Strong Qualifying Effort Puts Level 5 Motorsports in Great Position at Laguna Seca

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is known for its challenging layout and scenic vistas. Level 5 Motorsports is hoping to become part of the lore as they prepare for this weekend's American Le Mans Series Monterey Presented by Patron. After setting the fastest lap in the early practice sessions, the No. 55 Le Mans Prototype entry with veteran Christophe Bouchut behind the wheel earned a solid third starting position in the afternoon qualifying session. Bouchut's time of 1:18.212 was a mere two-tenths of a second behind first place.

"It's been a great start to the season for the whole Level 5 team," said team owner / driver Scott Tucker. "This team doesn't miss a beat. Today shows that everyone on this team is focused and dedicated to putting the best cars on the track, and to be in a position to win races."

Level 5 Motorsports has two LMPC entries this weekend and a driver line-up that is second to none. Tucker is joined by Bouchut and Mark Wilkins in the No. 55. Tucker will pull double-duty and race the No. 95 with sportscar veterans Andy Wallace and Burt Frisselle. The 95 will roll off the grid in the fifth starting position.

A victory in the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring in March was only the beginning of a record-setting 2010 season for the No. 55 Level 5 team. The trio of Tucker, Bouchut and Wilkins combined to take the checkered flag in dominating fashion.

Tucker and Bouchut followed up their victory at Sebring with a stellar weekend on the street circuit for Long Beach, California, in April. After setting a track qualifying record, the No. 55 LMP narrowly missed another victory with a strong second-place finish. The team currently sits tied for first place in the ALMS LMPC standings.

While Friday's qualifying session carries a certain amount of bragging rights, the real test comes Saturday as one of the most competitive field's of race cars ever assembled takes to the track.

"It all comes down to winning races," said Tucker. "That is the objective. Setting track records and race records is great and it shows how strong this team is, but we want to be on top of the podium. Period."

Following Saturday's race, Tucker and Bouchut will have little time to rest as they head immediately to Circuit Paul Ricard in France to participate in a private test session with Audi-backed Team Kolles in preparation for next month's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The duo will help pilot the famed Audi R10 TDI, which has three victories in the historic endurance race (2006-08).

Saturday's American Le Mans Series Monterey Presented by Patron is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. PT. The race will be televised nationally on CBS, May 29, at 1:30 p.m. ET.

 

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