World Speed Motorsports, this time led by Scott Bradley, returned to the top steps of the podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as Bradley backed up Grant Ryley’s victory a year ago with one of his own in 2001 to become the first repeat winner this year in the Star Mazda Series North American Championship. Series newcomer David Stover continued to impress with a top ten finish despite having to start from the back of the field after his qualifying times were disallowed, and Frank McCormick and Rick Waddell maneuvered through the field to finish nose-to-tail in 21st and 22nd positions in the 46 car field.
“This has been an incredible week,” an excited Bradley commented afterwards, “to be able to put the car on pole, lead every lap, and score maximum points in front of my sponsors, friends and family is awesome. “Everyone at World Speed worked so hard this weekend to get the car to the front of the field and keep it there, and I knew we could win if we could avoid any incidents like Portland.”
Unlike Portland, where Bradley placed the car on Pole before being collected in the first corner and forced to drive back through the field, Bradley and the rest of the World Speed drivers were able to avoid being involved in any of the incidents that brought out three full course cautions and forced the race to end under yellow as the time ran out. “I watched that final crash in turn four unfold right in front of me, but was able to check up and get through safely,” said Waddell, driver of the #17 Kart to CART Star Mazda.
Driving the #15 Grigsby’s Carpets/Dupont Stainmaster Mazda, Stover, in only his third North American Championship event, put on a passing demonstration in the race, as he cut through the field in the 45 minute timed event. “We had the second fastest qualifying time behind Scott and I was disappointed when the times were disallowed but knew it’d make for an interesting race,” Stover said afterwards. “I was able to make a good start and pass cars right away and with a few more laps could’ve been in the top five.”
World Speed Motorsports now prepares for a frantic end of season schedule as they race at Road Atlanta on October 2-5 before coming back to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the series finale on October 11-13. For more information on the Star Mazda Series please visit www.starmazda.com.