The cars were good, the drivers were fast and the team was up to the task. Unfortunately, the Baltimore walls won. BAR1 Motorsports weekend at the American Le Mans Series present by Tequila Patrón Grand Prix of Baltimore 2013 was brutal to-say-the-least.
The team went into the weekend with high hopes of continuing their recent podium streak. And why wouldn’t they? They had two drivers on board with wins and podiums at both previous Baltimore events and they had the speed to get the job done. But the Baltimore streets are mean. The team lost one car to qualifying and another to traffic in Saturday’s abbreviated brawl.
Frustrated team owner, Brian Alder, could only shake his head as he appraised the battle scared and broken equipment being loaded onto the transporter.
“Street courses are always tough battles, we knew this coming in, but this race was brutal. With only two days on track we had three major crashes.
“In qualifying Rusty [Mitchell], driving the No. 7 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty car, had a frightening impact with the wall just in front of the pit area. The crash damaged the cars tub significantly.
“The impact with the wall was heavy. Unfortunately the right front wishbone pierced through the tub injuring Rusty’s right leg. After a visit to the local hospital and a few stitches, he was released. Rusty Is currently home and healing for the next race – his home track – Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Of course we are all relieved that he’s ok.
“The repairs to the tub couldn’t be completed at the track in time for the race. This was unfortunate since both cars were running strong in practice. We really felt we had a good shot of both cars qualifying in the top three. Rusty felt his was the best car he had driven all season.
“On race day, Chris Cumming started the No. 8 Evident Capital car 2nd in Prototype Challenge. Chris deftly avoided the first lap incident that caused the one hour delay at the start, but after the red flag switched back to green, our day suddenly was over almost as quickly as it started.
“Heading into turn four, as Chris was making a pass on the 02 Patron P2 car, he got hit in the left rear and spun into the wall. The 02 car later received a penalty for avoidable contact. Regardless, our day was over.”
Alder was quick to point out how hard the crew worked trying to keep the team on track throughout the weekend.
“I couldn’t be more proud of how our team responded to the challenge this weekend. Having cars come off track in pieces nearly every run is really trying on these guys. They all took the challenge in stride and gave a 100% effort to keep their drivers in the hunt. We’ve got some of the best guys in the paddock.”
Next up is the International Sports Car Weekend at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, September 20-21, 2013. Qualifying at the 3.4-mile track will be held Friday, September 20, at 2:40 p.m. (EDT) and will be streamed live on ESPN3. The race will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 3:45 p.m. (EDT). In addition to being streamed live on ESPN3, the event will also be broadcast on ESPN2 Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m. (EDT).
Source : BAR1 Motorsports