JustRacing Features

IMS Productions to Provide World Challenge TV Production

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:48:25 PST

IMS Productions to Provide World Challenge TV Production
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 4, 2010) – WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing announced today that IMS Productions will produce the television broadcasts for the 2010 World Challenge® Championships. Each race, which will include segments from Internal Combustion Group, will air on Versus in HD.

As the media and technology partner to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, IMS Productions provides Emmy-Award winning production for the series, which also airs on Versus.

Internal Combustion Group, which post-produced the World Challenge broadcasts in 2009, will assist by providing in-show features as well as the announce crew including Tom Hnatiw, the long-time at-track voice of SCCA Pro Racing and World Challenge, and Greg Creamer, who has called televised World Challenge races for the last 10 years.

“We have a tremendous team producing our 2010 TV programming,” WC Vision VP, Marketing & Communications Dave Drimmie said. “IMS has a long track record of producing top-notch, high quality racing shows, and Hnatiw, Creamer and ICG know the series inside and out and will be able to give our fans intelligent and insightful World Challenge commentary, analysis and features.”

IMS Productions will manage production and provide the post-production of the broadcasts and deliver the product to Versus, in 63.8 million households across the US. The partnership between IMS Productions and World Challenge was a natural one, with the series joining the IRL IndyCar® Series at five venues.

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions is excited to be the Production and Technical Facility provider for the 2010 World Challenge HD telecasts on VERSUS,” IMS Productions Vice President and Executive Producer Brian Gordon said. “Five of the eight World Challenge race weekends are happening during IZOD IndyCar Series events, so it makes perfect sense to have our experienced production team capture the on-track action and finish the post-production at our state-of-the art HD facility across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We also look forward to working with the Internal Combustion Group to create compelling World Challenge content.”

Hnatiw and Creamer return to the booth, bringing the most knowledgeable and entertaining one-two punch in American road racing.

"We were thrilled with the prospect of working with IMS Productions in 2010 after an absolutely outstanding experience working with them only a little in 2009,” Internal Combustion Group President Hnatiw said. “The depth of talent at IMS is as good, or better, than any motorsports television organization on the planet.

"I can't wait to tackle this new format from a play-by-play broadcasting perspective. Then again, I've never been at a loss of words when it's about my favorite racing series."

The 2010 World Challenge Championships begin with a double-race weekend in St. Petersburg, Fla. as part of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 26-28. The two races will air in one program April 18 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) on Versus.

Posted On 2/4/10

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SCCA Convention Closes With Top Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:01:08 PST

SCCA Convention Closes With Top Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Jan. 31, 2010) – Sports Car Club of America concluded its 2010 National Convention Presented by Gumout at the South Point Hotel and Casino with the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Banquet Presented by Honda.

Five members were inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame, including former president Nick Craw, road racing legend Briggs Cunningham, longtime leader R. David Jones, former staff member and FIA steward Burdette “Berdie” Martin and rally pioneer Wayne Zitkus.

Additionally, the top awards for 2009 were presented, including:
Woolf Barnato Award (longtime organization contributions): Andy Porterfield
Member of Excellence (Club-wide contributions for 2009): Dave Deborde
Presidents Cup (Top Club Racing Runoffs Performance): Sam Halkias
John McGill Award (Top Club Racing Contribution): Fred Cummings
Solo Cup (Top Solo Contribution): Sandi Brown
Robert Ridges Award (Top RoadRally Contribution): Ron Ferris

The Saturday evening function capped three days of seminars and celebrations for SCCA. For the first time, the event included a series of seminars specifically for drivers and crew, including sessions on car construction, testing, shock absorbers, engines and fuel system additives. Speakers included famed SCCA members Joe Huffaker Jr. and Dan Binks.

SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert closed the event, declaring it a success to the 455 attendees.

For more information about SCCA, please visit www.scca.com.

Posted On 1/31/10

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Club Racing Awards Presented at SCCA Convention

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:30:02 PST

Club Racing Awards Presented at SCCA Convention
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Jan. 30, 2010) – Sports Car Club of America’s annual National Convention Presented by Gumout entered the home stretch Saturday, with top awards being presented at the Club Racing awards luncheon at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In addition to recognizing outgoing members of the Club Racing Board, the Time Trials Advisory Council and the Executive Stewards program, the following awards were presented:

Jim Fitzgerald Award (Top National Racing Rookie): Kevin Ruck, OVR
Kimberly Cup (Most Improved): Tom Ellis, Florida
Road Racing Drivers Club Mark Donohue Award: Michael Varacins, Chicago
Dave Morrell (Excellence in Stewarding): Tom Hoffman, DC Region
Martin Tanner Award (Courageous or Heroic action): Robert Anthony, Central Florida

The afternoon continues with more seminars, including a panel discussion by the Competitor Session speakers. The evening, and Convention, concludes Saturday evening with the Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony Presented by Honda.

For more information, please visit www.scca.com/convention.

Posted On 1/31/10

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SCCA Convention Rolls On, Solo and Rally Awards Presented

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:40:59 PST

SCCA Convention Rolls On, Solo and Rally Awards Presented
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Jan. 29, 2010) – Sports Car Club of America’s annual National Convention Presented by Gumout completed its second day on Friday at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, highlighted by a series of racer-related seminars and the Tire Rack Rally/Solo Awards Luncheon.

Hosted by Hall of Fame member Roger Johnson, the awards ceremony honored excellence in RallyCross, RoadRally and Solo competition and organization in the 2009 season.

The winners were:

RoadRally
Arthur Gervais Award: Steve Gaddy’s Lobster Traps Rally, DC Region
Manufacturer of the Year: Subaru
Divisional Achievement Award: Northeast Division
Regional Achievement Award: Indianapolis Region
RoadRally Photo Contest 1st Place: Dave Head
RoadRally Photo Contest 2nd Place: Betsy Edwards
RoadRally Photo Contest 3rd Place: Dave Head

RallyCross
Divisional Achievement Award: Rocky Mountain Division
Regional Achievement Award: New England Region
RallyCross Photo Contest 1st Place: Marnie Swoom
RallyCross Photo Contest 2nd Place: Candy Gerber
RallyCross Photo Contest 3rd Place: Mark Walker

Solo
Driver of Eminence: Tom Berry, Cal Club
Johnson Spirit of the Sport: Mike McClintock, Detroit Region
Driver of the Year: Clemens Berger, Indianapolis Region
Rookie of the Year: Katie Nicholls, San Diego Region
Divisional of the Year: Central Division

More than 450 members have registered for the 2010 SCCA National Convention Presented by Gumout—the annual gathering of the Club’s leadership.

For more information, please visit www.scca.com/convention.

Posted On 1/29/10

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Solo Contingency Programs and Online Registration Now Available

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:17:44 PST

Solo Contingency Programs and Online Registration Now Available
By Eric Prill

TOPEKA, Kan. (Jan. 25, 2010) – While the first event of the 2010 Tire Rack SCCA National Solo program is still a month and a half away, participants can register to be eligible for thousands of dollars in contingency payouts today, with SCCA’s new online contingency registration program.

Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo National Series

As part of its across-the-board Platinum SCCA contingency program, Volkswagen offers both event and year-end prizes for drivers finishing in the top three in either class or Super Challenge competition. Drivers taking a class win in one of 16 eligible classes earn $200. Should they take the Super Challenge, they win $500.

Honda also pays $500 for a Super, Ladies or Honda Tuner Challenge win in each event, and $150 for a class win.

In eight classes, Bridgestone will post $500 to the winner of the Super Challenge, as well as a top three finish in class. Win a season-long class or Super Challenge title, and take home another $1,000.

Toyo Tires matches Bridgestone’s posting for Tire Rack ProSolo Street Touring® participants with its Silver level Contingency program.

iRacing.com Motorsports Simulations continues to pay the top three finishers in every class of ProSolo and National Tour competition a $15 iRacing credit.

Longtime SCCA supporter Hawk Performance offers up $100 in product credit to any class or Super Challenge winner using Hawk brake pads.

Hoosier, Mazdaspeed and TRD each post Bronze level programs, meaning registration and redemption are handled through those companies directly.

Hoosier offers two tires for a class win and one for a second-place finish. Event Super Challenge, year-end point Champions and Finale class winners each take four tires with a win.

Mazdaspeed will again pay out class, Challenge and year-end awards ranging from $200 for a class event win to $800 for a point championship. Likewise, TRD will pay class and year-end awards ranging from $200 to $1,000 for competitors in Toyota vehicles.

Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour

In Tire Rack Solo National Tour competition, Volkswagen will pay $200 for a class win and $100 for second place for VW drivers in any of 34 eligible classes.

Bridgestone, Toyo and Yokohama will each pay out top three finishes in the ST classes, with $300 going to the winner.

AST Suspension is a new contingency sponsor, offering first and fifth-place finishers in eligible classes product certificates, with a $750 award going to class winners.

Like AST, Hoosier and Mazdaspeed also offer Bronze packages. Winners on Hoosier tires win a pair of tires, with a single tire going to second-place finishers. Mazda will pay a Tour class winner $200 for a win and $100 for a second place finish.

In addition to the National program contingencies, Bridgestone and Toyo Tires have also posted programs for the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Solo Championships.

For complete details on all of these contingency programs, visit www.scca.com/solo and click the “contingencies” link. A link for online registration is available there as well.

The 2010 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour begins March 13, in Cecil, Ga. The Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo National Series begins April 17, in El Toro, Calif.

Posted On 1/29/10

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SCCA National Convention Begins in Las Vegas

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:14:18 PST

SCCA National Convention Begins in Las Vegas
By Eric Prill

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Jan. 28, 2010) – Sports Car Club of America’s Annual National Convention Presented by Gumout began Thursday morning at the South Point Hotel and Casino with a series of seminars for interested SCCA members. The three-day event features the SCCA Annual Membership Meeting Thursday afternoon as well as a series of awards luncheons and the Annual Hall of Fame induction Saturday night.

Thursday’s luncheon featured leadership and Regional achievement awards from 2009. The winners were as follows:

Tom Burke Award for Regional Growth
Small Regions – Guam Region
Medium Regions – South Jersey Region
Large Regions – Philadelphia Region
Jumbo Regions – Milwaukee Region

Region Communication Awards (Web and Newsletter Excellence)
First Place: Atlanta Region
Second Place: Kansas City Region
Third Place: South Jersey Region
Honorable Mention: Northeast Oklahoma Region and Pan American Region

Region Achievement (Overall program excellence including growth, retention and variety of program and events)
Small Regions: Salina Region
Medium Regions: Blackhawk Valley Region
Large Regions: Northern New Jersey Region
Jumbo Regions: Colorado Region

Nearly 450 of SCCA’s member leaders are in attendance for this year’s SCCA National Convention Presented by Gumout. The rest of Thursday features the President’s Report, the Annual Meeting and Town Hall and the Welcome Reception Presented by Mazda.

Posted On 1/29/10

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Wittmer Joins Woodhouse Performance for 2010 World Challenge Effort

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:12:26 PST

Wittmer Joins Woodhouse Performance for 2010 World Challenge Effort
By Eric Prill

BLAIR, Neb. (Jan. 28, 2010) – Woodhouse Performance announced today that Montreal’s Kuno Wittmer will pilot the team’s No. 13 Dodge Viper Competition Coupe in the 2010 World Challenge GT Championship.

The team is entering its seventh year of competition in the World Challenge GT series, which begins its season with a double race weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., March 26-28.

"We are thrilled to have Kuno in our Dodge Viper full time,” Woohouse Performance owner Bob Woodhouse said. "His past experience in multiple levels of competition along with the solid foundation this team has established will produce a great combination for success. We're on track to deliver great results for the 2010 season.”

“It is a great feeling and a dream come true, to be part of this effort,” four-time World Challenge Touring Car race winner Wittmer said. “The team and I are really looking forward to a strong off season testing program in order to be as competitive as possible."

Officials of Dodge Motorsports and Woodhouse Performance are pleased to continue their alliance. Matt Bejnarowicz of Pure Dynamics will provide engineering support and Rick Maxwell will serve as Crew Chief. The team hopes to announce the driver of its second factory-built Dodge Viper Competition Coupe soon.

“We’re excited about working with Dodge Motorsports,” Team Director of Operations Susan Dunklau said. “They’ve built a very solid World Challenge Series program over the past several seasons. We’re looking forward to working with Kuno.”

Wittmer made one start with the team in 2009, earning a front row starting spot at Road America. For more information, please visit www.woodhouseperformance.com.

For additional World Challenge information, including a television schedule for the series on Versus, please visit www.world-challenge.com.

Posted On 1/29/10

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2010 World Challenge Competition Classes Take Shape

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:20:41 PST

2010 World Challenge Competition Classes Take Shape
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Jan. 15, 2010) – After revealing a broader and more cost effective set of class specifications for the 2010 World Challenge Championships, SCCA Pro Racing has issued a preliminary list of eligible cars and class designations. Included in the listings are those cars eligible for the new GTS category.

The GTS class was created to attract vehicles not previously eligible or competitive for World Challenge competition. Many Touring Cars built prior to the 2010 rules package will fit easily into the new GTS class.

As previously announced in December, the Touring Car and Touring Car 2 classes will merge in 2010, forming one Touring Car class that will adhere to the TC2 rule set. Those Touring Car teams who do not wish to move to the GTS class may instead request to have their pre-2010 Touring Car updated to the new rules.

A preliminary list of eligible cars for Touring Car and GTS are available at www.world-challenge.com/competitors/archived.php. The list of eligible GT cars has remained largely unchanged and can also be found on the series Web site. All three lists are capable of growing throughout the season; cars not listed must first request a class assignment and undergo the homologation process before competing.

Current and prospective teams who need any assistance or clarifications regarding class designations and rule packages may contact the SCCA Pro Racing Technical Department at 785-357-7223.

The 2010 SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge season will begin March 26 – 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., alongside the IZOD Indy Racing Series. The 2010 World Challenge season will air on VERSUS.

Posted On 1/15/10

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Gumout Named Presenting Sponsor of SCCA National Convention

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:23:37 PST

Gumout Named Presenting Sponsor of SCCA National Convention
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Jan. 11, 2010) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. announced today that Gumout® has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2010 SCCA National Convention, the annual meeting of Club leadership held in Las Vegas, Jan. 28-30, 2010.

The meeting sponsorship is the first component of a multi-faceted marketing program that will be fully revealed at the SCCA National Convention Presented by Gumout.

“We’re very pleased to announce that Gumout has come on in a major way with our 2010 National Convention,” SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “Our convention is the most important non-competition event we have each year, where the best ideas and practices are shared from key member leaders across the country.”

Established in 1945, Gumout is a maker of top-line fuel system and injector cleaners as well as fuel system additives and maintenance fluids and aerosols. One of the most recognizable names in fuel system cleaners and additives, Gumout products are sold by automotive retailers nationwide.

As part of its Convention program, Gumout will be on site as an exhibitor and will take part in the new group of seminars geared toward SCCA racers.

“We’re excited to begin our relationship with SCCA, and there is no better place to do that than at the National Convention, which brings the Club Racing, Rally and Solo programs together in one location,” Gumout Brand Manager Rusty Waples said. “We look forward to this year’s National Convention Presented by Gumout and to meeting the great members of SCCA.”

The 2010 SCCA National Convention Presented by Gumout will take place at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 28-30. The event is kicked off with the traditional annual membership meeting on Thursday, followed by a series of intriguing seminars for leaders and racers alike. Each day features a special awards luncheon, and the three-day Convention is capped off with the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Presented by Honda.

To register for the SCCA National Convention Presented by Gumout or for more information, including a detailed event schedule, go to www.scca.com/convention.

For more information about Gumout and its line of products, please visit www.gumout.com.

About Gumout
Since 1945, Gumout® performance chemicals have delivered cutting-edge technology to help motorists get the most from every mile, with products blended specifically to clean, protect, and enhance critical vehicle parts. Gumout is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.a The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®, a portfolio of leading car care brands and Jiffy Lube® lubrication services.

Posted On 1/11/10

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SafeRacer Named Sponsor of SCCA National Racing Series

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:30:17 PST

SafeRacer Named Sponsor of SCCA National Racing Series
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 31, 2009) – Sports Car Club of America announced a multi-year partnership in which SafeRacer will become the title sponsor of the National Club Racing program. The approximately 70-race National program will be referred to as the “SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series” beginning in 2010.

“SafeRacer has supported the Club Racing program in various ways over the last several years and we’re excited that it has expanded its support to become the sponsor of the National Racing Series,” SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “One of our main focuses this year will be on developing partnerships that not only support SCCA’s business, but its participant members as well.”

As part of the sponsorship, SafeRacer will provide $15,000 in certificates to be distributed to class Champions in the nationwide point championship. The nationwide point Championship combines divisional Championship points and bonus points for the number of racers a driver finishes ahead of to crown one overall point Champion each year.

In addition, SafeRacer will offer direct product discounts to participants in the SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series.

“We are a company made up of SCCA racers and we’re excited to be able to support our fellow racers with the SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series,” SafeRacer CEO Charlie James said.

Racers competing in Nationally-sanctioned events will replace the traditional “SCCA Club Racing” decal with the new SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series decal as part of the program. Decals will be available soon at no charge for the first set and will be required for all races after March 1, 2010.

Profiles

SCCA
Founded in 1944, Sports Car Club of America, Inc. is a 50,000 member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. It annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 114 regions and professional subsidiary. Landmark events and series for the Club include the SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series; the Club Racing National Championship Runoffs® at Road America; and The Tire Rack® SCCA Solo National Championships and ProSolo Championship at Lincoln, Neb. For more information, please visit www.scca.com.

SAFERACER
Located in Neosho, Mo., SafeRacer is the country’s number one source for racing safety equipment. Featuring products from the highest quality manufacturers, including HANS, Alpine Stars, Sparco, Oakley, Arai, G-Force, Bell, Simpson and FAST, SafeRacer has a great variety of helmets, suits, gloves, shoes, underwear and seats for every budget. SafeRacer’s 25,000 square-foot facility includes more than $1million in inventory. To satisfy your safety needs, visit www.saferacer.com.

Posted On 12/31/09

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MX-5 Cup Changes Road America Date

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:59:05 PST

MX-5 Cup Changes Road America Date
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 22, 2009) – Following the announcement that the NASCAR Nationwide Series will race at Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wis., for the first time in the legendary track’s history, Mazda has revealed that the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup will now participate in the June 18 – 20 weekend, in place of the previously announced Road America date.

When the 2010 MX-5 Cup schedule was previously announced, Road America appeared as Round Eight, on Aug. 20 – 22. With the addition of the Nationwide Series to the 2010 Road America calendar, Mazda has chosen to move the MX-5 Cup race to the June 18 – 20 weekend. It will be the first time MX-5 Cup has raced alongside the Nationwide Series. MX-5 Cup will complete a line up that also includes the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series.

“Though we hate to change the schedule so soon after announcing it at PRI, switching the Road America dates had several benefits,” Alternative Marketing Manager for Mazda North American Operations Jim Jordan said. “Having raced on the August weekend at Road America for the past two years, we know how full that schedule can be, putting track time at a premium. Taking MX-5 Cup to the new June event with Nationwide will ensure the teams have all the track time they need, not to mention a huge crowd on hand to watch.”

“MX-5 Cup always puts on a good show at Road America, so we’re happy they could join us for this exciting new weekend,” Road America President George Bruggenthies said. “With the addition of this great spec series, the Road America 200 weekend is shaping up to be a great show for race fans.”

The SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup will continue to hold a total of 11 races at eight venues.

Posted On 12/22/09

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Club Racing Contingency Programs for 2010 Now Posted

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:55:53 PST

Club Racing Contingency Programs for 2010 Now Posted
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 22, 2009) – With a new season of racing just around the corner, SCCA Club Racers can now begin to register for contingency programs.

Three auto manufacturers, Volkswagen of America, Mazda North American Operations and Toyota/TRD have committed to contingency programs in 2010. Volkswagen will make payments to top-three finishers in selected National classes, paying as much as $1500 for a win. Additionally, Volkswagen is offering $150 for a Regional race win in nine classes. Mazda will also make payouts to eligible drivers who finish in the top three at a National Club race. Those payments more than double for a podium finish at the June Sprints. Bonus money from Mazda and Volkswagen is available for a Divisional Championship as well. Toyota will reward either $800 or $400 for a National race win depending on which class the victory came in.

Four tire makers are in the 2010 contingency mix, with Toyo, BFGoodrich, Goodyear and Hoosier all posting programs. As the spec tire for the Spec Miata class, Toyo will pay prize money to the top eight finishers at every National race, plus award each eligible Divisional Champion with $1,500. Posting in five classes, BFG will award race winners with two free tires and second-place finishers with one free tire. Goodyear will also award two free tires to race winners in select classes. Free tires are also to be won by eligible Hoosier drivers, who will earn two free tires for a win and one free tire for finishing second.

A new contingency sponsor, TreadZone.com, is also ready to help drivers get their hands on some tires and wheels. Posting in all National and Regional classes, TreadZone has developed a point system by which drivers can accumulate points to use toward purchases on tires and wheels at TreadZone.com. Eligible drivers can even earn bonus points by making purchases at TreadZone.com or by submitting national racing publications in which their car appears. The program also offers the potential to win free Toyo, BFG and Hankook Tires, plus Team Dynamics wheels, at the end of the season. Full details on the TreadZone contingency program are available on the SCCA Web site.

AST Suspension is another new name to the contingency roster. Drivers in select classes do not necessarily need to finish on the podium to collect prizes with this new program. AST is offering a $500 product certificate for a race win and a $250 product certificate for finishing fifth.

The iRacing.com program for National and Regional Club Racing has gone unchanged. The program continues to offer registered drivers a $15 iRacing.com credit for finishing in the top three, or a free one-month subscription to iRacing.com for those who are not already members.

With the addition of Touring 3 to their program, Summit Racing Equipment will post in eight National classes in 2010. The performance parts retailer is offering $125 for a race win, $75 for a runner-up finish and $50 for a third-place finish to eligible drivers.

Contingency registration forms and detailed information on these programs are now posted at www.scca.com. Select the Club Racing tab and then “contingencies” from the left-hand menu. Drivers should read the program requirements carefully and be sure to have the necessary paperwork turned in before their first event.

Keep checking www.scca.com for additional Club Racing contingencies as they become available.

Posted On 12/22/09

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Toyo Tires Selects Dawn Jaro as World Challenge Fan Focus Model Search Winner

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:51:06 PST

Toyo Tires Selects Dawn Jaro as World Challenge Fan Focus Model Search Winner
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 22, 2009) – From a field of more than 30 young women, Toyo Tires has selected Dawn Jaro, of Suwanee, Ga., as the 2009 World Challenge Fan Focus Model Search contest winner.

A joint promotion between Toyo Tires and Performance Auto and Sound Magazine, the Fan Focus Model Search accepts applications from aspiring young models looking for the chance to become an official World Challenge promotional model. From the hundreds of applicants, only three ladies are selected per event to work alongside World Challenge teams and fans. Following the conclusion of the racing season, the list is narrowed down to 10 women, from which Toyo Tires selects one lucky winner to receive a free Web site from ModelsDesired.com (a $599 value) and an interview with Toyo for a coveted promotional modeling contract.

Twenty-seven year old Jaro was selected as the top model of 2009. Jaro already had a great deal of experience as a promotional model at automotive events before her work with World Challenge at Road Atlanta. Staff and fans were impressed with her poise in the fast-paced track environment and photographers found her a natural in front of the camera.

“The Fan Focus Model Search always attracts an impressive field of modeling talent,” Toyo Tires Manager of Events and Motorsports Stan Chen said. “Selecting a winner gets harder every year, but we felt that Dawn’s credentials and the ease with which she adapted to each task handed her, gave her an edge.”

With the race they attended in parentheses, the models joining Jaro in the top 10 are: Emily Sutta (Road America), Gina Latino (Mazda Raceway), Ina Prifti (Mid-Ohio), Kimmi Kight (Long Beach), Mercedes Montalvo (Road Atlanta), Michelle Sacco (Road Atlanta), Nicole O’Connell (New Jersey), Paris Fillmore (Sebring) and Samantha Goldsmith (Watkins Glen). Each of the top 10 finalists will receive a free web modeling portfolio from ModelsDesired.com, a $250 value. All remaining models will be provided with a $150 gift certificate for a ModelsDesired.com Web Modeling Portfolio.

The 2010 Fan Focus Model Search will be launched shortly at www.world-challenge.com/modelsearch.

Posted On 12/22/09

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RallyCross 2010 Contingency Programs Now Available

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:48:28 PST

RallyCross 2010 Contingency Programs Now Available
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 22, 2009) – The start of the 2010 SCCA RallyCross National Challenge season is less than a month away, which is still plenty of time to register for 2010 RallyCross contingency programs.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. will continue its program in 2010 and post prize money for all classes. The German marque is offering registered Volkswagen drivers $200 for a class win and $100 for a runner-up finish.

Subaru will also return in 2010, offering prize money to registered competitors in the three All-Wheel Drive categories. Payouts will be offered to top-three finishers with $300 awarded for a win. Prize money more than doubles at the Eastern and Western States Championships where a win will net $750, and increases once again for the RallyCross National Championship, where Subaru is prepared to award $1,250 for a win.

Posting in the Prepared and Modified classes, Team Dynamics is posting a $100 product certificate for a win on their wheels and a $50 certificate for finishing second. Those values increase to $200 and $100, respectively, at the RallyCross National Championship.

Registration forms and full program details are available at www.scca.com/rally by selecting “Contingencies” from the left-side menu. Drivers are encouraged to review program requirements carefully to ensure full compliance. To be eligible for contingency prizes, drivers must register for each program prior to their first event. More programs will be posted as they become available.

Posted On 12/22/09

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Trans-Am Joins Nationwide Series at Road America

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:02:01 PST

Trans-Am Joins Nationwide Series at Road America
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 21, 2009) – The SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series will join the NASCAR Nationwide Series for its recently announced event at Road America, June 18 - 20.

Following the announcement that the Nationwide Series will add a third road race to its schedule when it heads to Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wis., on June 18 – 20, the Trans-Am Series is pleased to announce that it will join the bill for the Road America 200 weekend.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series,” SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Robert Wildberger said. “NASCAR puts on a spectacular show and brings with it a strong and dedicated fan base. The thunderous racing that is Trans-Am will fit in well with the Nationwide Series. I anticipate our Trans-Am fans will witness some great racing over the weekend.”

The Trans-Am Series is tentatively scheduled to practice on Friday, qualify before Saturday’s Nationwide race and close out the weekend by headlining Sunday’s events.

