LAKEVILLE, Conn. (July 8, 2011) – Co-drivers Bryce Miller and Sascha Maassen will start 11th on the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón GT grid for tomorrow’s Round Three race at Lime Rock Park, part of the Northeast Grand Prix.
Miller turned a lap of 53.211 (99.724 mph) under semi-wet track conditions. After qualifying, Miller was happier with the changes the team made to the No. 48 Chopard/Marquis Jet/TOTAL/IPC Porsche 911 GT3 RSR following both of today’s practice sessions.
“We made a lot of improvements between practice session one and session two today,” Miller said after qualifying. “I’m glad we were able to approach qualifying in the manner that we did because when we started this morning things were a little shaky. But, we are back to our basics and where we’ll find the performance now.
“I think we are still learning how to maximize the new Yokohama tire and the potential of that tire. We all know that it is a better tire. We just have to find the potential in it. This is a learning process. Every session we go out, we’re getting better. We have the warm-up tomorrow and then the race. I’m actually quite encouraged about our chances at a good run.”
Earlier today, the team spent most of both practice sessions trying to find the right car setup for the 1.474-mile circuit – a setup that was made more difficult by two different track conditions. The track was dry in this morning’s session. However, heading into this afternoon’s practice session, the skies opened up and there was a steady downpour that soaked the track.
“Given those parameters (the varying track conditions), along with the development we’re doing with the tire and the learning process we have there, I am very happy with the team, the tire and our steps of improvement,” Miller said. “We’re making good progress.”
This weekend marks the first race with the newly announced Chopard sponsorship on board the No. 48 Chopard/Marquis Jet/TOTAL/IPC Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Round 3 of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is set for 2:05 p.m. ET Saturday, July 9. The race will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com beginning at 1:50 p.m. ET and also on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, July 10.
Paul Miller Racing is among the top GT teams competing in North American sports car road racing. In 2011, the team is competing in the full American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, as well as the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team enjoys a long-standing relationship with Porsche and competes with the support of four international sponsors in Chopard, Marquis Jet, IPC Information Systems and TOTAL Lubricants.
Follow the team on Twitter @paulmilleracing, @bryceracer and @ReneRastRacing and become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/paulmillerracing and Facebook.com/brycemiller.net.
