RUMAN RACING

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Ruman’s Sixth Win Dashed when Competitor Targeted Her As She Led the Race at Mid-Ohio

by Filed Under: Press Releases

Munroe Falls, Ohio – To say that the race on Saturday was tough would be an understatement. Amy Ruman and a super competitive Trans Am TA field came to Lexington, OH prepared to put on a great show for all the amazing fans that came out to the Trans Am Series Next Dimension 100, presented by FirstEnergy this weekend. It was round 7 of the Trans Am Championship and Amy Ruman was at the top of the points standings.

Qualifying commenced early Friday morning and the TA competitors were fast as they battled for the pole. Ruman (1:23.340) held the pole position until the last laps of qualifying when Tomy Drissi (1:23.187) and Cliff Ebben (1:23.220) narrowly posted faster times.  Paul Fix qualified 4th and David Pintaric 5th in the 17 car TA class.

With picture perfect weather at the lovely Ohio course for Saturday’s race, fans filled the viewing areas throughout Mid-Ohio to watch both Trans Am and the NASCAR Xfinity Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200. The thirty-nine TA and TA3 cars took the green flag down the back straight just before 1:00 p.m. for the 45 lap race. By the end of the straight, Ruman, in the No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette, had moved into second behind Drissi with Ebben close behind her in third. Almost immediately, the field went under caution for oil on the course. After the restart on the front straight Ruman got a great run through the first three turns and was able to pass Drissi for the lead on the back straight. Ebben and Fix then passed Drissi to claim 2nd and 3rd.

Shortly thereafter, Drissi and Fix had contact and Andretti and Peterson passed them. A double yellow followed for other cars off course.  The order was Ruman, Ebben, Andretti, Peterson, Fix, Drissi.  While under caution, with the pace car out, Drissi passed the cars ahead of him and slammed Ruman in the right rear. He then dropped back several positions, but not fully to his race position when the field went green. Drissi was issued a stop and go penalty for prior contact and passing under the yellow.  When Drissi came back on track, he did not drive at race speed. He drove very slowly, apparently waiting for the leaders. Fans, officials, crews, and drivers watched as this unfolded, worried with foreshadowing, given Drissi’s past history of deliberate contact with Ruman (and others) in the last two Mid-Ohio races. As the tight knit group of Trans Am leaders approached, countless fans recalled as apprehension filled the crowd.

Ruman, leading the pack, came upon Drissi as she came out of Thunder Valley. Drissi blocked through the next several turns and onto the front straight. As the pack bore down on him, Drissi went wide in exit of the keyhole and Ruman was able to cleanly take the inside lane. They raced off the turn side by side for several seconds until Drissi turned into Ruman under full throttle and crashed into her causing significant damage to her car and taking out Peterson who was following her through. Ruman made one more lap but the front tire blew from the damage and she had to pit.

The crew changed the tire and removed the torn bodywork but could not repair the severely damaged power steering assembly as she fell laps down. Ruman decided to continue to race the damaged car for the next 15 or so laps and took the checkered 12th in class and 26th place overall.  Drissi parked his car in the pit lane and did not continue. After the race, the Chief Steward stripped Drissi of all points and standings from the race and he was struck from the results as a penalty for his actions during the race.

Paul Fix won the race with Jim McAleese in 2nd and Adam Andretti in 3rd.

“We had such a good car and I know we had an incredibly strong opportunity to win here this weekend at Mid-Ohio.  I honestly don’t know what Drissi has against me, our family and team, and Trans Am racing – we used to be friends! His unsportsmanlike, unprofessional, unacceptable highly dangerous racing conduct, was truly unprecedented. Trans Am is known for close competition and good racing – not for a driver lying in wait for the entire lead pack with the intention of taking them out. I urge the Series officials to take severe penalty action and show that this kind of behavior is not accepted in the future and in our sport,” forcefully stated Ruman. “While I’m disappointed to have lost points to Paul, who managed to survive the melee and take the win, I’m determined to work hard the next five races and keep fighting for the Championship. Just like I didn’t give up today, even without the power steering, I will not give up on this Championship.”

“To McNichols Company who has been with us the whole season, and those sponsors that came on board for this weekend’s race, Don Sitts Auto Group, FirstEnergy, and Quicklane Tire and Auto, I am very grateful for your support and I am truly sorry this nonsense took us out of winning contention,” said Ruman.

