Second consecutive front row start for ESM

AUSTIN, Tex. (Sept. 20, 2013) – Wet, rainy and cooler temperatures by Texas standards, proved to be an added challenge for Extreme Speed Motorsports (ESM) and the entire American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón (ALMS) paddock on Friday.

Following hot and humid test days earlier in the week, ESM worked to maximize every on-track minute. The skies had a different agenda and ESM quickly adapted to the ever-changing and wet conditions on Friday.

Ultimately, rain prevailed and qualifying was held under wet conditions. At the end of the 15 minute qualifying session, the Tequila Patrón-sponsored machines qualified in second and third positions for the ALMS debut race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).

For the first time Johannes van Overbeerk qualified the P2 car in the rain. Aboard the No. 02 Tequila Patrón Honda Performance Development (HPD) ARX-03b, van Overbeek opened the session strong and his second lap on track was his fastest of the session at 2:11.869. At the end of qualifying session, van Overbeek logged the second quickest lap of the class and third overall.

Co-driver Ed Brown will drive the first stint during the race, and van Overbeek will drive for the second half of the event.

Anthony Lazzaro was tasked with the qualifying duties for the No. 01 Tequila Patrón Honda Performance Development (HPD) ARX-03. Battling the elements as well, Lazzaro posted his quickest lap early in the session (2:12.100), less than three-tenths behind van Overbeek. Lazzaro was ranked third in the P2 class and fourth overall.

For Sunday’s race, co-driver Scott Sharp is slated to drive the first stint and Lazzaro will drive second.

The two-hour, 45-minute American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón race at Circuit of The Americas is the eighth round of the 10-race ALMS championship and takes place on Sept. 19-21.

Extreme Speed Motorsports