DAVISON TAKES FIRST INDY LIGHTS VICTORY AT MID-OHIO

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AMSF International Rising Star James Davison has broken through to win his first race in the United States-based Firestone Indy Lights Series at the Mid Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio this morning.

The victory is the first win for an AMSF International Rising Star in motorsport. The Firestone Indy Lights Series is recognised as the key feeder category to the IndyCar Series, where fellow Australians Ryan Briscoe and Will Power are currently competing.

The event at Mid Ohio was a double-header weekend with two races held. Davison finished the first race in seventh yesterday having qualified in 10th position. The driver from Melbourne, Victoria started the second race in seventh and endured a challenging time in extremely wet and treacherous conditions, taking the lead with one lap remaining to grab victory at the 3.86-kilometre road course.

‘I had a very similar race to everyone in that it was very chaotic,’ said Davison.

‘I went off down at Turn 4 and dropped back to about 15th however I has absolutely determined to get back to the front. I'm just so pleased to have won this race and to have finally had luck on my side.’

It has been a rollercoaster ride for Davison over the past seven days, having scored his first pole last weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, only to be taken out by a backmarker midway through the race. Davison had been on track to achieve his first podium for the season when disaster struck, however a week later he could not be happier.

‘This is a great outcome and I would like to thank everyone for their support, particularly the Australian Motor Sport Foundation for having faith in my abilities,’ said Davison.

Davison had previously won races in the United States in both the Formula BMW and Star Mazda categories before graduating to the Indy Lights Series earlier this year. From the beginning of the season, Davison has been a regular top-ten qualifier in his Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara but has been plagued by misfortune, however his considerable car speed and ability are starting to yield results.

‘It was never a question of if, but when, James was going to break through and win his first race in this series and everyone at the AMSF is ecstatic with this significant achievement’ said AMSF General Manager, Quentin Crombie.

Davison is one of four AMSF International Rising Star drivers this year, and the second to have scored a victory in 2008 following a pair of wins by Tim Blanchard in the British Formula Ford Championship earlier this season. It is the third win this year for the AMSF International Rising Star Program and the 51st for both Rising Star Programs.

The goal of the AMSF International Rising Star Program is to support and develop Australia's young drivers as they pursue a career at the pinnacle of international open-wheel motor sport. The AMSF International Rising Star Program would not be possible without the support of OAMPS, Stand 21, Mark Webber, CAMS and the Australian Sports Foundation.