Mixed Results for AIM Autosport in New Jersey
For a PDF version of this release, www.aimautosport.com/media/20100626_New_Jersey_race_1.pdf Mixed Results for AIM Autosport in New Jersey Pegram learns while Ostella is hit and charging Bowlin spins Millville, New Jersey (2010.06.26) There were mixed results for AIM Autosport’s Formula Mazda drivers this afternoon as they competed in the first of two races at New Jersey Motorsports Park. After a morning qualifying session, round 8 of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear started at 3:00pm. A total of 29 laps were run during the 45-minute timed race. In his car-racing debut, AMA Superbike competitor Larry Pegram and his friend, Walt Bowlin, finished 17th and 19th, respectively, in their Tampa Bay Jaw Surgery cars, while David Ostella in the Global Precast car was knocked out of the competition shortly after the start. After qualifying well this morning to claim a 10th-place start for today’s race, David of Maple, Ontario, looked forward to a good race. Knowing that he could have qualified better if he’d only had a clean lap, there was much potential to gain positions during the 45-minute- long race. After picking off a car or two with a good start, he raced side-by-side with another car until being hit by a third car that overshot the braking zone. David’s car was damaged and his race was over. In the Expert Class, eyes were on Larry as many wondered how the motorcycle racer would fare on four wheels. Overall, he did quite well. Improving with every practice session, he qualified 19th and raced to a 17th-place finish. Larry chose a conservative approach, wishing to avoid hitting anyone or being hit. After a clean start, he settled in and gradually ramped up his pace. Although he was quicker than the cars around him—lapping fastest of those in the Expert Class— he had a frustrating problem: a race car is much wider and longer than a bike and he wasn’t sure how much room he needed for a clean pass. Eventually he figured it out and managed to squeeze past a car. Unfortunately, those ahead had pulled away and, although he could close the gap, he could not catch them. Walt, running in the Masters Class, qualified 21st. A fantastic start and strong running in the early laps saw him climb to 12th by lap 8, but a spin on the restart following the second of three full-course cautions, saw him fall behind the field. A third caution allowed him to catch the field of the field, but another spin on the restart prevented him from gaining back any positions. “A disappointing day,” offered Keith Willis, AIM Autosport principal and Chief Engineer of the team’s Formula Mazda program. “But, we’ve got another race tomorrow and we’ll try it all again.” The second race of the weekend will take place tomorrow, beginning with qualifying from 9:05-9:50am and followed by another 45-minute race starting at 3:05pm. The race will be broadcast live on HDNet as part of its Mazda Motorsports Festival coverage from 12:30-4:00pm. ### Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear The 2010 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear features an 11- weekend, 13-race schedule, most on major race weekends with American Le Mans and the Indy Racing League. Rising stars from around the world compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million and benefit from two driver development programs, including the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder and the Indy Racing League's 'Road to Indy' program. Series alumni include Indy Car stars Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal and Raphael Matos; rising NASCAR drivers Michael McDowell, Scott Speed and Colin Braun; and prototype racers Dane Cameron and Guy Cosmo. For more information about the Star Mazda Championship visit www.starmazda.com . AIM Autosport Established in 1995, AIM Autosport’s mandate is to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose- built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford Riley with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The team also competes in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 Series powered by Mazda. Both series are an integral part of the new Road to Indy driver development series. AIM won the 2008 Star Mazda Championship with driver John Edwards. For more information about AIM Autosport, visit www.aimautosport.com . For additional information or photos, please contact Mark Jackson 416.891.0261 media@aimautosport.com