Mosport race report

Canadian Formula Ford Championship
Round 6
Grand Prix of Mosport
August 6, 2000

Mosport International Raceway, August 6, 2000 ­ St-Constant, Quebec's Jean-Sebastien Bedard won today's thrilling Formula Ford race, finishing first in Round 6 of the Canadian Formula Ford Championship. The race was held at Mosport International Raceway, Ontario as part of the Grand Prix of Mosport weekend. Gormley, Ontario's Jonathan Macri started from pole position in his Mopal Construction/Cobra Power ­ Aero 2 but lost two places in the opening lap of the 16-lap race and finished in fourth place. Frederick Martel arrived in second place, inches ahead of Matt White. It was a third straight podium for both Martel and White.

The race started under grey skies and in cool temperature. The field got away nicely from the grid. Macri started well but lost two spots coming out of Corner 5. Bedard, in his Digidyne-Vector, led the race but was passed for the lead by Matt White ­ driving the youngdrivers.com-Van Diemen. Bedard moved into the lead again but lost it to Jonathan Macri on lap 7. The first four cars ran together without an inch to spare. On lap 8, Bedard retook the lead for good. His teammate, Frederick Martel, driving the Maitre Saladier-Vector, drove into third place in close contact with White. Benefiting from a local yellow, Bedard cushioned his lead. On the final lap, coming out of the last corner, Martel won the drag race against White to capture second place. Jonathan Macri finished fourth, followed by Didier Schraenen, Gerry Kavanaugh, Francis Macri, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin and Ryan Horses. 1st ­ JEAN-SEBASTIEN BEDARD ­ Digidyne ­ Vector
"Everybody was pushing really hard behind me. Jonathan Macri passed me early in the race. I remained calm and repassed him at the end of the straightaway. At the beginning of the race, the car was slow, probably because the tires were too cold. Then, it worked out okay. It's feels good to finally win a race."

2nd place ­ FREDERICK MARTEL, Maître Saladier - Vector
"It really was a fun race. It was clean driving. Early in my career I was pushing too hard, too early in the races. I have learned to become more patient. This is my third, consecutive second-place finish. I think I can win this title !"

3rd place - MATT WHITE, youngdrivers.com -, Van Diemen
"I did not have enough top speed. Every lap, I was losing 7 or 8 car lengths but I was able to catch up under braking for Corner 8. I didn't win the race but at least I am on the podium ."

Round 7 of the series will be held in three weeks in Mosport International Raceway during the CASCAR National Race weekend.

Provisional point standings: 1. Jonathan Macri, 79 points 2. Frederick Martel, 66 3. Matt White, 61 4. Gerry Kavanaugh, 55