Dempsey"s Trois Rivieres Trial

Added: 5th September 2009

Peter Dempsey qualified on the front row of the latest round of the Star Mazda Series in Trois Rivieres, Quebec but that was the highlight of the weekend for the Ashbourne racer who suffered a race day to forget.

Dempsey's travails began when a communication mix up prevented him from taking up position on the front row when his car wasn't on the grid in time. Starting from pit lane in 20th and last position, Peter raced up to ninth position before he knocked his nosecone askew in his efforts to fight his way back up towards the leaders.

Racing into pit lane for a nose change during a full course caution, the Juncos squad were eager to make sure he stayed on the lead lap so he was released back into the fray without a replacement nose cone and front wing, the resulting aerodynamic imbalance putting paid to any chance to get back in contention.

Dempsey took the flag in 13th spot and despite the difficult day at the iconic Canadian street course, Dempsey retained the lead of the championship and remains positive about his chances in the remaining rounds of the Star Mazda series.

“We've had a great run lately and if there's one thing I've learned in my career it's how to take the rough with the smooth,” the Dunlop Young Racing Driver of the Year said afterwards. “The mix up was a shame but it's just a routine thing that can be fixed easily.

“After that it was about playing catch up and when you're in that situation anything can happen. It's hard to control the situation when you're scrapping in midfield.

“It's a pity we couldn't come up with a big result at an event and circuit I just love but the main thing is we showed we were as a quick as anyone again this weekend and that's really encouraging heading towards Mosport. We've still got the championship lead and we'll be looking to build on that in two weeks time,” added the Motorsport Ireland and Quayside.ie supported driver

Next Round; Mosport, August 29th.

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