Patrick Barrett Has Success in Season Opener

Patrick Scores Win and Second

Los Osos, Calif.(March 14, 2007)

Patrick Barrett found success in the opening two rounds of the 2007 Pacific F2000 Championship Series presented by Hankook Tires at California Speedway in Fontana, March 10 -11. With a field of 24 strong for the season opener, the young Californian was able to claim victory in Saturday's race, crossing the line a half second ahead of Chris Spreitzer. Sunday's event saw nearly the same performance, but a last lap pass by Spreitzer in turn three gave him the lead and the win over Barrett.

The 17 year old from Los Osos, California qualified fourth, on the second row for Saturday's race in his # 3 Jim Russell Racing Schools, Alpinestars and GoPro Digital Hero Van Diemen RF05 powered by a 2 litre Ford Zetec. After the drop of the green flag, the teenager aggressively negotiated the first few corners of the 2.88 mile 21 turn modified oval course, and soon set his sights on the leader, his PR1 Motorsports teammate Thomas Merrill who started third. On lap eight Barrett made the pass for the lead entering turn three and went on to hold off Spreitzer for the win. Nicky Freytag finished third.

"I'm very happy with how things went today ," said Patrick. "I ran a smart race and the team gave me a car that was capable of winning. This gives me and the team great confidence going into Sunday's race."

High winds dramatically changed the characteristics of the track for Sunday's events. Barrett managed to post a time good enough for third spot on the grid while Merrill clamed PR1 Motorsport's first pole position of the season. As the pack headed into turn three, Merrill locked up his rear tires and spun off course, handing the lead to Spreitzer. Barrett took the lead on lap three but was unable to pull a significant gap over second spot. On the 13th and final lap Spreitzer made his move down the inside entering turn three and went on to win race two. Jeff Westphal rounded out the podium in third.

"It was a very close race," said Patrick after getting out of his car. "I knew he was faster than me, but I had to hold him off for as long as possible. Unfortunately my car wasn't handling in my favor so by the end of the race my rear tires were spent."

Patrick is tied for the series championship series lead with Chris Spreitzer after the initial two rounds . The 2007 Pacific F2000 Championship Series will continue with rounds 3 and 4 at Willow Springs Raceway, California on the weekend of March 31-April 1.

(Photo by Ross Merrill))

For more information on the Pacific F2000 series please go to http://www.PacificF2000.com/