SBRS: Lime Rock provisional qualifying report

Marino Snares Provisional Pole at LRP

Masters racer Mike Marino bested a field of 20, including 14 series regulars, in provisional qualifying for the finale of the 2002 Formula Dodge National Championship presented by RACER. Under wet, drizzly conditions that called for Michelin treaded tires, Marino set a fastest lap of 1:14.993 sec. on his 11th trip around the 1.53-mile circuit. Although the New Yorker has a history of success on the track, his feat was impressive given the depth of the competition. Scott Poirier inserted himself into second position on his last lap to deny National Champion-elect Grant Maiman a provisional spot on the front row. Maiman set the third fastest lap, a tick quicker than Colin Fleming and Luis Pelayo, who round out the top-5.

"I was able to find a fair amount of grip, some in the uphill and bit more in turn-1," said Marino."I basically went out and experimented. I'm fortunate to know the track well and felt a bit of an advantage in the wet conditions. I've race here before in the rain. And my three day [racing school] was also in the rain."

Marino, who chooses not to receive time feedback during the session, didn't know he had provisional pole until he emerged from his R/T 2000.

"I knew I was capable of putting together some strong laps. But there's still another qualifying session and race to run. There are other challenges ahead."

Provisional qualifying results for Round 13 of the Skip Barber Formula Dodge National Championship presented by RACER.

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