Abbott Races into First Place in SCCA Southeast Division National Season Finale

Impressive Win at VIR Carries to National Runoffs

Alton, VA (August 8, 2004) – Formula Mazda driver, Mishael Abbott of Coral Springs, FL, finished the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) 2004 National season with a win, August 8, at the Oak Tree National, held at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Virginia.

Although engine power and braking deficiencies threatened to stall Abbott’s chances, she managed to qualify fourth among Formula Mazda competitors and fifteenth in the combined starting grid. After the crew worked through the night resolving the aggravating engine and braking problems, the rest was up to Mishael.

After two waved-off starts, the field took the green flag for the 14-lap race around VIR’s 3.27-mile road course. With two less race laps available to her, Abbott demonstrated the poise and finesse that are quickly becoming her trademarks and immediately made progress through the field. By lap six, Abbott owned first place in her race group. During the final six laps she succeeded in holding off numerous passing attempts to secure her first SCCA National event win.

“When we decided to bring K-Fast Racing’s, Kevin Firlein, on-board this summer as our engineer, we knew that winning was in our grasp. His car set-up expertise and knowledge of suspension dynamics have given me a race car that I’ve never had the pleasure of driving before,” quoted Abbott. “With the results at the ‘June Sprints’ where I earned the Hard Charger award, and my fifth place finish at ‘The Glen’, we knew I had the equipment to win. Now it’s off to the Runoffs to win a National Championship!”

Mishael Abbott’s dominating first win at an SCCA®  National Event guarantees her invitation to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by Kohler® . The SCCA® Runoffs are held the last week of September at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in Lexington, OH, and airs on Speed Channel during October and November. Look for Mishael to be on the podium.

Next on Mishael Abbott’s racing schedule is the Star Mazda EAST Championship Series final race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on September 10-12. This event will be tightly contended with competitors looking to tune-up and finish strong for the Runoffs.

Abbott continues to pursue her formal education at Florida Atlantic University, working toward an elementary teaching degree, and seeking sponsorship support to compete in the Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

For further information, photographs, media kit or partnership opportunities www.mishaelabbott.com.