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| June 22, 2012 |
| Skip Barber: DeGrand Re-ignites Summer Series Title Charge with Double Podium Finish in Canada |
 | Tristan DeGrand further showcased his skill behind the wheel with two Skip Barber Summer Series podium finishes at Circuit Mont Tremblant in Canada
(Photo: Steve Welk) |
MONT TREMBLANT, QUE. (June 21, 2012) – American junior formula car up-and-comer Tristan DeGrand's impressive run of form behind the wheel in 2012 continued over the weekend (June 16-17), with the highly-rated teenager making two visits to the Skip Barber presents the Mazda Summer Series Formula Skip Barber 2000 podium in his series return. In what is the lone series trip into Canada, the Missouri standout emerged from a pair of heated battles around the Circuit Mont Tremblant with a runner-up finish in race one and a third place result in race two. DeGrand's strong outing 'North of the Border' has not only reinforced his position as a young driver worth watching, but also enhanced his championship hopes.
DeGrand, having missed the second event on the Skip Barber Summer Series calendar at Watkins Glen back in mid-May, was keen to resume his rookie quest for a series title at the historic Circuit Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Showcasing the talent that led him to the 2011 Skip Barber Racing School Karting Scholarship Shootout win and a race-winning limited run in the Skip Barber Winter Series, the former karting star wasted little time coming to grips with the unfamiliar fast and undulating road course. DeGrand was the driver to beat in his race group come the conclusion of the Friday practice runs, having impressively topped the timesheet despite piloting three different cars.
Forced to pilot yet another Skip Barber 2000 entry come qualifying in Quebec, due to a mechanical issue with his primary entry, the MAZDASPEED/Skip Barber/Pro Am Golf/ProAmGolfUSA.com/Sparco USA-backed racer yet again showcased his ever-growing talents behind the wheel. DeGrand was P1 when the checkered flag waved to end the timed run, posting a fast lap a superb 1.5s quicker than his nearest pursuer.
Prior to the race action getting underway a little time later, Skip Barber officials elected to perform car equalizations, reducing the overall speed of his racing steed, and effectively giving DeGrand yet another different car for the race one affair.
When the green flag did waved, it immediately became apparent the fight for podium positions would be heated. DeGrand was initially caught up in a spirited dice for second place, allowing the race leader to pull out a multi-car advantage. The teenager, however, never gave up hope, and once able to break free of the challenges from third place, began rapidly reducing the gap to the leader. Closing at upwards half a second a lap, DeGrand appeared poised to challenge for the victory, but he ultimately ran out of time, crossing the stripe in second place.
DeGrand returned to the cockpit of his Skip Barber car again one day later, confident he could fight for top honors. In a repeat of the opening engagement, race two again immediately witnessed the Missouri-native dueling multiple cars in second place as the race leader pulled away. This time, however, the fight for the runner-up position lasted all race long, with several passes for position. DeGrand in the end crossed the stripe in third, mere feet behind second place. With the result, the up-and-comer has finished on the podium in all four Skip Barber Summer Series races he has contested.
"This last week in Canada was another great learning experience from me," commented DeGrand. "I learned that no race can ever come easy and that you have to give 110% the whole weekend. We started out fast in practice and had a great qualifying session, which gave me a lot of confidence going into race one. In each race we had to fight hard early on for second, which took me a little off guard and allowed the leader to get away. It would have been good to come home with a win, but we still had a good points weekend. Now I am even more motivated to race for the top step of the podium at Road America."
The chase for Skip Barber presents the Mazda Summer Series Formula Skip Barber 2000 wins and potentially a title resumes for DeGrand on June 30-July 1, when Road America in Wisconsin plays hosts to two races.
Learn more about Tristan DeGrand at http://www.DeGrandRacing.com and follow the teenager racer on Twitter @ TristanDeGrand
A native of Eureka, Mo., Tristan DeGrand is a 16 year-old up-and coming racer. DeGrand first got behind the wheel in 2003, racing karts locally in the St. Louis area. Within one year he had captured his first championship title, becoming the J1 Speed Regional Series Champion. Making the move up to regional and national competition, DeGrand won numerous races before winning the Florida Winter Tour Cadet title and a World Karting Grand National title in the Cadet class in 2007. Continued success in 2008 resulted in the Stars of Karting Junior Rookie of the Year award. 2009 proved to be breakout year for DeGrand, winning the Florida Winter Tour KF3 title and the KF3 National Championship. The youngster also began racing internationally, earning the FKS England Award exchange KF3 award, before becoming the first American podium finisher in WSK KF3 competition in 2010. Late last year, after winning the 15th annual Skip Barber Racing School Karting Scholarship Shootout, DeGrand made the transition to car competition via the Skip Barber Winter Series, winning once and standing on the podium three times in four races. In 2012, DeGrand is competing in the Skip Barber Summer Series with support from MAZDASPEED, Skip Barber, Pro Am Golf, ProAmGolfUSA.com, and Sparco USA. |
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