Ruman’s 2015 Trans Am Championship quest is tougher now, she heads into Round 8 at Road America still in first place in the point’s battle but with a smaller gap of 22 points. Ruman stands in the lead with 209 and Fix in second with 187.

The Mid-Ohio races will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with the Next Dimension 100, presented by FirstEnergy, featuring TA/TA3, airing on Saturday, August 29 at 12:00 p.m. ET, and the FirstEnergy Muscle Car Challenge, presented by 3-Dimensional Services, featuring TA2, airing on Saturday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Sponsors: McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com.

Don Sitts Auto Sales, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Stop in for all your vehicle needs, over 200 cars in stock – for more info and inventory list, visit DonSitts.com.

Quicklane Tire and Auto at Valley Ford Truck in Cleveland is a proud sponsor of The Ruman Racing team and welcomes Amy back to her home track Mid Ohio.  Come see why life is better in the Quicklane. All makes and models are welcome—find out more here: Quicklane.com/valleyfordtruck

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans Am Series on Twitter: @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com      Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Looking for Sixth Trans Am Win of the Season at Hometown Track Mid-Ohio–Local Sponsor Don Sitts Auto Sales Joins the Team–

by Filed Under: Press Releases

Munroe Falls, Ohio – After the six week mid-summer break in the Trans Am schedule, Amy Ruman and team are ready to get back to action this weekend at her hometown track Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH for Round 7 of the Trans Am Championship.

The Trans Am Series Next Dimension 100, presented by FirstEnergy is part of a huge spectator weekend at Mid-Ohio including the NASCAR Xfinity Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 and World Challenge. This race is an important one for Ruman, who grew up in the Akron, Ohio area and has long called 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio course her home track. She will have a large contingent of fans and sponsors cheering for her on Saturday.  The Series is expecting an ALL-TIME record setting field this weekend, as 74 cars are registered between the three classes – TA, TA2, and TA3.  Ruman’s TA class will see 17 entries all battling for the top step on the podium.

Last year, Ruman led some of the race, but an on track incident put her out of the race near the end and she took home a disappointing fourteenth-place finish.  Its redemption time for Ruman, as she sets her sights on her first Trans Am Series win at this track on one of the biggest stages of the season.  If she can keep her 2015 hot streak alive, it would mark her sixth win out of the last seven races.

“While the Trans Am drivers enjoyed a break in the action, the Ruman Racing crew has been diligently preparing the No. 23 McNichols Co./Don Sitts Auto Sales Corvette for our hometown crowd,” stated Ruman. “I have enjoyed some time off, but my crew has been hard at work to keep me out front.  I’m always so excited to race here at Mid-Ohio, and it’s the best feeling having all of my fans there to support us. This weekend, we have some local Ohio buckeye sponsors on board for this race. McNichols Co., based in Tampa, Florida, has numerous service centers around the country including one in Cleveland. It’s awesome to have Don Sitts Auto Sales, Inc. partnering with us as well.”

The first half of the season has been very strong for Ruman’s 2015 Trans Am Championship quest, as she seeks her first series championship title.  She heads into Round 7 at Mid-Ohio sitting in first place in the point’s battle. Ruman’s consistency and domination in the first half of the season has opened a 37-point gap in the battle. Heading into the last 6 races, Ruman stands in the lead with 193, Fix in second with 156, and Peterson in third at 144.  “After this break it’s like the season is starting all over again.  Right now, every finishing position is crucial from this point forward for us. My job is to remain focused and poised each and every race so I can get the job done,” exclaimed Ruman.

Ruman will be taking to the track in the No. 23 McNichols Co./Don Sitts Auto Sales Corvette starting Thursday, August 13th during the promoter test sessions. The first official practice session will also take place that afternoon.  “Fast Five” qualifying is slated for early Friday morning followed by the second official practice session. The TA2 FirstEnergy Muscle Car Challenge Race, presented by 3-Dimensional Services will start at 4:45 PM Friday afternoon.  The combined TA/TA3 Next Dimension100, presented by FirstEnergy 45-lap race will be held Saturday, August 15th at 12:50 PM. All times listed are EDT.  The Series will be conducting a drivers’ open house autograph session at 12:40 PM Friday, at their trailers with open attendance for all.  Visit gotransam.com or midohio.com for ticket, full schedule, and all other weekend information.

The Mid-Ohio races will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with the Next Dimension 100, presented by FirstEnergy, featuring TA/TA3, airing on Saturday, August 29 at 12:00 p.m. ET, and the FirstEnergy Muscle Car Challenge, presented by 3-Dimensional Services, featuring TA2, airing on Saturday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Sponsors:  McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com.

