Six for Six and Heading for History

06.21.2006

J.R. Hildebrand, of Sausalito, California, will look to make history this coming weekend as he has now become one of just three drivers to win six straight races in the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 series, and the only driver with the chance to make it seven. Another pair of victories this weekend at the Portland International Raceway vaulted him to this opportunity, and with two races coming up at the familiar Burke Lakefront Airport road circuit in Cleveland, Ohio this weekend, it could certainly happen.

"The chance to be the only driver in Formula Ford 2000 history to have won seven straight races is an amazing opportunity. Since its inception in the states, this series has produced some of the world's best drivers, and to set any record, let alone the record for most consecutive wins, would be quite a feat for myself and for the team."

Following his dominance at Mid-Ohio just one month ago, Hildebrand and his Cape Motorsports team had a much more challenging situation ahead of them in Portland. None of the drivers, including J.R., had ever raced there, and the team had no experience either, putting them at a slight disadvantage over some of the other competitors. Nonetheless, Hildebrand posted the fastest time in both practice sessions, as well as qualifying for the first race, as he worked with the team to sort out the setup as quickly as they could.

"To be perfectly honest, I was a bit unsure what to expect this weekend," said a relieved Hildebrand at weekend's end. "Many of the Pacific F2000 drivers had been here just last weekend racing, where we really had no time at all. My plan was to go out and put down fast time right away, so there wouldn't be any doubt that the win could be ours."

The first race was fairly trouble-free, as just one full course caution would appear partway through the race. That didnt stop Hildebrand from immediately putting a gap between himself and the rest of the competitors once again, winning the first race, setting the fastest lap of the race on the last lap to ensure the pole position for Race Two.

Race Two was marked with the carnage and mayhem that one might expect from PIRs festival curves chicane, an uncommon occurance in the Cooper Series. This changed the dynamic of the race from fighting for the win, to fighting to survive, as there were accidents aplenty, and most any driver was at risk. For what few green flag laps there were, Hildebrand was pressured by 2005 Pacific F2000 rival, Robert Podlesni, but held him off through each restart to claim the victory, as announced after the race was finished under the red flag.

"That was the toughest race of the year so far," Hildebrand stated. "With such a long run down to the first corner on the restarts, it was hard to fend off everyone behind me, and often times drivers from further back in the field would short-cut the chicane, so I would have to pass a bunch of guys anyway! I would have liked to finish the race under green flag conditions, but I'll take what I can get, and we'll be off to Cleveland."