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Camara praised despite crash

Conquest Racing boss Eric Bachelart was full of praise for Jaime Camara's performance at Richmond, even though the Brazilian rookie ultimately crashed out when potentially in line for the team's first podium since returning to the IRL IndyCar Series

Camara, who replaced the cash-strapped Franck Perera prior to Kansas in April, has had a difficult start to his IndyCar career - particularly during May, when a practice crash left him struggling to make the Indianapolis 500 field.

But despite another troubled qualifying at Richmond, in the race he showed his true potential by charging through the field in the early stages, then benefiting from an early pitstop to move into the lead when the rest of the front-runners pitted under yellow.

He then held his own at the front, leading 44 laps and staying in touching with Andretti Green duo Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan until crashing with 83 laps to go.

"As we have said before, we felt the team was up to scoring some good results and we proved tonight with Jaime that we have the performance in race trim," Bachelart said.

"He truly drove an amazing race and he impressed many people tonight. Jaime was able to pass many competitors on the outside, something you see only once in a while.

"Unfortunately, we did not have a happy ending but we will keep the momentum and we will try to finalise a good oval result in Nashville in two weeks."

Camara apologised for his crash and explained that he had been struggling with his tyres.

"The tyre wear is pretty abrupt here and the fuel load was getting lighter and lighter as was the car," he said.

"So I was neutral every lap and it was getting more and more neutral. I was trying with my tools inside the car to make the car better but I lost it on the exit of Turn 4. I feel sorry for the guys. It was going to be a great result, we needed that and now it's all gone."

But he added that despite ending the race in the wall, he was still delighted to have led for the first time.

"It felt great," Camara said. "It helps us build momentum and it's good for the team. I just wish I could have finished this race."

Camara's performance also earned praise from race-winner Kanaan, who is a close friend and mentor to his compatriot.

"He was driving the hell out of that car," Kanaan said. "I think for such a small team, he proved he has a lot of potential, even though he ended up in the wall.

"I feel his pain and I know the kid is talented. I think it shows pretty much what he can do.

"So much for teaching the kid: all of a sudden, you get all you teach him back."

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