Indy Lights Racers Matos and Reid Top TimeCharts on Friday

Mid-Ohio Road Course Finds Brazilian and Kiwi Fastest

by Allan Brewer
allan@indyproracer.com

AFS Andretti Green Racing's Raphael Matos and Integra Motorsports' Jonny Reid topped the timing and scoring in Firestone Indy Lights practice at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course outside tiny Lexington, Ohio on Friday (July 18th).

Matos' 109.564 mph (1:14.1920 sec.) lap was the day's best and came early in the day, as did Reid's 109.555 mph (1:14.5386 sec.) mark.

Guthrie Racing's Franck Perera turned in the fastest time in the afternoon session, on 108.523 mph, as the temperatures around the central Ohio area climbed and diminished aerodynamic grip for the Indy Lights contenders.

Other drivers of note included Michael Crawford Motorsports' Daniel Herrington, who toured the No. 6 Dallara at a speed of 108.719 mph in the morning, just ahead of Arie Luyendyk Jr on 108.690 mph.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports championship hopeful Richard Antinucci was sixth-quickest at 108.335 mph; followed by Team E's Bobby Wilson, Wade Cunningham in the No. 24 Alliance Motorsports car, RLR Andersen's Andrew Prendeville, and Team Moore's Jeff Simmons rounding out the top ten over both sessions.

In other news of interest, AFS AGR announced a triple-duty assignment for Rafa Matos: the team has added the Brazilian to its LMP2 driver lineup for Saturday's ALMS race. That makes three for the weekend, including the Indy Lights doubleheader.

"Mid-Ohio is a track I know well," said Matos of the challenge. "The biggest thing for me will be on the physical side. I’ve been prepared all year long, and I think I’m ready for it."

"I think it will be very important to be focused on the Indy Lights since we’re in the battle for the championship, and at the same time I want to help Acura and Andretti Green get another victory with the prototype team."

Indy Lights qualifying is scheduled for 11:00 AM EDT on Saturday. The pole contest will be streamed live on IndyCar.com with running commentary and live timing and scoring.

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Firestone Indy Lights Mid-Ohio 100 Friday Practice Results (combined sessions)