RACE: Mishael Abbott VIR double National race notes

Two Top Finishes for Mishael Abbott at Virginia International Raceway

ALTON, VA (April 13, 2008) -- Formula Atlantic driver Mishael Abbott of Indianapolis returned to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for the Oak Tree Double National, a two-race weekend hosted by the North Carolina Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

Mishael finished Race 1 on Saturday in fifth place and Race 2 on Sunday in second place at the picturesque 17-turn, 3.27-mile road course.

The long weekend was one of progress and enjoyment for Mishael and her K-Hill Motorsports team. It started on Thursday with general practice but on Friday's first round of qualifying her clutch went out and she had a problem with her transponder resulting in not recording an official lap time. Mishael had to rely on Saturday morning's qualifying session which secured her fourth on the grid among Formula Atlantics for Race 1.

Race 1 was delayed two hours due to heavy rains that continued throughout the day. It was Mishael's first time driving a Formula Atlantic in the rain and she hung on to finish fifth.

"It was a real challenge and experience to drive this car in the rain," said Mishael afterward. "I accomplished my goal of surviving and vastly improved my lap times by the end of the race where I felt very comfortable driving a high-powered car in these conditions for the first time."

On Sunday morning Mishael was second quick in the final qualifying session for the afternoon race. Combining times from Friday's session she started fourth once again. Mishael passed into third position on lap three and set sights on second. She got around on the thirteenth lap of the fourteen-lap race and went on to finish in second. She recorded her best lap of the weekend on the final lap with a 1:50.074 (106.946 mph).

"It was one of the most exciting races of my entire career. I feel as though I have learned more in my four Formula Atlantic races under the tutorage of 'Gibby' Gibson and K-Hill Motorsports than I have in my entire career previously," said Mishael. "This is just plain fun."

Mishael's finish is under official review concerning a possible pass under yellow that if sustained would move her back three positions.

Mishael Abbott's next race weekend is back at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA, May 31 -- June 1, for the May National/Double Pro IT.

-credit: www.mishaelabbott.com