Jensen MotorSport had a busy weekend at the San Jose Grand Prix. The team ran three cars in the Champ Car Atlantic series for drivers Frankie Muniz (#13 Chandler Developments), Tom Sutherland (#2 ClickAway Computers), and Steve Ott (#22 Intervision / Juniper Networks / NetApp).
Muniz achieved the best result of the trio, scoring an 11th place finish in the Sunday final. Muniz made several passes during the race, earning enough championship points to pass team mate Sutherland, plus Mike Forest and Brian Thienes in the season point standings.
Sutherland also had a strong race, and looked set for a 9th place finish when getting a flat tire near the end of the race due to the debris on track from various incidents during the race. A late caution assured that Sutherland would not lose a lap, however he did lose several positions to finish an eventual 13th position. San Jose confirmed to all that Sutherland is a top 10 challenger, including an impressive 7th place showing in Friday morning practice.
Driving the Intervision Team Jensen car for the first time in the 2007 season, Steve Ott pushed hard all weekend but seemingly was without much luck. Late red flags in qualifying caused Ott to start the race in a disappointing 18th position after running as high as 3rd in practice. Ott pushed hard during the race, quickly moving into the top 10. However, Ott was taken out in dramatic fashion by Red Bull driver John Edwards. An unfortunate return for Ott to the Atlantic championship.
The team has a one week break before hitting the track again at Road America in Wisconsin the weekend of August 10-12. |