Running in Road America

(Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin) August 9th, 2008 – Round Six’s Generac 500 at Road America played out to be one of the most dramatic races of the 2008 Star Mazda Championship. The 16 lap race involved a series of cautions that resulted in a high intensity race.

Qualifying fifth, Alex Ardoin felt optimistic about the race. During last year’s event at Road America Ardoin fought his way up to first; though to his misfortune lost a half-shaft on the fifth lap. Scott Rettich has also had his share of success on the historical four mile track. He currently holds the track record in the Standard Formula Mazda. On Friday’s official practice Rettich’s # 17 suffered a mechanic failure right after the end of the session. Feeling “frustrated to lose another session,” Rettich overcame his predicament to qualify seventh. The 17 year old Brazilian, Caio Lara found himself eighth quickest in qualifying. Being Lara’s first time on the track, he was “impressed with the track,” and was able to “gain in every corner.” Prevailing against a serious wreck while qualifying, Dave Mundy was able to increase his best lap time over a second.

Beginning from the first turn, first lap incident, Round Six was full of wheel to wheel sprint racing scattered between several full course cautions. Ardoin was able to hold his ground off the chaotic start, and was up to fifth by the second lap. Feeling “right where (he) needed to be,” Ardoin battled his way up to third though was over taken on the second to last lap to finish fourth. Mundill team mates, Rettich and Lara chased each other for the majority of the race. Both drivers were assessed and penalized for driving infractions. Rettich unknowingly passed under the yellow and was docked one position, while Lara’s pass on the #48 car was deemed dangerous by officials and lost three positions. The end result was that Rettich finished sixth, and Lara finished ninth. For Rettich it was his best finish thus far in the 2008 Star Mazda Championship. Mundy finished 18th, also his best finish of the season.

Heading north to Trois-Rivières, Canada, Ardoin will be looking to redeem himself after last year’s result, while it will be Lara’s first race on a street circuit. Rettich and Mundy will also be on track looking to improve their point’s positions.

By: Jennifer Carlson