Long Beach – Friday Report
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 01:00AM 
Friday morning in Long Beach started early for Magnus Racing, as the lone practice session for the Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series race began at 7:15 AM and would run until 9:15 AM. Although the crowd was on the thin side that early in the morning, those that were watching practice couldn’t help but notice the unique Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles livery on the no. 077 Magnus Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The practice session went well, despite a light tap of the wall by John exiting turn eight, and Craig laid down a lap good enough for second in the session. Throughout the rest of the day, the team was by far the most popular of the ALMS paddock with race fans surprised and thrilled by the Roscoe’s livery on the Porsche. With hospitality girls from Pit Bull Energy Drink on hand, the Magnus Racing transporter was a hub of activity throughout the day.
Unfortunately qualifying would not go as well for the team, as Craig could only find speed good enough for fourth on the grid. After the session, the team discovered a leak in the left rear tire of the car, and it will be replaced for the start of the race tomorrow afternoon.
“We didn’t have the qualifying we wanted, but I told Craig it was okay,” said John, with a smile. “I’ll clean up his mess.”
Stanton, however, is looking forward to a shot at redemption on the streets of Long Beach in tomorrow’s two-hour ALMS race.
“It is so great to have so many friends and family here to support us,” said Stanton. “All of our hometown friends, my go-kart buddies, and everybody from Roscoe’s and Pit Bull have made this a really special event. I’m looking forward to watching John take our car to the front and then I’m looking forward to bringing it home.”
The American Le Mans Series race at the Long Beach Grand Prix will start at 4:30 PM PST and finish two hours later at 6:30 PM PST. The race can be viewed in its entirety at ESPN3.com, with a broadcast on ESPN2 on Sunday, April 17, at 5:00 ET. Fans of Magnus Racing can follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/magnusracing) and twitter (@magnusracing).
Reader Comments (4)
Sorry that Padre and I are not down in Long Beach with you but you will have enough friends to cheer you on. You know that we are your cheering section here in Glendale. Go Craig, John and Magnus Racing. Race all the feathers off that chicken.