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Race report

Amy Ruman scores pole and flag-to-flag victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Amy Ruman was fast all weekend long, leading every session from practice to qualifying.

#23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette: Amy Ruman

#23 McNichols Company Chevrolet Corvette: Amy Ruman

Luis Betancourt

Munroe Falls, Ohio – Amy Ruman and the Ruman Racing team were victorious again at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sunday, scoring consecutive Trans Am wins at NJMP. Amy won the last Trans Am race there in 2012.

Ruman was fast all weekend long, leading every session from practice to qualifying. She captured her first Trans Am career pole position, posting a fast time of 1:16.622, just edging out the 1:16.670 time of Doug Peterson. The pair have been dueling it out all season long with close qualifying times.

“The season has been quite exciting so far this year,” said Ruman. “Doug and I have been running really close together in qualifying; he’s been squeezing me out the past couple times, which has been extremely frustrating. We’re just excited to have come out on top and to have my first Trans Am pole. “

Ruman led the field from the start of the RacingJunk.com 100 in her No. 23 McNichols Chevrolet Corvette. It was a drag race through turn one, with Ruman staying out front. She was quick to build a significant lead on the field through the early laps and again after a short caution on lap 9. The field bunched back up on lap 26 due to a mid race caution, allowing Peterson a third chance to pressure Ruman. The two picked up the pace even more on the restart, with Ruman setting the fastest lap time of the race. Ruman never gave up the lead despite losing her power steering with 8 laps to go and took the checkered well in command of the race.

“It was an endurance race,” said Ruman. “I knew Peterson would be there when we got the yellow, he was probably being conservative with his tires; I was trying to be as conservative as possible with mine too. At the end, I knew he’d be gunning for me; I didn’t anticipate the power steering problems. I was ok on the straights; but in the corners he caught up with me, so I had to get back on the gas as fast as I could. I don’t know how much longer I could have done that; but you know, I’ve been working out, so we’re good!”

“This weekend has been all about my team, my mom, my dad, everyone that works so hard for me, McNichols, everyone that lets me do what I do,” said Ruman. “I can’t thank everyone enough for all the effort they give me week in and week out. It felt great to start on pole and lead the race, back-to-back wins in New Jersey is pretty cool too—so I guess I really like the Thunderbolt track here!”

This was Ruman's first Trans Am win since the 2012 season, the fourth of her Trans Am career. After the pole and win, Ruman (130) is now within 2 points of Peterson (132) for the Championship lead at the halfway point of the 2014 season. Gregg slipped to third with 122 points.

“We’re focusing on trying to win this Championship; it’s really a goal of ours,” said Ruman. “I’m excited that we’re back in the hunt for it. It’s basically a new season; I think it’s going to be exciting for the fans and exciting for us. There are six races to go and anything can happen!”

Ruman Racing

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