AFTER a promising start to the weekend, Ryan Lewis was disappointed to leave Denver after contact on the first lap ended his Champ Car race. The Royston driver had qualified 12th for the race on the tight street course, declaring his car in perfect nick f

AFTER a promising start to the weekend, Ryan Lewis was disappointed to leave Denver after contact on the first lap ended his Champ Car race.

The Royston driver had qualified 12th for the race on the tight street course, declaring his car in perfect nick for the race the next day.

Lewis made another rocket-like start, passing four or five cars but his race ended a few seconds later after an accident.

"I had a really good start," said a disappointed Lewis. "I jumped four or five places and got alongside Danilo Dirani into the first corner.

"Unfortunately, I think he got squeezed up against the wall by James Hinchcliffe on the start which meant I didn't have much room.

"When I went to turn in I ended up driving over the back of his rear wheel because our wheels were interlocked.

"That caused damage to the car and ended my race.

"Our next race will be taking place in a more familiar type of race track for me, so I can't wait to get to Montreal."

The penultimate round of the Champ Car Atlantic series takes place in Canada, in a fortnight.