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| July 25, 2012 |
| Prototype Lites: JDC MotorSports Visits Victory Lane at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park |
 | JDC MotorSports' added another Prototype Lites winner's trophy with the Round Seven victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
(Photo: IMSA - Darren Pierson Photography) |
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (July 25, 2012) – The Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda visit to the renamed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park over the weekend (July 21-22) proved to be a fantastic affair for JDC MotorSports, as the title contender made three trips to the post race podium, including a second win of 2012. Mikhail Goikhberg made the most of his 'home' track advantage, scoring the victory in Round Seven, before adding a runner-up finish in Round Eight. Gerry Kraut was nearly as impressive in his return to series action, finishing fifth and third in the Canadian doubleheader.
For JDC MotorSports, the return to Prototype Lites action 'North of the Border' marked a great opportunity to build on what has already been a strong campaign - five podium finishes in six races. Thanks to Goikhberg having extensive knowledge of the high-speed road course from his successful Ontario Formula Ford Championship days, and Kraut having also previously found success on the undulating 2.459-mile track, the JDC squad wasted little time getting to the top of the timing charts. Day one in fact ended with Goikhberg P1, despite not completing a lap in the opening session due to suspension failure on his out lap, and Kraut not far back in fifth on the timesheets.
The talented JDC MotorSports duo continued to show speed in the lone qualifying session one day later. Goikhberg remained the driver to beat, steering the No. 10 JDC MotorSports Elan DP02 to a new lap record of 1:15.827, over a second quicker than the previous mark. Kraut, despite battling understeer throughout his run, posted the fourth best time, securing a row two starting position for the race later in the day.
Come race time, the goal was simple for the JDC MotorSports racers, run fast consistent laps and avoid making any mistakes. While both Goikhberg and Kraut were able to accomplish this, it was not an easy affair by any stretch of the imagination. Goikhberg initially appeared headed to a comfortable win, however, two full-course cautions in the second half of the 20-lap race meant the Russian-born racer came under attack in the closing stages. Goikhberg in the end withstood the challenge, scoring his second win of the campaign. Kraut meanwhile was engaged in a spirited multi-car dice for position lap after lap. Dueling all the way to the stripe, the No. 55 Dougherty & Co./Dougherty Funding LLC/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports entry ultimately took the checkered flag in fifth.
Back on track early Sunday morning, the start to Round Eight witnessed Goikhberg and Kraut taking the green flag in second and third respectively. Right from the get go, Goikhberg attacked for the lead, while Kraut again engaged in a great fight for the final podium position. Lap after lap Goikhberg remained within striking distance of first place car, repeatedly looking for a way past en route to setting a new lap record (1:16.108). Kraut meanwhile was forced to regroup after being held up by a slower car, losing multiple positions. The outlook of the race, however, changed dramatically in the closing moments of the planned 45-minute affair, as a sudden rain shower made the track very slick and treacherous. Both JDC drivers showcased tremendous car control in the tricky conditions, with Kraut avoiding multiple cars spinning and sliding, and Goikhberg closing right up on the rear wing of the leader. In fact, Goikhberg was just about to execute a pass for the lead when the yellow flags waved around the course, halting the action. Taking the checkered flag behind the safety car, Goikhberg completed a superb run at his 'home' track with a runner-up finish, just ahead of his teammate Kraut in third.
"It was awesome to be racing once again at Mosport," stated Goikhberg. "I'm very happy I was able to win here at my home track, and I had a lot fun dueling with Tristan in the second race. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going at Road America, and can add another win and more points in Wisconsin."
"I'm very happy to be back on the podium," stated Kraut. "Both races were a lot of fun. I was disappointed to get held up in race two by the L2 car, but things worked out in the end, thanks to a crazy couple laps in the rain before the yellows came out. As always, I have to thank the JDC crew for giving me a great car. I also want to congratulate Mikhail on his win. I'm looking forward to the upcoming races at my home track...Road America."
JDC MotorSports continues its on-going quest for an inaugural sports car title on August 17-18, when Rounds Nine and Ten of Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda takes place at Road America. The Minnesota-based team enters the doubleheader at its home race facility sitting second in the team standings. Goikhberg is currently second in the chase for both the Rookie of the Year award and driver's title.
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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