Lites: Series Utah round seven race notes

MONTECALVO EARNS FIRST COOPER TIRES PROTOTYPE LITES CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY

TOOELE, UTAH (July 10, 2010) The fun of a development series is watching the progression of young drivers through the system, getting better and becoming even more competitive. Such was the case today, as 19-year-old series rookie Frankie Montecalvo took his #66 Gunnar Racing/Bayshore Recycling/Manther MusK DP02 in Lites 1 to his first victory at the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park.

Montecalvo, starting 10th, raced through the field on the first lap, following spins by #13 Gary Gibson (Inspire Motorsports/Perfect Pedal) and #8 Anthony Nicolosi (Performance Tech/Medical Connections). Before long, he was reeling in polesitter Jonathan Bennett, driving the #54 Inspire Motorsports/Composite Resources DP02. The differential that was 1.5 seconds at six laps was 0.2 seconds by lap 11, when Montecalvo saw his chance.

"We didn't have a great qualifier this morning, I just couldn't get the car through the corners," said Montecalvo, "so we made some changes for the race. On the first lap, I just tried to keep it clean and avoid the carnage! I worked my way up and was fourth by the end of the first lap. I out-broke Jonathan going into the Clubhouse turn once I got up on him, I just tried keeping it there. Then once I had the opportunity, I took it and it stuck. After I got the lead, I just tried to keep it clean and not make any mistakes and bring it back.

"I really wanted my first win and I've been trying for it I've learned a lot in the series."

Bennett was happy with second, having decided not to risk the car in a fight for the lead toward the end of the 17-lap, caution-free race.

"I had a good start and a super good car and was trying to click off the best laps I could," explained Bennett. "Frankie was really strong and got a good run on me and I thought, maybe this isn't the time to start shedding bodywork. I didn't want to crash us both. I did want to get to the end and mount a second attempt on him, but he was just a little faster today."

In Lites 2, the field was missing several regular contenders, leaving Lee Alexander in the #23 Factory 48 Motorsports West WX10 as the last man standing when #42 Jim Garrett (WEST Racing/SpeedPromo West WR1000) fell by the wayside with mechanical issues.

"Unfortunately, we had a really small field today," said Alexander, "so I had to beat the one guy that's hardest to beat sometimes yourself! I had to just keep it on the track, stay consistent and stay out of the way of the L1 leaders."

Race two of the weekend and Round 8 of the series will take place at 12:45pm MDT on Sunday. Join us for live timing at www.litestiming.com, with results, standings and news at www.prototypelites.com and check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

-source: imsa