News:

7-1-2006
Jonathan Klein Scores First IPS Podium Finish at Indianapolis
Rookie’s Third Place Leads Sam Schmidt Motorsports Effort at USGP, Jay Howard continues to lead points chase

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 1) – Jonathan Klein’s tenacious run from ninth at the start to a third place finish highlighted the Sam Schmidt Motorsports effort Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the 19-year-old rookie worked his way from ninth on the starting grid to a third place finish, his first podium finish in the Indy Pro Series.

In hot and sultry conditions, with track temperatures approaching 135 degrees, Klein battled Scott Mansell throughout the first half of the 23-Lap event, finally besting the Briton and moving into sixth place on Lap 15.

A late-race caution then gave Klein another opportunity, and with an excellent restart he moved around both Nick Bussell and Raphael Matos. Combined with a spin from Mike Potekhen, Klein moved up to third at the checkers for his best result of the season after a trio of fifth-place finishes.

It was a more difficult day for the other Schmidt drivers. IPS points leader Jay Howard qualified fifth, and was looking forward to another strong race in his Lucas Oils/Isilon Dallara/Firestone. But repeated contact with Wade Cunningham on the opening lap sent Howard out of the race with a cut tire.

Howard was not classified, but holds on to his championship lead, with 193 points to 181 for nearest his challenger, Bobby Wilson. Klein solidified his hold on third in the standings with 168 points, with Bussell fourth at 157.

Jamie Camara, driving the CELG/Goias entry for the Schmidt team, struggled with heavy steering in the early laps after starting 14th. The Brazilian finally pitted for adjustments on the seventh lap and resumed, but a lap down on the leaders. He finished 13th.

Jonathan Klein, #27 Klein Tools/Turn-Key Forging & Design Dallara/Firestone
Started 9th, Finished 3rd, First Indy Pro Series Podium , 3rd in Points

"For the first half of the race I was stuck behind [Scott] Mansell. He was quick on the straights, and that made it hard to get by him. I finally managed to pass him and then kind of got hung out to dry. We were just out there running by ourselves, and the leaders were too far in front. But when the [full course] yellow came out, it really worked to our advantage. I just stayed clear on the restart and got in front of [Raphael] Matos, and was able to stay there until the end. It was a great feeling to stand on my first Pro Series podium here at Indy. This was a good event to strengthen our position in the standings."

Jaime Camara, #11 CELG/Goias Dallara/Firestone
Started 14th, Finished 13th

"Unfortunately, it was not the result we were looking for this weekend. Right at the start of the race, the steering wheel was very, very heavy – it was almost impossible to drive the car. So we decided to pit, and came in [on Lap 7]. The guys fixed the steering problem, but after that we had lost too much track position to compete for the win. We got the pole and the win last year at Nashville, so hopefully we can begin the second half of the season with a similar result in 2 weeks.“

Jay Howard, #7 Lucas Oils/Isilon Dallara Firestone
Started 5th, Scored 18th (contact), Continues to lead IPS standings

"It’s a miserable finish to what was a good weekend so far. We had made considerable improvement in our road course set up since the Glen, and I was planning on moving forward throughout the race. Unfortunately at the start, Wade Cunningham tried to pass on the right side where there really wasn’t adequate room, hit my right rear enough to cut it and end our day early. It’s a disappointing, early end to a race where we should have had a very good result. Thanks again to the guys at Sam Schmidt Motorsports for providing me with an excellent car. Hopefully we can go to Nashville and win a race for the team."