September 26, 2006
Kevin Lacroix takes the UniSelect car to Road Atlanta
St-Eustache, September 26th, 2006. – Kevin Lacroix will be back in the cockpit of the #74 UniSelect car this weekend for the penultimate round of the Star Mazda series on a track he finds quite challenging, Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. Idle for the last month after the Mosport race, the 17-year old French Canadian is taking to the track Tuesday for practice sessions, hoping to find the perfect race setup that will move him to the front of the pack. In the nine races he’s entered, Lacroix earned four podiums and as many 4th places, with a sixth place being his worst. Yet the St-Eustache, Québec driver is still looking for his first pole position and first victory.
“This is the one goal I have not reached yet, admits Lacroix. I’m very happy with the consistency we have shown all along the season but a win would obviously make me happier. It would take a miracle for me to clinch the title but I could earn Best Rookie this weekend if I come out with a 45 point lead (presently 42). I will work with the JWR team to find the best setup over the next days, hoping it doesn’t rain in the process. This said, if it rains, I’m very comfortable on wet tarmac.”
A bad souvenir
This is the first time Lacroix will be back at Road Atlanta since the last Formula BMW USA weekend last year. “I like this race track a lot, claims the young man. I came here last year leading the championship only to see my car disqualified before the last round for a simple washer under the car that was one millimeter too thin. I had to start from last place and, although I charged through the field, I didn’t earn enough points to win the title. I lost the championship with a total high of four victories. I also learned that you have to finish all the races to claim a title.’’
Road Atlanta schedule
After three practice sessions on Tuesday (8:30, 11:25 and 3:10 pm), the race program will get underway Wednesday with two more sessions (8:30 and 2:45 pm). Thursday will have the last practice session in the morning at 9:15 am and the only qualifying session late afternoon at 4:00 pm. The green will be waved Friday afternoon at 12:45 for a 45-minute race.
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.
Source: Michel Poirier Defoy
Par: Jess Galarneau
