In the season opener of the Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear Adrian “Ace” Carrio took home a third place finish and fast lap of the race. Carrio, in his World Speed Motorsports/Rockford Fosgate Pro Mazda, started the race in seventh place after what could be described as communal adversity for the entire “fast group” in the split qualifying
“I was disappointed after qualifying,” said Carrio, “I never got to show what the car or I could do, but I am happy with the race result and to leave here in good shape for the championship.” Carrio moved into sixth place on the first lap but the course immediately went yellow. After the second restart Carrio was able to move into third place in less than two laps and continued to challenge for second throughout the remaining green flag laps.
The World Speed Motorsports team was also excited about the finish. “We are pleased with the result,” acknowledged team owner Telo Stewart, “I know Ace and the car could have won today but we needed more green flag laps, he was the fastest car on the track.” The race ended up being a timed race do to several crashes requiring full course yellows on the 3.6 mile course.
Carrio finished behind local driver Gerardo Bonilla and Daniel Herrington, first and second respectively. Carrio spent most of the few green flag laps trying to get by Herrington, coming close on a couple of occasions but remembered the adage about discretion and valor. “I could have forced the issue a couple of times but I knew I wanted to leave this event in good standings,” said Carrio.
The team will now head home to California to prepare for the second round of the series which will be held in Houston Texas in May.