COOPER TIRES INDY LIGHTS GRAND PRIX OF TORONTO
RACE 1 REPORT

The Andretti Indy Lights trio saw the green flag from the back of the field, but Stoneman, Kellett and Blackstock quickly moved their way through the pack to see the checkered flag in fifth, eighth and ninth positions, respectively.

Tomorrow, the drivers will begin Race 2 from better track position and have the opportunity to cross the finish line in first when the 45-lap race goes green at 11:15 a.m. ET. Follow along with live timing and scoring at racecontrol.indycar.com, watch the live stream on the Verizon IndyCar Series Facebook page, or listen to INDYCAR Radio on Sirius212 and XM209

DEAN STONEMAN
NO. 27 STELLRECHT MAZDA

• The rookie started today’s race from the 11th position and finished in fifth
• Suffered damage to the right rear wishbone after contact on Lap 9; set his fastest lap on Lap 32
• Will start tomorrow’s race from seventh

“We made some drastic changes over the lunch break to see how we could improve the car for the race. We went in a direction that was much better than qualifying and practice sessions, but still not the best it can be. But, in the end of the day we finished the race in the fifth position after starting 11th with a damaged right rear wishbone. Myself and another driver made contact in Turn 3 early in the race, so I think we did well to finish with a bent wishbone. Overall it was a good race and hopefully we can improve the car for tomorrow.”

DALTON KELLETT
NO. 28 K-LINE INSULATORS USA, INC. MAZDA

• Saw the green flag from 14th position
• Took the checkered flag at his hometown race in eighth after impressive passing
• Will take the green flag for Race 2 from 14th

“Considering where we were this morning and in practice, coming home P8 from P14 isn’t a bad climb. We stayed out of the incidents and we made a couple passes so it was a decent comeback for the first race of the weekend. We made a lot of changes between qualifying and the race and I think we have the car going in a direction we are a little happier in. Looking forward to seeing where we’re at tonight and where we are going to be tomorrow. It’s great to see so many fans out here this weekend. I have really enjoyed seeing a lot of my hometown friends and family and I really hope we can bring them home a win or podium tomorrow!”

SHELBY BLACKSTOCK 
NO. 51 STARSTRUCK MAZDA

• The American began the 35-lap race from 13th
• Came in on Lap 24 for a tire change for better grip and the chance to clock a faster qualifying lap for tomorrow’s race
• The veteran will see green from 11th

“Still working on the car. We don’t think the car is where it should be yet. We took a gamble to come in and put on newer tires and it definitely helped – we moved up a couple qualifying positions for tomorrow’s race. We’ll take the points we could get from this one. I’m not sure where we will start but it is definitely better than where we started today. I think we went a second faster than our qualifying time today which is improvement by the team, but we’ve got to keep working on it. So, thanks to the crew for all their hard work and commitment. Tomorrow we’ll give it another shot and hope to finish even better.”