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The Tri-Point Motorsports team started the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car season off right. Jason Saini, driving the No. 74 MAZDA6, started the year on the podium in third, while fellow MX-5 Cup champion Eric Foss clawed his way from 12th to finish just behind his teammate in fourth and earning the Sunoco Hard Charger award. Despite turning in the fastest qualifying time for a Mazda, Charles Espenlaub ended his race a lap down after his No. 73 touring car suffered from a throttle problem at the start. When the team arrived at Sebring last Monday and began preparing the fleet of blue MAZDASPEED/StopTech/Racing Hart MAZDA6s for another week of battle, there was a great feeling of relief. “It feels great to pick up where we left off last year,” noted Saini, “Like everyone, we’ve had some hardships over the winter in preparation for the ’09 season. Thanks to the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder, I got to run my rookie season in ‘08 with a veteran team. To be here in Sebring again with Eric and Charles is a testament to Mazda’s and Tri-Point’s commitment to this program.” Charles added, “It was great to be back in the No. 73 Tri-point Mazda 6 again. Once we were out on track it was instant smiles. Even with the added weight and smaller restrictor, the MAZDA6 touring car is just a blast to drive.”
“Showing up with the new team and getting into a car I’ve never driven was pretty difficult.” said new team member Eric Foss. “Being with a Championship winning team and having Charles and Jason as teammates was extremely helpful. It may not have been apparent until the race, but I felt like the car was a great fit and felt extremely comfortable in the car. The team did an amazing job setting the car up as my feedback was limited not knowing what the car should ‘feel like’.” Despite an uncertain off-season and getting reacquainted with their cars, the Tri-Point squad got down to business when the start lights went out. “I got what can only be described as my best TC launch ever!” exclaimed Saini, who started fifth. “Kuno [Wittmer] made sure I didn't get down the inside at the start, and then he pulled away a bit. The guys in front of me were a little quicker at first, but our cars really came alive later in the race. It’s a shame Chip [Herr] and Kuno both had mechanicals – they were shaping up to be good battles.” Saini then worked on trying to catch Kleinubing ahead, with an eye on his teammate Foss who was coming up from behind. Foss described his day: “After qualifying [12th] I was pretty dejected, but the team really helped me stay focused on the race. Once things settled down in the early laps, I was able to capitalize on a few drivers’ mistakes. The first big pass I made was on Cunningham, and that really gave me some confidence.” In the pits, Foss had the crew glued to the TV monitors during a bout with one of the Bimmerworld cars. “The best battle I ended up having was with James Clay which went on for a few laps. After being side by side for several corners with James, I forced him to run inside to turn 13 and passed him at the exit. The drivers in this series are very good and it was really rewarding to be able to mix it up with them in my first World Challenge race.” For his efforts Foss earned the Sunoco Hard Charger award for most positions advanced during the race. Meanwhile, Charles Espenlaub was struggling with a throttle problem that showed up on the pace lap. “Coming out of Turn 7 before the start I started having a problem with my throttle so I ducked into pit lane,” said Espenlaub, “The Tri-Point guys quickly did what they could to get me out on the same lap, but we were hoping for a full-course caution to do a more thorough repair. Unfortunately that never happened. It was a big disappointment for everyone, as we had qualified pretty well and I think the changes we made to the car before the race really helped.” Looking ahead to Round Two at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Tri-Point team and Mazda are focused on carrying their momentum forward. “Obviously, we're working hard now to make sure we can be at New Jersey. With a decent points haul from the first race, we need to be there to stay in the hunt.” said Saini, “I’d also like to acknowledge some people who helped out for Sebring: Lakeside Footcare in Dallas, Meathead Racing, and Feeds the Need Racing, along with a host of others who personally committed support.” Foss added, “Coming out of Sebring fourth in the points is way above my initial expectation. I’m hoping my MX-5 Cup experience in NJ last year will benefit Mazda, since this will be a new track for the Touring Cars.” Watch World-Challenge.com for updates about television air times on SPEED. Sponsors The Tri-Point team is proudly supported by the following sponsors whose involvement is critical to the team’s 2009 efforts and continued success. Mazda, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, Racing Hart, Comptech, ZF Sachs, StopTech, Sparco, Chase Cam, Crocotile, Quarter Master, Ron Davis Racing, Pro Parts USA, Mazdas247.com, and Race Sign Specialists.
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