2001 Star Mazda Series Most Improved Driver Tim Jennings continued his strong run in the final practice session leading up to qualifying for Round One of the Star Mazda Series North American Championship at Sebring International Raceway. While the wind that had hampered drivers around the 3.7 mile track on Wednesday had died down, drivers reported that the track remained slick.  41 cars took timed laps with Jenning setting a fast time of 2:10.618 with series rookie Scott Speed close on his heels with a 2:10.914.  Moses Smith rounded out the top three posting a fast lap of 2:12.134.

Driver Quotes

Tim Jennings, #70 Jennings Motorpsorts  - “I think we have all the right pieces on the team this season and the crew has given e a beautiful car.  Qualifying is early tomorrow morning so we know things will change with the track conditions but I think we can continue to put good laps together.”

Moses Smith, #76 R Sport – “Once again we are third fastest but we would like to find that extra speed to push us past those other two drivers. I’m confident that Ron Roland will continue to improve the car and I’ll do my part to get the car to the front.”

Michael Stephens, #47 Stephens Motorsports – “Coming out of Sarasota I’m really hoping to do well at Sebring in front of my hometown fans.  We’re a little farther down the grid than we’d hoped to be right now but all that really matters is Friday. I think we’ll be able to put some good laps together in qualifying.”