USA: Laugna Seca race one notes

Kevin LaCroix takes first Formula BMW USA victory of the season

Monterey, Calif. - April 30, 2005-- With a stellar standing start few professional racers ever master, 16 year old BMW Junior and Rookie driver Kevin LaCroix (AIM Autosport) rocketed from his fourth starting position and stole today's Round 1 race from the 19 other Formula BMW USA competitors. With the lead firmly in hand by turn one he led the 15-lap contest flag-to-flag, finishing 1.694 seconds ahead of Reed Stevens (HBR Motorsport Team USA). Stevens, who started the race from the outside pole, held off a charging John Zartarian (Jensen MotorSport) in the early laps and then Belgium's Maxime Soulet (Gelles Racing) in the closing laps. Soulet finished third, after starting fifth.

The top-finishing Rookies were LaCroix (P1), Stevens (P2) and John Zartarian (P4).

Polesitter Richard Philippe was knocked off the track on the very first lap and was credited with the final finishing position, completing only 12 laps. He set the fastest lap of the race (1:29.605) on his eighth lap.

"The start was very good," said an excited LaCroix. "I don't know what I did, but I was like a rocket. Maybe it was because I went to Space Camp. The battles behind me allowed me to focus on the track ahead."

Stevens said, "The start was frustrating as we only had one warm-up lap and thus one less lap to warm up the tires. Kevin got a great start and I picked up a battle from behind so I had to fend them off. By the time I could focus on chasing Kevin, he was too far ahead."

Soulet added, "This was my first race in America so I am pleased to finish on the podium, but I know I can do better and the team can do better. I think we will get it right for tomorrow's race."

The Round 2 race is scheduled to start at 3:35 p.m. tomorrow.

-bmw.usa-