Ontario FF: Rzadzinski Scores First Mosport WIN
EDMONTON, ALB. (June 15, 2010) – A successful start to the season continued for up and coming Edmonton racing talent Stefan Rzadzinski this weekend with a dominant win followed with a second place finish at Mosport International Raceway in Ontario. With three podiums in four races so far this year, Rzadzinski completed the first half to his season in the Ontario Formula Ford Championship in near-perfect fashion.
Starting off red-hot out of the gate, Rzadzinski led the field in practice on Friday in Formula Ford practice with the top lap time of 1:28.2 in the BGR Team Grote car. This was quickly followed by qualifying on the pole on Saturday afternoon, ahead of four-time CanAm Cup champion Shane Jantzi.
After a heated battle with BGR Team Grote teammate Mikhail Goikhberg for the lead over the opening laps, Rzadzinski was able to pull clear ahead for good when Mikhail spun trying to stay with Rzadzinski in turn eight. Comfortably ahead at this point, Rzadzinski was still able to press his advantage by dropping in lap after lap at the top of the charts, including the day’s top time of 1:29.1 on his way to his first win of the season.
“Overall it was a great time at the track for me on CanAm Cup weekend,” stated Rzadzinski. “The ABL Group/Supertint BGR Team Grote car felt fantastic on Friday and Saturday, and it was amazing to get my first-ever win on the challenging and prestigious Mosport circuit! On CanAm Cup Sunday”
It’s quite uncommon to find a true racing talent in the heart of hockey country and Rzadzinski certainly has a unique path that has led him to where he is today. In a story that parallels that of some of today’s premiere athletes, as Rzadzinski was born with the sport in his blood through his father Andy’s passion for racing. Growing up with F1 races as a constant source of background noise, Rzadzinski first jumped into karts at the age of three years old.
Starting young has more than paid for itself so far in Rzadzinski’s career, as he has quickly grown into being one of the most accomplished drivers his age in all of Canada. The 2009 race season elevated Rzadzinski another level still, as he was able to come in as a rookie to the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Series. Not only did he win a race in his first season, he was able to claim second in the championship overall, earning Rookie of the Year honors and the prestigious Brian Stewart Racing Award. All of this has been accomplished before Rzadzinski has even graduated high school, and earned his regular drivers license.
