Connor De Phillippi enjoyed a near perfect run this past weekend in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series Presented by Mazda at New Jersey Motorsports Park, winning both rounds of the third event doubleheader.

Coming into races 5 and 6 this weekend Connor only had a one point lead over Felipe Polehtto of Brazil.  This was an important weekend for the 16 year old Californian who place 6th last year in his first National Series.

Needing to finish on top to keep his first place standing became doubtful after Thursdays practice. His car wasn’t running well even after making changes in the pits. It started to rain during the last practice session and practice was canceled. They wouldn't know if they made the right changes until qualifying the next day.“I would work so hard to pass in the corners to only get passed back down the straight away”, said De Phillippi.The car was as good as it was going to be for the weekend and knew he had his work cut out for him.

Qualifying 6th for Saturdays race Connor felt confident in a top 3 finish “If I don’t make any mistakes, stay in the draft and take advantage of mistakes made by others I feel I have good chance to win, said De Phillippi.”

Feeling that his car wasn't quick enough to lead during the race he just stayed in the draft and let the drivers in front of him dice it out knowing he could pass for the win if he stayed within the top 4 positions. On the last lap he took advantage of mistakes made by Court Vernon and Bret Smrz to take the lead and the win.

Sundays race was also exciting qualifying 5th Connor knew again he needed to stay in the top 5 to have a chance for another win. 15 of the 21 competitors were all in one pack, either side-by-side or nose-to-tail throughout the entire race. The lead changed hands many times. Connor knowing his car didn't have the straight-away speed needed to be able to pull away from the pack stayed within the top 3 positions. With only a few laps to go sitting in second place behind the race leader, Sage Karan, Connor hoped for an opportunity to pass. Going into Turn Three Chicane, with two laps to go Karan bobbled and Connor took the lead to win the race again.

This weekends wins gives Connor a 21 point lead over Felipe Polehtto going into the next round July 17-19 at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

Check out the video action!

Over the past weekend Connor raced in round two of Skip Barbers National Series at Virginia International Raceway.  After Fridays qualify he would start 3rd for Saturday’s race. During the 11 lap race on this 3.27 mile road course first place changed hands a number of times between the top three drivers. On the last lap Bret Smrz takes the lead over Connor and it was a race to the checkered flag Bret Smrz nips Connor for the win by .067 of a second. What a great race between friends.

Connor qualified in the second starting position for Sunday’s race. Again, like Saturdays race the lead changed hands many times between the top 5 drivers. Unfortunately some drivers got into each other and Connor was hit and spun off the track. By the time he got back onto the track he was sitting 17th. Staying focused and determined Connor moves his way through the back of the pack toward the front. Due to time constraints the race was cut short Connor finishes with a respectable 9th place. After Sundays race Connor still is first place overall for the series. The next race is June 12 – 14 at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Check out video of the action!