This just in from Jason DiSalvo’s PR man:

DRAMA FOR RUNNER UP DISALVO AT MOST

YOUNG JASON ENDURES A WEEKEND OF WOE ONLY TO BE TOLD HE’S GOT ANOTHER GRAND PRIX WILD CARD!

Cruise America Grand Prix Racing Team rider Jason DiSalvo endured a weekend of frustration but still managed to secure a fine second place finish in the Czech Championship 250cc race at the Most circuit yesterday (Sunday).

The 17-year-old from Batavia, New York enjoyed a good start on Friday in practice before setting third-fastest time in Saturday’s opening qualifying session which he hoped to improve on in the afternoon but mechanical problems intervened at the start of the session which meant DiSalvo had to sit it out.

The problem was diagnosed and fixed overnight and Jason responded by setting the fastest time of the weekend in the Sunday warm-up and all was looking good for the race but DiSalvo very nearly didn’t make it as Team Owner Jim DiSalvo explained:

“We were working with the original race schedule and unbeknown to us, they changed it and brought the race forward an hour. We were sitting around when we noticed the 250s assembling on the grid and that’s when we realized what was happening. Jason threw on his gear and the team ran up with the bike but it was too late to take our place on the grid and instead Jason had to start from pit lane in last position”

Despite the setback, DiSalvo rocketed through the field to take five places on the opening lap before gradually climbing the leaderboard throughout the race. In the end, Jason managed to get as high as second place at the checkered flag but remained philosophical about the result:

“I should have won that race but it wasn’t to be. I guess I should be happy given the problems we’ve had and at least we’ve had a good test for the European Championship race here next weekend,” said DiSalvo who was also hit with a fine for allegedly entering the track late for practice despite the timer showing two minutes left!

Jim DiSalvo summed up the weekend with one word:

“Theatrical! There has been a comedy of errors over the weekend but we’ve made light of the situation. This has been a good warm up for us next weekend and we feel very strong at the minute.”

But DiSalvo had better news after the race when he was approached by the officials as he explained:

“As a result of us doing well in the Czech Championship, the organisers have awarded Jason one of their country’s wild card entries at the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno on August 26th. Obviously GP racing is where we want to be so we’re happy to take the ride and in doing so, this will be our third European GP of the season. That’s another record I guess!” said Jim referring to the fact that his son is currently the youngest American to take part in 125cc and 250cc Grands Prix.