Sean Rayhall Podiums in Open-Wheel Debut
November 20, 2007
Twelve-year-old racing sensation Sean Rayhall made his Open-Wheel race car debut in the Skip Barber series November 17th. The race would be held at the famed Road Atlanta circuit just a short drive from where Sean lived.
Practice went very well for Sean consistently running in the top three while topping one session in his group, which would put him in the top ten overall out of forty-five drivers. Sean would put down a blistering lap in qualifying to give him pole position in his first ever open-wheel race. Getting a great start, Sean would lead the first eight laps, but would go four off in turn three. Due to series rules Sean would have to serve a stop and go penalty. This would put Sean back to thirteenth place with just two laps to go. With a never give up attitude he would drive to a seventh place finish while setting the second fastest lap of the race.
Sunday’s race would be bittersweet. Starting in sixth Sean patiently followed the leaders waiting to make his move, which he would choose to do so down the front straight passing four cars. Now Sean is in second place waiting till the last lap to make his move. Going down into turn ten, Sean would pop out for a late breaking move. The leader would run a defense line and make contact with Sean sending himself into the gravel, which allowed Sean to go on and take the checkered flag for the win. Because of the contact and rules, Sean would be penalized four positions and finished fifth along with the fastest lap of the race.