Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio August 2, 2008 Provisional Qualifying Results (all on KTM RC125s and Dunlop tires): 1. Hayden Gillim (USA), 1:35.516 2. Leandro Mercado (Argentina), 1:36.663 3. Benny Solis, Jr. (USA), 1:36.721 4. Tomas Puerta (Colombia), 1:36.842 5. Austin DeHaven (USA), 1:37.176 6. Joey Pascarella (USA), 1:37.382 7. Jacob Gagne (USA), 1:37.531 8. Frankie Gillim (USA), 1:37.547 9. Travis Wyman (USA), 1:37.591 10. Corey Rech (USA), 1:37.663 11. Emerson Connor (Canada), 1:37.736 12. Cameron Gish (USA), 1:37.742 13. Toriano Wilson (Bermuda), 1:37.755 14. Jacob Morman (USA), 1:37.981 15. Jesse Stevens (USA), 1:38.415 16. Corey Alexander (USA), 1:38.446 17. Bryce Prince (USA), 1:38.564 18. Huntley Nash (USA), 1:38.747 19. Austin Medrano (USA), 1:38.927 20. Jacob Cunningham (USA), 1:39.013 21. Garet Tomlinson (USA), 1:39.369 22. Luciano Ribodino (Argentina), 1:39.604 23. Otavio Lucchini (Brazil), 1:41.214 More, from a press release issued by Red Bull: HAYDEN GILLIM BLAZES TO MID-OHIO ROOKIES CUP POLE POSITION Lexington, Ohio (Aug 2, 2008) — Red Bull Rookies Cup qualifying at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course saw Hayden Gillim of Owensboro, Ky. earn the pole position for Sunday’s race. Gillim was over one second quicker than the other 22 Red Bull Rookies at Mid-Ohio on Saturday. The thirteen-year-old topped Leandro Mercado of Argentina and Benny Solis of North Hollywood, Calif., to take the top spot. Tomas Puerta of Colombia also earned the front row for tomorrow’s race. The series for 13-to-16-year-old racers from North and South America and the Caribbean saw their session delayed until nearly 7 PM local time due to multiple red flags in other classes, but the Rookies finally got their turn at the 15-turn, 2.25-mile track. Gillim’s best time was 1:35.516. Hayden managed several laps below 1:36 and was the only Rookie to do so. He earned his second pole position of the year. “The track is a really fun track,” said Hayden. “I wasn’t just trying to set one fast lap but get several good ones in and I managed to do it. I’ve been here a couple of times so I have some of the lines down around the track. These KTMs are working great around here and I’m happy to get a front row start.” Leandro Mercado was second quickest on Saturday. The 16-year-old said, “I did not know this track, so today I spent the session learning the circuit. I feel like I did a good job today. It’s important to start on the front row and I was able to get second place in qualifying. I am looking forward to another good race tomorrow and will do my best.” Points leader Benny Solis was third in Mid-Ohio qualifying. “Hayden is going well. We have a little work to do for tomorrow,” acknowledged Solis. “I wanted to make some suspension changes at the end but I ran out of time. The bike was good and it was sliding a little at first, the way I like it, but over time it got a little worse. Besides that, I’m pleased with how the session went for me.” Tomas Puerta rounded out the front row and was just a tenth behind Solis. “I am excited for the race,” said Puerta. “The first turn is very short and tight so it should make for a tough start.” Three Californians took spots five through seven. Austin DeHaven of Los Angeles, Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, and Jake Gagne of Ramona all qualified on the second row, with Frankie Gillim of Owensboro, Ky., joining them. Two New Yorkers rounded out the top ten. Travis Wyman of Macedon was ninth and Corey Rech from Liverpool was tenth. None of the Rookies crashed in their 30 minute qualifying session. The 16-lap Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race at the 2.2-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is scheduled for Sunday at 11 AM local time.