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| May 15, 2012 |
| Driver News: Devlin DeFrancesco Scores Heat Win, Top-10 Finishes in Italy |
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Descending on the Circuio Internazionale Napoli in Sarno, Italy, DeFrancesco Racing (DFR) pilot Devlin DeFrancesco would see action in the Mini 60 division at the CSAI Championship. With impressive results in North American and European karting to date in 2012, the young pilot would look to find the top step of the podium in a field of more than fifty talented karters from around the world.
Turning times in the top three on the official test day, DeFrancesco entered the weekend with high hopes. Wanting to start his CSAI title chase off on the right foot, the Florida resident claimed the fifth quickest circuit in the qualifying session, gaining a great starting position for the heat races.
"Devlin performed well in qualifying," explained Team Manager and Driver Coach Nick Mitchell. "Of course we wanted Devlin to be on the pole, but more importantly, we needed a good qualifying effort to ensure a good starting position in the heat races."
The first of two heat races would be a good one for the multi-time karting champion as Devlin showed the rest of his competition that he is a threat for race wins and championships. Taking the point, DeFrancesco drove his DFR prepared LKE powered Top Kart to the win in the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend.
"I am pumped!" announced Devlin after the win. "I have a great feeling about this weekend and will push hard to score the best result possible."
Taking the green for heat two, disaster would strike for the young pilot as DeFrancesco's engine died and sent him spiraling down the running order on the opening lap. Finally getting back up to speed after the first complex of corners, Devlin would be forced to come from just inside the top fifteen in the hunt for a good result. Coming through the field at a blistering pace, DeFrancesco scored a fourth place result in the five-lap heat race to salvage a decent finish.
With the results of the heat races setting the grid for final one, Devlin DeFrancesco would start from the outside of the front row. Hoping that engine woes from the final heat race were gone, DeFrancesco would look to fight for the win. At the drop of the green flag, Devlin would feel the engine gremlins come back to life as he struggled with speed to keep at the front of the field. Ending the event in eighth, the entire DFR crew was disappointed with the result.
With limited equipment changes allowed during the event weekend, Devlin's power issues would present themselves again in final two. Driving to gain as many championship points as possible, DeFrancesco would claim the ninth position and will now shift his focus to the next event.
Enjoying little time off, Devlin DeFrancesco and DeFrancesco Racing will be back on track June 1-3 at Pista Salentina in Ugento, Italy for round two of the CSAI Championship.
For more information on DeFrancesco Racing, please contact Andy DeFrancesco via e-mail to Info@DFRUSA.com or visit them online at http://www.DFRUSA.com. For more information on Devlin DeFrancesco, please visit him online at http://www.DevlinDeFrancesco.com For real time updates from DFR Racing and Devlin DeFrancesco live trackside, please follow them on Twitter at @DFR_USA and @DevlinD00 |
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