Ryan Hunter-Reay and Rocketsports Racing teammate Timo Glock headed out on the streets of Long Beach, California today for the first day of on-track action in preparation for the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford’s season opener.

A small black cloud hovered over the #31 Rocketsports Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone as Hunter-Reay experienced a problem with the fuel pump.  Only able to run eight laps during the morning session as they worked on solving the problem, the American posted his fastest lap of 1:13.013 (97.035 mph).

The afternoon session looked to be a challenge for the #31 car being unable to run laps in the morning session.  “We didn’t get to practice this morning because of a fuel pump problem and we were pleasantly surprised how we went in the first run,” stated Hunter-Reay with an optimistic outlook for the weekend.  “We knew we were not going to set a good time today because of the problem this morning, but we have a pretty good setup and we should have a good day tomorrow.”

Hunter-Reay was able to improve his time in the afternoon posting a provisional qualifying time of 1:09.852 (101.426 mph).

All in all, not a bad day for the Rocketsports crew on their first day back after a four month break between seasons.  The Rocketsport cars will be back on track tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific) for more practice time.  Final qualifying will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.