To view a video of this weekend's Ferrari Challenge Series action, follow this link: www.supercarliferacing.com/2009homesteadmiami
Overland Park, Kan. (March 22, 2009)- Unstoppable. Driving the newly liveried No. 55 Supercar Life Ferrari F430, Scott Tucker posted nearly perfect results over four days at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the 2009 Ferrari Challenge racing series season opener. Tucker topped the time sheets in each of six practice sessions, secured pole position for race one and, after leading every lap twice took the checkered flag, sweeping the doubleheader weekend.
Spirits were high and the team was cautiously optimistic after the perfectly prepared car and Tucker led all six practice sessions this week, turning in times of 01:28.947, 01:29.496, 01:28.914, 01:28.961, 01:28.816 and 01:28.571 respectively. During Saturday's qualifying session, Tucker took the pole for race 1 by posting an impressive time of 01:27.951, nearly a second ahead of the 23-car field.
After a perfect start in which Tucker extended his lead to four car lengths as the field entered turn one, the No. 55 kept up an impressive pace for the next 45 minutes. Having led all 30 laps of the race and having turned in a fast lap time of 01:30.093 at an average of 88.309 mph, The Supercar Life entry took the checkered flag and recorded the first win in the first race of the 2009 Ferrari Challenge Series.
Rounding out the Top Five were drivers Mark McKenzie (01:30.310), Richard Fant (01:30.310), Mike Zoi (01:30.713) and Zak Brown (01:31.160).
Looking to continue the team's streak on a windy but otherwise perfect Sunday, Tucker (01:28.291) qualified P2-less than three tenths of a second back from pole winner McKenzie. Officials brought the field carefully down the front stretch, sensing the excitement to come in race two. Getting a perfect jump on a very late green flag, Tucker passed the first place car driven by Texan McKenzie well ahead of turn one. McKenzie, in a desperate attempt to maintain his position, attempted a late braking maneuver on Tucker. But Tucker was too far ahead, and the No. 27 car's exit was compromised, setting up a pass for 2007 series champion Mike Zoi. As the pit crew cheered the black and red Supercar Life Ferrari on, Tucker settled into a fast race pace, extending his lead to 20 car lengths over Zoi. Full-course cautions brought the field together for two tense restarts. In both, Tucker showed the benefits of years of training and meticulous preparation, maintaining his position, leading 27 laps and winning his second race of the weekend. He posted the fastest lap time of all drivers (01:29.834).
Drivers Zoi (01:29.898) and McKenzie (01:29.948) placed second and third, with Fant (01:29.930) and 2008 rookie standout Henri Richard (01:30.377) taking the fourth and fifth positions.
"I couldn't have asked for better results," Scott Tucker said. "We just ran the first two races of the year and swept the competition. I hope to continue full speed ahead in the Ferrari Challenge Series this season and become a leading contender for the 2009 championship title."
Currently, Tucker sits No. 1 in the series standings (400 pts) with McKenzie in second (330 pts). The Ferrari Challenge Series drops in on "Hotlanta" April 17-19 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., for races three and four.
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