Bradley claims championship, Stover captures first podium
World Speed Motorsports wrapped up the 2001 Star Mazda Series North American Championship in style, with Scott Bradley wrapping up the championship and David Stover driving to a strong third place finish this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as part of the Champ Car festivities.
“Words can’t describe how I feel right now,” an excited Bradley said. “This weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with all the highs and lows we experienced, but to leave here with the championship is the best birthday gift I could receive today.”
Bradley, celebrating his 25th birthday, had to battle back from a first lap incident which saw his #14 Polycom/Shames Construction Star Mazda get spun around in turn four on the first lap. “I’ll admit when I first got hit, then went off into the gravel trap, I thought the championship was over,” Bradley said. “Fortunately, the car didn’t make contact with the tire walls and I could drive around the damage, so I put my head down and went after the field.”
While Bradley was battling back from the 27th position, Stover and teammate Tom Woods were putting on a show at the front of the field, racing nose to tail for most of the event, as well the most amazing move of the race when they both sped past Matt Beardsley as they approached the corkscrew. “I’m exhausted after that race,” Stover said afterwards. “I just want to thank my crew, especially Emile, for building me a great car in such a short period of time after my accident in Atlanta.”
Masters Championship competitor Rick Waddell brought his #17 Northwest Speedwerx/Kart2Cart/Libertyunites.org Star Mazda home 24th overall and finished second in the Masters Championship to Scott Kusy.