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| May 16, 2012 |
| Prototype Lites: Up-and-Down Event for JDC MotorSports Results in Fifth Podium Finish |
 | JDC MotorSports' Mikhail Goikhberg returned to the Prototype Lites podium with superb recovery drive in Round Six
(Photo: IMSA - Darren Pierson Photography) |
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (May 15, 2012) – The third event on the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda calendar at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca over the weekend (May 11-12) proved to be an up-and-down affair for title contender JDC MotorSports. Rookie star Mikhail Goikhberg was involved in an early race incident in Round Five while battling for a podium position that ultimately sent him to an unrepresentative finish. The Russian-Canadian, however, recovered in Round Six, capturing yet another podium finish to further cement his place as both a Rookie of the Year and championship title front-runner.
With four podium finishes in the opening four Prototype Lites races of 2012 - including a win in Round Three - JDC MotorSports' Goikhberg entered the doubleheader at northern California's Laguna Seca as not only the driver to watch, but also the current points leader. The talented racer wasted little time meeting expectations, ending the two practice runs P2 on the speedcharts.
The sight of the No. 10 JDC MotorSports Elan DP02 entry near the top of the scoring charts continued in the lone qualifying run. Showing continued affinity with the undulating 2.238-mile road course, Goikhberg ended the timed session second, giving the JDC racer an always advantageous front-row start for Round Three on Friday.
The start and the opening few corners proved to be the decisive moment for Goikhberg in race one of the doubleheader. Not getting an ideal launch when the green flag waved, the JDC MotorSports rookie was immediately involved in a fight for position. This subsequently resulted in contact in turn two with the third place starter, sending both drivers going off-course. While Goikhberg was able to rejoin the fray in what was albeit a damaged car. The end result, was a disappointing and unrepresentative 16th place finish.
With the starting grid for Round Six set by each racer's fast time in the opening affair, Goikhberg was behind the proverbial eight ball come race two, having only managed the 14th best time in his damaged car. That being said, Goikhberg and the JDC crew were upbeat prior to the green flag waving. Goikhberg pushed right from the get go when the action did get underway on Saturday afternoon. Using the experiences learned from his non-points USF2000 Championship win at the California track in 2010, the JDC prepared Prototype Lites car rapidly worked its way up the scoring charts. Goikhberg in the end posted the fastest lap of the race (1:23.152) in what was a stellar drive up to third place. With the fifth podium finish, the Rookie of the Year contender remains firmly part of the fight for championship honors.
"I was very disappointed to be involved in an incident in race one," stated Goikhberg. "Damaging the car and not being able to set a good lap didn't help things. The JDC crew, however, did a great job getting the car back together, allowing me to work my way up from deep in the field in race two. I feel like I had the car to challenge for the win, but we fell short in the end. We are putting this weekend behind us, and now all my thoughts are on Mosport, which is my home track."
JDC MotorSports' on-going quest for supremacy in the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series resumes on July 21-22, with Rounds Seven and Eight at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport International Raceway) north of the border in Canada. Goikhberg enters the doubleheader second in the championship standings, while JDC is second in the team standings. Prior to the races, the Minnesota-based squad is slated to take part in an official series open test at VIRginia International Raceway on June 13.
JDC MotorSports races with associate sponsorship from http://www.RedLineOil.com
Additional information on JDC MotorSports can be obtained from the team’s website @ http://www.jdcmotorsports.com For direct contact, please contact John Church @ 952-233-3075
Involved in formula car racing since its inception in 1994, JDC MotorSports has established itself as one of the leading junior open-wheel teams in North America. Initially making its mark in the F2000 class of club racing competition, JDC MotorSports was soon a team worth watching in the pro ranks. Competing in the Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Championship, the team not only won races, but also helped develop multiple young drivers. In 2005, JDC MotorSports expanded its efforts, entering the Star Mazda Championship. Quickly becoming one of the top teams in the series, JDC captured both the driver and team titles in 2007, as well as Rookie of the Year honors, with Dane Cameron scoring a series-high three wins. In 2008, JDC MotorSports was the runner-up in the Star Mazda Championship and finished fourth in its inaugural season of F2000 Championship Series competition. The Minnesota-based team won the Star Mazda Championship title with Rookie of the Year Adam Christodoulou, and the F2000 Championship Series title with Chris Miller in 2009. The following year, JDC continued its winning ways, earning the Rookie of the Year award in the Star Mazda Championship with Connor De Phillippi, and scoring a non-points win in the USF2000 National Championship. In 2011, the Minneapolis-based squad captured its third Star Mazda Championship title with Tristan Vautier, scored a win in the USF2000 National Championship, and made its Prototype Lites Championship debut, earning five podium finishes. JDC MotorSports will contest the Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship and Prototype Lites Championship in 2012. |
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