MUCH SUCCESS IN THE US

It was a weekend of high drama and success in the United States of America for BRDC Members. Dario Franchitti clinched the Indy Car title at the Homestead finale coming out on top after a close battle with fellow Member Ryan Briscoe and team mate Scott Dixon. A clever strategy by Dario and his Chip Ganassi Racing crew saw him save just enough fuel to avoid the late fuel stop which his two competitors and race leaders up to that point were required to make. This allowed for a clear run to the finish and a win in the final race of the championship. For Dario there was delight having secured his second Indy Car title, not least upon his return to the IRL from his season in NASCAR last year. “I didn't think I would win five races in the championship in my first year back”. Also sealing a championship in the US this weekend was David Brabham driving the Patron Highcroft Acura LMP1 in the American Le Mans Series. A season which has seen David secure three wins, four second places, not to mention a recovering charge from 6th at Petit Le Mans, all came together in the final round to secure the crown for him and team mate Scott Sharp. Despite a challenging time with tyres they secured third place overall in the final round at Laguna Seca in California, which was enough to seal the championship. A young BRDC Superstar who aspires to follow in the footsteps of both Dario and David is Adam Christodoulou and he took a significant step in the right direction yesterday by securing the Star Mazda championship at Mazda raceway, Laguna Seca. Last year's Formula Renault UK champion earned himself a fully sponsored drive in the 2010 Atlantic championship powered by Mazda courtesy of the Mazda Speed Motorsports Development Ladder. He will also collect a cheque for $100,000 which will no doubt be extremely welcome too! In a tense final round, which saw championship rival Peter Dempsey only needing to finish better than 7th place, lady luck smiled upon Adam rather than Peter, giving him a win whilst Peter crashed out. Adam now has the chance to look forward to the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award assessments having being named as a finalist last week.