Cumming Steals Second Expert Class Win

Millville, NJ (June 13, 2009) - Defending 2008 Expert Series Champion Chris Cumming had his eyes set on the prize this weekend as he searched for his second Expert Class victory of the season today.  With a consistent car and his goal of winning in mind, he stole the Expert Class win this afternoon.  With 68 points on hand, he is now leading the Expert Class championship going into the second race of the doubleheader weekend tomorrow in New Jersey.

Taylor Hacquard was confident starting in 5^th, his career best, but despite having a complaint-free car and an advantageous starting position, Taylor was involved in a turn 1 incident on the first lap of the race, causing him to damage his car and lose several positions, finishing in 16^th position.

J.C. Kester hoped a fresh setup would improve his finish in today's race, but after finishing towards the back, he continues to search for consistency within his speed as he prepares for the second race of the weekend tomorrow.  Kristy Kester was a hot car to watch in the field during the first several laps of the race.  She started in 13^th position and had advanced six positions up to 7^th until her tires starting giving out, dropping her back to finish in her initial starting position of 13^th. 

Chris Cumming, #16

Chris on the race:  "I'm so happy to win my second Expert Class race of the season today.  The car was really consistent during the race until the restart near the end.  After that, it started getting a little loose, and I lost a couple positions, but I'm still happy with finishing first in my class.  I'm looking forward to doing it again in tomorrow's race."

Taylor Hacquard, #15

Taylor on the race:  "On the first lap of the race, I went 3-wide with Anders Krohn and Richard Kent going into turn one.  I was on the inside and went off the track.  I managed to get back on the track, but I ripped my diffuser and broke my clutch in that incident which caused me to drop back way too many positions.  After doing well in my first qualifying session, I know I can do it again, so I'm going to try to get another good qualifying start tomorrow.  What happened today was unfortunate, but we'll get it again in qualifying tomorrow, and I'll get another chance in the second race."

J.C. Kester, #24

J.C. on the race:  "The car was definitely the best it's been all week in the race today, but we still need to do some work to get it where we want it to be.  It's consistent to drive, but now we just need to find consistent speed.  We have some work to do before the race tomorrow, but hopefully we'll be able to find that speed before the second race."

Kristy Kester, #48

Kristy on the race:  "The car was great, and I was doing really well for the first six laps of the race today, but we had too much pressure in the tires and they came off too quickly which is why I dropped back to where I started.  I was also having issues with my brakes, so we're trying to fix those things before tomorrow's race.  Once we get everything sorted out, we should be better for tomorrow."

Round 5 of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear takes place tomorrow at the Mazda Formula X event in New Jersey Motorsports Park.  This marks the second year the track has been up and running and the second year the series has competed on it.  The second race of the two-race weekend will be broadcast live tomorrow on HDNet from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT.

About Kester Racing with Team 3G: Based in College Station, Texas, home of Texas World Speedway and Texas A&M University, Kester Racing has the advantages of a Speedway that is in operation year round and a University that provides talented young engineers and students with the opportunity to be involved in professional motorsports.  Kester Racing operates in conjunction with Team 3G, an exciting relationship that establishes a ladder system involving the Star Mazda Championship Series, Indy Lights Series, and the IndyCar Series.  Kester Racing also features some of the most unique and talented drivers for the 2009 Star Mazda Championship Series including the talent of a young Canadian driver, an Expert's Series Champion, and the only brother-sister team in professional motorsports. For more information, go to www.kesterracing.com.