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Star Mazda: Connor De Phillippi wins first 2011 round

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Khatir Soltani
Connor De Phillippi waited patiently throughout the first lap full-course yellow to pass pole-sitter Martin Scuncio on the second lap of the restart and win the first round of the 2011 Star Mazda Championship in St. Petersburg, Florida.

"I was amazed at how good a car Team Pelfrey gave me for the race; it was absolutely consistent throughout and never faded at all," said the 2010 Rookie of the Year.

"I was able to keep out of trouble in the race and it feels great to head into Round 2 at Barber Motorsports Park in two weeks leading the championship," he added.

Scuncio finished second ahead of Tristan Vautier, who had dominated the pre-season tests. Irish rookie Patrick McKenna and Chris Miller completed the top-5.

The series continue its tradition of having an 'Expert' title. J.W. Roberts, the 2010 Champion, won this first event in the Expert Series - for drivers aged 30 and older. He finished 11th overall after starting from 14th.

Quebecker Jérimy Daniel finished in 10th position. There were a total of 18 drivers on the grid on Saturday evening.

Star Mazda Championship, Round 1 Results:
Pos No. Name Laps Diff Gap BestTm
1 11 Connor De Phillippi 29 1:11.967
2 60 Martin Scuncio 29 2.261 2.261 1:12.016
3 5 Tristan Vautier 29 3.032 0.771 1:12.117
4 48 Patrick McKenna 29 6.441 3.409 1:12.439
5 85 Chris Miller 29 10.366 3.925 1:12.401
6 20 Carlos Linares 29 13.347 2.981 1:12.688
7 27 Nick Mancuso 29 15.709 2.362 1:13.045
8 28 Gustavo Menezes 29 17.368 1.659 1:13.146
9 39 Richard Heistand 29 20.554 3.186 1:13.168
10 26 Jérimy Daniel 29 28.881 8.327 1:14.035
11 65 J.W. Roberts 29 35.338 6.457 1:14.678
12 66 Zach Meyer 29 36.267 0.929 1:14.528
13 72 Larry Pegram 28 1 Lap 1 Lap 1:15.867
14 7 J.V. Horto 27 2 Laps 1 Lap 1:12.847
15 88 Sage Karam 16 13 Laps 11 Laps 1:12.878
16 23 Walt Bowlin 8 21 Laps 8 Laps 1:17.588
17 81 Nick Andries 29 Laps 8 Laps
18 10 Tatiana Calderon 29 Laps 1.597
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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