July 15, 2006
Kevin Lacroix, another podium in Utah
Tooele, Utah, July 16th. – Kevin Lacroix demonstrated consistency in his #74 UniSelect car in the sixth round of the Star Mazda championship on the new MillerMotorsportsPark facility in Utah and took his third podium in five races. He took the green flag in fifth place and carved his way into second within a few laps but fell again to fifth after he was caught off guard with cold tires after a full course yellow. He worked again his way up to third at the finish line. In five rounds so far, Lacroix has always finished in the Top 6. He now lies fourth in the standings although he missed the first event of the year. Before the next round in Portland next week, Lacroix will test for two days with Team A1 Canada in United Kingdom.
“I have to be happy with that result, claimed Lacroix. We had very little testing on Thursday and Friday because of little encounters with the car and qualifying in fifth was already the best I could get out of the #74 UniSelect machine. But it was very strong in the race: I had second place locked up and was looking for the first spot when we had a full course yellow. Here at Miller, the track is very long and the slow laps last forever so my tires were too cold on the restart and I dropped a few places instead of racing for the lead. Still, I came back to third and I have to be pleased with that results and the tireless work of the JWR crew. ”
Off to Pembrey in South Wales
After the race, Lacroix was ready to fly to United Kingdom following the invitation for a two-day test session with Team A1 Canada of the A1GP series. “I’m flattered to be invited to test drive that car and thankful to the team. I will enjoy every minute of it. But my focus for the time being is on the Star Mazda season; I learn from every outing and the relationship with Johnny (Walko) is excellent. I will be back in Oregon by Wednesday and ready to tackle the next round in Portland.”
Round 8 : Portland, Oregon
After his short visit in Europe, Lacroix will be back for practice sessions on Thursday and Friday before the July 22nd Saturday qualifying session (14:15) and late afternoon start (18:20 ET) as part of the ALMS program.
Named the Rising Star among kart drivers in 2004, Kevin Lacroix was a multiple kart champion and a 2005 Formula BMW USA scholar where he finished second in the 14-round championship. Lacroix enters the Star Mazda 2006 series with JWR with the support of sponsors that have trusted him over the years: UniSélect automotive network, SKF MotorSports, Raybestos, Tenneco, Pennzoil, Auto Parts Plus and Lacroix Auto Parts.
