SBRS: National: Timmy Megenbier VIR summary

TOUGH BATTLE FOR MEGENBIER IN SECOND BARBER OUTING
Megenbier overcomes difficulties to score valuable points at VIR

DANVILLE, VA (May 7, 2007) -- Race winning driver Timmy Megenbier returned to the cockpit last weekend (April 27-29), contesting the third and fourth rounds of the Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda. Competing at the picturesque Virginia International Raceway road course, the talented teenager emerged from the doubleheader tied for third in the championship standings after a weekend long struggle with his car that fought both braking and handling issues. A pair of impressive top-10 recoveries has kept him in the championship hunt.

Encountering delays getting to event on Wednesday, Megenbier arrived at VIR on Thursday morning for the test day running on very little sleep. However, the 15 year-old was awake and alert by the time he got behind the wheel, as evident by some quick times in the morning session. Megenbier continued to work on getting the most from his car during the test day, encountering heavy rain in the afternoon session. This second run came to a premature end, however, when exiting turn 13 Megenbier got on the grass, resulting in a slow motion spin into the tire barriers.

With the Skip Barber mechanics having fixed his car, Megenbier got back underway Friday morning with qualifying for Round Three. Showing tremendous car control in the changing conditions, he was the man to beat throughout most of the session. Driving on damp but drying track, the Illinois pilot repeatedly posted the fastest time, holding the provisional pole position for the majority of qualifying. Unfortunately, just as everyone was posting the fastest times of the session, Megenbier encountered a brake problem, dropping him to seventh in the final standings.

Entering the opening race of the weekend, Megenbier and the crew had worked on his car and they believed that the brake problem had been resolved. This, however, was not the case, as Megenbier was forced to pump the brakes before entering each braking zone. Finally getting into rhythm after losing several positions, he worked his way back towards the front. Megenbier showcasing his driving talent was fifth when the checkered flag waved.

After a difficult opening first race of the weekend, Megenbier was looking forward to once again challenging for pole position in the second qualifying session. He never got that chance, as he encountered numerous handling problems en route to a 10th place finish on the timesheets. Unsure about how the car would perform in Round Four, Megenbier set about getting the most from his vehicle in Sunday's race. Getting quicker with each passing lap, the talented youngster methodically worked his forward as the race progressed. At the conclusion of the race, he had advanced three positions, earning a top-10 finish and scoring valuable points.

Thanks to backing from Caputo Cheese and Rahal Foods, Megenbier now lies third in the Skip Barber National point standings, one point back of second, entering Rounds Five and Six of the 2007 season at the Cleveland Grand Prix on June 22-24.

-credit: www.timmymegenbier.com