Ohio Pre-Race Thread

[Cynon]

Steudler and Johaanes Absent from Entry List

While both Manticore Engineering cars are on the entry list for the Round of Ohio, both of their cars are listed with no driver confirmed. Reports are running rampant that Steudler and Johaanes will be replaced "temporarily" by paying drivers. Reports that Johaanes could moonlight in the third Volpi were neither confirmed or denied by Volpi Racing Team, and ALERT did not answer questions as to the status of their third car, or driver Chris Davenport.

Of the drivers rumored to step up into the Manticore Engineering cars, Cameron Taylor, Mariano Zavala, and Jacob Kard have been rumored to those seats.

[PYLrulz]

Steudler to run for ALERT for 3 races

After being temporarily relieved of his duties in the 28 Manticore Engineering car, Scott Steudler will be participating in the next 3 races in the 70 car. When asked for comment, Steudler said.

"It's a good car that just hasn't seemed to find any luck this season so far. This 3 race deal should be able to put me in a competitive car while Manticore gets their issues sorted out."

Manticore had given Steudler permission to look for other rides while they insert other drivers into their cars for the next few races.

[Cynon]

Cameron Taylor, Mariano Zavala to Manticore Engineering

Manticore Engineering confirmed on Monday that TM Lights frontrunners Cameron Taylor and Mariano Zavala will pilot their cars until the Round of Indianapolis. Taylor will be absent from the #28 car when he moves back to Team Timothy for their Independent's Trophy bid at the Round of Wisconsin.

The team insisted that they were looking for a driver change would fix their lack of pace. Despite winning pole on debut at Karjala in 2012, Manticore Engineering has lacked speed ever since then and has not lived up to their preseason expectations. Manticore Engineering team owner John Rossiter did not mince words when asked why Manticore's form was lackluster.

"We have been blindsided by some of the ethics of our competitors... we could and should be winning races, but I doubt any of our competitors are following the rules." Rossiter stated.
"There's so much blatant cheating going on that it really does sadden me. We've got to do what we can to improve our fortunes, and thus we have decided to try out two promising young talents in Cameron [Taylor] and Mariano [Zavala], who we hope can put us back to the front."

Rossiter's comments raised many eyebrows, none raised further than the driver that gave Manticore Engineering their stunning pole on debut, Alexis Rainsford. Rainsford, now a Champ Car driver and Indy 500 champion, had a different perspective on Manticore's failings.

"The short time I was there I was positive that they didn't understand that you have to stay ahead of the game. Yes, they built a good car, but what they don't get is that everyone else figured out their tricks and is ahead of them as a result." Rainsford said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if the car I ran at Karjala last year is the same car they've been running, sure looks awfully similar... they've got two huge talents in the cockpit that are being wasted by the team's lack of foresight. They're a good team for a rookie driver, though, and I hope Cameron Taylor and Mariano Zavala can make the most of what they're given."

[SnakePlissken]

William Power Responds to Griffith Tweet

AGriffith07: Looking at the preliminary entry list for Ohio, something fishy going on here if #PlisskenSabotagesIncorporated keeps us off the entry list #hometown #Tonare

ThePowerofPSI: @AGriffith07: After all of your shenanigans, I wish I could afford to field 100 cars to ensure that you personally never see the track in your hometown. I have a feeling that the town feels the same way. #saboteur #bonehead #embarrassment

TheOneEyedSnake: I hope he does get in as I have some unfinished business with that bastard and Ohio'd be the perfect place to show him my gratitude. That's not a threat, it's a promise.

[Cynon]

Promoter's Options for the Round of Ohio:

#07 - Anthony Griffith
#14 - Chris Johaanes
#20 - Dale Roswell
#66 - David Krikorian
#67 - Daniel Melrose
#70 - Scott Steudler
#87 - Darren Cardel
#416 - Manny Brown

Car #68 was withdrawn. This race will have a 42 car grid.

[SnakePlissken]

Kurt Plissken is hoping to improve on his 20th place finish from last year.

"We began starting mid-pack and ended up 2 laps down, just riding around basically being a non-factor," Plissken stated. "Both G-dub and I should be in the mix the this time around-- up front and challenging for the win. Manny Brown in the #416 is the wildcard. Lycoia's been giving us some really good equipment, so Manny could surprise some people and get that Engine Joe's car up front. He has a few tricks still left up his sleeve."

