July 22, 2006
Kevin Lacroix : second at Portland
Portland, Oregon, July 22nd - It's on the 1,967 miles' circuit of Portland International Raceway that the 7th event of the Star Mazda Series was held Saturday July 22nd.
Kevin Lacroix, starting in third position, took the second spot by barely avoiding an accident caused by the leader Adrian Carrio that took off track at least 10 cars. There was a full-course yellow during 9 laps. The weather surprised the drivers during 3 laps. They actually had to manage their cars because of light rain. The yound Quebecer showed again his abilety to control his #74 Uniselect machine by maintaining his position until the very end.
A wit effort to save the tires
During the race, the 17-year-old Canadian managed to save his tires. He could see his competitors sliding everywhere. That way, he thought he could pass the leader on the last laps because his own tires would have been still safe. Unfortunately Kevin's tires got used faster than it was supposed to be. His tactic didn't work.
The best finish of the year
Kevin is pretty glad of his performance because he obtained his best result since the beginning of the season. (Last week he finished third at Salt Lake City but the second spot holder got disqualified so Lacroix got second). "I am confident for my next race that will be held at Trois-Rivières in two weeks. As far as the season progresses, I keep getting good results. I can't wait for my first victory in Star Mazda Series. My team John Walko Racing is doing a great job", Lacroix said.
A busy and exhausting week
Finishing second at Salt Lake City, Kevin Lacroix flew on the same night to England to participate to a private testing with Team Canada for A1GP. The test was successful for him. When he came back in America, Lacroix had to carry on all the fatigue of the jet lag. But fortunately, this did not affect his concentration at all.
Lacroix, third in ranking
Kevin Lacroix made his way up to third position in the Star Mazda Series championship. He is only 28 points behind the leader Adrian Carrio, and 18 points from Mike Potekhen who is second. We have to admit that Kevin missed the first race that was held at Sebring, Florida in the early spring.
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.
By : Jess Galarneau
