The World Speed team celebrated a victorious weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway Park during the Star Mazda Series Best Western Championship, where driver Grant Ryley was on pole and captured the checkered flag, while setting a track record for fastest lap.
“I knew this victory was just around the corner for us. We have the potential to win and do well at every race this year. I truly believe we are going to be the team to beat. We had three guys finish in the top five.” said Team Owner, Chuck West.
Ryley, who is returning for his second year in the Star Mazda series, shared the starting grid with World Speed teammates Chantz Wade, who qualified 2nd and Scott Bradley, who qualified 3rd, both rookies to the Star Mazda series.
The 22-lap, 75-mile race was off to a shaky start for most of the World Speed team. Ryley and Wade were battling for the lead right out of the box. “Grant and I were in the front row and I took the lead on the start, but then I was hit from behind. The car became a little loose and I lost five positions,” said Wade. Ryley then took the lead from him. Wade started to make a comeback, but unfortunately halfway through the battle for the checkered flag, Wade’s fuel pump broke and he was unable to finish the race. It was then that Bradley was contesting for the 2nd position. “After Chantz went off course I was running second to Grant, but on the 3rd or 4th lap, I put wheels off track coming out of the hairpin and it dropped me back a few spots,” said Bradley.
Ryley led the entire race and prevailed all the way to the checkered flag, “we were so excited about our victory. The crew was a big part of my success and they really deserve most of the credit,” said Ryley.
Other World Speed teammates driving at Buttonwilliow were Alex Figge, Rick Waddell and Frank McCormick. Unfortunately, Waddell was not able to complete the race. He was knocked off track shortly after the green flag dropped. “It was unfortunate that Rick was forced out of the race. He really is progressing well. He is feeling much more comfortable with the car,” said West.
Alex Figge, who returns to World Speed for his first full-season of Star Mazda competition following a limited schedule in 1999, finished 5th, the best finish yet of his career. “Keep your eyes on Alex, look for good things to come in the future for this nineteen- year old driver,” said West.
Ryley and Bradley shared camaraderie on the podium in celebration of their victories, “It was great to finish on the podium, I did however, prove my rookie status after the race. I was unable to get my champagne bottle open in time and got soaked by Grant and Bryan Selby(2nd place). Next time I’ll be faster on the draw,” said Bradley.
The World Speed team overall finishes at Buttonwillow: 1st, Ryley, 3rd, Bradley, 5th, Figge, 8th, McCormick, 23rd, Wade, and 27th, Waddell.
Rounds four and five of the Formula Mazda series will be May 20 – 21 at Thunderhill, part of the Formula Mazda Western series, a doubleheader weekend.