Karl Thomson and Billy Johnson fronted a five-deep Acura sweep in the ST class. (Photo: Fastlines/Greg Aleck)

ST: Thomson, Johnson Win for Kensai: In a tight Street Tuner class battle throughout the Fresh From Florida 200, Karl Thomson and Billy Johnson scored the season-opening victory in the No. 76 Kensai Racing Acura TSX after starting from the next-to-last position on the grid, as Acura claimed the top five finishing positions.

Technical inspection following Thursday's qualifying session revealed illegal bodywork on the No. 76 machine, erasing Thomson's second place qualifying effort and sending the machine to the back of the pack. Both Thomson and Johnson worked steadily through traffic throughout their stints to claim the victory.

"There was so much traffic out there it was like a freeway," said Thomson, who last scored a series victory in the 2005 finale at Virginia International Raceway. "Today, it was just awesome racing. We had a great package underneath us and Billy did an awesome job."

Johnson took the lead for good on Lap 62, when Travis Walker pulled up lame in the polesitting No. 75 Kensai Racing Acura TSX, misfortune that prevented a 1-2 Kensai sweep. Walker's bad luck proved to be Johnson's opportunity, as he led the final two laps en route to the win.

"Everyone on the team did a great job today," said Johnson. "Karl did awesome during the beginning of the race and the Kensai team had awesome pit strategy. I feel bad for the (No.) 75 guys, but it definitely feels good to win."

Kuno and Nick Wittmer claimed the final podium spot in the No. 32 i-MOTO Racing Acura TSX, and like the No. 76 team, battled through traffic after starting last on the grid. David Thilenius and Todd Lamb finished fourth in the No. 27 Bill Fenton Motorsports Acura RSX-S, followed by Roger Foo and Lee Niffenegger the No. 31 i-MOTO Racing Acura TSX. Polesitter Beau Buisson led a race-high 30 laps in the No. 75 Acura.

Next up for the KONI Challenge Series are back-to-back 400 km races at Homestead-Miami Speedway, April 14-15, and the brand-new Iowa Speedway, April 20-21.

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