“We’re thrilled that Trans-Am will be a part of the Road America 200 weekend lineup,” Road America President George Bruggenthies said. “Trans-Am has been a big part of Road America’s history and will continue to be as it joins us for our first Nationwide event.”

Now entering its 43rd season, Trans-Am has held more races at Road America than any other track. The series has made the trip to Elkhart Lake, Wis., for 36 consecutive years (1970 – 2005) and returned in 2009.

While the 2009 Trans-Am season concluded at Road America, in 2010, the four-mile track slots in between events at Miller Motorsports Park and Lime Rock Park. Eight races of the planned 10-race schedule have now been announced.

Posted On 12/21/09

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SCCA RallyCross National Challenge Schedule Released

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:08:44 PST

SCCA RallyCross National Challenge Schedule Released
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 18, 2009) – The 2010 SCCA RallyCross National Challenge schedule is now available, though several dates remain tentative. The schedule is highlighted by a return to Fountain, Colo., for the 2010 SCCA RallyCross National Championship, which moves to August.

The 2010 SCCA RallyCross National Challenge season is composed of a dozen events which span the entire continental U.S., from New England to the Pacific Coast and from the Midwest to the Deep South. Several dates and sites have yet to be secured, so participants are encouraged to keep checking the SCCA Web site for updates.

The RallyCross National Championship will return to the U.S. Truck Driving School in Fountain, Colo., in 2010. To avoid the snow and ice of the 2009 event, the 2010 RallyCross National Championship will move to a summer date, Aug. 20 – 22.

“We enjoy the elements in RallyCross, but what we experienced at the RallyCross National Championship this year was a bit extreme,” SCCA Rally Manager Pego Mack said. “By moving the event to August, we can expect more comfortable weather. Plus, those that bring their families with them can turn it into a summer vacation trip.”

The U.S. Truck Driving School was chosen to host the RallyCross National Championship for a second year in-a-row thanks to its excellent hardpack under gravel surface that offers minimal degradation. The site is also near Colorado Springs, which offers plenty of lodging, dining and attractions. Many comments were paid to the Colorado and Continental Divide Regions, whose combined efforts allowed two courses to be run simultaneously.

“The Colorado and Continental Divide Regions did a tremendous job with last year’s Championship,” Mack added. “Ken Cashion and crew were also key to the success of the event and I know Ken and his team are already plotting for 2010.”

Posted On 12/18/09

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SCCA Names Key Events, Adjusts Points Criteria for Super Sweep Award

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:10:58 PST

SCCA Names Key Events, Adjusts Points Criteria for Super Sweep Award
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 17, 2009) – Sports Car Club of America has selected the nine National races that will serve as qualifiers for the 2010 SCCA Club Racing Super Sweep Award. Additionally, it has been revealed that, while it will continue to serve as a leg of the Super Sweep, the National Championship Runoffs will no longer be counted toward the nationwide point standings.

The SCCA Club Racing Super Sweep Award was created in 2009 and is the most difficult accomplishment a driver can achieve. To win the award, a driver must complete all four tasks in the same class, those tasks being: win one of nine key National races, win a divisional class championship, be named class champion in the nationwide points championship and win the SCCA National Championship Runoffs.

The nine key races for the 2010 race season are as follows:

Jan. 24 – Auto Club Speedway (SoPac)
March 6 – Texas World Speedway (Southwest)*
March 20 – Thunderhill (NorPac)*
March 21 – Road Atlanta (Southeast)
May 2 – Heartland Park Topeka (Midwest)
May 23 – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Great Lakes)
June 27 – Road America June Sprints (Central)
July 3 – High Plains Raceway (Rocky Mountain)*
July 11 – Watkins Glen International (Northeast)
* - Double race weekend, must win first race

While five of the selected races remain the same as last year, several were moved to reflect events that attracted large car counts, and good competition, in 2009.

The nationwide point structure, which awarded base points per the GCR and a bonus point for each starting car a driver beat, previously included the National Championship Runoffs, which awarded double base points and put no cap on bonus points. To simplify the process, the Runoffs have been removed from the nationwide point standings, thereby ensuring that winning the race will be the sole factor in determining whether a driver has completed the Super Sweep.

“Winning the Super Sweep continues to be a very difficult achievement,” SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “The drivers who can run the table and complete all four requirements of the Super Sweep are truly exceptional.”

Seven drivers earned the SCCA Club Racing Super Sweep Award in its inaugural season: Garry Crook (DSR), Cliff Ebben (GT-1), Joel Lipperini (SSC), Juan Marchand (FM), Mark Mercer (S2000), Mirl Swan (FA) and Michael Varacins (FV). More information on the Super Sweep, including the latest nationwide point standings as they become available, can be found by selecting “National” from the left-hand menu at www.scca.com/club.

Posted On 12/17/09

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Additional Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Broadcast Dates Released

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:15:03 PST

Additional Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Broadcast Dates Released
By Volkswagen America

HERNDON, Va. (Dec. 16, 2009) – Beginning January 18, the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup documentary, “Racing Under Green” will begin airing on the Discovery Communications networks. Additionally, broadcast dates and times for the remainder of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup race season on SPEED have been set.

“Racing Under Green,” a one-hour documentary film about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season will air multiple times across Discovery Communications networks. A preview of the documentary is already available online, as Volkswagen has released the long-form trailer on YouTube. To view the trailer, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnHaIVGou8U.

2009 “Racing Under Green” Documentary Film Broadcast Schedule
(All times Eastern, check local listings for channel information)

January 18th @ 2 a.m. on Discovery Channel (Premiere)
January 19th @ 9 p.m. on Planet Green
January 22nd @ 7 a.m. on Science Channel
January 24th @ 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. on HD Theater
January 25th @ 6 p.m. on HD Theater
January 29th @ 3 p.m. and 5 a.m. on HD Theater
January 30th @ 8 a.m. on HD Theater

Race coverage of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season has already been airing on SPEED TV. Three more broadcasts are now scheduled for the coming weeks (all times Eastern, check local listings for channel information):

December 20th @ 5:30 p.m. – Race #7, Mosport International Raceway
January 3rd @ 6 p.m. – Race #8 & #9, New Jersey Motorsports Park
January 3rd @ 6:30 p.m. – Race #10, Road Atlanta

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup
The SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was launched in 2008 as way to introduce clean diesel technology to the U.S. market and develop the best of motorsport’s up-and-coming talent. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) compete on road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s. Each driver competing in the series earns a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion receives Volkswagen factory career advancement support with a value up to $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Posted On 12/16/09

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Mazda Releases 2010 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Schedule

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:22:18 PST

Mazda Releases 2010 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Schedule
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 14, 2009) – MAZDASPEED chose the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show to announce the 2010 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup schedule. The 2010 schedule keeps with the theory of the latest MX-5 vehicle updates; making small changes to an already strong product.

In creating the 2010 schedule, Mazda sought to reduce travel costs for MX-5 Cup teams while increasing the amount of track time. It was also important to minimize conflicts with other major race weekends and give MX-5 Cup participants the opportunity to experience the best race tracks in North America. With a total of 11 races on eight weekends, it appears as though Mazda has done just that.

“Developing a schedule is a complex task and Mazda appreciates the efforts of the tracks and sanctioning bodies in meeting our racers needs,” Alternative Marketing Manager for Mazda North American Operations Jim Jordan said. “The use of three doubleheader weekends allows our teams to maximize race time, while minimizing travel costs. With our partners at Playboy, BFGoodrich Tires, and SCCA Pro Racing, we have a well developed program and are looking forward to another great year of racing.”

The 2010 MX-5 Cup season will begin where 2009 ended, in Alton, Va., at VIRginia International Raceway. MX-5 Cup will race alongside the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series on April 23 - 25.

The series has a quick trip south to Braselton, Ga., the following weekend. There, MX-5 Cup will take part in the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta for the fourth year in-a-row, April 30 – May 2.

MX-5 Cup will return to its birthplace, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, in Monterey, Calif., May 21 – 23. Round Three of the series will be a part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships Presented by Patron with the American Le Mans Series.

The first of three doubleheaders will take place at New Jersey Motorsports Park, in Millville, N.J., June 25 – 27. MX-5 Cup will once again be part of an all-Mazdaspeed weekend.

The series will have a month off before the next doubleheader, July 30 – Aug. 1, at Autobahn Country Club, located just outside of Chicago, Ill. Like New Jersey, the event will host all of the Mazdaspeed Ladder series, including two MX-5 Cup races.

MX-5 Cup then begins a northward trek, first stopping at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., Aug. 20 – 22, before crossing the Canadian border the following weekend to race at Mosport international Raceway, Aug. 27 – 29. Both events are with the American Le Mans Series.

Just like 2009, the 2010 season will end with a doubleheader. Rounds 10 and 11 will be held at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. The MX-5 Cup finale will run alongside the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series finale, Sept. 10 – 12.

Races from the 2009 MX-5 Cup season continue to air in syndication on various cable and satellite networks. A full schedule is available on the series Web site. All MX-5 Cup TV programming form the 2009 season is also available on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/MazdaMX5Cup). The latest MX-5 Cup news is available at www.mx-5cup.com and on Twitter @MazdaMX5Cup.

Posted On 12/14/09

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Volkswagen Announces "Racing Under Green" Broadcast Schedule

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:19:43 PST

Volkswagen Announces "Racing Under Green" Broadcast Schedule
By Volkswagen of America

HERNDON, Va. (Dec. 14, 2009) – In motorsports, there’s more to the action than what’s seen on the track by fans. Beginning the week of January 18, all of the behind-the-scenes drama of the country’s only professional clean diesel racing series will hit national television with a documentary on the season, titled “Racing Under Green."

The 60-minute documentary takes an inside look at all of the elements that make the series unique. During the season, a broadcast crew followed the series’ 25 drivers and key leadership on track and off to capture the personalities behind the wheel of the equally-prepared Jetta TDI Cup racecars. The documentary was shot in high definition and also explores the environmentally-friendly aspects of the series, from biodiesel blends used to power the cars on the racetrack to the series’ support of CarbonFund.org. The documentary will air at various times on Discovery Communications’ Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Planet Green, and HD Theater from January 18-31. Check local cable listings for channel information and broadcast times.

“We’re really pleased with the broadcast products that have been produced on the 2009 series, and I think that it’s going to make for some great TV,” said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The film crew followed some of our drivers to their hometowns, so viewers will get to see many of the drivers’ stories away from the race track. There are also many behind-the-scenes elements of our series that even people who are at the racetrack don’t see, and these broadcasts will really let people take a look inside the Jetta TDI Cup.”

Volkswagen is currently accepting driver applications for the 2010 season at www.vwmotorsportusa.com. Potential driver candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 26 as of January 1, 2010 and hold a passport from the U.S., Canada or Mexico. In addition, drivers entering the series for the first time must not have competed in any professional racing series regardless of location. Applicants must submit their application along with a season entry fee of $45,000 by December 11, 2009 in order to be considered as a candidate. The entry fee will be fully refunded to those not chosen as a 2010 series driver.

From the driver applications, up to 125 candidates will be selected to attend the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup final driver selection event that will be held February 7-9 in Las Vegas. This event will determine the 25-driver lineup for the 2010 season. The final driver selection event includes three days of professional driving instruction, autocross competition, track time in a Jetta TDI Cup car, physical fitness training, a sponsorship development workshop, marketing and media training, and Volkswagen brand familiarization.

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup
The SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was launched in 2008 as way to introduce clean diesel technology to the U.S. market and develop the best of motorsport’s up-and-coming talent. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) compete on road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s. Each driver competing in the series earns a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion receives Volkswagen factory career advancement support with a value up to $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:

www.vwmotorsportusa.com

www.tditruthanddare.com

Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VWJettaTDICup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ca

Posted On 12/14/09

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BMW CCA Club Racing Expands Classes

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:43:24 PST

BMW CCA Club Racing Expands Classes
By Mark Dadgar, BMW CCA Club Racing Staff

Greenville, SC (December 11, 2008) -- BMW CCA Club Racing is delighted to announce that beginning in 2009 it will accept BMW race cars prepared to other sanctioning bodies’ class rules. These cars will run within their foreign classes at BMW CCA Club Racing-sanctioned events.

BMW CCA Club Racing has a well-defined set of rules with five preparation levels and classes that were designed to be inclusive, providing a place for members to race their cars. Currently there are some provisions for BMWs that may not meet the specific preparation requirements to participate within the existing class structure. The change maintains the BMW CCA Club Racing classes while welcoming BMW’s prepared to other road racing classes as well.

The non-BMW CCA Club Racing classes will be integrated into the program following the BMW CCA Club Racing rules with one exception; they will not be eligible for National Championship points. However, they will participate for Regional Championships in their respective classes; this is, of course, independent of the sanctioning body for whose class the car is prepared.

While BMW CCA Club Racings preparation levels and classes have a place for all race prepared BMWs, this change recognizes several factors: 1) The BMW CCA Club Racing program is limited. With only 40 events per year there may not be enough activity in the area near the members to warrant their preparing a car to the BMW CCA Club Racing rules and another sanctioning body may provide more events locally. With this change they can participate in both their local series and the BMW CCA Club Racing series equally. 2) When prepared to other sanctioning bodies rules the drivers may be disadvantaged when classed with cars fully prepared to the BMW CCA Club Racing rules. With this change drivers can participate in two series with the same preparation rules. 3) The potential for larger fields at any given event provides excitement for the participants and incentive for the promoters.

About BMW CCA Club Racing
Founded in 1995, BMW CCA Club Racing offers all BMW CCA licensed club racers a competitive driving experience conducted in a fun, safe, and friendly environment for all types of factory authorized or constructed BMWs. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com

About BMW CCA
The BMW Car Club of America has over 76,000 members and 65 chapters within the United States. BMW CCA's mission is to enhance the BMW experience for its members by providing services, support, information, and activities that promote camaraderie and encourage social awareness and responsibility. The BMW CCA National Office may be reached at (864) 250-0022.

Contact:
Mark Dadgar
Marketing Director, BMW CCA Club Racing
mark@justracing.com
(408) 348-2878

Posted On 12/11/08

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New SPEED TC Rules Package to Cut Costs, Development

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:13:23 PST

New SPEED TC Rules Package to Cut Costs, Development
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 23, 2008) – SCCA Pro Racing has released changes to its 2009 rules package for the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Championship, designed to reduce both engineering development and cost to race teams.

“When I first took on this job less than a year ago, one of the main things that was evident was the need to scale back the investment necessary to run at the front of Touring Car,” SCCA Technical and Competition Director Ken Tripkos said. “The racing at the front of the series is outstanding and we have dedicated teams doing an excellent job. However, both real and perceived costs have diminished the size of the overall field and that needs to be addressed.”

The new rules package reduces both permitted suspension modifications and overall power output of the engines.

New cars for 2009 will retain stock suspension pickup points and the overall ride height will be raised from 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches.

“Much of the developmental cost and engineering in a Touring Car is in the chassis and suspension,” Tripkos said. “With the previous ability to relocate suspension pickup points within a certain radius, teams were completely re-engineering good factory setups to try to get down to the permitted ride height.”

Engine power outputs will be developmentally limited to approximately 260hp (a five percent reduction from 2008). The acceleration performance rate will be based closely on that of a stock BMW 330i. Stock transmissions will be utilized unless a necessity is proven for a stronger component. Additionally, full diameter clutch discs are required with stock diameter, ferrous flywheels.

“The power needed to be competitive has put both real and perceived strains on other components within the engine and drivetrain,” Tripkos added. “While there will need to be some alternate components and development for the smaller motors, most of the powerplants will remain largely unmodified in both the rotating assembly and the cylinder heads.

“Less power and stress at the clutch will promote longer gearbox life and allow some cars to retain their stock and stock-type components, reducing costs.”

“We’ve received a lot of input and support from manufacturers, current teams and potential teams, and we have made some positive changes to the Touring Car Championship rules to reduce the cost of entry and maintenance costs throughout the season,” SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Robert Wildberger said. “We’ve done this while recognizing that the SPEED Touring Car Championship had some of the most competitive racing between brands in any North American series in 2008 and many of our teams have considerable investments. The goal is to promote growth without diminishing the current product. We believe that the new rules will accomplish this.”

Current cars will continue to be eligible for competition, with adjustments to balance with cars built to 2009 specifications.

2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Rules Change Summary

Pickup Points
      2008 – Pickup points may be moved
      2009 – Original pickup points must be retained

Ride Height
      2008 – 3” ride height minimum
      2009 – 3.5” ride height minimum

Wheelbase and track
      2008 – Unspecified
      2009 – Specifications established for each model

Spindle modifications to correct bump steer
      2008 – Permitted
      2009 – Not permitted. May be corrected through offset bushings and/or tie rods

Flywheel
      2008 – Ferrous or Aluminum
      2009 – Ferrous only

Clutch
      2008 – Unrestricted clutch and pressure plate design
      2009 – Stock diameter clutch required

Gearboxes
      2008 – Standard or alternate sequential gearboxes permitted
      2009 – If approved based on need, sequential gearboxes will carry an up-front penalty to balance performance potential

Gears
      2008 – Cars permitted one set of gear ratios and two final drive ratios
      2009 – Cars permitted one set of gear ratios and one final drive ratio

Dry Sump Oiling System
      2008 – Permitted with 10lb penalty
      2009 – Considered for approval on case-by-case basis

Water Pumps
      2008 – Mechanical or electric water pumps permitted
      2009 – OE-type water pumps required

The complete 2009 SCCA Pro Racing Rules will be released in November. Additional information about the 2009 Touring Car rules package changes can be found in participant bulletin 20 at http://www.world-challenge.com/files/competitors/WCPB20-2008.pdf

Posted On 10/23/08

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SCCA Begins Search Process for Executive Succession

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:01:53 PST

SCCA Begins Search Process for Executive Succession
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 16, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors announced today that it has begun a process to find the Club’s next president. Current SCCA President and CEO Jim Julow informed the Board of his intention to leave the post at the end of his three-year contract, February 1, 2009.

“While we were saddened to hear that Jim will not be extending his contract, change brings opportunity,” SCCA Chairman R.J. Gordy said. “Jim has brought tremendous business operations acumen to the position, and we believe it has changed the business side of the Club in a very positive manner. We now look ahead to the opportunity to expand on what Jim has brought the last three years.”

Julow intends to serve his full contract that named him to the post in 2006.

“I will do everything I can to help transition SCCA to its next president,” Julow said. “It is a great organization with great members, and I will miss the interaction with the individuals that make the Club special. However, over the last several months, it has become clear that the Board and I disagree on the amount of change the Club needs and the pace at which that change needs to occur. For that reason, we differ philosophically, and it’s best for the Club and its future to make a change moving forward that will bring the board and its president much more into alignment.”

The new executive search will be led by a search committee, made up of members of the current SCCA Board of Directors with outside counsel. The Board has also determined a slight change in the duties of the position, including a title change to president and chief operating officer.

“We are seeking candidates with a strong background in marketing and business operations, as well as a solid understanding and appreciation of the Club’s culture,” Gordy said. “The president and COO will lead the staff in executing the policy set forth by the Board of Directors.”

Interested parties should e-mail resumes to presidentsearch@scca.com or fax to (785) 862-7190.

SCCA
Founded in 1944, Sports Car Club of America, Inc. is a 50,000-plus member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. It annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 113 regions and professional subsidiary. Landmark events and series for the Club include the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships, the Club Racing National Championship Runoffs®, and The Tire Rack® SCCA Solo National Championships and ProSolo Championship. For more information, please visit www.scca.com.

Posted On 10/16/08

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JustRacing.com Now Has A Facebook Page

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:51:48 PST

JustRacing.com Now Has A Facebook Page
By Mark Dadgar, JustRacing.com

JustRacing.com is proud to announce that it now has a Facebook page. If you are a Facebook user, please considering becoming a Fan of JustRacing.com.

Click here to view the JustRacing.com page on Facebook.

Thank you for your support!

Posted On 10/9/08

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MotorsportReg.com and Lockton Affinity Launch Innovative Track Insurance Program

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:23:40 PST

MotorsportReg.com and Lockton Affinity Launch Innovative Track Insurance Program
By Mark Dadgar, Pukka Software

Los Gatos, CA (July 29, 2008) – Pukka Software, creators of MotorsportReg.com, and Lockton Affinity today announced the industry’s first comprehensive insurance program for high performance driving event participants. The HPDE Insurance Program, available exclusively via MotorsportReg.com, provides an a la carte, single-event policy designed to provide affordable physical damage coverage to cars used in performance driving schools at race tracks across the United States.

"Many automotive insurance policies now exclude coverage for non-competitive events at motor racing facilities," said Pukka Software founder Brian Ghidinelli. "The HPDE Insurance Program allows enthusiasts to participate in exciting high performance driving schools without risking the vehicle they drive every day."

The HPDE Insurance Program, administered by Lockton Risk Services, offers an agreed-value insurance policy providing primary coverage for incidents in the paddock or on the racing surface whether the vehicle is being driven by the primary driver, co-driver, or instructor. After-market modifications are covered and claims will not affect participants’ street insurance rates or claim histories. $10,000 of damage coverage can be had for as little as $67. HPDE Insurance Program policies are sold online and can be obtained as quickly as 5-10 minutes.

"Car enthusiasts have been asking for an affordable means of insuring their vehicles at driving schools for years," said Ryan Staub, Producer at Lockton Affinity. "We partnered with the most widely adopted event registration service to make this coverage easy to acquire. By offering the HPDE Insurance Program during the registration process, MotorsportReg.com event organizers will tap into additional participants who could not previously join in the fun."

The HPDE Insurance Program is initially available to attendees of non-competitive driving events hosted by BMW Car Club of America, Porsche Club of America, Audi Club North America, and Triangle-Z Car Club. Other organizations wishing to have their programs approved for the HPDE Insurance Program should contact Lockton Affinity.

Please visit http://www.MotorsportReg.com/index.cfm/event/hpdeinsurance for more information or to purchase an HPDE Insurance Program policy.

About Pukka Software
Pukka Software provides the MotorsportReg.com Event Management Platform, which enables event organizers and staff to streamline their operations via a comprehensive web-based service. Complete with tools such as calendar management, online payment processing, email blaster, and extensive reporting functionality, MotorsportReg.com reduces red tape and makes event management fun again. Organizers from every major enthusiast organization including the BMW CCA, Porsche Club of America, Audi Club North America, SVTOA and SCCA use MotorsportReg.com to manage social and driving events across North America.

About Lockton Affinity
Starting as a modest, home-based insurance agency in 1966, Lockton Companies has become the largest privately-held insurance brokerage firm in the world. Lockton Affinity, an affiliate of Lockton Companies, was formed in 1987 to meet the specialized, dynamic needs of affinity groups. Today they administer over 90 insurance programs and are one of the leading insurance program administrators in the US.

Contact:

Pukka Software:
Mark Dadgar
mark@pukkasoft.com
(415) 462-5603

Lockton Affinity:
Ryan Staub
rstaub@locktonaffinity.com
(866) 582-4957

Posted On 7/29/08

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Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup TV Package Announced

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:47:17 PST

Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup TV Package Announced
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

IRVINE, Calif. (July 9, 2008) - After months of hard work following the open wheel unification in February, which turned many support series’ schedules upside down, Mazda has announced the 2008 TV package for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup. The series will have all eight races broadcast in an expanded 60-minute package by DIRECTV and DISH Network. All content will be produced by the Carolinas Production Group/Visioncast.

Race fans from coast-to-coast with DIRECTV or DISH Network will find the races broadcast on Comcast Sports Net West (CSN West) and MASN (Mid Atlantic Sports Net), both a part of their sports paks. In addition to national coverage, the races will be broadcast regionally on Time Warner Sports Net, LoneStar Sports Net, Comcast 900 Sports, MavTV, AmericaOne Network, and AMGTV. Each race will have multiple broadcasts. Additional channels may be added as the season progresses.

“In just two years, the MX-5 Cup has established a reputation for great racing, extremely close action, with a minimum of yellow flag time,” Mazda North American Operations Alternative Marketing Manager Jim Jordan said. “To better showcase the races, and allow for more feature stories we have stepped up our TV package to a full one-hour program per race. Airtimes will vary by region but will reach over 53 million households when the first race airs this week. When we asked our racers, and our fans what they most wanted to see changed for 2008, the number one answer was show the complete race, and the 60 minute format will allow for that. We are also pleased to have new partners like Playboy and LifeLock joining Mazda and Kumho for the broadcasts.”

In what is believed to be a first for a professional series, the races will also be available online via a dedicated YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/MazdaMX5Cup). Each race will be available on demand.

The broadcast team is led by veteran Rick Benjamin, with analysis provided by racer Elliott Forbes-Robinson, aka “EFR”. EFR is still very much hands-on and lapped with the MX-5 racers in a Road Atlanta practice session. Pit reporters will be a rotation of Derek Pernesiglio, Todd Lewis and Rod Albright. Joe Ligon and Tom Gee will produce the shows. All have extensive motorsports backgrounds and know their way around a racetrack.

"I'm excited our company has the opportunity to take this outstanding motorsports series and add major elements of creativity and production value to its broadcast coverage,” Carolina Group Prodcutions’ Benjamin said. “We've been able to work with a terrific platform created by Mazda and its partners in the MX-5 Cup series and create coverage for this series that I think will help it become an even bigger factor in professional racing. We've been able to put together a network-level broadcast crew to cover the series, and I think fans and stakeholders in the championship will be pleased with what they'll see this season and beyond."

“I had never driven an MX-5 Miata before and was impressed with the brakes and handling of the car, when I took a few laps at Road Atlanta,” Forbes-Robinson said. “After watching the first race of the year at the Mitty weekend I could tell that the series has quite a few drivers that do a really good job of racing. The qualifying and the racing is very close and the drivers were not making crazy moves and raced well together. The race was fantastic and I am looking forward to working with Rick Benjamin on the rest of the races in 2008.”

Round One of the 2008 MX-5 Cup season at Road Atlanta recently aired on July 8th. Round Two from Mosport International Raceway is scheduled to air the week of July 21. Detailed broadcast schedules will be posted shortly to both www.mx-5cup.com and www.mazdaspeeddevelopment.com.

About SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup:
Stepping up in place of the former MAZDASPEED Miata Cup, the SCCA Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup made its debut in 2006. Featuring identical Mazda MX-5s on spec Kumho tires, MX-5 Cup gives drivers the opportunity to run on high-profile weekends in an economical, entry-level racing series. The 2008 MX-5 Cup schedule features eight races at prestigious events across North America, and with grids composed of roughly 30 cars at each race, MX-5 Cup has become one of the best shows in motorsports today. The season champion is awarded a factory supported Mazda ride in the series above. 2007 MX-5 Cup Champion Jason Saini is racing a MAZDA6 in the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

About Mazda:
Mazda is the brand of choice for road-racers across North America. More than 9,000 grassroots racers compete in various classes with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). Racers who are years away from earning a driver’s license can now begin their professional motorsports careers in the Mazda family. A driver can begin in karts and progress through the Skip Barber series, Club Racing Formula Mazda, professional Star Mazda and finally to Formula Atlantic, all with Mazda. No other car company has ever connected the dots this way.

On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle. At the track, you’ll see MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models competing, because every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car. In fact, the largest road-racing class in the world is Spec Miata, with more than 1,500 first- and second-generation Miatas tearing up America’s racetracks, making it the most-raced production car in the world. Mazda’s involvement in motorsports extends to its relationship with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the world’s premier road-racing circuits, and the Skip Barber Schools for driving and racing. For more information on MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, visit www.MAZDASPEEDDevelopment.com.

Posted On 7/9/08

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Andy Pilgrim's Living the American Dream

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:46:00 PST

Andy Pilgrim's Living the American Dream
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 18, 2008) - Andy Pilgrim is a lucky guy. He’ll be the first to tell you that. From racing motorcycles in England, to becoming a Champion road racer in the United States and a GM factory driver, all while growing a successful business, the pieces have all settled into place. Many struggle to accomplish just one of those things, but the English-born Cadillac CTS-V driver makes it look effortless.

In speaking with him however, you’ll find it was far from effortless. It’s his attitude rather, that makes it all seem simple. He prefers it that way.

“Life is what you make it,” Pilgrim says while delving into the politics and frustrations of racing. “If you see things as being a problem, then it’s a problem. You have to see them as a solution. Sometimes, there is no solution and it’s easy, but the best you can do is go forward. What are you going to do? Sit there and sulk about it for the rest of the day or the rest of the year?

“I’ve always been the kind of person that just deals with it. Life is going to throw enough garbage your way without making it worse and creating more garbage. I just think that I’m very lucky to be a professional race car driver, especially as old as I am now and still doing it at a factory level. This is not something I did as a kid, ever. I dreamed I could, but I never though I’d be able to. To still be doing it, I feel so very, very fortunate.”

In a sport as emotionally charged as auto racing, where your destiny doesn’t rest merely on the agility of your arms and legs, but on the performance of the 3,000 lb. machine you’re strapped in to, not to mention the fickleness of a sponsor’s checkbook, that can be a tough lesson to learn. For Pilgrim, appreciating and making the most of what you have, started with motorcycle racing in England.

“My parents didn’t have any money for me to race anything. Nobody in my family raced – there was none of that stuff. When I started racing motorcycles, I had a job as a computer programmer and basically I raced my street motorcycle. I was a fast street rider and I thought ‘well, the only way to see if you’re any good is to go to the track.’ A friend of mine had a van, so I basically paid for his gas and put my bike in the van and he’d drive me to the track. That’s how I started racing motorcycles. I won, what would be the equivalent of some Divisional Championships. I got second in the National British Championships, won some club championships in two and a half years of racing. But the whole idea was that I really wanted to race cars, I just couldn’t afford it. I loved bikes, but I didn’t want a career riding motorcycles, I really wanted to race cars.”

Computer geeks rejoice, because it was programming that gave Pilgrim an opportunity to come to the states and embark on his own ‘American dream.’

“I came here in 1982 and started programming, but of course I had no money for race cars. In 1984, with a friend of mine, I did some autocross, and that’s where I met Randy Pobst for the first time. I didn’t do much of it, but I went to the National Championships one time. A buddy of mine said ‘you need to go road racing,’ and at the time I didn’t know anything about road racing.

“IMSA, at that time, had the Renault Cup series. A buddy of mine in Vegas had a second hand one for $6500. So I had four grand, then I borrowed three grand from a bank manager. I told him I was buying furniture. I figured if he ever actually came to the house to see if I actually bought the furniture, I’d take the seats out of the Renault, stick them in the living room and say ‘here’s my furniture.’ I was working in El Paso at the time. I bought the car in Vegas, left the car in Vegas. I flew from El Paso to Vegas and drove the car to the race track. I slept in the car, didn’t have money for a hotel. I drove to the track, qualified 18th and I think I finished ninth out of 55 cars. I won $500. A set of tires at the time was $140, so it paid for my $55 Southwest Airlines ticket and it paid for my tires for the next race – I though I was in heaven. That’s how racing started for me.”

Pilgrim continued to perform well in a move to the ultra-competitive Firestone Firehawk Series. He started the 1986 season paying for a ride with a team run by Bill Bailey, but eventually impressed Bailey enough to forgo the race payments, as long as he could find his own way to the track. Things continued to get “bigger and better” as he expanded to some Escort Endurance series races as well. Eventually, Pilgrim, who still had a full-time job as a computer programmer was spending more time at the track than in the office.

“In 1989 I was racing too much to keep a full-time job, so at that point I had about 20 grand saved up and I started my own consulting firm. Now, the Stanford MBA business program does not tell you if you want more time off, start your own company, but that’s effectively what I was thinking to myself. Little did I know, 19 years later, the company’s grown and we’ve got about 160 people working for us. Along the way, I’ve had a full-time professional racing career. Lucky for me, in the last 10 years, I’ve had some great people managing the company, Electronic Computer Services, so I can go play race cars. It’s unusual in a sense; starting a business and starting racing when I did and then growing a business and growing the racing, I don’t think there’s many people who’ve done that.”

There also aren’t very many people who’ve had the chance to race a Cadillac CTS-V either. The 520hp, 3000lb sedan burst onto the scene in 2004 and Pilgrim was there every step of the way. How does the CTS-V and World Challenge stack up to the other jobs on Pilgrim’s resume?

“It’s a showroom stock-based, high-performance automobile on steroids. It’s heavy and it’s very much based on a street car. We’ve still got a lot of stock suspension stuff on it and everything. From SSB and SSC cars all the way up to World Challenge, you’re looking at a progression there that’s production-based. World Challenge is the Incredible Hulk, where the SSB and SSC cars are just regular showroom stock, there’s very little modification. It’s a lot of fun to drive, but it’s hard to drive on the extreme limit, consistently.”

The CTS-V was fast out of the box, perhaps a little too fast. After all Andy, isn’t sandbagging half the game of SCCA SPEED GT?

“It’s hard for me to say anything about that,” Pilgrim says. “Honestly, we don’t have anything left in our car. After we came out so strong in that first race [Sebring 2004] and Cadillac so badly wanted a win, we basically let everything out of the bag in the first race. When I came off the line with no clutch, 45 seconds behind the field, and came back. That screwed us up totally for the rest of the whole deal. We had nothing [more] in 2006, nothing [more] in 2007, nothing [more] in 2008. Really, we had very little after 2004 in terms of things we found in testing that we could use later.”

Despite having “nothing,” Cadillac still managed to take titles in 2005 and 2007, and came damn close in 2004 and 2006, but that’s Pilgrim’s line and he’s sticking to it. He’s been doing this long enough to know how the game works.

“I don’t see the data they [SCCA Pro Racing officials] have, but they can see our acceleration curves, they can see what we’re doing… so I think they have a good idea what’s going on. I think, more than a performance balance, I see it as a points balance and a Championship balance. I have to respect that we’re in the entertainment business. I’m comfortable that they keep an eye on performance and try to keep the playing field level, and if they keep the points and the Championship in balance through the year and if the guys that win it make the least mistakes, as opposed to the guy that has the fastest car, then I think SCCA is doing a great job.”

Racing for years in series that use performance balancing and being a factory driver, Pilgrim is all too familiar with the politics of racing, but his “just deal with it” attitude allows him to avoid any frustration and has a lot to do with his long career.

“I understand how to play a game. There’s certain things that go on in factory racing that you just have to deal with. If you want to race, there’s always the politics of racing and I think if the politics make you crazy, then you’re not going to race in professional racing for too long. There’s a big picture and frustration makes your picture much smaller. I very rarely get frustrated. I’m very competitive, but I don’t get frustrated. The bottom line is: there’s a solution, not a problem.”

The politics have changed for the Cadillac team this year and the pressures of the factory are no longer there, as support has switched from GM to Remington. The results however, remain consistent, with Pilgrim the only SCCA SPEED GT driver to finish each of the opening four rounds on the podium.

“It’s definitely a little more laid back and a little easier going, but I’m a professional, I am with GM Racing, I still answer to GM Racing and for me it’s not very different. Neville [Agass] is my crew chief and Ben [Bradley] I knew from the Corvette program and obviously Cadillac as well. The preparation on the cars is fantastic. Neville has given a lot of feedback to those guys and Dan [Fiffick, team manager] is a really conscientious guy and he’s got a great bunch of people working for him.”

When Pilgrim’s not strapped into the CTS-V or checking in on his computer consulting business, he has another passion that’s close to his heart: teaching teenagers safe driving. Though Pilgrim himself is not a parent, losing friends in accidents at a young age, and later watching a friend lose his child in a car accident, convinced Pilgrim that something needed to be done. He began approaching high schools in his area and volunteered to speak to students about safe driving. Prom week became a busy time for Pilgrim’s speeches and the parents in the audience took notice of what he was saying.

“It was the reformed drug addict, the reformed alcoholic and then me. Parents would come to these assemblies and they would tell me, ‘what you just said was great, but he’s going to forget it by next Wednesday. Why don’t you make a video?’ It was the parents that prompted me to think about it.”

Pilgrim did more than think about it. He did it. After finding no luck trying to find corporate backing for a video about responsible driving, Pilgrim and a business partner used their own money to make the video titled, The Driving Zone: Essential Techniques for New Drivers. Pilgrim was proud of the video, but knew it needed a little something extra if he expected kids to pay attention, that’s when he enlisted the help of friend and NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“He said ‘where do you want me to be? What do you want me to do? I’m in, no problem.’ It was awesome. We went to his house and shot some stuff, then inserted about 20 items into the video. It sort of helps the kids pay attention, because it’s not sexy, you have to pay attention and he helps the kids pay attention when we tried some focus groups.”

Pilgrim continues to speak at high schools about safe driving and even found the time at Watkins Glen to drop by the local high school to talk.

Speaking of Dale Jr. though, after putting in two solid NASCAR Busch Series races at Watkins Glen and Montreal for Junior’s team last year, will Pilgrim be climbing back into a stock car this season? Probably not this year owing to Junior’s switch to Hendrick Motorsports, but in his best English-North Carolina drawl, Pilgrim recalls Dale Jr. hinting at where his next ride might be.

“He said, ‘You know what? I’m not sure if I’m going to put you in one of these road races, cause you know how to road race. I think it might be kinda fun to run you at Martinsville sometime.’ He had a wink in his eye and a nasty smile on his face, kind of like ‘you can see how the real races go,’ or something like that.”

Maybe Pilgrim will get his shot at a half-mile oval, maybe not. He’s just grateful for the opportunity and is dead set on having fun. After all, we’re talking about the guy whose helmet covered in cartoons.

“Cartoons make me smile. They teach things about the realities of life much more so than regular sitcoms. I’ve always had an affinity for cartoons and for making fun of life in general. When I first put cartoons on, going back at least 12 years… people really liked it, even adults. South Park is brilliant for me. It makes fun of everybody and everything and that’s the way life should be. Life should not be taken too seriously.”

The competition takes Pilgrim seriously though. ‘Mr. Consistency’ is a Championship threat year in and year out. It didn’t come easy though; hard work and a positive attitude were paramount to Pilgrim’s success and continue to open doors for him.

The rest of the SPEED GT grid will just have to deal with it.

Top Ten Finish

1. If I couldn’t be a race car driver I would be:
“A professional golfer. I only discovered golf about seven years ago, but I wish I’d discovered it sooner.”

2. Favorite vacation spot:
“Southern California, Laguna, Newport Beach, places like that.”

3. Favorite corner in all of racing:
“The Kink at Elkhart Lake.”

4. If you could jump into any Touring Car, which would it be?
“PD’s for sure. I love PD, he’s a great guy, so I’d definitely use his car.”

5. If you could have dinner with any celebrity past or present, who would it be?
Tiger Woods

6. Bungee jumping or skydiving?
“Skydiving”

7. Favorite English Premier League Team:
“Manchester United, my cousin plays for them. He was the Center Forward for England. That’s why I didn’t play soccer, I saw him play when I was 13 and thought ‘yeah right!’”

8. I can cook the best:
“Toast”

9. If your MP3 player was wired to your helmet in a race, what song would be playing?
“The Cure, ‘Elise.’ When you’re racing you have to be relaxed. You want your favorite relaxing music, you don’t want something that’s going to make you go down to the zero brake marker and shove it in a trap.”

10. Most embarrassing racing moment:
“Spinning on the pace lap at Long Beach two years ago.”

Posted On 6/18/08

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SCCA Announces Runoffs Continuous Participation Rewards Program

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:39:15 PST

SCCA Announces Runoffs Continuous Participation Rewards Program
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (June 11, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. announced today a new rewards program for drivers who hold active participation streaks at the National Championship Runoffs®. The program benefits will first be awarded at the 2009 event.

Designed to reward Club Racing drivers who have supported the Runoffs continuously throughout the years, SCCA has developed a program of benefits including: early registration and parking spot selection; car number priority; ability to participate in a special test day; priority event registration; and a discounted Runoffs entry fee.

“The Runoffs has been through a transition period since 2004, and it is important to recognize the racers that have supported the event over time and through the transitions,” SCCA Club Racing VP Terry Ozment said. “The program we have developed will reward these drivers without adversely affecting anyone who did not attend the Runoffs in the previous year.”

While specific details of each program will be finalized in 2009, the following components have been confirmed:

Registration
There will be three tiers of the opening of Registration and entry acceptance for the event. Drivers with 10 or more consecutive years of active participation will be able to register first, followed by drivers with one to nine years of consecutive participation. Finally, drivers who did not participate in the event the previous year will be able to register for the event. The final details of the timing of this will be determined at a later date, although it is expected that the early registration periods will not last for more than one week each.

Parking
Like Registration, paddock parking spots at Road America will be first available to the drivers with 10 or more consecutive years of active participation. The group with one to nine consecutive years of active participation will be able to choose next, followed by those drivers who did not participate in the previous year’s event. The timing will likely coincide with registration.

Car Numbers
With registration being a stepped process, so will the assignment of numbers. Any driver remaining in the same class will have the right to the same number the following year during the early registration period. Likewise, any available number may be selected by drivers during this early registration period. Once general registration opens, all numbers will be available. If two drivers had the same number in different classes of a combined race group in 2009, the number will go to the driver with the most seniority first based on consecutive years of active participation.

Special Test Day
For 2009, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs will hold three days of qualifying (Tuesday through Thursday) with one session for each class each day. The Monday between the traditional promoter test week and the start of qualifying will be made an additional test day open to all drivers but with registration preference to drivers based on consecutive years of active participation. Initial invitations will be made based on the driver with the most years of consecutive Runoffs participation to the least. Additionally, all drivers with an active participation streak will run the test day at half price the normal rate of a test day. All remaining slots will be opened up for registration on a first-come, first-served basis at the regular test day price.

Entry Fee Discount
In 2009, any driver who participated in the previous year’s event will receive a $50 discount on their entry fee (limit one class entry per driver).

For any of the programs utilizing a list based on consecutive seniority, car class will not be factored. For instance, Dave Weitzenhof’s current streak is at 33 years. The fact that this streak included four different classes is inconsequential to the list. Participation is defined as having been entered in the event and turned a wheel on track during the official event. Multiple classes campaigned in the same year still only count as one year of participation.

The 2008 SCCA National Championship Runoffs will be held Oct. 6-12 at Heartland Park Topeka. In 2009, the event will move to Road America. For more information about the event, please visit www.scca.com/runoffs.

Posted On 6/11/08

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SCCA Board Rescinds National Club Racing Consolidation Plans

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:36:15 PST

SCCA Board Rescinds National Club Racing Consolidation Plans
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (June 6, 2008) – In a conference call Wednesday night, the Sports Car Club of America Board of Directors voted to rescind all planned consolidations that were announced following its May meeting. The Board cited considerable member input for its decision.

The Board previously moved to direct its Club Racing Board to consolidate the C and D Sports Racing classes into one class and the Showroom Stock B cars into either Showroom Stock C or Touring 3 for 2009.

Additionally, it had approved the CRB to combine for the 2010 season: Sports 2000 with C and D Sports Racing; GT-3 with either GT-Lite, D Prepared and/or GT-2 and B Production; F, G and H Production; ST and Touring 1; and Formula Atlantic (FA) and Formula 1000 (FB).

All consolidations were rescinded following a substantial amount of member input and feedback from the May 21 Fastrack® News announcement.

Additionally, due to the change in class structure plan, the Board rescinded its motion to have 23 races at the 2009 Runoffs and 21 in 2010.

Runoffs eligibility will change in 2009, with only classes carrying an average of 2.5 cars or more per National race event from the previous year invited to compete at the event. A maximum of 24 races will be held at the 2009 Runoffs, with combined class races created if the number of eligible classes per the 2.5 rule exceeds 24. Consistent with this change, the existing 24-class limit for the Runoffs has been lifted.

The Board stressed that only the class consolidations and the number of classes and races at the Runoffs were rescinded.

The following items from the May Board of Directors minutes remain unaffected, including: Improved Touring remaining a Regional-only class with the CRB working to migrate cars to National classes as an option; raising the number of finishes required for Runoffs eligibility and the number of out-of-division races that may be counted; locking in the top 10 classes in participation for a stand alone race at the Runoffs; and establishing a Tuesday through Sunday Runoffs schedule.

“Based on the member input we received following the release of the May Board minutes, it was clear that the path we had chosen for class consolidation was not supported across the membership,” SCCA Board of Directors Chairman R.J. Gordy said. “The Board strives to improve our activities for the membership, and receiving input is a critical part of the process. It is important to note that, while we have rescinded some of the items approved in May, many of the other items approved have gained considerable support and we are making positive progress.”

Full minutes from the June 4 Board of Directors meeting will be available in the July Fastrack News, which will be posted on or around June 20 at www.scca.com.

Posted On 6/6/08

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Portland's Harris Set to Defend Rose Cup Title

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:47:25 PST

Portland's Harris Set to Defend Rose Cup Title
By Randy Unsbee, Oregon SCCA

Tough competition expected from two Shelton Porsches at the 48th edition of this event

PORTLAND, Ore. – May 28, 2008 – Portland’s Todd Harris is defending his Rose Cup title from last year in the 200 mph Fluge Global Adventures (FGA) Derhaag Trans-Am Corvette. Wilsonville’s Matt Crandall, in the FGA Panoz GTS, joins Harris on the team.

Both drivers are among the favorites in the 48th running of the Rose Cup Races, presented by Temp-Control Mechanical Corp. Todd Harris, a professional race driver, is owner of the Pro Drive Racing School at Portland International Raceway (PIR). Pro Drive is also the season sponsor for the Spec Racer Ford class championship that competes in the Oregon Region Sports Car Club of America (ORSCCA) road racing championship.

His primary competition will come from Portland’s Neil Shelton in the Porsche 962 Le Mans prototype car that has been confirmed as legal to compete this year by the SCCA. Perennial favorite Monte Shelton, also of Portland, will compete in his Porsche 911T.

“We were recently at a test day together at PIR and Neil is doing a great job,” Harris said. “The Porsche 962 is flying around the track. With the entry of Monte as well, there will be in two Sheltons gunning for me this year.”

“We’re a little faster than last year, but don’t know if that is because of changes we’ve made to the car, or from changes in track configuration and new asphalt. We’re at least a 1.5 seconds slower than Neil’s Porsche 962 at this stage,” Harris added.

Harris’ teammate, Matt Crandall, has won the Rose Cup GT2 class several times previously, leads the season-long points championship, and recently scored a Sports Car Club of America National class victory at Pacific Raceways in Washington.

“I’m very excited about the GT2 class in this Sunday’s Rose Cup race,” Crandall said. There’s a lot of Porsches to run against in the class and it’s going to be a big battle: American iron vs. German engineering. We should show real well with the FGA Panoz GTS. We beat them last year so they’ll be looking for us,” he said. Crandall also has prior Rose Cup class victories in Formula Atlantic and C Sports Racing.

Absent from this year’s festivities is team leader Nick Fluge, who will not be on hand to defend his Festival Trophy title from last year in his Corvette Z06. Instead, he is off this weekend to Las Vegas to compete in the first World Series of Poker event of the year. “Without Nick Fluge’s support there is simply no way I could have defended my Rose Cup crown this year. I’ll be doing my best to make him proud on race day,” Harris said.

The Rose Cup is also one of eight race weekends this year in the Oregon Region Sports Car Club of America Road Racing Championship, presented by Fluge Global Adventures.

Fluge Global Adventures burst upon the sports scene in 2007 with victories in the famous Rose Cup races and a championship with the Oregon Region SCCA in a 198 mph Corvette Z06.

For 2008, Fluge has an even more ambitious schedule starting with select appearances in sports car races at Portland International Raceway. He already leads this year’s Super Touring class in the SCCA road racing championship.

Ongoing reports, results and new challenges are posted regularly on the group’s Web site, www.flugeglobaladventures.com. The green flag falls on the Rose Cup feature race this Sunday at 3:20 p.m. at Portland International Raceway.

About Todd Harris
Todd Harris is the president of Pro Drive, Inc., and has been competing in a variety of motor racing events throughout North America over the past 15 years.

The son of an amateur race car driver, Todd was immediately attracted to the sights and sounds of competitive auto racing and started his racing career in go-karts. Before moving into the world of car racing, Todd won many regional and state karting championships. The transition from karts to cars went smoothly for Todd, as he claimed many victories during his rookie season of car racing.

The Tigard, Oregon resident continued his success by becoming the Northern Pacific and Oregon Region Champion while setting track records at race tracks up and down the west coast. During a two-year period, Todd won 17 races in a row while racing in Sports Car Club of America’s most competitive class, Spec Racer Ford. In 1997, Todd was bestowed the award of “National Driver of the Year” by the Sports Car Club of America’s Oregon Region.

In recent years, Todd has been competing and winning races in a wide range of race cars including sports racers, formula cars, and grand touring cars. If it has four wheels and a motor, chances are Todd is going to be fast in it.

When Todd is not behind the wheel of a race car, he is coaching drivers ranging from amateur club racers to professional racecar drivers competing in the likes of NASCAR and Champ Car. He can also be found on local television and radio stations offering valuable driving advice to motorists.

Todd is a graduate of Portland State University, an avid guitar player, and classic film buff. He and his wife Jennifer have two sons, Calvin and Taylor.

About Matt Crandall
Matt Crandall, Wilsonville, Ore. has been involved in the automotive and racing business for all his adult life. He is an entrepreneur, involved in the selling of exotic sports cars and luxury automobiles, and is a recognized amateur race car driver with the Sports Car Club of America. He has excellent mechanical skills and knowledge, helps other drivers hone their skills on the race track as an instructor, and is also capable of providing track support as needed.

He is a five-time Oregon Region Champion with wins in Formula Atlantic, C-Sport Racer and, most recently, the 2006 GT-2 Class Champ in a Panoz. He has raced successfully on nearly all West Coast race tracks, including Willow Springs, Laguna Seca, Infineon, Thunderhill, Portland and Seattle. He also has experience at Road Atlanta. In Europe, through his prior association with Ferrari and Maserati sales, Matt had the opportunity to experience these automobiles at the world-famous Fiorano and Parma race tracks in Italy.

Posted On 6/2/08

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UUC Motorwerks Sweeps J-Prepared and Spec E36 at Mid Ohio

Wed, 28 May 2008 10:51:10 PST

UUC Motorwerks Sweeps J-Prepared and Spec E36 at Mid Ohio
By UUC Motorwerks

May 28, 2007 - The winter cobwebs were shaken off and left in the dust last weekend at Mid Ohio.

Friday's testing sessions yielded promising times for the races ahead. Arjun Soundararajan and Gautam Pathak drove the #54 car in J-Prepared and Tim Smith with co-driver Doug Thoms competed in the #22 Spec E36 car. This event also highlighted the team's new sponsor, BMW Cleveland.

Saturday's qualifying session showcased the team's improvements during the off season with Arjun taking pole for J-Prepared with a solid 2.5 second gap, and Tim Smith out-qualifying his closest competitor by .2 seconds to steal pole for Spec E36.

The Sprint race on Saturday went smoothly from the start with Arjun holding the lead in J-Prepared through the checkered flag. Tim Smith battled with the Spec E36 field during the 30 minute run, earning him his first win of the season.

Qualifying on Sunday set the tone for the 90-minute enduro that afternoon as Gautam took pole for J-Prepared with a two-second lead. Doug Thoms was set to start third in class, but was confident that his setup would work to his advantage. Gautam started the race and led for his 50-minute stint. After a flawless pit stop, Arjun took over and continued to hold the class lead. Gautam commented that "the Alcon brakes held up brilliantly during the entire session - They definitely gave me a late-braking edge."

Arjun and Tim took the checkered flag for the second time that weekend in J-Prepared and Spec E36 for UUC Motorwerks.

Special thanks to Bill Kenny and the team from BMW Cleveland, who were on hand all weekend. Additional thanks go out to our generous sponsors, Alcon, Recaro, HRP World, Vibrant Performance, CG Lock, and SPC Performance.

UUC Motorwerks
10 Ilene Court, Unit #5
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com
908-874-9092

Posted On 5/28/08

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034Motorsport Enjoy Top Result at Long Beach Super Lap Battle

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:06:56 PST

034Motorsport Enjoy Top Result at Long Beach Super Lap Battle
By Christian Miller, 034Motorsport

LONG BEACH, CA -- Renowned tuning shop 034Motorsport, respected for their reliable high-power Audis, were proud to be a part of the Primedia Super Lap Battle at Long Beach, one of the premier support events to the final Champ Car race.

“It’s an amazing atmosphere,” remarked 034’s driver Christian Miller. “This weekend is one of the biggest racing weekends in America, and we were so excited to show our stuff in front of so many fans!” Indeed, with the weekend being the last-ever Champ Car race, and with Danica Patrick having won her first race at Motegi the night before, the grandstands were absolutely packed.

This was good news for the Primedia event, which was by invitation only. The 034 team were pleased to have had their Audi A4 included on the list, and were keen to take a class win.

“We had some great tires, provided by Continental, for our run at the ‘Street’ class. Unfortunately, no other cars in this class were able to attend, so we switched to ‘Limited’ to have a little more fun,” noted Miller.

