Pigot retains Skip Barber lead
As part of the traditional Memorial Day weekend event at Lime Rock Park, which features a unique schedule due to local sound restrictions, Pigot and the rest of the Skip Barber National field got their first chance to sample the high-speed road course on Wednesday (May 26). As expected, Pigot quickly came to grips with the home track of the series, posting the second quickest time in the two lapping sessions in which he participated. Heading into the weekend, Pigot knew that he would once again be a part of the lead battle.
After a one-day hiatus from on-track action, it was time for the fourth event of the Skip Barber National campaign to officially get underway on Friday via a morning practice run and an afternoon qualifying session. Pigot quickly established himself as one of the favorites for the Round Seven pole position during practice, once again turning the second quickest time around the undulating 1.54-mile road course in Connecticut.
Initially, it appeared that the 16 year-old standout was poised to challenge for the top spot in qualifying, as he was turning times that put him at the head of the speed charts. Unfortunately, things took a dramatic turn in the closing stages of the run, as Pigot was caught out by much slower drivers heading into the downhill portion of the high-speed track, which resulted in a multi-car collision. Pigot was fortunate to walk away unhurt, but he suffered a further setback after the incident, as he was penalized his best time for bringing out the black flag during qualifying. Utilizing his next best time from the session, the MAZDASPEED Motorsports-backed driver earned a sixth place starting position for race one of the doubleheader.
When Pigot returned to the track on Saturday, the Florida teenager was confident that he could work his way forward during the 26-lap race and challenge for the win. Once the green flag waved, Pigot set about picking his places to pass and was up to third as part of the lead pack by the midway point of the race. Unfortunately, by that time, the polesitter had established a sizeable lead on the rest of the field. Unwilling to give up without a fight, Pigot took over second place and closed the gap to the P1 car, eventually coming home an impressive second after starting sixth.
With no racing permitted on Sunday, Pigot next got back behind the wheel on Memorial Day Monday (May 31). The highly-rated teenager wasted little time getting back up to speed in qualifying, once again challenging for the pole position. In what was an entertaining session that featured multiple drivers taking a turn at the top of the speed charts, Pigot eventually ended fourth on scoring sheets.
While Pigot was disappointed to have not earned at least a front-row starting position, he quickly put that behind him, focusing on another charge to the front come race time. Getting the green flag late in the afternoon, Pigot immediately established himself among the lead pack battling for the win. Overcoming a car spinning right in front of him midway through the race, Pigot remained positioned to challenge for the win, setting a new track record in the process. In his bid for victory, Pigot made a surprise move in turn three to take over the lead on the final lap. While the Floridian was able to hold the advantage through the final corner, he came up just short in the drag race to the checkered flag, finishing second by a mere 0.021s.
“Overall it was a good weekend," stated Pigot. “I scored another two podiums finishes and set a new track record. It was unfortunate to have been so close to the win and not get it. I am really looking forward to New Jersey and continuing the strong results."
Pigot continues to lead the championship standings by five points (251-246) and will resume his pursuit of the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda title on July 17-18, with Rounds Nine and Ten at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The young pilot is supported by many great companies, including Mazda, Sparco, Skip Barber Racing, Parathyroid.com, Silver Knight Racing, Lott-O-Lawyer.com and California Scents.
Additional information on Spencer Pigot can be obtained from his website @ www.SpencerPigot.com . For direct contact, please contact Barry Pigot at barrypigot@aol.com