Star
Mazda Sebring - Race Report
Sebring, Florida (March 20, 2009) It was a great start to the race,
especially for David Ostella (car 71) who made up five positions by
the end of lap one with Dempsey attacking at the front. By lap three
AIM was sitting third (Dempsey), fifth (Ostella) and seventh (Goncalvez)
- all three drivers improving their positions. Following a full course
caution on lap 5, things went sour for Ostella and he fell off the
pace (we will find out what happened and report on that later). Dempsey
and Goncalvez were holding station with Peter poised to take his first
podium of the season. Another full course caution with the race winding down
and Peter would suffer under the restart losing three positions (sixth) in tough
battle while Jorge would lose one (ninth).
In the end, Peter and Jorge held on for sixth and ninth with David crossing in
twenty-third.
UPDATES (6:30 p.m. ET): Keith Willis reports that David
Ostella's car suffered a broken front bar, compromising his handling.
A loss of power also hampered the young rookie late in the race and he
would fall well off the pace. Peter Dempsey also suffered from a lack
of power late in the race which cost him positions on the last restart.
He had been running third and was poised for a podium.
The one bright note was Jorge Goncalvez. "He ran a great race" commented
Willis. "Jorge lost a position on the start then fell back to tenth after
going off but would make it back up to fifth with some terrific driving. It was
tough at the end but we are confident going into VIR next month."
Dempsey noted "all the hard work by Martin and Marc that had us in the hunt.
Sixth is not exactly where we wanted to end the day but I am sure we will bounce
back at VIR." He continued, "I have to thank AIM Autosport and Motorsport
Ireland for all their support and I am looking forward to the next race."
David Ostella had this to say about his first Star Mazda race. "It was awesome.
I have never run against such a large, very competitive field and it was a lot
of fun - especially at the start. I am looking forward to more of the same at
VIR and am confident for a good result."
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