Edmonton: Hima Maher race notes

TOP FIVE NEARLY WITHIN MAHER'S GRASP

EDMONTON, AB (July 16, 2005)- With two laps to go, Calgary driver Hima Maher almost made his return to Western Canada an auspicious occasion at the Trans-Am Festival Rose City 100 at Edmonton's Finning International Speedway. But while trying to overtake fifth-place contender Joey Scarallo, Maher's #78 Centennial Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette spun out on turn six of the 1.96-mile, 14-turn airport course and wound up placing seventh in the event.

The Derhaag Motorsports managed to post a personal-best lap of 1:04.26.362 (87.5 miles per hour), and was still the top Canadian finisher. The result places Maher in X place in the overall standings for the Trans-Am Driver's Championship.

Maher originally qualified sixth for the race, but was shifted to the front after a pre-race tire change moved leading qualifier Paul Gentilozzi to the back off the grid and the resulting top five started in reverse order. Maher raced closer to his qualifying position after a few laps and was in contention throughout most of the race, staying on the lead lap until the mishap.

Maher joined the Derhaag Motorsports team less than two months ago and after only three races, is in 10th place overall, second in rookie points and is the top Canadian driver. He has received enthusiastic support and solid advice from teammate Randy Ruhlman, who currently leads the Driver's Championship standings.

Formed in 1999, Maher Racing Inc. is a Calgary-based organization, which operates Maher Performance Driving School and the Calgary Sport Drivers Club.

-www.maherracing.com.