Qualifying Postponed; Full Day of Practice for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
13 Mar 2010
It was an action packed day in São Paulo, Brazil
for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing pilots Mike Conway (No. 24 Dad's Root Beer),
Justin Wilson (No. 22 Z-Line Designs) and Ana Beatriz (No. 23 Ipiranga).
Today provided an eventful day for the team as track conditions played
havoc on the planned schedule. As a result, qualifying was postponed to
tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. EDT.
Although the challenges of a new circuit played a big role in today's
activities, the Indianapolis-based squad was able to get the laps in that they
needed and feel that they are prepared for tomorrow. Justin Wilson
clocked the fourth fastest time of the day with 1:31.5380. His teammate,
Conway, had the 15th quickest time of 1:32.6446. Rookie Ana Beatriz
accomplished what she needed despite missing part of the second practice due to
hitting the wall coming down the slick straightaway. Luckily she was able to
accomplish her goal of recording laps and she had a time of 1:37.4300.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track for the São Paulo Indy 300 in São
Paulo, Brazil on March 14th. Qualifying will take place at 7:30 am EDT.
The race telecast will air live on Sunday, March 14th at 11:30 am (EDT)
on VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145, and
Sirius channel 211. For more updates on the team please visit
www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.
What they have to say about the São
Paulo Indy 300...
Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: "Today
was a perfect example of never giving up. The track conditions made it
difficult to dial in a set-up and we were missing it for most of the day.
I think getting the damper right is the key to running fast in São Paulo.
I'm pleased with how my crew dug deep and kept after it. Track
temperature is also going to play a big factor as the changes made today will
certainly change by tomorrow morning. If it rains during the race, it
will be very interesting out there. I'm looking forward to a busy day of
qualifying and running the race."
Ana Beatriz, No. 23 Ipiranga: "The weekend started well and I was able to
get some laps in. Unfortunately, in the first practice we weren't able to
run that much because of some temperature problems and the track was dirty.
In the afternoon we were a little late because we made some big changes
to the car and lost about half an hour of practice. Then once I got on the
slippery straight I hit the wall and that lost us the rest of the second
session. The third practice was all about getting laps and that is exactly what
I needed. I think it was the right decision to change the qualifying
session to tomorrow, because I will have time to think about it and sleep well.
Tomorrow will be a big day with qualifying and the race all in one."
Mike Conway, No. 24 Dad's Root Beer: "We had a good run this morning
and then it got really slick this afternoon when it warmed up and I think
everyone struggled for grip and consistency with the Dad's Root Beer car.
We didn't really want to change the car too much going into the afternoon
session and the car seemed to be okay. It improved as it cooled down and
got better and better. Overall, I think we ended up okay. Justin
had a good run in the end and I think we will be in good shape for tomorrow."