That made the racing a real crap shoot, with Miller up against other teams running tires that were pretty much race-spec rubber. The result was actually better than one would expect: a 2nd place in class.

“The Continentals were great, but no match for the Toyos, which are race tires,” laughed Christian. “The Contis are a street tire, and so to have them as competitive as they were is pretty amazing!.”

In the end, Miller missed out on the top spot in class by just eight-tenths of a second. That’s a testament to not just the tires, but some great driving by Miller and amazing preparation by the 034 crew. The team’s Audi features the first known transplant of Volkswagen’s VR6 engine into an A4 for road racing use, and showcases the driveline and chassis development of 034Motorsport.

The 034 Audi is no stranger to the podium, having been first in the 2007 Eurotuner GP, first in last year’s final Redline Time Attack at Laguna Seca, and third in Primedia’s 2007 Super Lap Battle.

“We had a great time at Long Beach, and think it’s a great venue for Time Attack-style racing,” said 034 President Javad Shazdi. “The fans were really excited to see us and were so enthusiastic. I hope we’ll be back there again next year!”

Photo courtesy 034 Motorsport.

About 034Motorsport:

034Motorsport is one of the premier fuel injection and engine management developers in the Audi/Volkswagen market and beyond. The flagship ECU model, the 034EFIStage IIc, features fully programmable coil-per-cylinder, degree based ignition with sequential staged fuel injection, closed-loop oxygen sensor and idle control, launch control, turbo anti-lag, boost control, data-logging and many, many other features. Constant development means more innovative features in the future and an ever competitive product that constantly advances the state of the art in engine management. 034Motorsport is committed to creating engine management and motorsport solutions for your project application. Visit 034Motorsport at www.034motorsport.com.

Posted On 5/15/08

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LeMons: Court Summerfield Tragedy

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:52:53 PST

LeMons: Court Summerfield Tragedy
By Jay Lamm, Founder

5/12/08 - A tragedy occurred at the 24 Hours of LeMons last Saturday at Altamont Motorsports Park. Court Summerfield, a driver, died.

A California Highway Patrol investigation was undertaken at the track. The CHP informed us that there was no mechanical failure or unsafe track conditions and that no other cars were involved. The CHP also informed us that, based on physical evidence and witness statements, it appears that the driver was not conscious prior to impact. We are awaiting the final reports.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Court's wife and family. We have established a memorial fund in his honor, with Court's wife receiving all proceeds. If you wish to contribute, please send your contact information and pledge amount to jlamm@driversdoor.com.

I'm deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, wishes, and support shown to Court's family and teammates in the wake of this tragedy; thanks to all of you for being there when it's mattered the most.

Jay Lamm, Founder
24 HOURS OF LeMONS

Posted On 5/12/08

Comments

MORacingFan says:
5/18/08 14:13

This is always the worst kind of news we can find on racing sites. I am grateful it does not show up more often. Tragic to learn of a driver going down and yet not knowing why. Condolences to the family. Keep up the investigation to see what happened. Hang onto the good memories.

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SCCA Runoffs Moving to Road America in 2009

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:45:07 PST

SCCA Runoffs Moving to Road America in 2009
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 12, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. announced today the results of a vote by its Board of Directors that will move the National Championship Runoffs® to Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) in 2009. Road America will become the sixth venue to host the event, dating back to 1964.

The Board directed its staff to move forward to negotiate a three-year agreement with Road America for SCCA Club Racing’s signature event, which has averaged over 650 participants since 2000. The Runoffs is currently in the final year of a three-year agreement at Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka, Kan.

“Given the deep history the track, the town of Elkhart Lake and SCCA enjoy, it only seems natural for the most prestigious Club Racing event in the world to be hosted by Road America,” SCCA President & CEO Jim Julow said. “The Board had a difficult decision, as we had an unprecedented number of outstanding potential hosts for the event, meaning the long term future of Club Racing’s National Championship is very bright.”

“The SCCA has been an integral part of our 53 year-history,” Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies said. “The opportunity to showcase our facility and our community to a nation of SCCA racers and fans is a tremendous honor. On behalf of our board of directors and staff, my thanks to the SCCA for their confidence. We promise to build on the outstanding Runoffs tradition and exceed stakeholder expectations.”

The first-ever “Interdivisional Championship,” later referred to as the “Runoffs,” was held at Riverside Raceway (Riverside, Calif.) in 1964, and alternated coasts with Daytona International Raceway (Daytona Beach, Fla.) through 1969. In 1970, the event began a 24-year run at Road Atlanta (Braselton, Ga.), before moving to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) in 1994. After 12 years in Ohio, the Runoffs moved to Heartland Park Topeka in 2006. The move after three years signifies a change in philosophy after such long runs at venues from the 1970s through the turn of the century.

“Club Racing in the United States has evolved in the last decade, and rotating the Runoffs will do nothing but help the event and the Club Racing program, overall,” SCCA Chairman R.J. Gordy said.

“This is by no means a reflection on the job that Raymond Irwin and his staff have done at Heartland Park Topeka,” Julow added. “In the last four years, they have met every challenge and request and built a tremendous facility that is worthy of potentially hosting not only the Runoffs, but other high-profile road racing events in the future. Additionally, the local community and business groups have been outstanding and we thank them for their continued support.”

The event has grown in both size and stature over the years, with approximately 700 of the nation’s best amateur race drivers from across the country making the annual trek for the event that spans an entire week, preceded by additional days of optional testing. The sheer number of competitors makes the Runoffs the largest annual amateur road racing event in the world, and results in an average local economic impact approaching $10 million each year.

The Runoffs annually crown the National Champions of SCCA Club Racing’s National level classes (currently 25) and has been referred to as the “Olympics” of motorsports. Drivers from across North America race locally to earn points, with the top-10 qualifying drivers from the nine SCCA Divisions in each class earning an invitation to compete in the event. The list of past Runoffs Champions is a who’s who in road racing history that includes Skip Barber, Michael Galati, Paul Newman, Bobby Rahal, Graham Rahal, Greg Ray, Boris Said and Scott Sharp.

Road America’s history dates back to the early 1950s when public street races in the Elkhart Lake area were a part of the SCCA national championship series. When street racing became illegal in 1952, participants and supporters joined efforts and raised funds to develop Road America. The track held its first event, the SCCA National, on September 10-11, 1955. The inaugural June Sprints® was held the following year, June 23-24, 1956. Today, the 14-turn, 4.048-mile track holds its original configuration and continues to challenge the world’s best two- and four-wheel racers.

The date for the 2009 event has yet to be finalized, although it will move from October to September.

The 45th SCCA National Championship Runoffs will be held at Heartland Park Topeka October 6-12, 2008.

For more information about SCCA and the National Championship Runoffs, please visit www.scca.com/Runoffs.

For more information about Road America, please visit www.roadamerica.com.

For more information about Heartland Park Topeka, please visit www.hpt.com.

Posted On 5/12/08

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SCCA Board Approves NASA Licenses For Club Racing

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:44:59 PST

SCCA Board Approves NASA Licenses For Club Racing
By Eric Prill, SCCA Stauff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 9, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors approved today at its face-to-face meeting in Topeka the acceptance of National Auto Sport Association licenses for Regional Club Racing competition, effective immediately.

The NASA Competition License joins those of 13 other organizations approved for Regional competition. Any of these license holders may participate in a Regional event, providing they are a full, First Gear, family or weekend member.

The full list of organizations with licenses approved for competition are:

BMW CCA
CACC
FIA
HSR
ICSCC
IMSA
MCSCC
NASA
PCA
Ontario Region CASC
SCCA Pro Racing
SVRA
VMC
Waterford Hills
West Canada Motorsports Association

Detailed information on the licenses approved for each organization is available in the SCCA General Competition Rules, section 3.1.5.

Posted On 5/9/08

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SCCA Launches Tire Rack Divisional Solo Program

Thu, 08 May 2008 01:07:59 PST

SCCA Launches Tire Rack Divisional Solo Program
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 8, 2008) - Sports Car Club of America is revitalizing its Divisional Solo program with the launch of The Tire Rack® SCCA Divisional Championships and Division Cup Challenge.

Currently an optional program for all of SCCA’s nine Divisions, The Tire Rack® SCCA Divisional Championships have been developed to create a clear ladder to National Solo competition. Participating Divisions will crown class champions in whichever manner they chose, whether it be through a point series or one winner-takes-all event.

Beyond the experience and confidence gained by taking part in events at the Divisional level, Soloists competing in the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships will benefit via contingency programs and National Championship eligibility. Divisions enrolled in the new program can expect increased support from the National office in the way of fees and promotional items.

Additionally, Divisions will compete against each other in the Tire Rack SCCA Division Cup Challenge at the 2008 Tire Rack Solo National Championships. Each participating Division will earn points based on their total entries, number of rookie drivers and number of trophies earned. The Division accumulating the most points will earn the “2008 Tire Rack Division Cup.”

“We put this package together with the hope of growing the Divisional Solo program,” SCCA VP of Rally/Solo Howard Duncan said. “We want to give regional Solo participants a fun way to transition to National competition, while providing the Divisions with a package that’s easy to establish and won’t put a hole in their budget. This will certainly be a test year for the program, but it has great potential to enhance SCCA Solo as a whole.”

Bridgestone has already signed on as a contingency sponsor for the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships. Soloists competing on Bridgestone tires in select classes will be eligible for cash awards if they finish in the top three of their Division’s Championship standings. Drivers must register for the program before competing and run with the required decals.

Currently the Northern Pacific, Southern Pacific, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast Divisions have elected to participate in the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships.

For more information on the new Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships, including contingency registration forms, and the Tire Rack SCCA Division Cup Challenge, visit www.scca.com/solo.

Posted On 5/8/08

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Texans Keep Trophies on Home Turf at Fort Worth National Tour

Wed, 07 May 2008 08:17:01 PST

Texans Keep Trophies on Home Turf at Fort Worth National Tour
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

Story By John Lieberman

FORT WORTH, Texas (May 7, 2008) - Soloists came from as far west as California, as far east as Florida, as far north as Illinois and Wyoming, and from all points in between. They met in North Texas to battle it out on the Bus Lot at Texas Motor Speedway, where more than 200 drivers gathered for the Tire Rack® Fort Worth National Tour.

The largest class was Super Stock with 21 entries. Two Texans battled all weekend for the win, with Austin’s Lance Adams leading the way on Saturday in his Corvette and Plano’s David Smart setting the faster times on Sunday in his Sector 111 Motorsports Lotus Elise. But in the end, Adams was able to pull off the win by a scant 0.211-second.

By far the closest battle of the weekend was in the all-Mini Cooper S G Stock class with Texas Region’s Ken Orgeron taking the first day lead by 0.362-seconds over Red River Region’s Jeff Schaadt and the Big 5 Tire/Big Bad Wolf Racing Mini. Schaadt came back on day two to clench the victory by a mere 0.058-second.

On the other end of the totem pole, several classes were won by more than three seconds. Steven Pounds took A Stock in a Honda S2000 over fellow Texan Andrew VanderPloeg in the FTW Racing Honda S2000 by 3.021 seconds. Michael Cobb, of Lewisville, Texas, won D Stock in an Inspirus Technology Audi TT by 3.394 seconds over Bob Bailey’s Dodge SRT-4, and Terry Fair, of Fairview, Texas, ran away with X Prepared in his Chevy V8-powered BMW, beating Fred Langley’s Subaru STi by more than six seconds.

Driving the JANCO Custom Fab/Montiac Motorsports Pontiac Trans-Am in C Prepared, Plano’s Kurt Janish finished nearly four seconds in front of Todd Farris, of College Station, Texas, who was driving Alan Bartling’s Ford Mustang.
Donna Bartling, of Katy, Texas, took C Prepared Ladies by 4.355 seconds in the family’s Ferrous Equine.

From Tulsa, Okla., Pat Lipsinic’s HotSubarus.com/Zzyzx Motorsports Subaru Impreza took a 3.838-second Street Modified win over Grady Wood, of Heber Springs, Ark., in a Honda Civic.

In E Modified, another Tulsa driver, Douglas Turner, and his Eversharp Tool, Inc. Mazda Miata bested Texan Brian Sullivan’s Lotus Stalker by 3.176 seconds.

In Formula Junior B, young Daniel Seelig, from Edmond, Okla., crushed the competition by nearly 21 seconds in a Max-Torque Margay.

Of extra special note in the “wide margin of victory” category are B Modified and A Modified. Tommy Saunders, of Southlake, Texas, drove the familiar Hoosier TSR LeGrand Dragon to a 4.2-second BM win over Keith Starr, of Iowa Park, Texas, in a Quad Racing Integration Tiga DSR, but was later disqualified, having driven both courses several times during Friday’s setup. That gave the win to Starr by 0.194-second over another Texan, Dakota Southerland, in the Hernandez family’s Pocket Rocket Form S. Saunders would have set fastest time of the event with a 45.438 on his final Sunday run and an overall fastest time of 92.985.

Saunders’ normal co-driver, Stuart Lumpkin, of McKinney, Texas, ran the Dragon in A Modified trim and took a 5.891-second win over Brianne Corn who also took her turn with the Dragon. It should be noted that both had their fastest times on Sunday’s second run and Corn was only 0.167-second behind Lumpkin. How’s that for somebody who’s used to driving a Mini Cooper S in G Stock Ladies? The performance earned Corn the Solo Performance Specialties “Female Outstanding Performer” award from event officials. The male counterpart to that award went to Kevin Youngers, who besides serving as Chief Steward, loaned his 2007 Shelby Mustang to multi-time E Street Prepared National Champion Mark Madarash, of Red Oak, Texas, after Madarash blew the transmission in his Trans Am on Sunday’s first run. Though Madarash had a 1.3-second lead over Dave Whitworth, from St. Louis, Mo., after the first day, he was still able to stay within 0.4-second of the Chevrolet Corvette pilot’s winning time overall.

Special note should also be paid to Barry Booker and Paul Carrig, both from Shreveport, La., who took Carrig’s 2004 Volkswagen R32, shod with Dunlop tires, to a first and third-place finish in Street Touring® Xtreme. Booker clinched the overall win with a 2.85-second lead over Houston’s Norman Wilhelm in a Texas A&M Sports Car Club Subaru WRX running on Yokohamas. Could there be another “street” tire battle brewing here?

The Pace Lap Challenge Award for the most consistent lap times went to John Hale, of Austin, Texas, on Saturday. Hale’s Street Touring Ultra times on Saturday behind the wheel of an FTW Racing/RTRT Subaru STi were separated by only 0.292-second. Hale would have taken the honor again on Sunday, but no driver can win twice, therefore Andy Hollis was the second winner of the weekend, turning Street Touring S2 times with only 0.492-second difference in his ART/GRM/Soulspeed Mazda Miata. Both Hale and Hollis are now entered in a drawing to win a new Pace Pursuit® trailer. The winner will be drawn on the final day of qualifying for the 2008 SCCA National Championship Runoffs®.

A tip of the ten-gallon hat goes out to all of the Texas Region folks who worked so hard to make the Fort Worth Tour such a successful event, including Greg Piper who designed two fantastic courses. The Saturday night barbecue was a feast to remember, not to mention the SPS Friday night welcome party.

That southern hospitality will continue, May 24 – 25, for the next stop on the Tire Rack Solo National Tour: Atlanta Motor Speedway. To find out more or view full results from the Fort Worth National Tour, visit www.scca.com/solo.

Posted On 5/7/08

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USTCC: Tom Lepper Makes It Three Winners In Three Races

Tue, 06 May 2008 08:20:57 PST

USTCC: Tom Lepper Makes It Three Winners In Three Races
By Ali Arham, USTCC

Tom Lepper driving the Cobalt California/Red Line Oil Chevrolet Cobalt SS took the win at the Thunderhill Raceway round of the Nitto Tires United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). David Bongiovanni took second place in the GoodSport Racing Mitsubishi Evo and along with it the driver's points championship. Getting his first podium in only his third USTCC race was rookie Jerry Bradbury in the Mini Mania Mini Cooper S, who finished third. The race was not without controversy as Curt Simmons' Sunnyvale Dodge SRT-4 took the win on the track but was disqualified due to a body contact incident on the last lap of the race. Simmons and Bongiovanni were in a tie going into this round.

MBO Racing/Red Zone Performance Honda Civic driver, Pete Bovenberg, started from pole position scoring the first pole for the red Civic. Bovenberg did not get a great launch and was beaten to the first turn by Bongiovanni’s Evo. Chasing the Mitsubishi were Bovenberg, Simmons and Lepper. The four cars were bumper to bumper at the end of the first lap. Bovenberg kept the pressure on Bongiovanni but was forced to retire on lap two due to a broken suspension piece. With Bovenberg out of the picture, that left Simmons and Lepper to try to beat Bongiovanni. Simmons looked very strong as he closed the two second gap that Bongiovanni had managed to build. Simmons made his move at Turn 15 on lap five and passed Bongiovanni. After passing the Mitsubishi, Simmons started to pull away and it looked like the race was over. But Bongiovanni was not giving up easily as he drove a brilliant race and used slower traffic to his advantage and two laps later he not only closed the gap but repassed Simmons at Turn One. Simmons kept the pressure on and on the last lap tried to make a pass on Bongiovanni. Unfortunately, the move resulted in body contact with a lapped car which in turn resulted in a flat tire on the Mitsubishi.

While all of this was going on, Lepper was sitting back quietly and watching the two battle it out. He never quit and just sat back patiently waiting for the right moment. Along the way it was Lepper that set the fast lap of the race in the Chevy Cobalt SS. The incident involving Simmons and Bongiovanni was what Lepper was waiting for. He easily passed the pair and went on to take the checkered flag. Lepper became the third different winner in three races. Simmons finished second on the track but was disqualified for the incident. That was a big blow to his championship hopes as the reigning champion was tied for the points lead going into this race. Bongiovanni became the points leader, by a very slim margin, and the Lepper/Rojas team now become the major threat to Bongiovanni’s goal of winning the 2008 Driver’s Championship.

By scoring the win, Lepper was awarded the Go Pro HERO Quick-release vehicle camera kit. It is a shockproof camera designed for street and track cars and motorcycles and can also mount to any motorsports helmet.

Michael Mc Colligan won the Molecule Race Smart, Keep it Clean Move of the Race Award. McColligan, who drove the Mazdatrix/Racing Beat Mazda RX8, did a great job making a great move at the start and gained the most positions at the start.

Posted On 5/6/08

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Tom Lepper Wins USTCC Race at Thunderhill

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:48:20 PST

Tom Lepper Wins USTCC Race at Thunderhill
By Ali Arsham, USTCC

May 5, 2008 (Benicia , Calif.) – Tom Lepper, owner and driver of the Team Cobalt California Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged car, won the third United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) race at Thunderhill Raceway Park on May 4.

“We overcame several mechanical issues earlier in the weekend,” Lepper said. “I would have been happy with a podium finish; the win was icing on the cake.”

Lepper battled with the Dodge SRT4 of Curt Simmons and the Mitsubishi Evo of Dave Bongiovanni throughout most of the race, setting the race’s fastest lap in the process.

On-track contact in the latter portion of the race secured the win for Lepper. Bongiovanni followed him with third going to Jerry Bradbury in a Mini Cooper S.

Thunderhill’s three-mile road course track was raced in an unusual clockwise direction adding difficulty to an already arduous track.

“Not many people had experience running the track backwards.” Lepper said. “It equaled the playing field for many of the seasoned racers.”

Lepper’s teammate, Rod Rojas, of the MOLECULE Nomex and Technical Fabric Care Products team, waited at the Start/Finish for Lepper to take the checkered flag. “What an exciting race,” Rojas said. “Molecule Labs is thrilled to have Tom as our partner in our effort to win the USTCC series. I have no doubt the Cobalt will show its dominance at the end of the season.”

USTCC is sanctioned by National Auto Sports Association (NASA). The next USTCC race will be held at Infineon Raceway, in Sonoma , Calif. , on June 29.

Lepper’s Chevrolet Cobalt is sponsored by Red Line Oil and Clutch Masters, as well as MOLECULE Nomex and Technical Fabric Care Products and GoPro Hero Digital Cameras.

Media Contact:
Robyn Lepper
robyn@teamcobaltcalifornia.com
Ph. 707-751-3836

Posted On 5/5/08

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Foss Wins First MX-5 Cup Race of 2008 at Road Atlanta

Sat, 03 May 2008 03:19:33 PST

Foss Wins First MX-5 Cup Race of 2008 at Road Atlanta
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 3, 2008) – Polesitter Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, won the first SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup race of 2008, part of the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta. Hooverspeed teammates Todd Buras, of Melbourne, Fla., and Brad Rampelberg, of San Jose, Calif., completed the podium.

Car setup became a guessing game at Road Atlanta, after rain blanketed the 12-turn, 2.54 mile road course during the lunch hour. The shower ceased just as the group before the MX-5 Cup race took to the track and the teams watched on as a dry racing line began to form.

Last minute decisions meant several cars were late to the pre-grid and the No. 70 GRE/Velocity-club.com/Red Line Oil/SCDA1 Mazda MX-5 of Elivan Goulart, from Shelton, Conn., opted to change from wet to dry tires while waiting on the grid, forcing the third-place qualifier to start from the back of the field.

At the drop of the green, the No. 56 Hooverspeed/Pancreaticcure.org/Pancan.org Mazda MX-5 of Buras got a great start, taking over the early lead.

“It’s notoriously slick at Road Atlanta in the rain,” Buras said. “We knew that, so we softened the car up. We made the right adjustments, because the car was great. At Turn One I was in second and by 10A and B I was first.”

The first lap was the only lap Buras would lead though, as polesitter Foss motored back into the lead. Two laps later, Foss’ MER teammate and fellow front-row starter Ryan Schimsk, of Austin, Texas, took over the lead in the No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical Mazda MX-5.

From there, the top four: Schimsk, Foss, Buras and Rampelberg, settled into a tight, but comfortable pack and broke away from the field. When Schimsk bobbled on lap 15 of the 23-lap, 58.42-mile race, Foss seized the lead. Schmisk held onto Foss’ bumper for several laps before falling back through the field.

Just as Foss began to pull a gap on second and third place, the full-course caution came out for the No. 32 Hale Motorsports/Patron Tequila Mazda MX-5 of Ian Ziering, which was in the tires at Turn Three. Without enough time to clean up the corner, the race, which averaged 80.732 mph, ended under yellow. Following the pace car across the start-finish line didn’t take away any of Foss’ excitement for his first MX-5 Cup win.

“I’m elated,” Foss said. “I’ve got to thank everyone: Team MER, Autobarn and Brook Co. It was a great race. Ryan [Schimsk] is an amazing teammate and we really worked well together. I was bummed that he had a little miscue that set him back. In my mind he was the guy to beat today.

“We guessed on the setup like I think all the teams did, because we didn’t know what the conditions were going to be. We just happened to hit on a decent setup, but I would say it was optimal. Everyone was fighting the same issue. I got a little break toward the end with about three laps before the yellow. Maybe my home track experience helped me out, because I noticed I was able to pull on everyone in Turn One to Turn Seven, and I was finally able to break the draft and get away progressively.”

Despite some serious nose-to-tail racing with his teammate, Rampelberg, Buras was able to bring his car home in second.

“It was a great race,” Buras said. “Everyone ran really clean and did a good job. Brad was fantastic. I slipped up once or twice and he got up there on my bumper instead of trying to go around. You couldn’t ask for a better teammate than Brad, I mean, he’s a National Championship driver. I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“I was really hoping we were going to go back to green, because I had my teammate behind me and we could have drafted [Foss] down the back straightaway. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but you can’t knock the result.

“We’ve got a new sponsor, Pancreaticure.com, and we’ve got a great contest going: guess how many points the No. 56 car will have at the end of the season and you could win a two-day Skip Barber school. We’re trying to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, so visit us at researchracing.com.”

In his first MX-5 Cup race, SCCA Spec Miata National Champion and winner of the Mazdaspeed Driver Development Ladder MX-5 Cup shootout, Rampelberg finished third in the No. 14 Hooverspeed Mazda MX-5.

“We made the call to put dry tires on and obviously that was the right call,” Rampelberg said. “I slotted into fourth on the start. Then we had two MER cars followed by two Hooverspeed cars. At that point, it was just a waiting game to see who was going to fall off, who put the biggest wet setup on. Schimsk ran well, but then I think his tires got away from him. The Kumhos on my car worked great. At the end I thought I had something for Eric and Todd, but that just didn’t happen.

“Getting on the podium is awesome anytime you do it, but especially being a shootout winner. Mazda has given me a great opportunity and I really want to do a good job for them this year as well as Jason Hoover from Hooverspeed, and P3 is a great place to start.”

Although he led an impressive 10 laps in his first-ever MX-5 Cup race, Schimsk would finish fourth. Also competing in his first MX-5 Cup race, seventeen-year-old Christian Franck, of Simi Valley, Calif., finished fifth in the No. 16 Alara Racing/Select Painting/ICC/CC7 Mazda MX-5.

Following a race-long battle, Anders Hainer beat out last year’s winner Ara Malkhassian for sixth place.

SCCA Touring Three National Champion Robert Huffmaster, of Clarkston, Mich., finished seventh and earned the Hawk Hot Lap for turning a new race lap record of 1:40.707 (90.798 mph) in the No. 27 Team MER/Huffmaster Co. Mazda MX-5.

Brad McAllister and Neal Sapp completed the top ten.

Round Two of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup moves north of the border to Mosport International Raceway, May 16 – 18. News, photos, live timing and lap notes are all available at www.mx-5cup.com.

Posted On 5/3/08

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Solo Tour Resumes in Texas, Evo School Debuts

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:28:48 PST

Solo Tour Resumes in Texas, Evo School Debuts
By Erin Cecal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 2, 2008) – After more than a month off, The Tire Rack® SCCA Solo National Tour is back underway and returning to Texas Motor Speedway for the first time since 2001. Evolution Performance Driving Schools will join the Tour at Texas as the newly appointed Official Driving School of The Tire Rack SCCA Solo Program.

Well known throughout the Solo community, Evolution Driving Schools have long offered drivers a chance to hone their cone-skirting skills. Beginning in Texas, however, Evolution Performance Driving Schools will have classes at each stop of the 2008 Tire Rack National Solo Season, except at the Devens Tour due to site accessibility limitations.

“In addition to our existing line-up of schools, Evolution will be on the road with SCCA hosting the new Evo Advantage School before every Tire Rack Solo National Tour event, as well as a soon to be announced school before every Tire Rack ProSolo Series event that will focus on start line techniques,” Evolution Performance Driving Schools Managing Partner Pat Salerno said. “Soloists are invited to visit www.evoschool.com to learn more about our full line of schools and to sign up.”

