Elkhart Lake, WI (My Sportsbook) - Bruno Junqueira captured the pole for Sunday's Mario Andretti Grand Prix of Road America. The No.1 Newman/Haas Lola driver circled the historic 4.048-mile road course in one minute, 43.703 seconds (140.524 m.p.h.). "I love this track," said Junqueira, who scored his first career victory here. "I'm also very happy to score my first pole of the year here. The earlier rain didn't help the track conditions, but to be half a second ahead of the others is awesome." Junqueira's teammate, rookie Sebastien Bourdais (1:44.242), will start on the front row with him. Patrick Carpentier (1:44.306), Oriol Servia (1:44.314) and Mario Dominguez (1:44.378) completed the top-five. Points leader Tracy will start sixth in the 19-car field. "This is what road racing is all about because it's got fast corners, slow corners and a driver can really wring it out," said Mario Andretti, whose efforts saved the race from extinction. "I've always loved Road America. It's such a part of this country's road racing heritage," said Andretti. Junqueira earned his second championship point of the weekend to move within 18 points of series leader Paul Tracy (161-143). The race is set to begin on Sunday at 3 p.m. (et).
|