First Podium Victory for Racerchick DiCarlo

Gabi DiCarlo finishes race in third place at the SCCA Double National Event
 

Phoenix, Ariz. – May 5, 2004 – Star Mazda racer Gabi DiCarlo shifted her way into her first podium finish at the Sports Car Club of America Double National Event on Sunday, May 2, 2004. DiCarlo, the current leader for the coveted prize of Star Mazda West Coast Rookie of the Year, passed her way up from a sixth place starting position on Saturday afternoon to an exciting third place finish on Sunday.

“I’m pleased with my race performance and enjoyed racing at the Buttonwillow Raceway,” said Gabi DiCarlo, an 18-year-old driver in the Star Mazda North American Championship Series. “It was exciting to do so well on a track that I have never raced on.”

To familiarize herself with the track for the race weekend, DiCarlo planned practice laps on Thursday in addition to the official practice day for the race. DiCarlo’s run time improved with every lap and she managed a faster run time in the qualifying race than during her practice laps and improved with each qualifying session, putting her in the fifth starting spot for Sunday’s race.

During the start of Sunday’s race, DiCarlo lost several positions in the process, but she was able to regain her momentum by the second turn and charged her way toward the front of the pack.

“It was an amazing race. With every pass I made, my crew got more excited,” added DiCarlo. “I knew that if I stayed consistent and focused on the track, this would turn out to be a great finish.”

Next on DiCarlo’s racing schedule is the Star Mazda Western Championship Series race at the Portland International Raceway on May 14 - 15, 2004. For more information or partnership opportunities visit www.promotorsports1.com/Gabi/Index.htm