Bamford Quickest in PittRace Practice
Wampum, PA - The fastest lap of the day in F2000 Championship Series practice came in the morning session courtesy of points leader Steve Bamford, who turned in a quick time of 1:41.394, and the backed that up with the fastest time in the afternoon practice.
Bamford, who is looking for his first victory at Pittsburgh in an F2000 car, looks to convert his practice pace to Saturday morning qualifying and followed by the first race of the double-header weekend, round nine, scheduled for Saturday afternoon before Sunday follows with another qualifying and race.
Bamford was followed by Brandon Dixon on the morning time sheets, with Trent Walko in third. Walko is making his 2016 debut after a strong 2015 season, and is racing in the No. 82 Mazda-powered Van Diemen in his first start for Team Pelfrey. Walko is also a local expert, having grown up in the area with and has considerable experience around the 2.8-mile course. Steve Jenks and Davy D'Addario completed the top five.
While Bamford led the afternoon session, it was Walko that moved up a spot, second quick and just .066 seconds off Bamford's quick time, while John McCusker vaulted to third with a late flyer. Jenks and his No. 68 Van Diemen followed in fourth with Brandon Dixon in fifth.
Dave Weitzenhof was sixth quick, while Dan Denison was seventh in his first start since Road Atlanta, driving the No. 51 Polestar machine. D'Addario, Devin Lesueur and Chris Gumprecht followed.