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Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered By Mazda Race Report

SEBRING, FL – John Edwards wins the Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda season opener at Sebring International Raceway.

Throw in a few promising rookies, the top three points finishers from last year and $50-K to the winner; it should give you a recipe for a great race. At least the first lap was interesting when Edwards in the #36 for Newman Wachs Racing took the lead over pole-sitter Jonathan Summerton on the standing start and just when the field had nearly finished the first lap, Jonathan Bomarito and the 2008 champion Markus Niemela made contact resulting in a crash with Niemela upside down on the Turn 17 tire barrier and five laps of yellow followed. Bomarito was quite the sportsman to get out of his car and help the safety crew get Niemela upright. Niemela was later released from the local hospital on Friday. Edwards led every lap, had a 4.731 second lead at the checkers and set the fastest lap to earn an extra championship point.

The second and third podium spots were taken by Genoa Racing?s #17 Frederic Vervisch and pole-sitter #19 Summerton after they had swapped positions on laps 6 and 7 following the restart for the first lap incident.

Conquest Racing might be an interesting two-rookie team to watch this season. Harold Schlegelmilch driving the #21 ended in fourth place, the #6 driver James Winslow made up five spots in the race finishing eighth to win the Hard Charger award along with two grand and a bonus championship point.

Following up a good finish to the 2008 season, #78 Simona De Silvestro for Team Stargate Worlds was fifth. I predict this year she will earn her second career victory. Her teammate, former actor, Frankie Muniz was 10th due to starting from pit lane because the car wouldn?t fire on the grid.

The fastest driver at the Palm Beach test session, Borja Garcia, was able to finish in the 6th spot driving the #6 for Condor Motorsports.

The Atlantics will be on hiatus until May 15th-17th at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. It is a shame they are not racing at Long Beach in April.

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