Florida based driver Mishael Abbott endured a tough weekend at her 'local' IRL track as she finished a disappointing 13th in Sunday's Indy Pro Series season opener at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

After qualifying 15th of 16 cars on Saturday, Abbott's Michael Crawford Motorsports team even changed engines in an effort to bring the Florida Atlantic University and University of Indianapolis student closer to the pace.

However Abbott was never a contender in the 67-lap Miami 100 on Sunday morning at the 1.5-mile Homestead oval and finished a lap behind winner Jeff Simmons as the last but one car to complete the race.

“The team did their best but there just wasn't time to hone in on the adjustments needed to make the car perform better. We needed some laps with the new engine,” Abbott stated. “I was hoping for a better finish for all the local Florida fans, but unfortunately it was not to be,” she added.

Team boss Crawford noted, “Mishael is a talented driver and she made the most of what she had to work with. I can't wait for the next opportunity to put her in the car again. We know there is a better result out there for both of us.”

Abbott is seeking sponsorship support to complete the entire 2006 season.