RACE: Mishael Abbott June Sprint FM race notes

RACING INCIDENT ENDS HER DAY MIDRACE
Mishael Abbott Qualifies Sixth for Formula Mazda Race

Elkhart Lake, WI (June 23, 2007) -- After two qualifying sessions Mishael Abbott started the Formula Mazda race sixth out of twenty-six other Formula Mazda's at The 52nd Annual Piggly Wiggly June Sprints® National Road Racing Championships. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) race features a combined group of Formula Mazdas and Formula Fords bringing the total to 42 cars taking the green flag for the start.

Mishael moved up to fourth from her sixth starting position in the first few turns. She maintained position for the first seven laps around the 4-mile 14-turn road course in beautiful Wisconsin.

Upon a race restart after a full-course yellow, Mishael made a pass for third place. While battling for position a couple turns later she tangled with another competitor and found herself upside down, stuck in the turn three gravel trap.

Mishael was not hurt in the incident but fuel was seeping into the cockpit while she waited for corner workers to help her out of the car. When the car was returned to her trailer it had rear suspension damage, the undertray was wadded up and it was full of gravel,

"I was upset at first but it was really just a racing incident," Mishael said. "I am now more disappointed because I was in third place and in sight of my first podium finish at Road America. Tomorrow I'll have another shot at it and we'll be back again next year."

Final qualifying for the C Sports Racer class is Sunday morning at 8:40a.m. with the race about 2:15p.m. Sunday afternoon.

-credit: www.mishaelabbott.com