Schools will run on Friday morning, prior to the usual Test and Tune, and be open to all participants for a price of $65. Walk-ups will be accepted at the Texas Tour, just visit the SCCA trailer, but classes are capped at 20 students each. Gerry Terranova and Neal Bellamy are the scheduled instructors in Texas.

“The Tire Rack Solo National Tour program has a long history of having an instructional component being a part of the events, so designating Evolution Performance Driving Schools as the Official Driving School is a natural extension of that heritage and we look forward to this being a benefit to our members as they strive to improve their driving skills,” SCCA Vice President of Rally & Solo Howard Duncan said.

More than 200 entrants have registered for this weekend’s Texas Tour with courses designed by Greg Piper. All participants will be treated to an all-you-can-eat Texas BBQ on Saturday night, hosted by the Texas Region.

Full results from Texas will be posted to www.scca.com/solo as they become available.

Posted On 5/2/08

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MER Teammates Tie for Qualifying Record at Road Atlanta; Foss Awarded Pole

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:26:51 PST

MER Teammates Tie for Qualifying Record at Road Atlanta; Foss Awarded Pole
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 2, 2008) – MER teammates Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ryan Schimsk, of Austin, Texas, proved just how close the competition is in SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup when they entered identical fast laps in qualifying for Saturday’s Round One race, part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge. Going back to each of the drivers’ second-fastest lap times, Foss was awarded his second-consecutive Road Atlanta pole.

Driving the No. 28 Team MER/Autobarn Mazda/Brooks Co. MX-5, Foss entered a record-setting lap of 1:40.763 (90.747 mph) early in the 27-minute session. Satisfied with the time, Foss pulled the car into pit lane and watched his competitors inch closer to his pole time, ready to return to the car if necessary. Just before the checkered flag came out on the session, Schimsk’s No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical MX-5 crossed the timing stripe and recorded the same exact lap time as Foss.

“I put my lap in pretty early,” Foss said. “It was a decent lap, but everyone was closing in, so I was getting a little worried. I was actually in pit lane when Ryan turned his lap and I was amazed that it was the same lap time. I was afraid that one of my teammates or someone else was going to take the pole away, so I’m just ecstatic that we’ve got two guys on the front row.”

Per the SCCA Pro Racing rulebook, when drivers enter identical fast times in qualifying, the drivers’ second-fastest lap times are used to determine the polesitter. Foss’ next fastest lap of 1:41.235 just barely beat out Schimsk’ 1:41.266.

“Obviously we’re pretty equal in speed, but we’re going to take a look at the data,” Foss continued. “Already this weekend we’ve found that Ryan is two tenths quicker than me in some corners and I’m a tenth or two quicker than him in others, so we’re trying to string the perfect driver together and adapt to each other. If we can do that and really continue to focus and work with each other, I think that’s going to give us a great opportunity.

“The field is much tighter this year. I don’t think there’s going to be a breakaway. We can always hope that, but realistically I think anyone in the top 10 has a really good shot.”

Third on the grid for Saturday’s race is Elivan Goulart, of Shelton, Conn., in the No. 70 GRE/Velocity-Club.com/Red Line Oil MX-5. Goulart clocked a 1:40.813 (90.702 mph) around the 12-turn, 2.54-mile road course.

Todd Buras, of Melbourne, Fla., will start fourth in the No. 56 Hooverspeed/Pancreaticcure.org MX-5. Buras entered a time of 1:40.941 (90.587 mph). He is followed on the timing sheets by Mark Jenkins, of Fairview, Texas. Driving the No. 25 Team MER/Jenkins Bros./Traxxas MX-5, Jenkins ties his career-best qualifying effort of fifth, with a 1:41.022 (90.515 mph).

Brad Rampelberg, Ara Malkhassian, Robert Huffmaster are sixth, seventh and eighth on the grid, respectively. All of the top-eight cars were under the previous qualifying lap record of 1:41.461 (90.123 mph) set by Foss last year. Brad McAllister and Deborah Loth complete the top ten.

The first race of the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup season will take place at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) tomorrow, May 3. Go to www.mx-5cup.com for results, live timing and lap notes.

BRASELTON, Ga. - Results from qualifying session one for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Round One race, part of the 2008 Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (28), Eric Foss, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.763, 90.747.
2, (81), Ryan Schimsk, Austin, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.763, 90.747.
3, (70), Elivan Goulart, Shelton, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.813, 90.702.
4, (56), Todd Buras, Melbourne, Fla., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.941, 90.587.
5, (25), Mark Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, 254863511, 1:41.022, 90.515.
6, (14), Brad Rampelberg, San Jose, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.264, 90.298.
7, (11), Ara Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.276, 90.288.
8, (27), Robert Huffmaster, Clarkston, Mich., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.433, 90.148.
9, (39), Brad McAllister, Portland, Ore., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.471, 90.114.
10, (23), Deborah Loth, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.572, 90.024.
11, (13), Anders Hainer, Woodland Hills, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.633, 89.970.
12, (16), Christian Franck, Simi Valley, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.656, 89.950.
13, (47), Mike Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.660, 89.946.
14, (6), Brett Smrz, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.781, 89.840.
15, (57), Steve Welk, Franklin, Wis., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.801, 89.822.
16, (19), Robert Michaelian, Seal Beach, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.884, 89.749.
17, (33), Neal Sapp, Chadds Ford, Pa., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.949, 89.692.
18, (26), Tim Probert, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.604, 89.119.
19, (43), Barry Fromberg, Plano, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.884, 88.876.
20, (21), Randy Hale, Haddam, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.454, 88.387.
21, (22), Laura Olson, Costa Mesa, Calif., Mazda MX5, 1:43.803, 88.090.
22, (00), Harrison Williams, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.877, 88.027.
23, (12), Alison Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.916, 87.994.
24, (24), Forest Barber, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.925, 87.986.
25, (01), Bill Sweedler, Westport, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.949, 87.966.
26, (8), Carlos Tesler-Mabe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.164, 87.784.
27, (35), Bob Audet, Alexandria, Va., Mazda MX-5, 1:44.846, 87.213.
28, (55), Susan Krohn, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:45.308, 86.831.
29, (54), Brad Adams, New Orleans, La., Mazda MX-5, 1:46.298, 86.022.
30, (08), Colbi Bradley, Atlanta, Ga., Mazda MX-5, 1:46.351, 85.979.
31, (32), Ian Ziering, Los Angeles, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:49.960, 83.157.

Posted On 5/2/08

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BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:24:04 PST

BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights
By Bimmerworld Media Services

t’s another BimmerWorld classic. All the ingredients are there for a masterful race:

Seth Thomas+BimmerWorld BMW E90+VIRginia International Raceway.

Add in driving in front of BimmerWorld’s home state family and friends, an epic rear-wheel drive BMW vs. front-wheel drive Acura/Mazda battle lap after lap, Seth’s masterful movement from 7th to 2nd place, and we have a hot dish of in-car racing footage awaiting you.

Click Here to watch BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

http://www.bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworldracing.com
http://www.powerflexusa.com
Race Proven BMW Performance
877.639.9648

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Posted On 5/2/08

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Foss is Tops in MX-5 Cup Practice at Road Atlanta

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:10:30 PST

Foss is Tops in MX-5 Cup Practice at Road Atlanta
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 1, 2008) – Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, topped both practice sessions today for Round One of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta. Robert Huffmaster, of Clarkston, Mich., was second fastest in practice, followed by Anders Hainer, of Woodland Hills, Mich.

Polesitter at last year’s race, Foss topped both 30-minute practice sessions at Road Atlanta in his No. 28 Team MER/Autobarn Mazda MX-5. His fastest time came on the last lap of the morning session, a 1:40.433 (91.036 mph). In the warmer afternoon session, Foss’ best time around the 12-turn, 2.54-mile course was a 1:40.634 (91.037 mph).

“We had a mild under-steer this morning,” Foss said. “We did a couple things we thought were going to fix it, but with the track getting hotter, it just exaggerated the situation. Mid-session, I actually came in, because I thought it was hindering the performance of the car. We made the change and immediately I went out and the car was a lot better. We’re still not 100 percent where we want to be. The track conditions are deteriorating a little bit, but the car is drivable in these conditions, so I think that’s going to make it a good car for tomorrow and Saturday.”

After starting this race from pole last year, Foss endured a race-long battle with teammate Jason Saini, only to have both himself and his teammate fall victim to a last lap sneak attack by Ara Malkhassian. The third-place finish was Foss’ first and only MX-5 Cup race in 2007.

“It’s hard not to be a little confident with the way the weekend’s been going and the way last year went. I think it will be a little tougher this year. Obviously my teammates are right there with me. Qualifying is important, especially if it rains [during the race] on Saturday. If we can get MER cars in the top four, that’s what we’re shooting for, because everyone knows it’s all about working together with your teammates and hopefully we can do a better job of that this year during the race than last year.”

It appears things are going to plan then, as three Team MER cars follow Foss on the combine practice sheets. Huffmaster, the reigning SCCA Touring 3 National Champion also turned his fastest lap of the day in the morning session, entering a 1:40.805 (90.709 mph) at the wheel of his No. 27 Team MER/Huffmaster Co. Mazda MX-5. He is followed by the No. 13 Team MER/Under Armour Mazda MX-5 of Hainer, who entered a 1:40.838 (90.680 mph) in the morning session.

Ryan Schmisk, of Austin, Texas, in the No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical Mazda MX-5 improved on his morning time, but not his fourth position on the time sheets, by entering a 1:40.866 (90.656 mph) in the afternoon session.

2007 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion and newest member of the Mazdapseed Driver Development Ladder, Brad Rampelberg, of San Jose, Calif., ended the day fifth on the timesheets. The No. 14 Hooverspeed Mazda MX-5 driver set his fastest time of the day, a 1:41.071 (90.471 mph) in the morning session.

Brad McAllister, Brett Smrz, Neal Sapp, Mark Jenkins and Todd Buras completed the top ten.

Qualifying for Round One of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup will take place Friday, May 2, at 12:30 p.m. (EDT). The race will take place Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). For results, photos, news, live timing and lap notes, visit www.mx-5cup.com.

BRASELTON, Ga. - Combined practice results for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Round One race, part of the 2008 Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (28), Eric Foss, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.443, 91.036.
2, (27), Robert Huffmaster, Clarkston, Mich., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.805, 90.709.
3, (13), Anders Hainer, Woodland Hills, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.838, 90.680.
4, (81), Ryan Schimsk, Austin, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.866, 90.655.
5, (14), Brad Rampelberg, San Jose, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.071, 90.471.
6, (39), Brad McAllister, Portland, Ore., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.147, 90.403.
7, (6), Brett Smrz, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.215, 90.342.
8, (33), Neal Sapp, Chadds Ford, Pa., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.229, 90.329.
9, (25), Mark Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, 254863511, 1:41.274, 90.289.
10, (56), Todd Buras, Melbourne, Fla., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.405, 90.173.
11, (16), Christian Franck, Simi Valley, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.693, 89.917.
12, (70), Elivan Goulart, Shelton, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.769, 89.850.
13, (11), Ara Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.775, 89.845.
14, (57), Steve Welk, Franklin, Wis., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.921, 89.716.
15, (43), Barry Fromberg, Plano, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.139, 89.525.
16, (47), Mike Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.280, 89.401.
17, (19), Robert Michaelian, Seal Beach, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:42.309, 89.376.
18, (26), Tim Probert, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.559, 89.158.
19, (23), Deborah Loth, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.034, 88.747.
20, (54), Brad Adams, New Orleans, La., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.262, 88.551.
21, (01), Bill Sweedler, Westport, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.608, 88.255.
22, (8), Carlos Tesler-Mabe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.140, 87.804.
23, (22), Laura Olson, Costa Mesa, Calif., Mazda MX5, 1:44.171, 87.778.
24, (12), Alison Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:44.232, 87.727.
25, (00), Harrison Williams, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.964, 87.115.
26, (24), Forest Barber, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:45.891, 86.353.
27, (55), Susan Krohn, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:46.391, 85.947.
28, (35), Bob Audet, Alexandria, Va., Mazda MX-5, 1:47.666, 84.929.
29, (21), Colbi Bradley, Haddam, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:48.771, 84.066.
30, (32), Ian Ziering Hale, Los Angeles, Calif., Mazda MX-5, no time.

Posted On 5/1/08

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BimmerWorld: VIR Qualifying Lap with James Clay

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:13:58 PST

BimmerWorld: VIR Qualifying Lap with James Clay
By Bimmerworld Media Services

He started 6th and finished 3rd; for BimmerWorld SPEED World Challenge Touring Car owner/driver James Clay, VIR was clearly a great weekend. The Virginia-native set out for qualifying with team mate Seth Thomas, slipstreaming down the long straights at the Alton, VA track.

At the conclusion of his lap of the 3.27 mile long circuit, Clay placed his BMW E90 in 6th place. Click Here to watch James on the ragged edge in front of his home crowd.

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

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Posted On 4/30/08

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Smrz Moves to Alara Racing for 2008 MX-5 Cup Season

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:38:27 PST

Smrz Moves to Alara Racing for 2008 MX-5 Cup Season
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

COUER d’ALENE, Idaho (April 29, 2008) - Brett Smrz and Smrz Racing have teamed up with Alara Racing out of Sonoma, Calif., for the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup season. The 17-year-old has been hard at work both in the gym and on the track in preparation for the first event.

Still recovering from his leg amputation sustained last year in an off-track incident, Smrz has been working with his physical therapist, Brad Sharples, of In Touch Physical Therapy, to prepare for the Road Atlanta event.

“I am very excited to be running with Alara Racing for the 2008 season,” explained Smrz. “The mechanics and engineers listen carefully to my input and make the necessary changes, so I can get the most out of the car.”

Smrz has also been training over the winter in the Skip Barber open-wheel cars as well as the Skip Barber Mazda MX-5 cars. Competing against 50 other drivers in a Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout held at the Sebring Raceway this spring, Smrz was awarded a sponsored ride in the Western Region open-wheel series.

Most recently competing in the Jim Russell Scholarship Run-Off at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Smrz was the recipient of a sponsored half-season in the new Lola FJR-50 cars. The cars are based on the Lola B06/30 Formula 3 car, which won the German Recaro F3 Championship in 2006. The cars weigh 1,025 lbs and produce 300 bhp with 270 ft lbs of torque. Smrz’ first race in the new cars will be in between the Road Atlanta and Mosport MX-5 races.

The opening round of the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup takes place May 1 – 3 at Road Atlanta, site of Smrz’ last MX-5 Cup race in 2007 before his amputation.

Stepping up in place of the former MAZDASPEED Miata Cup, the Mazda MX-5 Cup made its debut in 2006. Featuring identical Mazda MX-5s on spec Kumho tires, MX-5 Cup gives drivers the opportunity to run on high-profile weekends in an economical, entry-level racing series. As part of the MAZDASPEED Driver Development Ladder, the 2008 MX-5 Cup Champion will receive a ride in the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship, courtesy of Mazda. The 2008 MX-5 Cup schedule features eight races at prestigious events across North America, and with grids composed of roughly 30 cars at each race, MX-5 Cup has become one of the best shows in motorsports today. For more information, visit www.mx-5cup.com.

Posted On 4/29/08

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BimmerWorld Back on Track after Thrilling VIR World Challenge Race

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:45:06 PST

BimmerWorld Back on Track after Thrilling VIR World Challenge Race
By Bimmerworld Media Services

Seth Thomas comes within 0.090 of winning; James Clay locks in a podium at his home race.

4.27.08 Dublin, VA - Saturday’s race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) delivered thrilling battles, two BimmerWorld drivers on the podium, the 5th closest finish in Series history, the fastest race lap, and the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for the Dublin, Virginia based team.

Add in the massive crowd supporting the BimmerWorld boys, and round two of the 2008 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car championship was a classic event for all of those in attendance.

For Seth Thomas, VIR served as a weekend of career bests and highlights at every turn. “This weekend definitely is the best memory in racing for me. Somebody asked me that question this weekend and all I could tell them was last year leading most of the Road Atlanta race. Now this one trumps it. It was important for me to get the podium monkey off my back. Doing this at VIR with all the BimmerWorld fans and supporters at our home track…the moment couldn't have been any better.”

Thomas not only earned the race’s fastest lap, but was also bestowed with the Sunoco Hard Charger Award by the SCCA for passing an impressive five cars on his march to his second place finish. As Thomas noted, that march was anything but easy.

“The last half of this race was the hardest that I have ever driven. Racing with Kuno Wittmer those last few laps was give and take. He was fast in some sections and I was fast in others. We kept fighting it out trying to see who would come out on top. He had the better position. In those laps I could see him pushing the car to the limits and I saw some of his weaknesses. I kept trying to pressure him into a mistake at those spots but he kept it all together. On the last lap we did go side by side on a couple of occasions but I never could take advantage. There were several times where I was faster than Kuno and I could have stuck a nose in on him or loosened him up a little.”

While Thomas could have barged his way past Wittmer, earning a victory on merit, rather than rough tactics, is how the Georgia- native prefers to race. “To me, bumping a guy out of the lead is not how I like to race. I think it is a lot more exciting seeing two cars going at it working ever advantage they can on the last lap and cross the finish line together is a lot more entertaining then bumping the leader out of the way. So Kuno and I did just that: keeping it clean all the way to the finish line.”

Sharing in his success with James Clay made the weekend all the more perfect for Thomas. “I am so glad James was on the podium with me. James being there makes it a lot more memorable because we have been teammates for so long. Plus, James did give me a wave by on the front straight on lap two which helped to get me in the position I was in at the end of the race. I’m glad once again we put on a BMW show for everyone at VIR. We came away with the fastest lap which shows we have the speed to compete with everyone this year. Next step is to get the qualifying monkey off our backs, put the BMW on pole again, and then you will see us on the top of the podium at the end.”

For Virginia-native James Clay, BimmerWorld’s owner/driver, VIR is a weekend he won’t soon forget. “I’m so incredibly proud of everyone,” said Clay. “We’ve had VIR marked on our calendars from the day the race was announced, and to leave with Seth and me on the podium and to do it on our home turf was just perfect. Well, almost perfect; we really wanted to win, but I’ll take the points we’ve earned and get ready for round three in Utah. I know Nick wanted a better result than what he had—he’s not used to finishing outside the top ten, but I’m confident he’ll be right there with us.”

Clay’s third place at VIR matched his previous best finish, a third place at Road Atlanta last October, but he’s had enough of third place finishes. “Third place has gotten a little bit old…a win is the next step. Our cars have proven they’re ready; our crew is ready, and Seth, Nick, and I are ready. I guess having three hungry drivers and three cars capable of winning isn’t a bad problem to have…” noted Clay.

If there was a major challenge at VIR, it was for the BimmerWorld crew to ready the three BMW E90’s on a rapid fire schedule between sessions. “It was such a tight schedule to work from; every crew member gave all they had this weekend,” offered Clay. “It might sound like a shameless plug, but with our guys working flat out to prepare three cars with almost no time on the clock to do so, the tools provided by our partners at GearWrench really helped get us on track with time to spare. They make it easier for our crew to do their jobs, and that’s exactly what we need.”

For BimmerWorld newcomer Nick Esayian, a finish outside the top ten at VIR has the SPEED Touring Car veteran looking forward to the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. “It’s been an interesting start of the season for me. I left a good finish on the table at Sebring and never really got my mojo workin’ this weekend. I’m happy for Seth and James, but I think I’ve served my time in BimmerWorld’s boot camp; it’s time to join the same battlefield they’re on.”

The VIR race will be broadcast Wednesday, April 30 at 1 p.m. (EDT). The series next travels to Miller Motorsports Park for Round Three, May 18.

More information about the team, cars, and drivers can be found at www.bimmerworldracing.com Information on BimmerWorld’s Customer Car Services can be found at www.bimmerworld.com

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

Posted On 4/27/08

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Wittmer Holds Off Thomas For Maiden SPEED Touring Car Win In Virginia

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:00:48 PST

Wittmer Holds Off Thomas For Maiden SPEED Touring Car Win In Virginia
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

ALTON, Va. (April 26, 2008) – Canadian Kuno Wittmer watched the competition fall off the course in front of him and held off the attacks of others to record his maiden win in SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car competition today at VIRginia International Raceway—the fifth-closest finish in series history. Teammates Seth Thomas, of Cumming, Ga., and James Clay, of nearby Blacksburg completed the top three.

Driving the No. 44 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX, Wittmer started third and followed polesitter and early leader Chip Herr’s No. 97 Tindol Motorsports MAZDA6 for the opening 10 laps of the 21-lap, 68.67-mile race. As the top four cars, separated by just one second, entered Turn One, Wittmer’s teammate Pierre Kleinubing snuck by into second at precisely the same time that Herr slid wide and off course.

“Chip’s car was really quick, but I was able to hang onto him,” Wittmer said. “I saw Pierre behind me when he got by Charles [Espenlaub]. From then on, I just focused on Chip, because I knew Pierre wasn’t going to try anything dirty on me. Then Chip locked up in front of me, Pierre was alongside and I had nowhere to go, so Pierre went by and I went behind him.”

Kleinubing’s No. 43 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX inherited the lead, but was never comfortable as Wittmer and seventh-starting Thomas were in tow for the next eight laps. On lap 19, as the trio headed for the famed Oak Tree turn, Kleinubing slid off and brushed the tire wall. He re-entered the course in seventh, leaving only Wittmer and Thomas to fight for the win in the final three laps.

As he had done in previous laps, Thomas drafted alongside Wittmer going into Turns One and 14, but Wittmer always protected, keeping the No. 38 BimmerWorld BMW 325i at bay. To add to the drama, rain began to fall on portions of the undulating 3.27-mile, 17-turn circuit in the closing laps, but it was not enough to affect the finish. The BMW had a run on Wittmer’s Acura exiting the final corner, but Wittmer held him off to record a 0.090-second win, averaging 91.725 mph.

“It feels absolutely fantastic to win, especially with the way the race unfolded,” Wittmer, whose previous best finish was second place, said. “I had a great start and was right behind Chip off the start. I did bog a little bit and might have been able to take the lead into Turn One if I hadn’t, because Charles bogged and Chip bogged.

“It was a roller coaster ride. I was looking ahead of me, looking behind me; I wasn’t quite sure what to do or where to position myself. The rain made it a little bit slick in the braking zones, but we had enough of a gap on James that I was like ‘okay here we go, let’s put a good three laps.’ Then, Pierre went off and I don’t know if he broke or did it himself, but I’ll take it.

“Seth did a great job putting on the pressure. He was there every single time. I didn’t want to block, but I was definitely defending my position. The car was strong and I wasn’t going to give up that easily. So thanks to RealTime, BuyBrakes.com and Acura; without them, I’m not here.”

For Thomas, it was also a career-best finish, and despite coming up just shy of the win, he was all smiles. He was also presented the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing five positions throughout the race.

“I was sitting in Kuno’s draft, and you need that draft to get up there, but as soon as I’d pop out, I could feel the wind just stop my car,” Thomas said. “I was trying to get up next to him and trying to get up next to him, but then he’d get a better run onto the front straight. It was so close - it was awesome.”

Clay started sixth in the No. 36 BimmerWorld BMW 325i and came out on top of a battle with Charles Espenlaub’s No. 73 Mazdaspeed/Stoptech/Racinghart MAZDA6 and Peter Cunningham’s No. 42 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX. The third-place finish equaled Clay’s career-best.

“It was an intense race,” Clay said. “Unfortunately, I was just sitting there watching. I got a lucky pass on Espenlaub going into the braking zone at Turn One. I think he gave it to me. Then I had Charles behind me and PD there. I got caught up in that race and got out of the draft. On these straights, without a draft, you can’t do anything, so I was just watching.

“It feels really good to have two cars on the podium. I was watching Seth up there and I was hoping he could get it done, but it was so tight, there was no room. They played a great game up there though. Seth’s first podium and me up here as well; it’s pretty awesome.”

Espenlaub, who started second, held on to finish fourth. Herr moved by Cunningham on the final lap to complete the top five.

Cunningham, Kleinubing, Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6), Payton Wilson (Dodge SRT-4) and Eric Curran (Acura TSX) completed the top 10.

Michael Galati earned the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award for moving up six positions on the opening lap in his No. 95 Mazda North America/Tindol MAZDA6. One of the fastest cars early in the weekend, Galati started 15th after mechanical issues slowed his qualifying pace and looked to be charging before an off-course excursion on Lap 11.

Coupled with a second at the season-opening round at Sebring, Wittmer’s win placed him atop the point standings for the first time in his career. The 25 year-old Montreal native now has 225 points—28 more than Kleinubing. Cunningham and Espenlaub are tied for third, with 178, followed by Thomas, with 176.

Acura extended its SCCA SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine lead to 12 over defending Champion Mazda, 19 to seven.

Today’s race will be broadcast Wednesday, April 30 at 1 p.m. (EDT). The series next travels to Miller Motorsports Park for Round Three, May 18.

ALTON, Va. - Results from Saturday’s 21-lap, 68.67-mile SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship Round Two race, at Virginia International Raceway with finishing position, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. (3), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura TSX, 21.
2. (7), Seth Thomas, Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 21, -.090.
3. (6), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 21, -10.769.
4. (2), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 21, -12.494.
5. (1), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., MAZDA6, 21, -13.903.
6. (4), Peter Cunningham, Milwaukee, Wis., Acura TSX, 21, -16.666.
7. (5), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 21, -16.856.
8. (8), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 21, -23.666.
9. (9), Payton Wilson, Chantilly, Va., Dodge SRT-4, 21, -25.215.
10. (10), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Acura TSX, 21, -28.432.
11. (16), Jason Saini(R), Fort Worth, Texas, MAZDA6, 21, -29.324.
12. (15), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 21, -40.519.
13. (11), Jason Martinelli, Roxbury, Conn., BMW 325i, 21, -45.578.
14. (13), Nick Esayian, San Diego, Calif., BMW 325i, 21, -46.529.
15. (14), Charlie Putman, Mills, Wyo., MAZDA6, 21, -1:10.092.
16. (12), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 21, -1:19.167.
17. (17), Glenn Bocchino, Delray Beach, Fla., Acura RSX, 20, -1 lap.

