Qualifying - Race of France

 It was a record turn-out last night for the qualifying session ahead of the Race of France taking place this coming Sunday. Twelve drivers set out to determine the grid for the first of two heats that will be run on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans.

 Andrew Steppat set a fast lap early in the 15 minute session, but would be eclipsed late by Travis Billingsley, ending Steppat's stranglehold on Pole Position for the season. But with less than a tenth between them, this promises to be an interesting shootout at the top of the order. 

 It certainly will not be a cakewalk further afield either. Ethan Maestri narrowly edges teammate Bryan Dean for the third starting spot. Paul Maestri starts on the third row, only two tenths behind the second row starters. Matthew Smith makes noticeable improvement and edges Apex Team member Tony Tyree, taking the 6th starting position. He also starts far ahead of rookie rival Nicholas Hargrove (12th position), setting up an interesting run in their points battle.

 In all, less than 5 seconds separate the top 8 qualifiers, which holds promise that Sunday nights event may be a barn-burner for action! The Race of France gets set for Sunday night at 9 PM.


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Travis Billiingsley	1:42.687
Andrew Steppat	1:42.755
Ethan Maestri	1:43.822
Bryan Dean	1:43.961
Paul Maestri	1:44.214
Matthew Smith	1:46.580
Tony Tyree	1:46.724
Allen Ruff	1:47.589
Drew Dilbeck	1:47.877
Tom Henderson	1:48.081
Owen Henderson	1:49.546
Nicholas Hargrove	1:54.275
* - Lap infraction (dirty)

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