Don Sitts Auto Sales, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Stop in for all your vehicle needs, over 200 cars in stock – for more info and inventory list, visit DonSitts.com.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans Am Series on Twitter: @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com      Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Red – White – and Boom! Ruman Explodes to 5th Trans Am Win of the Season at Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic

by Filed Under: Press Releases

Munroe Falls, Ohio – Amy Ruman and team headed North over the 4th of July holiday weekend for Round 6 of the 2015 Trans Am Championship at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR).  She had one mission in mind – to gain as many points as possible in the Championship and she did just that.  Ruman’s win at the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic was her fifth triumph this season out of the first six races on the schedule, also marking the tenth victory in her Trans Am career.

Ruman dominated most of the weekend in her No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette leading both official practices and falling just shy of the pole position in qualifying, taking second to Peterson on the grid.  It was a hot, humid, sunny day at BIR as the three Trans Am classes took the green at 1:50 in the afternoon.

On the start, Peterson and Ruman lead the field to the green.  The two went side-by-side down the straight with Ruman tucking in behind Peterson heading into turn 4.  Ruman slotted into a close second.  On lap 5, Ruman saw an opportunity and took it, sliding under Peterson in turn 6 as the two drag raced to turn 7.  Ruman went deep into the brake zone on the outside, and Peterson was too hot into the corner, locking up the front brakes.  Ruman crossed back and made the pass stick, and never looked back.  After a late race caution, Ebben got past Peterson and made a charge for Ruman, but she controlled the gap for the rest of the race to come out on top.

“This McNichols 23 car has just been awesome all year long,” said Ruman. “I just waited patiently and set Doug up for that pass, and we made it stick. I thought Cliff had something for us at the end, but I just tried to focus and stay out front, and to God be the Glory on this one, because they threw everything at us; it was hot, it was dirty, it was grimy, it was slick, and it was just a long race— but luckily we prevailed.”

Ruman’s consistency and strength opened a 37-point gap in the battle for the Championship over second place points runner Paul Fix, who had contact with another competitor early on in the race and was unable to continue. Heading into the last 6 races, Ruman stands in the lead with 193, Fix in second with 156, and Peterson in third at 144.

“We were hoping to come into this weekend and try and gain as many points as we could and thankfully that happened for us,” said Ruman. “Unfortunately for Paul things didn’t turn out well, but we’ll take the points. We really want to win this championship; there are six races to go yet and it’s a long season. We’re not going to take anything for granted, and we’ll take that momentum into our hometrack at Mid-Ohio next round.”

Fans can tune in and catch all the action from Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic at Brainerd International Raceway, which will be tape delayed and broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 25, 12:00 p.m. EST.

Sponsor: McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans Am Series on Twitter: @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com      Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Trans Am Championship Leader Amy Ruman Set for 4th of July Festivities and Round 6 in Brainerd, MN

by Filed Under: Press Releases

Munroe Falls, Ohio – Ruman Racing and driver Amy Ruman will be back racing during the Independence Day weekend as the Trans Am Series heads North to Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) for Round 6 of the 2015 Trans Am Championship, the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic. The switch in the schedule this year brings the teams to BIR earlier, as the past few years the race has been held over Labor Day weekend.

“First, I would like to dedicate this race to all of our service men and women in uniform. We are so fortunate to have the freedoms that we do in the US, we always need to remember that we are the home of the free because of the brave!” said Ruman.  “I hope that some of our military around the world get a chance to connect with family and friends at home this weekend. The Ruman Racing/McNichols Co. Team is so grateful for their service and sacrifices and want to thank them for letting us do what we love to do.”

Marking the halfway point in the season, Ruman and the No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette head back to BIR with a strong finishing record at the track, taking home four podium finishes in the last four years and claiming a win in 2012.  Ruman certainly seems to be the driver to beat these days in the TA class – coming from behind in last place in the past two races to claim podium finishes and capturing four wins out of five races in the 2015 season.

Ruman is looking to show her strength again at the event and hopes to open up a larger points gap in the fight for the Trans Am Championship. “BIR is such a classic track and it should be a great event this weekend in front of some awesome fans! My strategy hasn’t changed, I’m looking to score another win and gain as many points as possible here – it’s that simple.  Consistency is vital now at the halfway point, we still have a lot of races in front of us so I am remaining poised and focused,” stated Ruman.

