Posted (07/07/2006) -
VARSHA GEARS UP FOR SALT LAKE SUCCESS COMING OFF MONTREAL PODIUM
Atlanta, GA, July 7th, 2006 - For any young driver, reaching the podium is a special moment, especially when that podium comes at a round of the Formula One world championship. So it was for 19-year old Atlanta racer Matt Varsha, who drove his Racers Edge Motorsports-prepared entry to second place at round five of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear on the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal, Canada. Varsha was gridded fifth (based on season points), leapt ahead to second at the start and narrowly avoided a massive wreck on the first lap that took out fifteen of the 42 starters. He then regridded fifth and fought his way to second yet again by the time the frantic race was cut short due to time constraints.
"I got a great start, and was just settling in when I looked up at the big screen in the hairpin turn and saw the wreckage from the first-lap accident" said Varsha. "I was relieved to hear afterward that no one was seriously hurt, but sorry that some of my friends and rivals destroyed their cars. It was a shame, too, that the race was cut short. I think we could have put on a better show for the fans, and I might have had a shot at Adrian Carrio for the win. Still, it was great to get my first podium finish on an F-1 weekend, and I can tell everyone I stood on the same step Michael Schumacher did after Sunday's grand prix!"
"It's always extra special to race in front of the Formula 1 community and fans" said Racers Edge Motorsports team owner Jon Mirachi. "At the drop of the green Matt delivered the message loud and clear, as he passed 3 cars immediately and was in second place by turn 3. This was certainly beneficial, as the big accident on the first lap occurred behind us. After the restart Matt was on a mission, even passing two cars with one move in some tricky conditions. We were faster than the leader, but just didn't have enough green flag laps to challenge for the win. It was still great to finish on the podium. Both the team and Matt were very well prepared for this one, and it showed!"
Matt and the REM team will be prepared for the next round as well. A test is underway at the new Miller Motorsports Park circuit near Salt Lake City, Utah, in advance of round six at that track next Sunday, July 16th. The Montreal finish boosted Varsha to fourth in the championship with seven rounds remaining. For results and standings check starmazda.com.
One-hour coverage of the Star Mazda Championship will air on SPEED at 1pm eastern time on Sunday, July 9th, and the show plan includes a special feature on Matt, the son of racing commentator Bob Varsha. Sponsorship opportunities with Matt Varsha and Racers Edge Motorsports are available through the rest of the season, and plans are coming together for 2007. Contact Jon Mirachi at 973-579-2990 or Bob Varsha at 404-803-1634. For further information go to mattvarsha.com and racersedgemotorsports.com.
More Event Information for Star Mazda Montreal Race
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