Downpour Slows Second Round Valvoline Runoffs Qualifying

LEXINGTON, Ohio (September 19, 2001) - The rains came today at Mid-Ohio during the second round of qualifying for the 38th running of the Sports Car Club of America's Valvoline Runoffs, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and erased most drivers' chances of improving on fast times set in yesterday's perfect conditions.

A light rain showered the track before the GT3 class took to the 2.4-mile, 15-turn course, in the day's first session of qualifying. After the F500, EP, GT5, CSR and FA sessions that followed, the SSB class attempted their second run of the week, but a shower accompanied them and slowed times considerably.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, the racing surface and lap times never got up to par. The inclement weather affected all makes and models in each of the 24 classes, as numerous cars were involved in agricultural racing- most falling prey to the daunting turn six, commonly referred to as "China Beach" because of its enormous sand trap.

With the third and final round of qualifying set to resume Thursday, competitors will have one final opportunity to position their machines at the top spot on the grid.

Starting Friday, listen to the Mid-Ohio track announcers call all 24 Championship races by logging on to www.peavey.com, for Peavey Electronics' live audio web broadcasting of the 2001 Runoffs.

The SCCA continues to groom top-notch, world-class drivers in the most diverse racing organization in the world. As the SCCA enters its 57th year of existence, over 60,000 members within 109 regions across the country compete in almost 2000 sanctioned events per year.