Stefan Rzadzinski debuted in his first formula car racing weekend at the Mosport International Raceway. Stepping into his #2 Brian Graham Racing Formula Ford for the first time on Friday morning, Rzadzinski took to the historic course. Developing an understanding for the car and circuit, Stefan consistently gained time throughout the 4 practice sessions.
On Saturday, progression made during practice had to be attuned once again. Weather was threatening following a damp morning warm up session, and by qualifying a torrential downpour hit the Formula Ford lineup as they were sitting on the grid.
As the field took to the track, Rzadzinski continually gained speed and confidence throughout the session, coming to grips with the wet circuit. Rzadzinski placed 4th in the session and was sitting on the outside of the 2nd row for Race 1 of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Series. Being slightly cautious with the conditions, Rzadzinski dropped a few positions in the opening lap.
However as he regained assurance with the grip available, Stefan worked his way up into 3rd position. A few laps later Rzadzinski’s day very nearly finished as he lost grip on a slick part of the already drenched circuit. Stefan managed to prevent the car from stalling in his spin and retook to the track, only losing one position. 2 laps later he salvaged the final podium position and sustained it as a safety car was deployed due to incidents around the course. The race concluded under the safety car and Rzadzinski finished 3rd in his formula car debut.
Sunday brought sunny skies and another completely different challenge for Rzadzinski. Putting his car 3rd in the dry qualifying session, the 16 year old Edmontonian placed himself in position for another great run. The race commenced and Rzadzinski lost a position heading into corner 2.
However, this initiated a great battle for 3rd position with fellow combatant Dan Burchill. Throughout the race, the position was traded multiple times and the 2 cars were running nose to tail. It was only in the final few laps of the race where Rzadzinski pulled out a few car lengths and once again finished in 3rd position, completing the double podium in his open wheel racing debut.
“I am very pleased with the way this weekend went. It is fantastic to get a double podium in my first formula car event. Brian Graham Racing is a top level team and their assistance in the transition from karts to cars was extremely valuable. Without The ABL Group, SuperTint, AMSOIL/SyntheticLubricants.ca and all of my supporters, this event would not have been possible. I look forward to the rest of the season and will resume to focus on developing as a young driver.” stated Rzadzinski.
Stefan will continue his pursuit of the 2009 Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Series with Brian Graham Racing on May 29-31 at Shannonville Motorsports Park. Competing this season with support of The ABL Group, SuperTint and AMSOIL/SyntheticLubricants.ca, Rzadzinski is actively pursuing partners to complete his inaugural formula car season. On board race video sponsored by CRGWest.ca is available on www.rzadracing.com under the "Video" section.
To contact Stefan with partnership opportunities or inquiries, please do so by email: stefanr@rzadracing.com // www.rzadracing.com
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