The holiday weekend will start off with a promoter test day on Friday, July 3rd.  The first official practice session and “Fast Five” qualifying take place on Saturday, July 4th.  Drivers hit the track again Sunday morning for a second practice session and second chance qualifying.  The green flag will fly at 1:50 PM CDT for the multi-class 41-car field, 100-mile 40 lap, Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic race.

Fans can expect a weekend of festivities and action at BIR, as Trans Am will be joined by drag racing, the National Auto Sport Association, a classic car show, live music, and a fireworks display for a full weekend of Independence Day celebration and motorsports action!  For tickets and schedule info, visit gotransam.com or brainerdraceway.com.  Fans can tune in and catch all the action from Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic at Brainerd International Raceway, which will be tape delayed and broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 25, 12:00 p.m. EST.

Sponsor: McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans Am Series on Twitter: @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com      Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

Ruman Wins at New Jersey Motorsports Park for the Third Time

by Filed Under: Press Releases

Munroe Falls, Ohio – Heading to New Jersey Motorsports Park this past weekend for the MPT Fuel Systems Cleanse 100 Round 5 of the Trans Am Championship, Amy Ruman and the team were looking for a “3-Peat”, and they accomplished just that.  Ruman has won all three Trans Am races ever held at the track, winning in 2012, 2014, and now 2015.

The weekend, however, did not start out as planned.  During a hot, steamy, and humid weekend with temperatures in the 90’s, Ruman’s No. 23 McNichols Co. Corvette faced some mechanical issues early on.  The team worked tirelessly and vigorously throughout the Friday test day and after Saturday morning practice.  Ruman ended up just missing the TA Fast 5 qualifying session due to work on those mechanical issues.  Later in the day, though, she made the second practice session and was able to take advantage of the second chance qualifying session.  Ruman topped the charts in both sessions, 1st in practice session two and securing 6th on the grid for the race.  Her time would have been good enough for 2nd had it been during the “Fast 5” qualifying session, but it could only place her as high as 6th with the top five already locked in.

On Sunday, the defending race winner took to the track for the race in 6th position.  Ruman was set and ready to go, when on the pace lap she radioed to the crew that she had lost the power steering.  They called her into pit lane as the green flag flew for the field.  As soon as Ruman committed to pit lane, she radioed the team again saying the power steering inexplicably came back!  She rejoined the track, but about 20 seconds behind the field.

It was almost an eerie repeat of the Lime Rock race with Ruman dropping to last place on the first lap, she again would have her work cut out for her.  She immediately went to work slicing through the field.  Ruman had moved up to fourth place by lap 14 when a full course caution came out.  After the restart, Ruman eventually overtook Baucom and Peterson slotting into 2nd.  On lap 25, Ruman took the lead from Fix as the two battled.  After another caution and restart, Ruman never looked back, gapping 2nd place by 12 seconds plus at times.  Ruman took the checkered after another impressive comeback to the podium, followed by Fix in 2nd, and Peterson in 3rd.

“It was a tough weekend,” remarked Ruman. “As soon as we got here, we were immediately working through mechanical issues; the crew worked hard to try and get us out for Fast 5 qualifying, but we unfortunately missed the deadline by five minutes. We went out, qualified in the second chance session, and put down a lap that would have been second on the grid if we had done it in the main session. I just couldn’t be happier with this team; they go out and bust their butts for me day in and day out and this one goes to them for getting the car together and getting us back out.”

“Of course as soon as we go out, the power steering failed on the pace lap. I went in to pit, and it miraculously came back on—something must have been stuck in the pump. So we gambled and went back out; so I just buckled down and picked them off one at a time—luckily we came out with a solid win today.”

When asked about the NJMP track: “I think we just gel here,” said Ruman. “It’s a lot like the tracks I grew up driving in autocross—my dad has the setup dialed in here and engineered the car perfectly for the track. We know where our strong spots are and we capitalized on them where others might not have the best handling cars, so we’ve made it work. We’ve gone three out of three here, and I couldn’t be prouder or happier to say that.”

With this victory, Ruman remains undefeated at the New Jersey Thunderbolt track, and also set a new track record during the race laying down a fast lap of 1:18.547.  She has now won four out of five Trans Am races in 2015, a near perfect record. Ruman maintains the lead in the points standing with a total 159, Fix is second with 148, and Peterson moves into third with a total of 115.

Sponsor: McNICHOLS CO. is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com.

For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans Am Series on Twitter: @rumanracing and @gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.

Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com            Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/

Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.

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