SUMMARYRound 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.
