over. It gave Logan a good chance to get a run on us, which ended in us crossing the finish line right next to each other."

Gilbert kept a clean nose while advancing a few spots from his starting position and finished in 17th.

"We had a steady weekend for the event here at Milwaukee," Gilbert explained. "The track was changing so much that I could never quite get into a good rhythm. The car felt better during the race and I managed to get around a few cars on the track. It was another exciting race to be in and I can't wait to get back in the seat for the next event!"

Next up is Iowa where Sean Guthrie recored his best finish in the series last season, so look for the team to have another strong showing. They will have more time to dial in the 7/8 mile oval as they have a day of open testing before the race weekend on June 21st.

"I'm looking forward to testing in Iowa and the following race. It's a fun track and the next race there should be just as entertaining as last years event," Gomez said.

Another race weekend is in the books as we get closer to the midway point in the season. There is still plenty of excitement ahead with more ovals and even more road courses to conquer. Guthrie Racing continues to grow as a team and is determined more than ever to get their first win of the season. Their continued success can only mean that the center spot on the podium will soon be filled with the colors of Guthrie Racing.

An exciting team announcement is in store next week as a new fourth driver will be in the seat at Iowa and for the rest of the season. Gomez, Guthrie and Gilbert will be joined by a young driver who will bring his vast experience in open-wheel racing and his outstanding driving skills to the series.

-credit: gr

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