Mechanical Issue Ruins Podium Run for Hawksworth in Detroit

Mechanical Issue Ruins Podium Run for Hawksworth in Detroit

Topics: Jack Hawksworth, Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit

Mechanical Issue Ruins Podium Run for Hawksworth in Detroit

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
May 31, 2014

Detroit, MI – Jack Hawksworth was on his way to a possible victory when a broken brake rotor cost him the opportunity during the first race of the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans on Saturday afternoon.

Hawksworth completed a solid qualifying run that morning, advancing to the Firestone Fast Six for the third time in only five road/street course races this season. He then claimed a spot on the inside of row two to start the first of two races at Belle Isle.

On the very first lap, the 23-year-old rookie made a sharp pass to advance to second place. Over the next 15 laps, Hawksworth began to establish a gap and pressure race leader Helio Castroneves.

Just as the caution flag flew on lap 16 for a single car accident involving Mike Conway, the left front brake rotor failed on the No. 98 machine. Hawksworth radioed immediately to the team that something had failed on the car, and the Integrity Energee Drink crew set up to pit. When Hawksworth came in, Crew Chief Mark Shambarger discovered a broken brake rotor on the left front side of the car.

The team was able to change the rotor quickly, but not before going four laps down and moving back to 20th place. Attrition gained one additional spot for the British driver.

“We had a good start to the race,” said Hawksworth. “The Integrity Energee Drink car got up to second right away, and we were quick and comfortable behind Helio [Castroneves]. Unfortunately, the front left brake exploded so that was basically our day gone. We did a few more laps of running and got a bit more of a feel for the track so we can have a better day tomorrow.”

Team co-owner Bryan Herta added, “Obviously Jack and the entire Integrity Energee Drink team did a great job today. I’ve never seen a carbon disc failure like what we had, but it happened to us. It’s a shame because we were on the way to another great result.

“I feel bad for Jack and all the guys because yet again, they did not make any mistakes but somehow we still did not get a result. I’m glad we have another race tomorrow and another shot. We’ve got a great car, great team, great driver. We’re ready for round two.”

Hawksworth will get another shot at the podium tomorrow for race two of the Dual in Detroit. Sunday will follow a similar schedule, so fans can tune in to ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET to catch the second 70-lap competition.