[Cynon]

Griffith v. Plissken, Brown v. Davenport/Rainsford on Fight Cards for Practice 2

The feud between Team Thunder's Anthony Griffith and Power Steering Incorporated's Kurt Plissken reignited during second practice. Kurt Plissken had finished a fuel run and headed back into pitlane, but was turned around by Griffith, who was leaving the pitlane. Observers suggested that while Plissken did cut into pitlane sharply, Griffith should have been a bit more careful. Griffith damaged the right front suspension on the 07 car and immediately came back into the pitlane, whereas Plissken continued back to the garage.

Channel 44 commentator Dan Mullen suggested during the second practice show that both drivers were probably not even aware of each other, and that their interviews would be "as colorful as an Andy Warhol painting". Color commentator and former driver Lance Andrews concurred with Mullen.

"When you're a driver, it's never your fault unless you run out of excuses or you might have seriously hurt someone... I don't think they were aware the other was even near them." Andrews said.
"I'm surprised these guys didn't come to blows, honestly. Kurt Plissken is not a chap I would like to get into a fight with, but we've seen Anthony Griffith leave his brain in the car once he gets out of it."

One of the hottest feuds in series history, the Griffith v. Plissken battle raged throughout last year, coming to a head at Road America where both drivers eliminated each other from points runs. Griffith was sent to the back of the grid for this indiscretion, however, Andrews suggested that Team Thunder would not be bothered, as "their qualifying record is unenviable... they'll make 110% easy, and even if they don't their long run pace is good enough anyways".

Both of the other Power Steering Incorporated drivers encountered drama during practice, with Greg Woodard spinning in turn 1 within the first minute of practice, however, Woodard did not hit anything and continued on as if nothing had happened. Officials did bring out the yellow flag, anticipating Woodard would hit the wall, but withdrew it after Woodard continued. Since the yellow was withdrawn, no penalty will be assessed to the #41 team. Some humor was had on the #41 team radio when Woodard's spotter was quoted as saying; "Great save, buddy, remind me to recommend you to whichever Hollywood studio makes the next Fast and the Furious sequel".

Manny Brown faced a steep learning curve in his TM Master Cup series return. Brown propped all the timesheets in the first two practice sessions. His time in practice 1 was just barely good enough to secure him a spot on the grid, as he was within 110% of the fastest time in that session. The 38 year old spun twice in second practice, once in the warmup lane on an in-lap, which did not necessitate a yellow flag. The second time, Brown was entering turn 3, only to be caught off-guard by Chris Davenport, who dove on the inside trying to pass Brown, sending both cars in the wall. Channel 44 commentators Dan Mullen and Lance Andrews expressed confusion over Manny Brown's role in the collision.

"Brown entered turn 3 very wide, as if he's letting Davenport pass, and then just chopped him off." Andrews stated.
"It always seemed to me that Brown never understood the concept of using the mirrors and depended on the spotters a little too much... looks like the case here, Davenport was well alongside when Brown turned down on him."

Both drivers brought their cars back to the garage under their own power, with Davenport frequently ramming into the back of Brown until he stopped in his pit bay. After parking his car in the Power Steering Incorporated pit bay, Brown returned outside the ALERT pit to confront Davenport and shoved the Californian and cursing at him. To Davenport's rescue was his wife, two-time series champion and Champ Car driver, Alexis Rainsford, present due to having no Champ Car obligations this week. Rainsford promptly pushed Brown over before the combatants were escorted away.

"Chris walks around like he's the hottest thing that's ever stepped in a race car, when all he's done is tear up cars in practice." Brown said.
"I walk over to talk to him, and he just mouths off, so I gave him a little shove and then his wife decides to fight his battle for him. Tells you how much of a man he really is."

"He just walked around the corner and wanted to fight, he comes up to me and is all like; 'What was that for?', and I told him he needed to learn to drive and hold a line." Davenport said.
"He was driving like he was soiling his diapers in the corners and was holding people up so bad people were aborting fuel runs because of him. I wasn't going to walk over to his pits and fight him. I don't want to get into fights like that... because it might mess up my hair, and he's not worth messing up my hair."

Reactions to the scuffle were mixed, but no reprimands were handed out, despite rumors that Rainsford and Brown had their hard cards revoked, as both were seen in the paddock area later in the day. Officials deemed that the pitlane contact was enough for officials to send Davenport to the back of the grid for the Round of Ohio.

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