Time of race: 44 minutes, 55.127 seconds.
Average speed: 91.725 mph, Record
Margin of victory: 0.090-second, Record
Lap leaders: Laps 1-10, #97 Chip Herr; laps 11-18, #43 Pierre Kleinubing; laps 19-21, #44 Kuno Wittmer
Fastest race lap: #38 Seth Thomas, 2:06.646 (92.952 mph), Record
Fastest qualifier: #97 Chip Herr, 2:05.650 (93.688 mph), Record
Sunoco Hard Charger: #38 Thomas advanced five positions throughout the race
Racing Electronics Holeshot Award: #95 Galati advanced six positions on Lap One

SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship Point Standings
After Two of 10 Rounds

Pos., Driver, Car, Points (Wins)
1, Kuno Wittmer, Acura TSX, 225 (1)
2, Pierre Kleinubing, Acura TSX, 197 (1)
3, Peter Cunningham, Acura TSX, 178
4, Charles Espenlaub, MAZDA6, 178
5, Seth Thomas, BMW 325i, 176
6, James Clay, BMW 325i, 152
7, Jeff Altenburg, MAZDA6, 148
8, Chip Herr, MAZDA6, 145
9, Jason Martinelli, BMW 325i, 123
10, Jason Saini(R), MAZDA6, 121

SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER
After Two of 10 Rounds

1, Acura, 19 (2)
2, Mazda, 7

Posted On 4/26/08

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LeMons: Carolina Deadline Looming; AMP Race Ditto

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:56:28 PST

LeMons: Carolina Deadline Looming; AMP Race Ditto
By Jay Lamm, Chief Perpetrator

Panicking yet? No? Perhaps you're just not paying attention:

CAROLINA ENTRY DEADLINE IN THREE (GOL'-DANG) WEEKS
Actually, less than three weeks: The deadline to enter LeMons South (at swanky Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw SC) is 17 May.

Like all LeMons races, we collect applications (via the online registration page) right up to the deadline, then pick the best of the bunch for the grid after that. And yes, I admit, "best" is an arguable term here.

To have the same chance of being picked as everyone else, don't miss the 17 May cutoff. After that, the bribery bill simply skyrockets.

AMP RACE IN (SAINTS PRESERVE US) TWO WEEKS
Lungs need some dust? Eyes just dying for vaporized crude oil? Then come see the '08 LeMons SF season-opener at Altamont Motorsports Park in Tracy CA. We're racing from 11:30am to 6:00pm on Saturday, May 10th, and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, May 11th. Awards ceremony at 4:30pm Sunday, and then they call the sheriff. It's all very orderly.

AMP's grandstand tickets are 5 bucks; pit passes are 30 for the weekend, or 20 per day. Mothers get into the grandstands for free on Mother's Day. Muthahs, likewise.

LAST-THRASH BASH
Too cheap to spend five bucks? How's free grab you?

The utterly informal Last-Thrash Bash hits LeMons HQ in Emeryville (5675-C Horton Street, 94608) from 9-5 on Sunday, May 4th, the last weekend before the AMP season-opener. That means that rather than working in their own shops and actually accomplishing something, various teams will be wrenching, prepping, whining, wheedling, and wasting even more precious time right here in front of our office. If you ever wanted to see how a Superfund site gets created, here's your big chance.

MOTORING J-STYLE
David Swig, a longtime team captain at LeMons, has just invited us to stage our heaps on the lawn of his excellent Japanese-themed concours and car show, Motoring J-Style (24 May '08 at the Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo CA). Why David would bring the level of his show down to the level of LeMons, to say nothing of making Vallejo a Superfund site as well, I couldn't say. Just come check it out if you want to see the world's first concours of $500 racecars. And likely the world's last.

Adios from the spam factory--JL

Jay Lamm, Chief Perpetrator
24 HOURS OF LeMONS
www.24HoursofLeMons.com

Posted On 4/26/08

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Herr Wins SPEED Touring Car Pole at VIR with Record Lap

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:34:59 PST

Herr Wins SPEED Touring Car Pole at VIR with Record Lap
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

ALTON, Va. (April 25, 2008) – Chip Herr, f Lititz, Pa., will start Saturday’s SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Round Two race from pole at VIRginia International Raceway during the Bosch Engineering 250 weekend after setting a new qualifying lap record. Charles Espenlaub, of Lutz, Fla., will start second, making it an all-Mazda front row.

Driving the No. 97 Tindol Motorsports MAZDA6, Herr captured his third career-pole with a new qualifying lap record at VIRginia International Raceway. Herr’s lap of 2:05.650 (93.859 mph) around the 17-turn, 3.27-mile track was slower than several of the times clocked in morning practice, but was the quickest lap produced in the much warmer qualifying session .Although not as warm as Herr and the Tindol Motorsport team were expecting.

“We actually expected it to be warmer—it wasn’t as warm this afternoon as yesterday,” Herr said. “With the four new tires, the car actually hooked up better than I expected. It’s really my second weekend in the car with the MAZDA6 and the Tindol crew has really worked with me to help get the car to suit my driving style, as opposed to me changing my style to suit the car. Tindol Motorsports has been very open minded to the changes I want to make and as you can see, it’s working.

“The key to the race is going to be keeping the tires underneath me. The BMWs are going to be strong and they’ve done some long runs to see how the tires hold up. I have not done a 50-minute run. Our cars tend to tighten up over a run and I’m trying to change that.”

Espenlaub put his No. 73 Mazdaspeed/Stoptech/Racinghart MAZDA6 on the front row with Herr after clocking a 2:05.696 (93.654 mph). The pair have shared the front row before, at Road America in 2006, but Herr doesn’t expect to have the same launch that won him that race.

“We’re here to run for a manufacturers’ championship. I have great company up front with Charles [Espenlaub] alongside. We’ve shared the front row before, but that was when I had a better launch [in an all-wheel-drive Audi]. We’ll have to get a good start and, hopefully, keep those Acuras behind us and hope for a Mazda one-two finish.”

Canadian Kuno Wittmer will start Friday’s race third on the grid. Wittmer entered a 2:05.709 (93.644 mph) in the No. 44 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX. He is followed by teammates Peter Cunningham, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla. Cunningham’s No. 42 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX turned a 2:05.780 (93.562 mph), while Kleinubing, whose practice time was actually faster than the pole time, turned a 2:05.800 (93.577 mph) in the No. 43 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX. The top five are separated by only 0.150-second.

Blacksburg, Va. driver James Clay will have a challenge ahead of him if he hopes to win in front of the hometown crowd; he starts sixth on the grid. Clay’s teammate Seth Thomas (BMW 325i) will start seventh.

Defending SCCA SPEED Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6) lines up eighth on the grid ahead of Payton Wilson in the lone Dodge SRT-4. SCCA SPEED GT driver Eric Curran completes the top 10 in an Acura TSX, making a return to his former team, RealTime Racing, for the weekend.

Michael Galati, of Olmstead, Ohio, who topped the second practice session, was only able to complete one lap when his No. 95 Mazda North America/Tindol MAZDA6 had problems with its ignition system. The crew was unable to get the car re-fired before qualifying time expired.

The SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car race will launch from a standing start, Saturday at 4:10 p.m. (EDT). Results, photos, live timing and lap notes are all available at www.world-challenge.com.

ALTON, Va. - Starting lineup for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship Round Two race, part of the Bosch Engineering 250 weekend at VIRginia International Raceway, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (97), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., MAZDA6, 2:05.650, 93.688.
2, (73), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 2:05.696, 93.654.
3, (44), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura TSX, 2:05.709, 93.644.
4, (42), Peter Cunningham, Milwaukee, Wis., Acura TSX, 2:05.780, 93.592.
5, (43), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 2:05.800, 93.577.
6, (36), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 2:06.005, 93.424.
7, (38), Seth Thomas, Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 2:06.049, 93.392.
8, (1), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 2:06.108, 93.348.
9, (62), Payton Wilson, Chantilly, Va., Dodge SRT-4, 2:06.551, 93.021.
10, (46), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Acura TSX, 2:06.929, 92.744.
11, (8), Jason Martinelli, Roxbury, Conn., BMW 325i, 2:07.338, 92.446.
12, (57), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 2:08.017, 91.956.
13, (34), Nick Esayian, San Diego, Calif., BMW 325i, 2:08.673, 91.487.
14, (96), Charlie Putman, Mills, Wyo., MAZDA6, 2:09.430, 90.952.
15, (95), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 2:28.428, 79.311.
16, (74), Jason Saini(R), Fort Worth, Texas, MAZDA6, 2:32.085, 77.404.
17, (45), Glenn Bocchino, Delray Beach, Fla., Acura RSX, no time.

Posted On 4/25/08

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Long Beach Leaves Eric Curran Looking for Positive Results

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:04:22 PST

Long Beach Leaves Eric Curran Looking for Positive Results
By Eric Curran Media

4-time 2007 SPEED GT race winner shakes off another tough weekend; looks to Utah to jump start 2008 title bid

April 25th, 2008 (Easthampton, MA) - If there’s a driver in the 2008 SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series who’s looking to turn his fortunes around, it’s Eric Curran, winner of four SPEED GT rounds in 2007.

This time last year, Curran was celebrating his second consecutive victory, taking a thrilling win from round two at Long Beach. In 2008, Curran’s had to display the poise and temperament of a veteran driver whose 2008 driver’s championship bid has gotten off to a rough start.

“Tough races happen sometimes, I just wish it wouldn't have been two in a row.” noted Curran. “My Whelen Engineering team has worked incredibly hard in the off season and deserve better than the results of Sebring and Long Beach, but we’re not discouraged and we are not giving up on our goal of a driver’s championship, or leading the charge to help deliver a manufacturer’s championship for Chevrolet."

Curran might have departed Long Beach without his desired win, but the young star of the SPEED GT series found many positives to draw from last weekend. “My backup car was fast all weekend; we were 3rd fastest in practice with it. Unfortunately, we had an electrical issue that prevented me from qualifying—it was the proverbial ‘$0.2 cent’ part that failed, but Teddy Marsh and the Whelen team got everything fixed and ready for the race. No matter how big the challenge that faces them, they don’t flinch and just keep their heads down to give me the best car possible.”

Forced to start from the back of the grid—unfamiliar territory for Curran—the driver of the #30 Whelen Engineering Corvette made up a number of spots at the start of the race. While picking his way past the tail end of the field, Curran was caught out by a few drivers that checked up quickly while entering the incredibly narrow turn two ‘water fountain’ corner. The resulting front-end damage, although slight, was enough to affect the #30 car’s cooling, bringing a very premature end to his race.

“I was being cautious—I knew that it would be tough coming through the pack from the back on a street course. I just never expected them to lock up and create a logjam at turn two, and even the extra space I’d left wasn’t enough. It’s challenging to get past a pack of slower cars on a street course, for sure.”

Going into the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, Curran knows the a strong result at the 3rd round of the SPEED GT championship is crucial for his championship aspirations.

“We were really strong there last year, and I’m sure Sonny and I will be in the hunt again for a top result. Most things worth having require you to work hard to earn them, and I certainly believe we’re prepared to work harder than ever to earn points, wins, and to get back in the title hunt. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Photo: Eric Curran in his #30 Whelen Engineering Corvette at the 2008 SCCA SPEED GT series round 2 event, held in Long Beach, California. (Photo: Jimmy Sykes)

Follow Eric’s progress and look for exclusive in-car footage, updates, and photo galleries at www.EricCurran.com.

Posted On 4/25/08

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The International Allstars Team Powered by Mazda Hits Long Beach

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:40:53 PST

The International Allstars Team Powered by Mazda Hits Long Beach
By eProdius Race Media

San Clemente , CA (04.23.08): The International Allstar Team powered by Mazda, with Kyle Mohan, Patrick Mordaunt, and Johnny Kanavas at the helm of a pair of Mazda MX-5s and one Mazda RX-7, took to the track this past weekend the Long Beach Grand Prix to compete in the Formula Drift Team-Drift Championship.

Setting aside the fact that the Long Beach Grand Prix is the biggest race of its kind in North America, and the biggest venue for Formula Drift in terms of event stature and crowd size, this was a big event for the team’s drivers. But for Mohan, Mordaunt, and Kanavas, it was also their home event, as all live but mere miles down the freeway from the scenic Grand Prix Circuit. The International Allstars are also based in Southern California, and Mazda USA’s headquarters are based in nearby Irvine – not that many of them were in the office, as with a significant number of Mazda vehicles racing in Long Beach, many of Mazda’s staff were on site.

And for Kanavas, this was his first Formula Drift event – and, he’d never been on course at all at Long Beach. Mordaunt had only seen a portion of it, having competed in the Formula Drift Pro Championship event the weekend before, while Mohan had seen the full course in last year’s Team Drift event.

But, in front a packed crowd and under perfect weather, the International Allstar Team powered by Mazda delivered the goods (at least once the computer in Mordaunt’s car began cooperating) and came home fourth place in Sunday’s judged competition, just one point off of third place. With all three cars bouncing off the rev limiter, hanging the tail out and burning down their Cooper Tires, the drivers were grinning ear-to-ear after coming off track. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when flogging a car for all its worth around the Long Beach Grand Prix course.

With the recent unification of the Champ Car World Series and the IRL IndyCar series, the rest of the Team Drift schedule is one large “TBA.” But look for Mohan, Mordaunt and Kanavas to be back behind the wheel for the International Allstar Team powered by Mazda at Formula D events, drift demos and Time Attack events before the season is over.

For more information, visit:

www.kylemohanracing.com
www.patrickmordaunt.com
www.kanavaskompetition.com
www.formulad.com
www.teamallstars.com
www.driftallstars.com

source: shift communications group | eprodius.com

Posted On 4/23/08

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BimmerWorld: Down Time

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:13:36 PST

BimmerWorld: Down Time
By Bimmerworld Media Services

What do racing drivers do to keep busy with six weeks between races? Keeping busy is easy—slowing down is the hard part as BimmerWorld’s SPEED Touring Car trio tells us.

Dublin, VA (4.23.08) - “The past six weeks have been insanely hectic from all directions – the fun just never ends here!” BimmerWorld owner and driver James Clay offered. While some World Challenge Touring Car teams have looked to the extended break between the first and second rounds as an opportunity to charge their batteries and prepare for the remainder of the season, Clay and his BimmerWorld BME E90 team mates Seth Thomas and Nick Esayian have been working flat out since the checkered flag flew at Sebring last month.

In addition to owning the BimmerWorld Racing team, Clay also owns and runs the parent company, his BimmerWorld BMW aftermarket, sales, and development business that serve owners and enthusiasts of the famed German brand. With two businesses on his shoulders and his weekends packed with other track activities, this weekend’s SPEED TC round at his home track, Virginia International Raceway (VIR) could be a rare opportunity to slow down and focus solely on racing.

“The release of the new BMW 135i kept me busy on the development side and the guys a little busy in the shop. We just turned out what is as far as I know the most tuned 135i in North America to compete in One Lap of America coming up in May against some fairly high horsepower and highly-tuned competition – we will see what this newest BMW pocket-rocket can do! (follow progress at http://bimmerworld.com/blog/onelap/)

“We have also been working on some new parts and tweaks for our BMW E90 Touring Cars post-Sebring. We’re pretty dialed in to the new tires thanks to some winter testing which was nice after seeing some of the other marques struggle a little. But development never stops – or if it does, you are in trouble! We just wrapped up some testing at VIR in preparation for this week’s race so expectations are high.”

While the cars have been cared for and improved, Clay’s been pushing himself to keep many balls in the air. Rest, something he’s been without since Sebring, will have to wait for another weekend. “Personally, I have been in planes, trains, and automobiles more than I have been in my office chair recently and for the foreseeable future, which is keeping me on my toes. I have been doing a lot of driver coaching, racing with some friends, and media work for Grassroots Motorsports on the new BMW family of fast cars (135/335/M3) and SPEEDtv.com with the release of the new BMW X6. I have One Lap coming up next month as well as three SPEED TC races in the next five weeks. Wild times!”

For Sebring star Seth Thomas, the race at VIR this weekend can’t come fast enough. It might serve as a break for the hectic pace he’s been keeping. “What hasn’t happened since the last race?!? I have worked, spent time with the wife and dogs, been to Sebring to do driver coaching with a few clients, tested their cars, ran a club race, participated in some wild bachelor party debauchery and found some time to devote to building a house! I’ve tried to keep my skills in tact by spending some time in some fast cars at a couple of different tracks. We’ll find out how well this will come into play this weekend.”

In Nick Esayian’s world, a blend of reality and hilarity is completely normal. “I’ve been working, spending time with family, and... Last week Sunday I took my wife to the Bon Jovi concert in Las Vegas... We had a great time but on the way home had a “disagreement.” I tossed my suitcase into the back of the car and pop went my back! A week of excruciating back spasms followed. It was horrible... I’ve been able to stand up for only two days... Physical Therapy, a Janis Joplin mixture of drugs, acupuncture (which I still don’t believe in even though it worked), laying the spa for hours, and sleeping restlessly on the floor. This of course all arose from my wife disagreeing when I stated I was going back to the mullet after the Bon Jovi show. Two rules when I married her... No Trans-Am’s and no mullet.” We can only hope Nick has had time to grow a mullet worthy of Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy-Breaky Heart.

Predictions for the race this weekend at VIR ring with optimism and the desire for a quick recovery from a Sebring race that failed to deliver the results Clay, Esayian, and Thomas know the cars are capable of.

“My prediction for the weekend is nothing short of seeing all three cars crossing the finish line where they are supposed to be,” Thomas offered. “It is up to us as drivers to sort out the finishing order. I know that James has a lot of laps at VIR compared to Nick and I but Nick is the underdog of us three. And we all know how this year has been a year for the underdogs to pull off the upset in the world of sports this year. So I think VIR is going to be nothing short of a great race for our BMW E90’s and BimmerWorld. I think that it will be safe to say we will be fast, we will show the home crowd why the BMW’s are the best car on track, and why we are the best team in World Challenge. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Esayian’s focus on the upcoming race is in line with that of Thomas. “No question our expectations are high for VIR. After falling short of our potential at Sebring we know there are two reasons we have to show big. First and foremost, points. We need to stake the Roundel Flag in the ground here and get into the game. We can make the lost ground up but we can’t afford a stumble. Second, this is home for the team and as in any other sport momentum is critical. We need to give our guys a shot in the arm here at home as we hit the stride of the season. I don’t see any reason we can’t walk away from this in a commanding position if we minimize mistakes and go out and have some fun at VIR.”

Virginia-native James Clay has the added benefit of racing in front of those that are most important to him. “For VIR, we have lots of family, friends, and customers coming out – basically the whole extended BimmerWorld family. It will be great to be back to our home track for the first time in many years. Seth looks forward to his home race at Road Atlanta every year, and I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to race at my home track this weekend. Like Seth and Nick, I’ll be giving it my all, as will our entire crew.”

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

http://www.bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworldracing.com
http://www.powerflexusa.com
Race Proven BMW Performance
877.639.9648

Posted On 4/23/08

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MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:09:09 PST

MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award
By Ryan Cristobal, USTCC PR/Media Services Team

April 15th, 2008/Benicia, Ca. – The Northern California based MOLECULE Labs, Inc. and its line of Nomex® fire suit care products, the four-step MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System, proudly announced its partnership with the 2008 Nitto Tire United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) series sanctioned by the National Auto Sports Association.

MOLECULE will take on the award title for the USTCC series’ the MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award. The award will go to the USTCC driver/competitor that executes the most impressive, cleanest maneuver, pass or move on a competitor to advance, gain or re-gain his/her position during race competition. The recipient of the award will receive a complete MOLECULE Nomex® fire suit Care Kit, the MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System.

“The Nitto Tire USTCC is very excited to partner with MOLECULE Labs, the leader in Nomex® fire suit care. MOLECULE Labs is just like the series; its products were conceived in grassroots efforts through motorsports, designed for racers by racers”, said Ali Arsham, coordinator of the USTCC. “MOLECULE is very proud to continue to expand, extend and grow its presence in every level of motorsports in North America, especially in a relevant, exciting and high level competition series such as The Nitto Tire U.S. Touring Car Championship where driver safety always come first”, added Rod Rojas, Independent Account Manager for MOLECULE Labs who spearheaded and made the partnership possible.

MOLECULE is not only a USTCC partner but also a competitor, backing the 2008 Nitto USTCC Rookie season campaign of Rod Rojas behind the wheel of the #48 MOLECULE/Go Pro Camera/Team Cobalt California Chevy Cobalt SS. MOLECULE and Rojas is currently in third place in overall point standings and second in the rookie of the year standings after two rounds of competition.

The first MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award of the 2008 Nitto Tire USTCC was given to Andy Hope driver of #8 Sports Compact Car Magazine/Spoon Sport/Opak Racing JDM Acura RSX-R during the Nitto Tire USTCC Infineon Raceway Round 2 race on April 13th, 2008. Hope who battled his way through the field and finally made a last lap move and pass on 2007 USTCC Driver Champion Curt Simmons behind the #49 Cornwell Tools/Sunnyvale Dodge/MBO Racing Group Dodge SRT-4 on his way to his first ever USTCC victory.

More on MOLECULE: MOLECULE Labs, Inc. provides solutions for the safety, care, and maintenance of numerous technical fabric applications. Specially formulated for Nomex®, tested by the SFI Foundation and proven in diverse racing conditions for over two years, MOLECULE is designed for racers by racers. Formulated to be used on any brand of Nomex® fire suit, the lineup of MOLECULE WASH, MOLECULE REFRESHER, MOLECULE PROTECTOR, and MOLECULE SPOT CLEANER can be found in use on driver and crew suits in every top level teams in every level of motorsports around the world from go karts, stock cars, Indy Cars, to the pinnacle of racing in Formula One.

MOLECULE’s most recent major racing endeavor is the rebranding of the MOLECULE Formula Mazda Challenge series that will also run race event schedule with the National Auto Sports Association (NASA), one of largest sanctioning racing body in North America.

For more information and complete info on the products, with videos, technical info, testimonials, visit: www.moleculelabs.com

Look for MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System at the remaining 2008 Nitto Tire USTCC Events. For more series information, visit: www.ustcc.com

Posted On 4/23/08

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Auston Harris To Race In USAC With Bob East

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:09 PST

Auston Harris To Race In USAC With Bob East
By ADZEN

Auston Harris, the 17 year old from Hayward, California, has been signed by driver development guru Bob East to participate in 3 races in a USAC Ford Focus Midget. Harris is scheduled to race on May 14 at Anderson Speedway, May 22 at Mt. Lawn Speedway and May 28 at Plymouth Speedway.

"The folks at Ford asked me to test Auston in March last year," said East, and I was impressed by his natural ability but more by his attitude and maturity. I'm excited that I will now have a chance to see Auston perform under race conditions. I have a hunch that he is a real talent and now I will be able to confirm that."

"It's such an honor for me to have an opportunity to race with Bob," said Harris. He is one of the most respected coaches in the business. Although this is only a 3 race deal, it is an important step in my career and a chance for me to learn from the best."

Bob East is no stranger to success or talent. Over the years, Bob has been a part of multiple USAC race and championship wins with drivers Tony Stewart, Bobby East (his son), JJ Yeley and Bobby Labonte, to name a few.

Auston Harris was born on December 11, 1990 and started racing Junior Dragsters at the age of 8 years old. Since then, Auston has also raced in go-karts, formula cars, sports cars and touring cars. Auston has achieved many podium finishes and impressed everyone that he has been fortunate enough to race with.

For more information, please contact Dean Harris at (510) 209 6385 or by e-mail or visit www.austonharris.com.

Posted On 4/21/08

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Davis Takes First SPEED GT Win on Home Turf

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 01:20:19 PST

Davis Takes First SPEED GT Win on Home Turf
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

Long Beach, Calif. (April 20, 2008) – In front of ecstatic friends and family, Huntington Beach driver Brandon Davis took his first SCCA SPEED GT win at his home race, the SCCA Pro Racing Long Beach SPEED GT Presented by Applied Computer Solutions. Point leader Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., and Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., finished second and third, respectively.

Starting from pole, Davis’ No. 10 ACS/Sun Microsystems Ford Mustang was beat off the standing start by Pobst who took the lead heading into Turn One. Pobst would run wide, however, handing the lead back to Davis, while his No. 1 K-PAX Racing Porsche 911 GT3 fell to sixth.

“On the start, I made a mistake and didn’t short-shift to second quickly enough,” Davis said. “I didn’t think I’d made that big of a mistake, but I saw Randy go on by me, so I just tucked in behind.”

“I got a really good start,” Pobst said. “With the rear engine, if you get it right, the thing will just launch. I felt like I was doing a wheelie. I managed to beat Brandon to Turn One and I went down to the inside. It was really dirty down there and I just looked in the mirror a little too long and when it was time to turn, I couldn’t. I just did touch the Toyota banners there and cars just kept going by me. My crew said ‘that was a rookie move’ and I said ‘yes it was!’

The race then went full-course yellow for the No. 17 LTI Contracting/Foster Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette of Rob Foster who was stalled on the grid. When the race restarted on lap five, Pobst immediately began to pick off the cars ahead of him with ease and was back into second place behind Davis on the same lap.

Davis was able to hold off Pobst through two more restarts from full-course yellows, before the fourth and final full-course yellow on lap 26, meant the 28-lap, 62.529-mile race would end under yellow. It was Davis’ second career-win, his first coming in SCCA SPEED Touring Car in 2006 at the Denver Grand Prix.

“I was not that great on restarts,” Davis said. “I always had someone, whether it was Andy or Randy, right on my bumper in one, so I stayed to the inside and was able to protect it. One thing I’ve learned from my dad’s experience here is that there is really an accordion effect in Turn One and into the fountain turn, so if you stay to the inside at one, it’s really hard for anyone to go by you, because even if you get through one faster, you can’t pass anyone going into the fountain turn because it’s one lane. That’s what I did on all the restarts too—stay to the inside.”

“It really feels amazing to win here. Before my dad even got into racing, when he was just a guy who liked cars, we would come out and watch Long Beach every year. Then, he started to run Trans-Am and started working with Boris [Said], we actually got the first win for the team here in Trans-Am. I was there for all of that and to be able to be the guy that gives the team a win at Long Beach is very special.”

Davis reset the Long Beach SPEED GT lap record en route to the win, lapping the 1.968-mile street circuit in 1:26.205 (82.185 mph).

Pobst took looks at Davis on three of the restarts, but was unable to make any real challenges on Davis.

“The first restart was purely dumb luck,” Pobst said. “I was behind the Viper and some other guys. Coming out of the hairpin it looked like everybody just went flat out coming out of the turn. It’s a pretty long way from the last turn to where the starter and the green acceleration cone are. So I’m on it. I’m running through the gears to catch up and meanwhile everyone up in front of the pack slows down. I’m up to about fourth or fifth gear and I hear on my radio ‘green’ and I’m like ‘yea, baby!’ I just pulled out and don’t think anybody was expecting it because nobody tried to block me. It was one, two, three, four going by. My teammate Mike Galati gave me some help in one and let me in.

