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| August 10, 2012 |
| Star Mazda: Chaves Makes Return Visit to Podium in Trois-Rivieres |
 | Gabby Chaves (left) added another podium finish to his series resume in Trois-Rivieres before heading to Mexico for an FIA Institute presentation
(Photo: Star Mazda Championship - Eric McCombs) |
MIAMI, FLA (August 9, 2012) – Gabby Chaves' impressive summer run behind the wheel continued this past weekend (August 4-5), with another visit to the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear post-race podium in Trois-Rivieres, Que. The highly-regarded racer made the most of his first appearance in the prestigious Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, overcoming the tight street circuit confines and mixed conditions to capture a fifth place finish in Round Five, prior to superb runner-up spot in a wet Round 12. With a fourth top-three result in the past six races, Chaves is still very much in contention for post season honors.
Given Chaves had never previously visited or raced at the famed Trois-Rivieres street circuit - which has seen multiple Formula One and IndyCar drivers shine in their climb up the motorsports ladder - the goal early on was to get acclimated to the concrete-lined layout and begin working on the right setup. Unfortunately, a gearing issue in the lone practice run prevented Chaves from showcasing his true speed. That changed come qualifying, as the No. 19 CLARO/Marca Colombia/Tecpro Barriers/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports Mazda was among the leaders throughout the session, ultimately placing the teenager on the second row for the race one standing start via the fourth best time.
When the talented Star Mazda field launched from the line to commence Round 11 in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, it immediately became apparent that Chaves had a quick car. That being said, the 43-lap race proved to be a frustrating affair. Stuck behind a former series race winner in Trois-Rivieres who was contesting a one-off event, Chaves' advances were routinely disrupted/halted. Unable to complete a safe passing maneuver, the former Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year took the checkered flag in fifth place.
Thanks to the fourth best time in race one, Chaves again started the second round of the Quebec doubleheader from the second row. Getting a good jump when the lights when out, Chaves rapidly slotted into the third position. Just as it appeared that would be his position for the race, rain began falling. Showcasing the car control skills that led him to multiple karting titles and the Formula BMW Americas championship crown, Chaves began closing on the lead duo. Unfortunately, increased rain caused Star Mazda officials to red flag the race in order for the field to pit and switch to rain tires. When the race resumed, Chaves came under attack from behind. Despite repeated contact from his pursuer, he held his position. Further late race drama occurred when the leader crashed in the slick conditions, promoting Chaves to second at the checkered flag, and a sixth podium finish of 2012.
While majority of the Star Mazda competitors will now enjoy a hiatus until the next two rounds in Maryland in early September, Chaves is immediately traveling to Cancun, Mexico, to take part in an FIA Institute presentation.
As part of the FIA Institute's OUTREACH program, Chaves has been invited to speak at a workshop for Latin American FIA Members on August 9. A member of the 2012 Young Driver Excellence Academy, Chaves will discuss his involvement with the prestigious academy and how it has helped him progress/develop as a driver, and inspired him to take action with regards to road safety via the 'Take 5 to Stay Alive-Don't Text and Drive' Campaign.
Chaves resumes his pursuit of Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear wins and a championship crown on September 1-2, when Rounds 13 & 14 takes place on the streets of Baltimore. The talented teenager enters the Maryland doubleheader currently third in the overall title fight.
Those interested in supporting Chaves' charge towards a career in the upper echelon of motorsports are encouraged to contact Chaves and/or his management team.
Additional information on Gabby Chaves can be obtained from his website @ http://www.GabbyChaves.com . For direct contact, please email gabbyracing@yahoo.com
Keep up to date via Twitter @ GabbyChaves
Widely considered one the premier up-and-coming drivers in the junior formula car ranks, Chaves has made a name for himself by winning races and challenging for championship titles. The American first got behind the wheel of a race car at the age of 13, winning a Skip Barber Racing Shoot-out scholarship. In his first full-season of competition, the former Easy Kart, Stars of Karting and Florida Winter Tour champion captured the Colombian Grand Prix Formula Renault 2000 title and finished as the series runner-up in the Skip Barber Eastern Regional Series. Building on this success, Chaves went undefeated in the 2006-07 Skip Barber Regional Southern Series, winning all 10 races. The teenager continued his winning ways one year later, extending his Skip Barber Racing victory streak to 17 consecutive victories, leading the Skip Barber National Series before making the switch to Formula BMW Pacific competition. Chaves returned to the top of the championship charts in 2009, winning the final Formula BMW Americas title with five wins and podium finishes in every race. In 2010, Chaves raced full-time in Europe, winning the Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year award. The teenager made his GP3 Series debut in 2011, earning five top-10 finishes. This season, Chaves returns to North America, competing in the Mazda Road to Indy-backed Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear with multiple series champion JDC MotorSports as a Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy racer. |
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