ALTON, Va. - American Michael McDowell passed Germany's Mike Rockenfeller on the final lap Saturday to win the first qualifying race for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series at Virginia International Raceway.
In rainy conditions, Rockenfeller slowed after taking the white flag in the 30-minute race, mistakenly thinking the race was over. That opened the door for McDowell to sweep past him in turn one.
McDowell's No. 19 Playboy/Uniden Racing Ford Crawford will start from the pole position in Sunday's VIR 400. Co-driver Guy Cosmo will substitute for the injured Memo Gidley. Rockenfeller's No. 23 Alex Job Racing Porsche Crawford co-driver Patrick Long will start from the outside of the front row.
Michael McDowell - who won Saturday's inaugural Daytona Prototype qualifying race at VIR - and No. 19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford Crawford co-driver Guy Cosmo did not lead on Sunday but came home fourth to make it four different engine manufacturers inside the top-four positions.