DEGRAND WINS RACE 1 OF F1600 SUPER SERIES
BOWMANVILLE, ON (May 17, 2014) - Race 1 of the F1600 Duals presented by Juniper Networks is in the books and it was an intense battle involving several young superstars. The Super Series format of bringing together the best racers in the region several times a year is proving to be just what the sport needed.
Tristan DeGrand has been the dominant force in Canadian F1600 racing so far this season but the return of ultra fast Zacharie Robichon for the Super Series rounds and the increasing confidence and pace of Tristan’s teammate Max Hanratty is making for some incredible storylines.
DeGrand brought us to the green as the pole sitter and quickly jumped out to a bit of a lead over the battling Chase Pelletier, Zacharie Robichon and Max Hanratty.
DeGrand was in control of most of the event but in the latter stages did fall back into the sights of Robichon who managed to slip by with two to go but got passed back the next lap. The two staged a great battle over the closing laps with aggressive but clean back and forth moves.
Robichon made one last effort for a pass in the very last corner but had the door closed and the two would cross the line in first and second respectively. Hanratty overcame several back and forth episodes, once falling back as far as fifth to take the final spot on the podium.
“I’m really happy with the result, obviously you are happy when you win but the racing was clean and hard and really fun,” said DeGrand. “The team worked really hard this week, it was a good result for them as well and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow.”
Robichon commented, “It was a hard fight with Tristan but we both respected each other and gave just enough room to avoid contact. I was just missing a little bit to get the final pass but I know the BGR guys will work hard to give us just an extra little bit to try and make that final pass stick.
Third place finisher Max Hanratty said,” It was a fun race. I had some scary moments out there and the fighting was really hard but it was a great result for me and the Juniper Networks guys.”
In the B Class battle Connor Wagland has hit his stride. He claimed the pole and led every lap of his race to take the win.
“I have to thank David Clubine for helping me overnight after practice. He made some shock setting changes for us and I picked up a bunch. I am really having a good time with this Super Series and racing in front of so many people. It’s awesome.”
Amy Castell showed some very good pace to stand on the second step of the podium and Mike Lee rounded it out in 3rd.
Day two at the Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest will see the F1600’s take to the track at 10am for qualifying with the race getting the green flag at 5.
Photos by Michael Haley
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