“Andy was a little vulnerable on the restarts and the Porsche was just ready to go. On the long run, I think Andy had the strongest car. Brandon was doing everything right. He has a strong car, it’s a good package. I was just hoping it would break! On a long green, it would have probably come down to Andy harassing me and making it easier for Brandon. It didn’t work out that way.

“I’m happy to be second after all the drama.”

Other than getting passed by Pobst who was charging back from his wide run through Turn One on the opening lap, Pilgrim had a quiet race in his No. 8 Remington Shaving Cadillac CTS-V, starting and finishing third, but had a great view of the action ahead of him.

“I had the best seat in the house watching these two,” Pilgrim said. “At the beginning, Randy went wide in one and we got up to second. Our cars are really heavy and the first four or five laps are pretty rough, because we start with such low tire pressures. When we had the first restart, Randy got by me and I figured that if I could stay with him, we could have a race later.

“I could make some time in the longer runs, but I was really disappointed to see the yellows. I was trying to run a pace and they seemed to be coming back to me a little bit, but then we had the yellows.”

One of the fiercest battles of the race was between the No. 23 K-PAX Racing Porsche 911 GT3 of Michael Galati, from Olmstead, Ohio, and the No. 14 Global Motorsports Group Porsche 911 GT3 of Newport Beach resident James Sofronas. Sofronas pulled alongside Galati on the back and front straights several times, but Galati was able to defend his fourth place until the end.

Jason Daskalos (Dodge Viper) and Brandon’s dad, Mike Davis (Ford Mustang) were waiting and watch the battle between Galati and Sofronas, but neither were able to capitalize. It was a career-best finish of sixth for Daskalos, followed by Mike Davis in seventh.

Reigning SCCA SPEED Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg finished eighth in a Dodge Viper and collected the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing eight positions during the race.

Cindi Lux (Dodge Viper) collected her first top-ten finish, crossing the line in ninth. Last year’s Sunoco Hard Charger, Jeff Courtney (Dodge Viper) was tenth.

Tim McKenzie earned the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award for picking up six positions on the first lap in his No. 66 TR Racing Porsche 911 GT3.

Pobst leaves Long Beach the point leader with 220 points. Brandon Davis now follows with 208 points. Pilgrim sits third with 198 points.

Porsche continues to lead the SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER with 16 points over Cadillac’s 12.

The Long Beach SPEED GT Presented by Applied Computer Solutions race will air on SPEED Wednesday, April 30, at noon (EDT), 9 a.m. (PDT). Full results, race notes and photos from the weekend are available at www.world-challenge.com.

Round Three of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship will take place May 16 – 18 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Results from Sunday’s 28-lap 55.104-mile SCCA Pro Racing SPEED GT Championship Round Two race, part of the Long Beach SPEED GT Presented by Applied Computer Solutions at Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach with finishing position, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. (1), Brandon Davis, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Mustang Cobra, 28.
2. (2), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -1.832.
3. (3), Andy Pilgrim, Boca Raton, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 28, -3.032.
4. (4), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -3.860.
5. (6), James Sofronas, Newport Beach, Calif., Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -4.473.
6. (8), Jason Daskalos, Albuquerque, N.M., Dodge Viper, 28, -4.863.
7. (7), Mike Davis, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Mustang Cobra, 28, -6.183.
8. (16), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., Dodge Viper, 28, -7.168.
9. (11), Cindi Lux, Aloha, Ore., Dodge Viper, 28, -7.634.
10. (13), Jeff Courtney, Slinger, Wis., Dodge Viper, 28, -8.874.
11. (14), Tim McKenzie, Madison, Wis., Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -10.381.
12. (12), Sonny Whelen, Old Saybrook, Conn., Chevrolet Corvette, 28, -11.705.
13. (15), Claudio Burtin, Atlanta, Ga., Dodge Viper, 28, -12.518.
14. (20), Tony Gaples, Libertyville, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 28, -13.563.
15. (10), Michael McCann, Canton, Ohio, Cadillac CTS-V, 28, -14.410.
16. (17), Stu Frederick, Del Mar, Calif., Dodge Viper, 28, -15.194.
17. (25), Gunter Schaldach(R), Aspen, Colo., Dodge Viper, 28, -15.990.
18. (23), Phillip Martien(R), Finksburg, Md., Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -16.432.
19. (21), Joey Scarallo, Smithtown, N.Y., Chevrolet Corvette, 28, -16.796.
20. (19), Paul Brown, Corvina, Calif., Porsche 911 GT3, 28, -17.470.
21. (24), John Bourassa, Jupiter Island, Fla., Porsche 911 Turbo, 28, -17.838.
22. (22), Robb Holland, Denver, Colo., Porsche 911 GT3, 24, Crash.
23. (18), Eric Olberz, La Canada, Calif., Porsche 911 GT3, 18, Crash.
24. (5), Ritch Marziale, Tempe, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 10, Mech.
25. (28), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Chevrolet Corvette, 5, Mech.
26. (9), Dino Crescentini, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Porsche 911 GT3, 0, Mech.
27. (27), Robert Foster, Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Corvette, 0, Mech.
28. (26), Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, Calif., Chevrolet Corvette, 0, DNS.

Time of race: 52 minutes, 52.522 seconds.
Average speed: 62.529 mph
Margin of victory: 1.832 Seconds
Lap leaders: Laps 1-28, #10 Brandon Davis
Fastest race lap: #10 Brandon Davis, 1:26.205 (82.185 mph)
Fastest qualifier: #10 Brandon Davis, 1:25.479 (82.883 mph)
Sunoco Hard Charger: #01 Jeff Altenburg advanced eight positions in the race
Racing Electronics Hole Shot Award: #66 Tim McKenzie advanced six positions on the opening lap

SCCA SPEED GT Drivers Championship Standings
After Two of 10 Rounds

Pos., Driver, Car, Points (wins)
1, Randy Pobst, Porsche 911 GT3, 220 (1)
2, Brandon Davis, Ford Mustang Cobra, 208 (2)
3, Andy Pilgrim, Cadillac CTS-V, 198
4, Michael Galati, Porsche 911 GT3, 182
5, Jason Daskalos, Dodge Viper, 145
6, James Sofronas, Porsche 911 GT3, 144
7, Mike Davis, Ford Mustang Cobra, 144
8, Jeff Courtney, Dodge Viper, 140
9, Tony Gaples, Chevrolet Corvette, 124
10, Jeff Altenburg, Dodge Viper, 119

SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers Championship Presented by RACER Magazine
After Two of 10 Rounds

Pos., Manufacturer, Points (wins)
1, Porsche, 16 (1)
2, Cadillac, 12
3, Dodge, 3
4, Chevrolet, 1

Posted On 4/20/08

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Former SCCA Pro Racing President Greenwood Passes

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:31:54 PST

Former SCCA Pro Racing President Greenwood Passes
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 18, 2008) – SCCA Pro Racing was saddened to hear of the passing this morning of former company president Dan Greenwood.

Greenwood served as President of SCCA Pro Racing from 1994-1998. Prior to his time at SCCA Pro Racing, he was vice president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1984 LA Olympic Games.

His motorsports career began after the games, serving as president of Riverside Raceway for four years. Following Riverside’s closing, Greenwood was a sports marketing consultant for the 1990 Goodwill Games and the Paramount Pictures movie Days of Thunder. He even had a cameo appearance in the film as a reporter.

Prior to his SCCA Pro Racing post, Greenwood also served as president of International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Following his departure from SCCA Pro Racing, he was the vice president of Pikes Peak International Raceway.

“I remember Dan well from my time on the manufacturer side in motorsports,” SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Robert Wildberger said. “He will be missed.”

Posted On 4/19/08

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Drissi On IR After Long Beach Practice Crash

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:31:35 PST

Drissi On IR After Long Beach Practice Crash
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 19, 2008) – Tomy Drissi, of Hollywood, Calif., will be out the remainder of the SCCA Pro Racing Long Beach SPEED GT Presented by Applied Computer Solutions weekend, and possibly longer, after sustaining a fractured lower vertebrae in a practice crash on Friday.

Drissi’s No. 15 What Happens In Vegas – The Movie Chevrolet Corvette reportedly experienced a stuck throttle as it entered Turn Two on the 1.968-mile street circuit. The car skipped over the fountain curbs, cleaned out the landscaping and then struck the tire wall. The impact broke the concrete barrier the tire wall protected.

Following the incident, Drissi was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach, where he remained overnight for tests and observation. Drissi’s American Le Mans Series team, Autocon Racing, reported that he would be released Saturday and fitted with a back brace for up to six weeks. Drissi was also to have driven in this afternoon’s ALMS race.

Drissi has considerable experience at Long Beach and scored his lone Trans-Am Series win at the circuit in 2000.

Sunday’s Round Two race is scheduled to make its standing start at 4 p.m. (PDT) and will air on SPEED Wednesday, April 30 at noon (EDT), 9 a.m. (PDT).

Attached: Image of Tomy Drissi moments before impacting the Turn Two wall Friday at Long Beach.
Credit: Mark Weber/SCCA

Posted On 4/19/08

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Archer and Burtin Join Woodhouse Performance for 2008

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:42:48 PST

Archer and Burtin Join Woodhouse Performance for 2008
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

Courtesy Woodhouse Performance

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 18, 2008) - Woodhouse Performance is proud to announce the line-up of Trans-Am and SPEED World Challenge veterans Tommy Archer and Claudio Burtin to drive together for the balance of the 2008 SPEED World Challenge season. Driving the No. 13 Foametix/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the duo will join forces with teammate Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 KENDA/MPI-Coin Viper to create a two-car team assault for the SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER.

“Woodhouse Motorsports has one of the best reputations in this form of racing, and it is a true honor to be driving the No. 13 Dodge Viper,” said Burtin, who will be driving select races throughout the 2008 season depending on scheduling conflicts. “Long Beach is in many ways a home race for me, and I have to thank Bob [Woodhouse] and everyone at the team for allowing me the opportunity, it’s going to be a great season.”

With two decades of experience in motorsports, Georgia-native Burtin is joining the team with a reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile drivers. Having driven a number of different high-horsepower vehicles from Ford Mustangs to Chevrolet Corvettes in the SCCA Trans-Am series, to most recently competing in a Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car in the 2008 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Burtin is known for his ability to consistently and patiently get any vehicle up to pace.

Driving the remaining races in the No. 13 will be series legend Tommy Archer. As the 2004 SCCA SPEED GT Champion, Archer brings a wealth of experience in different vehicles to the table, and most notably joins the team as perhaps the most well known Dodge Viper driver in the series.

“I am very pleased that we will be running a full season with the No. 13,” Bob Woodhouse, owner of Woodhouse Performance said. “The wild paint on that car has become well known in the series, so I’m very happy to see it represented well with Tommy and Claudio. Headed into Long Beach, Claudio should be a great asset to the team with all of his experience at the track, not to mention he grew up around that area, so it should be a pretty good weekend.”

Long Beach SPEED GT presented by Applied Computer Solutions will be run at 4 p.m. (PDT) Sunday, April 20th, on the streets of Long Beach, capping off a sensational weekend of racing, including The American LeMans Series, Champ Car, The Atlantic Championship and Formula Drift.

Divided into two separate series and races (SCCA SPEED GT and SCCA SPEED Touring Car), the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships are America’s top production car-based series. Competing at 12 high-profile venues in 2008, the series is an important showcase for the world’s leading auto brands and makers of performance parts. SCCA SPEED World Challenge events are a maximum of 50 minutes in length, feature standing starts and the world’s most popular manufacturers racing head-to-head. For more information see www.world-challenge.com.

Posted On 4/18/08

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Newport ProSolo Makes Debut

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:48:12 PST

Newport ProSolo Makes Debut
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

NEWPORT, Ark. (April 15, 2008) – The Newport Municipal Airport, located in the northeast corner of Arkansas, had never hosted a Solo event before, but that didn’t stop the Arkansas Region from diving head first into the Solo pool and hosting the second Tire Rack® SCCA ProSolo Series event of the season.

Newport and the surrounding area had been plagued with rain and flooding in the weeks leading up to last weekend’s ProSolo, but the rain held off long enough to get the entire event in dry, albeit with unseasonably cool temperatures.

Newport was the first single-course event of the year So smooth and efficient was the event that the city owned and operated airport offered the use of both runways for next year, which would allow room for a second course.

While oftentimes a new venue results in surprise winners, that was not the case in Newport, where Solo powerhouse Andy Hollis was dominant all weekend. After winning Bump Class 1 in his Soulspeed/ART/GRM Honda Civic Si, Hollis tore through the competition in the Hawk Super Challenge to take home the top prize and Honda Tuner Challenge Honors. Hollis even walked away with the Honda Hot Shoe award after facing Joe Tharpe’s A Stock-winning Tire Rack Honda S2000 in the final shootout. After a weekend of runner-up finishs at El Toro, Hollis walked away with a sweet paycheck for his performance at Newport.

After finishing third in Ladies Class 2 driving the familiar Isotope Wheels/Automotive Pros Toyota MR2, Meredith Brown would not be denied the top spot in the Ladies Challenge, where she beat L2 winner Tara Johns and her ABC Plumbing Mazda Miata.

Michelle Seeling took the ChaseCam Bonus Challenge win in a Bridgestone/Carbotech/Redline Honda CRX Si, beating out Jeff Spector’s Spector Racing/Donnies Foreign Car Honda Civic Si for the victory.

Several class victories were extremely close, including Chris Harvey’s B Stock win. Harvey’s Tire Rack Mazda RX-8 was just 0.188-second faster than the Vettesport/Koni RX-8 of Carter Thompson. In C Stock, Darrin DiSimo’s Mazda MX-5 out maneuvered Craig Wilcox’s Oasis Tan/ZZYZX Motorsports MX-5 by only 0.164-second.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mark Madarash crushed his E Street Prepared competition, winning the class by more than 4.5 seconds in a Pontiac Trans-Am. And despite starting the weekend with a two-cone penalty on his first run, Jeffrey Pilson came storming back to take the H Stock win in a Subaru Impreza.

The Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Series takes a break before picking things back up on May 17 – 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the return of the Atlanta Doublecross. The next single-course ProSolo event will be at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, N.Y., July 26 – 27.

For full results from the Newport ProSolo and more information on upcoming Solo events, visit www.scca.com/solo.

Posted On 4/15/08

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Hope puts Spoon Sports/Opak Racing Back to the USTCC Winner Circle

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:57:51 PST

Hope puts Spoon Sports/Opak Racing Back to the USTCC Winner Circle
By Ryan Cristobal

April 14th, 2008/Sonoma, Ca. – After almost a season long break from USTCC competition, the 2005 championship car and team returns to the winner circle at this past weekend’s second round of the 2008 NITTO Tire U.S. Touring Car Championship at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. The very familiar yellow and blue clad JDM right hand drive Acura RSX-R of Spoons Sports/Opak Racing was driven to victory lane by Hope. Not that kind of Hope, but by the form of Andy Hope of Sports Compact Car Magazine.

Behind the wheel of the #8 Acura RSX, Hope drove a hard charging race to make a last lap pass on the race leader and pole winner 2007 USTCC Champion Curt Simmons in the #49 Cornwell Tools/Sunnyvale Dodge/MBO Racing Dodge SRT-4 who finished in second place.

For the second consecutive race in a row, Simmons qualified his SRT-4 on the pole and got a great launch off the standing start and easily pulled away from the rest of the field, but a race is never over until the fat lady sings and sang she did. Hope in the RSX-R who started in third position put his head down and picked his way through the field to get up front to gain ground on Simmons. Finally when the white flag came out the two crossed the start-finish line neck and neck. Hope was able to put a move on Simmons to take a small lead through turns four down through the carousel. Simmons was able to take the lead back and tried to shut the door, but Hope was able to sneak his nose in one last time going into turn seven side by side but was able to squeeze by Simmons and pull away exiting the turn to take the checkered flag.

“This is the most fun race I’ve ever been part of. The win is definitely the cherry on top and to win it in late last lap fashion is just awesome. The car was awesome and Simmons was tough. The Spoon Sports/Opak Racing team guys did an awesome job setting up the car,” said a very elated Andy Hope.

In third place was David Bongiovanni in the #88 Goodsport Racing Mitsubishi EVO, who placed on the podium for the second consecutive time after winning the opening round. With the podium finish Bongiovanni is now tied in the Driver Championship points with Simmons and has a 10 point lead over Rod Rojas, driver of the #44 Molecule/Go Pro Camera Chevy Cobalt SS.

For the second consecutive race in a row, the top three spots were comprised by two new comers vying for the top rookie standings after two rookies swept the top two steps on the opening round. At the first round at Thunderhill, the top six finishers were comprised of six different manufacturers. At Infineon, the top seven positions were different manufacturers with Acura taking the win followed by Dodge, Mitsubishi, BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, and Mini.

Be sure to watch all of the action of the Nitto Tire US Touring Car Championship on Final Drive TV available on selected cable TV networks as well as www.finaldrive.net. The teams next return to Thunderhill on May 3-4 only to race the track in the opposite direction.

Posted On 4/14/08

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Rod Rojas captures Third Place in Ongoing Battle to Secure 2008 USTCC Title

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:45:17 PST

Rod Rojas captures Third Place in Ongoing Battle to Secure 2008 USTCC Title
By Ali Arsham, USTCC

April 15, 2008 (Benicia, Calif.) – Factory Molecule driver Rod Rojas took fifth position in the second United States Touring Car Championships (USTCC) at Infineon Raceway April 13, 2008.

Infineon Raceway, nestled in the Sonoma Hills, has been a favorite of West Coast racers for 40 years. During Saturday’s practice race on Infineon’s 2.52 mile track, Rojas piloted Team Cobalt California’s 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged Car No. 48 to an outstanding 1.54.995 lap time.

A mishap later in the practice session warranted immediate repairs to the Cobalt.

"We had an on- track incident with some slower classed traffic during practice, Rojas said, “Considerable damage to the left front of the Chevy caused us to chase the set-up on the car for the rest of the weekend. The team did a tremendous job getting 48 back on the track; I can't thank them enough for their efforts. I only wish I could have placed better for the team."

Rojas took the green flag during Sunday’s race utilizing his qualifying position to weave through traffic.

“It was good to see the Cobalt back on the track”, team owner Thomas Lepper said, “It took a pretty good hit on Saturday. The team worked into the evening and Sunday morning so that the Cobalt would be ready for qualifying”.

The checkered flag waved Rojas into a fifth place finish.

Rojas’ accumulation of 175 points set Rojas in third place in the ongoing quest for the 2008 championship with a 20-point lead over the forth place position of Pete Bovenberg.

USTCC is sanctioned by National Auto Sports Association (NASA). The next USTCC race will be held at Gateway Raceway, in Madison, Illinois April 27, 2008. Rojas’ next USTCC race will be Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California on May 4, 2008.

Rojas would like to welcome two new associate sponsors to the USTCC partner line-up: MOLECULE Nomex Care Products and GoPro Hero Digital Cameras.

"It's always nice to have new series sponsors come on board”, Rojas said, “MOLECULE and GoPro are both terrific motorsports products and we appreciate their support and interest in the USTCC series."

Returning as established sponsors are Jim Russell Racing Schools and F1 Development.

Posted On 3/15/08

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San Francisco Region SCCA Announces 2008 Series Featuring Special Events

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:31:06 PST

San Francisco Region SCCA Announces 2008 Series Featuring Special Events
By Sherry Grantz, SFR SCCA

Willows, CA (February 6, 2008) - The San Francisco Region of the Sports Car Club of America has scheduled eleven weekends of amateur road racing for 2008. Special events include the popular AIM/Toyo Spec Miata Challenge Series, Feature Class Festival Races, and two vintage events. The season will run from March through October with races scheduled at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Infineon Raceway, and the club-owned Thunderhill Park.

Kicking off the season, is our annual Gathering of Champions Double National, March 14-16. This year there will be a full three days of racing and Spec Miata will have its own group. All drivers will enjoy two practice, qualifying and race sessions. The Regional Championship Series opens with the traditional regional at Infineon Raceway on March 29-30.

The AIM/Toyo Spec Miata Challenge returns this year, with a three-race series and $10,000 in prize money to be distributed to the top 30 drivers at the end of the series. Dates for the series are: April 12-13 at Laguna Seca during the Vintage Spring Classic; July 26-27 at the Thunderhill Regional #7; and the season-ending regional and RDC Enduro weekend at Thunderhill on October 24-26. All Miatas raced as SM, SMT or SSM may compete.

Also in the Spec Miata program will be a Future Champions Race during the June 27-29 Regional at Laguna Seca. This race gives an opportunity to those who finish out of the top ten in the Group 7 race to compete for the checkered flag, special trophies, and $3500 in SFR Bucks, certificates for entry credits in future SFR regional events.

The popular Feature Class Festivals will offer an additional race for specific classes, giving the drivers a second race with no additional entry fee. Winners receive special trophies and everyone in the class is entered in a drawing for prizes and gifts. The Festival races will be held: May 3-4 for Spec Racer Ford; May 23-25 for ITE; August 30-Sept. 1 for SMT/SSM; October 3-5 for Formula Ford and Club Ford; and October 24-26 for Formula Vee.

The RDC Illgen Enduro moves back to Thunderhill Park, along with the final Double Points Regional on October 24-26. This will also be the Willows Grand Prix, with added community activities such as the Willows High School marching band performing on Saturday and a Willows Rotary Club pancake breakfast.

For the first time ever, San Francisco Region will hold two vintage events in one year. The first will be the Spring Sports Car Festival at Laguna Seca on April 12-13, similar to last year’s event. Added to the schedule is the Vintage Fall Harvest Classic at Infineon Raceway on September 20-21. Both events will offer grids for small and big bore production cars, small bore formula cars and sports racers, and pre-1995 NASCAR. The September event will also feature at Mini Challenge that should bring 40+ Minis out to scurry around the track together.

In addition to the race weekends, two special test days for San Francisco Region members will be held at Thunderhill Park for the feature classes. April 10 will be for Group 4 cars: SRF, FF, CF, and FV. July 2 will be for Spec Miatas and ITE (any car that is eligible for ITE, not just those regularly competing in ITE).

All schedule details, SMC Challenge and listing of Festival prizes will be made available on the Region web page as soon as they are available. Weekend schedules generally are posted four to six weeks before the event. See www.sfrscca.org

Posted On 2/8/08

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SCCA Leadership Heads to San Antonio for 2008 Convention

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:07:49 PST

SCCA Leadership Heads to San Antonio for 2008 Convention
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 5, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America members and leaders will descend on San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 7 – 9, for the 2008 SCCA National Convention. More than just an annual meeting required by the Club’s bylaws, the annual convention is a celebration of the previous year’s achievements, a preview of changes to come and perhaps most importantly, the perfect place for members to shape the future of the Club.

Each day of the SCCA National Convention offers members an array of seminars with topics varying from the new Street Survival program to Solo site acquisition, as well as Safety Steward and technical training. In addition to the presentations prepared by each department at the SCCA National Office, members can take part in Town Halls for their program of interest and ask questions directly to those who lead the governing boards.

In between sessions, a variety of exhibitors will be on hand to entice and educate SCCA members. If safety is your priority for 2008, BSR Safety Products will be showcasing the new S.A.V.E. Motorsport Safety Barriers and HANS Performance Products will have a full range of HANS Devices available. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle, Hawk Performance, the Official Brake Products of SCCA, and Toyo Tires, the Official Tire of SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge, will have products on display.

Regions preparing for their next big event can swing by the MotorsportReg.com and Genius Motorsports displays to learn about these new programs designed to simplify event management and member communication. Once you’ve got your competitors registered, the folks at the AMB booth can help you clock them precisely, then take a peak at the dazzling trophies and awards that can be created for your next podium celebration by Prize Possessions.

It’s never too soon to start planning for the 2008 National Championship Runoffs or Solo National Championships, and that’s why Visit Topeka, Inc. will have a booth to assist you with all your travel, lodging and dining questions.

Of course, SCCA will have its own merchandise available for sale so you can show off your passion for motorsports.

If you missed him at the Runoffs, artist Lou Byer will also be on hand with his unique motorsports art work.

Several social gatherings highlight the 2008 National Convention. Award luncheons are scheduled each day and members are invited to “Discover the Riverwalk” on Friday evening. The Convention closes with the SCCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday evening.

For a full 2008 SCCA National Convention schedule see www.scca.com. Until then, see you in San Antonio!

Posted On 2/5/08

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Hooked On Driving Introduces David Mecey As New Southern Cal/Las Vegas Franchisee

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:07:53 PST

Hooked On Driving Introduces David Mecey As New Southern Cal/Las Vegas Franchisee
By Hooked On Driving

December 28, 2007 – Danville, CA/Venice, CA. With documents signed today, Mecey Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation, owned by renowned photographer, car enthusiast, and driving instructor, David Mecey, has become the owner/operator of the Hooked on Driving, Southern California/Las Vegas franchise.

In providing top quality performance driving programs, Hooked On Driving reaches out to every driving enthusiast, no matter what make of car they drive or performance driving background. They welcome the novice driver as much as the experienced track driver with pro level instructors and programs suited for every participant.

“When we were searching for the person to build our Southern California franchise, we wanted someone who had similar ideals and the determination we felt was needed to work in what many consider the heart of the automobile culture in the USA,” quoted David Ray, owner of Hooked on Driving. “I had two trusted sources, both recommended David Mecey to us, and we feel fortunate to have connected with him. Our discussions were electric, as we truly share a vision for what our program should be and the enthusiasm boiled over into a signed agreement!”

Mecey comes from a background of not only being an avid car enthusiast, but also a racer and driving instructor for a number of years. In fact, he is currently a Chief Driving Instructor for the Los Angeles Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Ray adds, “David brings a knowledge of the industry and a background we want in our franchise owners. He has great ideas and really wants to help make HOD grow.”

“I am beyond excited by this opportunity” says Mecey, “and I have pledged my best ideas, my energy, and my enthusiasm about cars and performance driving to David and the Hooked on Driving organization. David (Ray) already has such an excellent program, making it possible for folks to bring out their sporting cars of every make and enjoy them as they should be enjoyed, with supervision and instruction keeping it safe, fun, and entertaining. I love it!”

