Paterson brothers win at Phoenix

Fallbrook’s Andy and Stewart Paterson, racing the Holladay Racing Enterprises Formula Fords, recently put their mark on the newly formed Formula Ford “The Series” inaugural race, held at the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) road course.

The brothers exchanged fast qualifying times for each race. They exchanged overall leads several times during the two events, Saturday and Sunday, February 10-11. Stewart won on Saturday, with Andy finishing a close second. Sunday it was Andy’s turn to take the checkered flag, with Stewart finishing second.

The inaugural PIR event was a huge success, with drivers coming from as far away as Virginia and Idaho. Another driver had to dig out of the Colorado snow to make it to the Phoenix race.

A field of 22 participants started each day’s race. There were five close battles between 11 cars on Saturday and Sunday, adding to the spectator excitement. On Sunday with two laps to go it started to rain and Stewart led a group of four cars to the finish line for second position. Three of the four cars finished side by side, with Stewart capturing second place by three-hundredths of a second. Andy had built up a substantial lead and seemed to handle better in the rain than his brother. The younger Paterson was not challenged at the end and led by five and one-half seconds.

The next event is at Willow Springs International Raceway (close to Lancaster) on March 10 and 11.