News

Davison Dominates at Road America- August 8, 2007

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin-   Australian Racing Driver James Davison started from the front row, won both the restarts and lead every lap to win Round 8 of the Star Mazda Championship held at the iconic Road America circuit. Davison completed his victory lap to the applause of the spectators, only to be informed when he arrived at the podium that he had been relegated to 4th position by the stewards. At no time during the race had Davison been informed of any infringement of the rules.

Davison made an excellent start from the front row moving straight to the lead into turn 1 and built a 4 second advantage prior to the first full course yellow. At the restart he was challenged by series leader Dane Cameron but drew away to a 2.8 second advantage before the second full course yellow. At the final restart with 6 laps to go Davison was challenged by last year’s Road America winner Ron White, regarded as one of the series most aggressive drivers. Despite numerous challenges from White, Davison held on to win by over a second. The victory was fully deserved with no team protesting the result. To Davison’s utter amazement he was informed that he had been relegated to 4th position for allegedly blocking. When the stewards were approached by Velocity team manager Peter Mercier, he was informed that there was no discussion, no right of appeal and that if he didn’t accept the decision they would increase the penalty. Nearly all the drivers and teams contesting the championship including representatives of the Champ Car Atlantic series could not believe the treatment dished out to Davison who they regarded as the moral victor.

James Davison, Driver:

"Davison said "I dominated the race so comments made by Ron White at the post race interview alleging the tactics I used in the closing stages were to run him off the road are totally incorrect. I lead every lap, it was up to him to pass me and not for me not to make it easy. I deserved the victory and the only reason he had the opportunity to attack was after the full course yellow bunched the field and reduced my hard earned advantage. I have every right to break the draft and defend my line, especially in the closing laps when all bets are off and the following driver has a massive slip stream advantage. I never moved in reaction to Ron and if he decided to move to the same line I was choosing then he has to be held accountable, not me.