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| July 04, 2012 |
| Indy Lights: Sam Schmidt Motorsports Racing North of the Border |
 | Esteban Guerrieri enters the first of three Canadian rounds leading a Sam Schmidt Motorsports 1-2 in the points
(Photo: INDYCAR-LAT USA) |
TORONTO, ONT. (July 3, 2012) - Beginning with the Honda Indy Toronto weekend, the Sam Schmidt Motorsports’ Firestone Indy Lights teams begin a three-race Canadian stretch that goes through Edmonton and finishes in Trois-Rivieres. In 2011, the Canadian swing was a critical point in the championship, and it looks as if it will play a key role in the 2012 championship as well.
One year ago, Argentine Esteban Guerrieri was in the thick of the championship fight with SSM teammate Josef Newgarden. The pair used the Canadian swing to separate themselves from the rest of the Indy Lights competitors and make it a true, two-driver fight to the end.
Guerrieri won two poles and two races last year in Canada. His wins came in Edmonton (Race 1) and Trois-Rivieres. Newgarden won the other race in Edmonton (Race 2) and two poles.
In 2012, Guerrieri and SSM teammate Tristan Vautier are first and second in the points and both head into Canada with momentum. Guerrieri has three wins in the last five races, while Vautier has two race wins and three poles this season.
“It’s a very demanding track that doesn’t allow for much time to relax,” commented Guerrieri. “It is also bumpy in some places. Since the setup is a key factor for a good qualifying run, we have to focus on that.”
“I haven't raced in Toronto, it but it looks very exciting and challenging,” added Vautier.
Second-year SSM driver Victor Carbone is putting together a solid season and is tied for fourth in the championship heading into Canada. He will look to pull ahead of Gustavo Yacaman during the Canadian swing.
“Toronto is really cool,” stated Carbone. “I enjoyed going there last year, and I am sure I am going have a good time again. It’s a big city, so there are a lot of things going on. And, it’s really cool to have the race right in the middle of everything.”
Rookie SSM driver Oliver Webb is looking at the street courses of the Canadian races as tracks he can use to turn around his season. He has one pole this year, coming in Detroit, but struggled during his first round of oval races.
Practice gets under way Friday, July 6 at 9:45 a.m., and the race is Saturday, July, 7 at 4 p.m. |
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