Hildebrand Sets a New Record for Consecutive Wins, Streak Ends at Seven

06.26.2006

J.R. Hildebrand, from Sausalito, Calif., set a new standard this weekend, winning his seventh consecutive race in the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 Championship breaking the previous record of six achieved only twice in its 17-year history. Hildebrand then looked set to extend his winning record to eight in a row, but made an uncharacteristic mistake that would cost him the win, ending his streak with a second place finish.

"I have had the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat this weekend," related Hildebrand. "Breaking the record for most consecutive wins in a season in this series is amazing, its was really an incredible feeling to have accomplished that. Losing the chance to continue my perfect season however, was quite disappointing."

Having driven off the road in the first practice session and only being able to complete a single lap, then hitting a tire at the apex of Turn Five in qualifying after another car had knocked it into his path and changing the toe on the left side of his car for the session, Hildebrand started off-pole for Race One. He passed for the lead in a bold side-by-side maneuver through Turns Three and Four, and never relinquished it, winning by some 12.43 seconds and setting fastest lap of the race.

From the pole, Hildebrand led through the first corner in Race Two and began to set a steady pace in front of his Cape Motorsports teammate, Dane Cameron. They started catching lapped cars, and Hildebrand quickly gapped himself from the field until he dropped a wheel coming out of turn seven sending him into a spin after having to check up for a slower car. He quickly locked up the brakes to avoid hitting the tire wall on the entrance to Turn Eight, came to a complete stop, and had to settle for second after only gaining back two seconds by the end of the race, finishing just over five seconds back.

"That race was a bit of a reality check for me, and now I'm committed even more to being on top for the rest of the year," Hildebrand said. "Giving one away is obviously not a good way to lose, but I guess I would rather someone just take advantage of my mistake than actually pass me and beat me."

The Cooper Series will next race in the streets of Toronto, Ontario, Canada with the Champ Car World Series on July 8th and 9th.

"I think Toronto will be a great track for me. I've done exceptionally well at places that nobody's been to and that we have very little track time," said Hildebrand. "I'm really looking forward to getting back in the car in a couple of weeks."