Michael McDowell Mid-Ohio race notes

Michael McDowell Drives to Victory at Mid-Ohio

Shaking off the effects of a difficult qualifying session, Michael McDowell fought his way from eighth place on the grid to emerge victorious in Round Two of the Star Mazda Series North American Championship at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. McDowell, the 2003 Star Mazda Series Rookie-of-the-Year, deftly worked his way towards the front of the field, and was able to take the lead by passing pole-sitter Scott Jenkins.

"Winning today was extremely important in my championship efforts after having my tire go flat while leading at Sebring, and I have to thank my crew and everybody at Star Race Cars for putting in the extra effort to give me a fast car all weekend," an excited McDowell commented afterwards. "We had a bit of trouble in qualifying that led me to start eighth, but once the green flag dropped the car was right back to where it had been the rest of the sessions of the weekend. I was able to pick up spots to challenge Scott if the opportunity came up and when he briefly lost power I was able to pounce."

This win puts McDowell in contact with the top ten in championship points. McDowell and his Star Racecars/Drive4USA car are heading to Lime Rock in scenic northwestern Connecticut for Round Three this coming weekend; check local Speed Channel listings to see this or any Star Mazda race.

-www.mmcdowell.com