Round 2 of Star Mazda at Virginia International Raceway

Toshi Deki drove Goshen Motorsports Car #80 in Round 2 of the Star Mazda Championship held on April 26th among the green hills and shade trees of the Virginia International Raceway. Working on a very tight schedule and with a new engine to replace the one that blew in the final laps of Round 1, Toshi was able to improve his position and finish the race thanks to the cooperation of his supporters and team.

The crew installed the new engine just in time for the test sessions on Thursday, the first day at the Virginia track. With the cause of the sudden loss of oil pressure at Sebring still under investigation, there was some risk that the same thing might happen again. It was a big relief when five test sessions on Thursday and Friday went smoothly, providing ample track data to prepare and set up the car. As a result, in Saturday's qualifying round, Toshi picked up three seconds compared to testing, for a time of 1 minute 49.88 seconds and 26th position.

Star Mazda Championship Series, Round 1

SUMMARY
Round 1 of the Star Mazda 2009 Series was held 3/20/09 at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. D-Technique's Toshi Deki driving with Goshen Motorsports qualified in 27th position. Toshi was unable to complete the final 2 1/2 laps of Friday's race, but was posted as finishing in 26th position.

APPRECIATION
D-Technique would like to offer our deep appreciation to all our valued customers, partners, team members and friends for the strong support which enabled us to achieve this important milestone.

Photos of Star Mazda cars participating at Sebring: http://www.starmazda.com/multimedia/galleries/2009/sebring/index.htm

On-board video highlights on the Star Mazda Series website: http://www.starmazda.com/index.htm

DETAILS
Driving Goshen Motorsports Car #80, Toshi Deki started the Star Mazda Series with Round 1 at Sebring International Raceway. Toshi was the only driver to be breaking in a brand new race car during this first week of the series. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s tests went smoothly, with Toshi improving his lap speed each session. In Thursday’s Qualifying run, a high-speed spin on the first corner put Toshi off the track.

Toshi ran Friday’s race in position 22. Going into the 11th corner in the 3rd lap from the end of this 20-lap race, the car’s engine died, putting Toshi out of the race. Back in the paddock the cause of the engine failure was determined to be a sudden drop in oil pressure, the specific cause of which was still unknown. The Goshen crew removed the engine, which was taken back by the maker, Star Cars, for further investigation.

Toshi’s teammates Billy Goshen and Ryan Booth both experienced mechanical problems during the reconnaissance lap and were unable to enter the race. Though it was unfortunate for Goshen as a team to have all 3 cars out of the race due to technical problems, the team and its drivers have great potential and are positive and enthusiastic. We have high hopes for the Goshen team as the season continues.

Round 2 of the series takes place at Virginia International Raceway on Saturday, April 25th, and supporters from Japan have plans to attend. We hope to gain even more support as we step up our efforts and continue to do our best in this exciting series.

I was born in 1969, but this year I feel younger than ever. Everything I've worked for and acheived until now was leading up to this challenge. I am very happy to have met so many warm-hearted people while traveling in California.

From the beginning of this year I will be living in the wonderful town of San Clemente, and will work hard to face the challenges the new year brings.

I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with you.

Toshi