Portland: Hima Maher race notes

MAHER CRACKS TOP 10 IN TRANS-AM DEBUT

PORTLAND, OR, June 18 2005-In his Trans-Am Racing Series debut, Calgary driver Hima Maher finished in the top 10 at the Rose City 100 by driving to a ninth place finish. In his Centennial Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette, Maher finished one lap down in the 51-lap race on the 1.964-mile circuit at Portland International Speedway.

With an average speed of 84.503 miles per hour, Maher placed as high as seventh at one point in the event, which fielded 23 cars. Attempting to pass for position, he spun out on the first turn on lap 40. Facing traffic, he managed to restart and only lose two spots.

"It was 51 hectic laps," said Maher, setting his sights on the Cleveland Grand Prix June 25. "There is no way to prepare for the intensity of this race. You just have to get out and do it." "He did a great job," said Derhaag Motorsports team owner Jim Derhaag about his newest driver. "He got the car home safely. We'll improve in Cleveland."

-mr-