Hooked on Driving (www.hookedondriving.com) launched a strategic national growth plan during 2007. Mecey’s Southern California operation joins that of the Northeastern Region owned by Joe Mills, of Yardley, Pa. Ray states that it is “quality, not quantity” in selecting franchisees for other key regions of the U.S., and he anticipates more signings in 2008. '

Also in 2007, HOD released “Getting On Track,” a professionally produced DVD on driving techniques (available at Amazon.com & Netflix) as well as provided feature articles for a new magazine entitled “High Performance Driving.” Key corporate partners, Shell V-Power and Yokohama/ADVAN tires work with HOD to add value and technical assistance to HOD drivers.

Be watching for the Hooked on Driving Southern California/Las Vegas region to be introduced on the www.hookedondriving.com website soon, where you can sign up for any number of their schools in 2008. The Southern Cal/Las Vegas schedule will be announced as soon as possible in January 2008. You may reach David Mecey through the Hooked on Driving website, or, at his HOD email address, dmecey@hookedondriving.com.

Posted On 1/3/08

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BimmerWorld Sponsors BMW CCA Club Racing Schools

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:21:16 PST

BimmerWorld Sponsors BMW CCA Club Racing Schools
By Mark Dadgar, BMW CCA Club Racing

Dublin, VA (Dec 5. 2007) – BMW CCA Club Racing is proud to announce that BimmerWorld, the renowned supplier of BMW street and racing performance parts, has become the title sponsor of the BMW CCA Club Racing School program.

"Everyone in the professional motorsports community knows BimmerWorld," said BMW CCA Club Racing Chairman Mike Mills. "What they may not know is how supportive BimmerWorld has been of BMW CCA Club Racing over the years. BimmerWorld's title sponsorship of the Club Racing School program is indicative of their commitment to BMW CCA Club Racing and its wide community of racers both today and in the future."

The nine planned BimmerWorld BMW CCA Club Racing Schools in 2008 will be held at various racing facilities around the United States, supported by both BMW CCA Club Racing and local sponsoring BMW CCA chapters.

"We have been involved with BMW CCA Club Racing for a long time," said BimmerWorld founder James Clay. "But we felt that it was time to make our relationship more formal. Helping experienced drivers become racers benefits the entire racing community and we are proud to step up to support the Club Racing School program."

BimmerWorld race team drivers James Clay and Seth Thomas will be involved with Club Racing Schools as their busy schedules permit. Please check www.bmwccaclubracing.com for a complete schedule of BMW CCA Club Racing Schools for 2008.

For more information about BimmerWorld, please visit:

http://www.BimmerWorld.com

For more information about BMW CCA Club Racing please visit:

http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com

About BimmerWorld
BimmerWorld is a leading retailer of high performance street and racing BMW parts whose racing program continually drives development for the increasing line of BMW performance equipment. BimmerWorld customers expect the very best. Information on BimmerWorld’s Customer Car Services can be found at www.BimmerWorld.com. More information about the BimmerWorld team, cars, and drivers can be found at www.BimmerWorldracing.com.

About BMW CCA Club Racing
Founded in 1995, BMW CCA Club Racing offers all BMW CCA licensed club racers a competitive driving experience conducted in a fun, safe, and friendly environment for all types of factory authorized or constructed BMWs. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com

Contact:
James Clay
BimmerWorld
james@BimmerWorld.com
(540) 639-9648

Mark Dadgar
Marketing Director, BMW CCA Club Racing
mark@justracing.com
(408) 348-2878

Posted On 12/5/07

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Gordy Named SCCA Chairman of the Board

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:04:27 PST

Gordy Named SCCA Chairman of the Board
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 4, 2007) – The Sports Car Club of America, Inc. Board of Directors welcomed three new members of the Board this past weekend in its final face-to-face meeting of the year, and appointed R.J. Gordy, of Martinez, Calif., its Chairman for 2008.

Gordy will assume the Chairman duties January 1 from outgoing Chairman Robert Introne, who did not seek re-election. Gordy represents Area 9 (Northern California) on the 13-member Board of Directors, which governs the 50,000-member motorsports organization. Gordy began his three-year term on the Board in 2006.

"I am deeply honored to assume the position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sports Car Club of America,” Gordy said. “Some significant challenges lie ahead. However, I am confident that our team will overcome these challenges as we continue to offer motorsports enthusiasts the finest venue in which to enjoy their passion."

Gordy joined SCCA in 1985, beginning a 21-year driving career in Spec Racer Ford. Recognizing that he would not be able to drive forever, but wanting to ensure involvement, Gordy joined the Club Racing steward’s program in 1994. He was elected to the San Francisco Region Board of Directors in 1998, and began a five-year term as the group’s Regional Executive in 2001. In addition to being an active driver, steward and region leader, Gordy was selected to be a pace car driver at the National Championship Runoffs beginning in 2001 and has done so since.

Also elected into a new office was John Sheridan, of Altamont, N.Y., who takes over the Vice Chairman position vacated by Gordy. Sheridan was re-elected to his Director position in Area 10 (Northeast) in November and will begin his second three-year term in 2008.

K.P. Jones, of The Villages, Fla., remains the Board of Directors Treasurer and Jim Christian, of Boulder, Colo., remains its Secretary. Introne remains on the SCCA Board of Directors Executive Committee as its fifth member.

Jerry Wannarka (Area 2), Lisa Noble (Area 6) and Philip Creighton (Area 12) were all welcomed at the meeting as new members to the Board of Directors, beginning their formal duties the first of the year.

Posted On 12/4/07

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MON DIEU! LE 2008 LeMONS SCHEDULE

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:01:52 PST

MON DIEU! LE 2008 LeMONS SCHEDULE
By Jay Lamm, Chief Perpetrator

After much fiddling and diddling and rending of hair--which, clearly, I can hardly afford--we've finally nailed down the 2008 schedule. Several racetrack owners had to be locked into broom closets to get this together, so I hope something in here works for you:

May 10-11, 2008: Altamont Motorsports Park, Tracy CA
June 21-22, 2008: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas NV
July 26-27, 2008: Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw SC
August 23-24, 2008: Stafford Motor Speedway, Stafford Springs CT
September 13-14, 2008: Toledo Speedway (Detroit), Toledo OH
October TBD, 2008: Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows CA

Okay--a couple quick notes. First, we may add one or two more races later. Then again, we may not. Frankly, I'm a little bit woozy just thinking about it right now.

Second, the entry deadline for each '08 race will be ten weeks before the event. As always, after the deadline our illustrious comrades in the Glorious People's Selection Secretariat will choose teams from amongst all the received applications. Acceptance/rejection notices will go out the following week.

I think that, as they say, is that. Hope to see you at one of these, or to at least smell the evocative waft of your clutch packing it in. Best &c & so on--J

Jay Lamm, Chief Perp
24 HOURS OF LeMONS

Posted On 12/1/07

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SCCA Announces 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:58:53 PST

SCCA Announces 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 30, 2007) - Sports Car Club of America, Inc. has announced the four individuals and one couple who will be enshrined in the SCCA Hall of Fame class of 2008.

Roger Johnson, Don and Ruth Nixon, Kjell Qvale, Robert Ridges, and Fred Schmucker will join the 20 individuals previously inducted in 2005, 2006 and 2007 during the February 2 enshrinement ceremony that will close the 2008 SCCA National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Profiles:

Roger E. Johnson: A multiple Solo Champion, Johnson was the first Solo competitor to bring major commercial attention to the sport through his sponsorship arrangement with BF Goodrich Tires. Johnson interacted with BF Goodrich dealers and his victories were featured in product advertising. This paved the way for major commercial support for the Solo National Championships, first from Yokohama, then from The Tire Rack®, as well as Valvoline’s support of ProSolo in the early 90s. Johnson is known just as much for his personality as his Solo skills. The annual Johnson Spirit of the Sport Award, named in his honor, was the first Solo award named after a participant and he served as a memorable emcee at the National Convention for many years.

Don and Ruth Nixon: The Nixons are the first couple to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and for anyone who knew them, it would be impossible to think of them apart. The pair traveled the country as Timing and Scoring officials, bringing the specialty into the electronic age, from single hand, analog stopwatches, to digital clocks and chronograph timers that allowed a small team of workers to time an entire field of cars. They served in leadership roles at the Regional, Divisional and National level, and both were elected to the Board of Directors, Ruth being the first female to receive the honor. Don also served as the publisher of SportsCar for some time.

Kjell Qvale: Qvale put the “sports car” in Sports Car Club of America. He is known far outside the SCCA for his impact on the United States auto industry, importing European sports cars that fueled the 50s car frenzy. Qvale was the first major importer of MGs before expanding his line to include Jaguar, Bentley and others. He eventually became involved in German cars as well, bringing Volkswagen into the U.S. In addition to providing the cars that made the SCCA go, Qvale was a key organizer of West Coast races at Buchanan Field, Golden Gate Park and Pebble Beach. When racing was forced off the streets, he aided in the creation of Laguna Seca and is credited with the vision that created the famed Corkscrew, one of road racing’s most celebrated turns. In addition to fielding numerous cars in SCCA, Qvale was able to put together a successful Indy 500 team as well.

Robert Ridges: Secretary of the Rally board from its inception in 1957 until his death, Ridges was one of those responsible for road rallying in the U.S. as we know it. He played a major role in the creation of the early RoadRally rules and was the continuity that helped steer the early Rally boards. Upon his death in 1965, SportsCar said of him: “Bob was a sportsman in the truest sense of the word. To him, sportsmanship lay in the manner of performance rather than in the winning; though as a competitor he always strived to do his best. His honesty, integrity, sincerity and never failing good humor as well as his dedication to sports car activities has left an indelible mark." His name graces the award given to the SCCA member who exemplifies the highest degree of dedication and sportsmanship to the sport of rally

Fred Schmucker: A member of the SCCA Hall of Fame Selection Committee until his death this past August, Schmucker is remembered as always putting the Club first. Becoming a member in 1961 with the Florida Region, Schmucker’s SCCA career is decorated with dozens of committee appointments, awards and stewardships that span several Regions and more than four decades. He served as an F&C Chief for the Florida Region in the 60s, moving to the Northeast Oklahoma Region in 1965 where he became the Region Secretary and later, Assistant Regional Executive. From 1968 to 1995 he was a member of the Dixie Region, climbing all the way to RE and serving as a Solo II Safety Steward and SIT to the National Chief Steward. He was the Southeast Division Executive Steward from 1987 to 1993, was on the SCCA Court of Appeals from 1995 to 1997 and was heavily involved with the South Atlantic Road Racing Championship (SARRC). He became a member of the SCCA Stewards Committee in 2002 and the SEDIV Executive Steward in 2003. Throughout his service he became a role model to many in the Club, setting an example of what a Steward should be. His contributions were recognized with the John C Reuter, Robert W. Clark and Bryan Webb Awards from SEDIV as well as the John McGill and Dave Morrell Awards from SCCA.

The five 2008 inductees will join the three previous classes, including:
2005: Cameron Argetsinger, A. Tracy Bird, John Fitch, Arthur Gervais, Harry Handley, Vern Jaques, Bill Milliken, Sue Roethel, Art Trier and Rob Walker.
2006: John Bornholdt, John Buffum, Mark Donohue, Denise McCluggage and Grant Reynolds.
2007: Marge Binks, Marc Gerstein, Carl A. Haas, General Curtis E. LeMay, Theodore F. Robertson.

The formation of the SCCA Hall of Fame was announced February 7, 2004 at the National Convention. Hall of Fame inductees are selected for having made a significant contribution to the development and/or the preservation of SCCA that had a direct impact on the Club being the organization it is today.

Nominations were submitted to and reviewed by the Hall of Fame Nomination and Selection Committees. Of the nominated individuals, five were selected for the 2008 Class.

Posted On 11/30/07

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Dale Sievwright Tackles the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Scion SPEED Touring Car Team

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:32:16 PST

Dale Sievwright Tackles the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Scion SPEED Touring Car Team
By Dale Sievright

Driver is reunited with MPME team to try and better their 2005 25hr 3rd place finish

USTCC veteran Dale Sievwright has joined the MPME Scion/Modified Magazine 25 Hours of Thunderhill team to take another shot at improving upon his 3rd place finish from 2005. An experienced chassis engineer and test driver during the week, Sievwright looks forward to getting the most from the 300hp FWD turbocharged Scion tC he’ll steer this weekend at Thunderhill Raceway near Sacramento, California.

"I wasn’t able to race in the 25hr last year, but I’ve been working to get back and can’t wait to reunited with MPME, and my 2005 co-driver Gary Sheehan behind the wheel of the SPEED touring Car Scion."

While Sievwright has been away from the 25 Hour race for two years, he’s kept busy racing in NASA’s U.S. Touring Car Championship, and test driving in GrandAm Rolex GT machinery. "I’m fortunate to make a living working with Evosport in Huntington Beach, California—our motto is ‘From the street, to the track,’ and that’s exactly how I help our customers—to assist them with the best performance products for their cars, or to aid them at the track to become better drivers or to tune their chassis. Getting to do the same in purebred racing cars like I do with USTCC or Rolex cars is just icing on the cake."

The light weight, high power combo in the Scion’s front wheel drive platform isn’t something the Jamaican-born driver is concerned about. "Sure, it’s different than the BMW’s or Porsche’s I’ve raced more recently, but I started racing in front wheel drive cars—that’s where I have the most experience, actually. The Scion should be a blast."

As one of a number of drivers in the MPME team, the opportunity to share the car and experience with other veteran drivers was of particular interest. "I already mentioned how much I enjoyed racing with Gary in 2005—he’s an absolute pro. Mark Hotchkis is someone I’ve always admired and followed as he ascended the pro racing ranks into victory circle—we should have a lot of fun together. Racing with Matt Varsha and Tanner Foust should also be great—they’ve both accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I’m also looking forward to racing with Dave Pratte from Modified Magazine—I’ve read that mag for years, so seeing our car and team in an issue next year will be awesome."

Follow Dale’s progress this weekend on www.SPEEDtv.com, and learn more about his career and experience at www.dalesievwright.com

Posted On 11/28/07

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WORKS Partners with Mitsubishi to Campaign Lancer in SPEED World Challenge

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:46:45 PST

WORKS Partners with Mitsubishi to Campaign Lancer in SPEED World Challenge
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2007) –At the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, the curtains were pulled on the new WORKS built Mitsubishi Lancer, set to compete in the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

WORKS, which is known as the preeminent Mitsubishi tuner in North America, views the move to SPEED World Challenge as a great opportunity to showcase the new Lancer and bring Mitsubishi back to World Challenge after a seven year absence.

“To get involved in professional racing with a manufacturer whose vehicles inspired WORKS to start in the first place is a dream come true,” stated WORKS founder and CEO Peter Kang. “We are looking forward to a challenging and successful year in SPEED World Challenge.”

Coming right on the heels of its grand opening at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., this announcement marks another major step for WORKS as they continue to expand in the motorsports world.

"Mitsubishi Motors North America is pleased to be associated with WORKS, and we look forward to their successful efforts in the SPEED World Challenge races," said Jun Asami, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at MMNA. "The SWC Lancer is certain to demonstrate the strength of this all-new Lancer platform and give tuners worldwide inspiration to customize their cars."

With significant research and development time already invested into the project, the WORKS SWC Lancer will continue its efforts through the off-season with the goal of running a full racing schedule for the 2008 calendar year. Two-time (2005 and 2006) United States Touring Car champion David Brown will be spearheading the driving effort for 2008.

“Everyone at SCCA Pro Racing is excited about the return of Mitsubishi to World Challenge,” SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Bob Wildberger said. “Certainly the competitiveness of the series and high-profile events make SPEED World Challenge the perfect place for Mitsubishi and WORKS to showcase the new Lancer. I welcome them to our paddock and look forward to seeing the WORKS Lancer go head-to-head with our other teams.”

The WORKS SPEED World Challenge Lancer already boasts an impressive build list including front and rear WORKS/Öhlins coilovers, WORKS two-piece rotors featuring Brembo aluminum calipers, a WORKS racing clutch with ‘Spin’ flywheel and a fully built and balanced Mitsubishi four-cylinder engine. Inside the car there is a WORKS ‘Throw’ short shifter with ‘Grab’ shift knob, WORKS carbon fiber panels, a single Recaro Pro Racer seat, Tilton pedal assembly and a custom roll cage installed by Impact Engineering. Pending final homologation, the SWC Lancer will receive a few more racing and performance parts from WORKS and their partners before heading to tracks across the US and Canada.

For more information about where to see the WORKS Lancer racing with SCCA SPEED World Challenge, visit www.world-challenge.com

Posted On 11/27/07

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2008 SCCA GCR Now Available Online

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:42:45 PST

2008 SCCA GCR Now Available Online
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 20, 2007) – The 2008 Sports Car Club of America General Competition Rulebook is now available for download from the SCCA Web site and will be available in hard copy shortly.

As always, the 2008 GCR is made available online by SCCA Club Racing as a courtesy to entrants, volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about the technical regulations governing SCCA Club Racing. You can download the entire book or individual sections in PDF format at www.scca.com/club, then select “cars and rules” in the left hand menu.

A hard copy of the GCR will mailed to all licensed Club Racers by the first of the year and will be available soon through SCCA’s merchandise partner, Imperial Marketing, who can be contacted by calling 888-267-2187 or by visiting its Web site at www.sccacollection.com.

Posted On 11/20/07

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SCCA SPEED World Challenge 2008 Partial Schedule Released

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:39:45 PST

SCCA SPEED World Challenge 2008 Partial Schedule Released
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 16, 2007) – Six classic racing venues have been confirmed for the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge schedule.

For the third year in-a-row, the SPEED GT cars will hit the streets of Long Beach in April with the Champ Car World Series and American Le Mans Series. The following weekend, SPEED Touring Car teams are off to VIRginia International Raceway to join the Rolex Sports Car Series. The 2008 event will mark only the second time in history the series has raced at the dazzling 3.27-mile road course.

In May, both classes reunite for a showdown in the desert at Miller Motorsports Park with the ALMS.

The series returns to historical Watkins Glen International in June with the Rolex Sports Car Series, then joins with ALMS and the Indy Racing League to repeat a highly successful event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July.

There’s a trip north of the border in August, when SCCA SPEED World Challenge makes its 18th appearance at Mosport International Raceway, once again joining ALMS.

The remainder of the schedule will be announced shortly. Keep checking www.world-challenge.com for more information.

2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Schedule

Date                     Track/Venue
April 18 – 20       Grand Prix of Long Beach (GT only)
April 25 – 27       VIRginia International Raceway (Touring Car only)
May 16 – 18        Miller Motorsports Park
June 5 – 8          Watkins Glen International
July 17 – 20        Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
August 21 – 24     Mosport

Posted On 11/16/07

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SCCA Board Election Results In

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:36:12 PST

SCCA Board Election Results In
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 16, 2007) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. announced the results for the four Areas holding elections this month, with three new members joining the Board of Directors and one current Director running unopposed.

Jerry Wannarka won the Area Two election, and will take the seat held the last six years by Brian Holtz, who reached his term limit. Similarly, Lisa Noble won the Area Six election to occupy the position held by Charlie Clark for the last six years. Philip Creighton won the Area 12 election, while John Sheridan ran unopposed for a second term as Area 10 Director.

The new Board members will join the outgoing members at the Board meeting Nov. 29-Dec. 1 before taking over their posts full time beginning in 2008.

The SCCA, Inc. Board of Directors is comprised of 13 individuals voted on by the SCCA members of their particular Area. Areas are a collection of SCCA Regions nationwide.

The 2008 SCCA Board of Directors will be:

Area One: Robert E. Introne Jr.
Area Two: Jerry Wannarka
Area Three: K.P. Jones
Area Four: Larry Dent
Area Five: Bob Lybarger
Area Six: Lisa Noble
Area Seven: Michael Sauce
Area Eight: James Christian
Area Nine: R.J. Gordy
Area 10: John Sheridan
Area 11: Andy Porterfield
Area 12: Philip Creighton
Area 13: Howard Allen

Election ballots were received through November 15, and were tallied by Mize, Houser & Company.

For more information about Sports Car Club of America, please visit www.scca.com.

Posted On 11/16/07

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Three More Runoffs Races Highlight SPEED Programming on Wednesday

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:32:02 PST

Three More Runoffs Races Highlight SPEED Programming on Wednesday
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 13, 2007) – SCCA National Championship Runoffs programming continues on SPEED, Wednesday, Nov. 14, with Showroom Stock C, H Production and C Sports Racing.

Beginning at noon (EST), John Heinricy is in search of his 11th SCCA National Championship piloting a Chevrolet Cobalt in SSC. Starting second, Heinricy will have an uphill battle as he faces two-time SSC National Champion Joel Lipperini in a Honda Civic Si. Heinricy manages to wrangle the lead from polesitter Lipperini just past halfway, but it may all come apart on the final lap when both drivers are feeling the pressure.

A nail-biting HP race follows at 1 p.m. Starting from pole in a Triumph Spitfire, Tom Feller is in a good position to capture his fourth-consecutive HP title, but Brain Linn’s MG Midget gives Feller the battle of a lifetime. As a light sprinkle falls on Heartland Park Topeka, the pair exchange the lead with every lap. The moment of truth arrives on the final lap when Feller looks to the inside of Linn entering Turn Ten. One driver will speed to the finish to become the HP National Champion, the other will do some creative landscaping in the grass.

In stark contrast to the previous two races, defending CSR Champion Hans Peter is unstoppable on his home turf. Although the Kansan loses the lead early, it takes only a handful of corners for Peter to put his Swift 014 Viking back up front and dominate the field. The race begins at 2 p.m.

If you miss them the first time, the SSC and HP races will re-air on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 3 and 4 a.m. The CSR race replays at 3 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

All 25 SCCA National Championship races receive their own one-hour show on SPEED throughout the winter. Visit the Runoffs event page at www.scca.com/Runoffs for the full schedule.

Posted On 11/13/07

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MPME, Modified to Field Supercharged Scion tC in Limited 2008 SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Program

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:28:06 PST

MPME, Modified to Field Supercharged Scion tC in Limited 2008 SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Program
By Marshall Pruett

OAKLAND, Calif., (November 8, 2007) - Marshall Pruett Motorsports Engineering (MPME), Modified Magazine, and Scion have partnered to build and run the first professional road racing entry for the youth-oriented Toyota brand.

“Scions are a familiar sight at import drag racing events, drifting events and car shows, and have some of the most active car clubs in America. In 2008, professional road racing is the next place you’ll see a Scion competing,” noted team owner Marshall Pruett.

With the car set to debut at the Sebring, Fla., opener in March of 2008, the MPME team will be undertaking a partial World Challenge schedule. “Frankly, my schedule and responsibilities as a journalist won’t allow me to run the car in more than a handful of races—three to four are all we have planned for now, though there will be plenty of testing away from the SPEED cameras,” noted Pruett.

The veteran road racing crew chief and engineer-turned motoring journalist for SPEED sees the debut of a new car and manufacturer to the SPEED TC series as nothing but an indicator of the series’ strength.

“In reviewing the series to choose from, World Challenge offers the most brutal, uncompromising, and spirited touring car racing on the continent. I’d rather develop a new car in the most challenging environment available, and that’s what I’ve chosen by bringing the Scion tC to SPEED TC.”

Ancaster, Ontario’s Dave Pratte, Senior Editor for Modified Magazine and winner in the Canadian Touring Car Championship, looks forward to the starting lights turning green at Sebring. “World Challenge has always been my goal as a driver. I get to write about the best and brightest in the import/tuner car world, so what better way to serve our readers than to share my pro racing exploits with them in a Scion tC. I really want to put Modified’s readers in the driver’s seat with me, so that can share in the excitement”.

Pratte is also familiar with the FWD layout of the tC and racing on the same tires used in World Challenge. “My CTCC Honda is a front-driver, and we race on Toyo’s, but I still have a lot to learn to take on heroes of mine like Peter Cunningham and Randy Pobst. We know we have a huge mountain to climb with developing the car and I have a lot to learn with the new tracks I’ll run. Even if we’re a ways off the top cars next year, expect for us to be learning all the time and enjoying ourselves with the support of Scion fans at each round.”

The tC, believed to be the first supercharged entry in the SPEED TC category, also marks the debut of the incredibly popular Scion brand to professional road racing. Pruett was equally as careful when approaching manufacturers to partner with. “In the import and tuner world, the Scion brand is king for new car sales; look at what they’ve done with their massive catalog of aftermarket parts for all of their models. With SPEED Touring Car serving as the home for import and tuner cars, the Scion tC is the best fit possible for the category.

To demonstrate the aftermarket options available for the tC from TRD, the MPME team has worked with Scion to use as many parts direct from the TRD catalog as possible. “What TRD has done with their performance parts catalog is just amazing—these aren’t just for show, or to look cool at a car show; everything they sell is developed and tested by their staff of engineers and racers. TRD stands for ‘Toyota Racing Development’ and there’s a reason for that: their parts for the street are infused with this ‘Racing Development spirit.”

From that catalog, everything from the Stoptech developed big brake kit, Quaife manufactured limited-slip differential, TRD Supercharger, quick-shift kit, and strut tower brace will be used in battle.

Transformation of the tC from a street car to full-fledged SPEED Touring Car was carried out by TC Design of Milpitas, California, the same outfit used to transform the SPEED GT Subaru Pruett ran in 2006. “Tony and Joe Colicchio have recently surpassed the two hundred and fifty mark for race cars they’ve built—beyond their ability to do incredibly skilled and well engineered work, they’ve been instrumental in turning the tC around in record time.

Also under TC Design’s guidance, the first set of professional Moton dampers for the Scion tC have been developed. “I work closely with Lex Carson of Moton USA on a regular basis, and between the two of us, we’ve come up with the same damping advantage Moton’s other SPEED Touring Car customers are used to,” said Colicchio. TC Design has also developed custom suspension for the Scion tC for the rigors of World Challenge racing that compliment the Hotchkis anti-roll bars that are installed.

The Design scheme for the car is open for voting at www.Modified.com. “We figured everything else about the Scion tC is customizable, so why not let our readers, racing fans, and Scion nuts pick from four different designs we commissioned Marvel Comics artist Jon Sibal to create. The winning scheme will be applied to the car for the 2008 season.

With TC Design building the Scion tC for SPEED TC, the use of the initials ‘TC’ will be a common sight with the program. “We’ll be putting the myth that ‘good things happen in threes’ to the test next year!” Pruett said.

Details about the car and team will soon be available at www.tctouringcar.com, as well as www.modified.com, and in Modified Magazine.

Attached image: Rendering of MPME/Modified Scion tC for SCCA SPEED World Challenge competition
Credit: Modified Magazine

Posted On 11/8/07

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JustRacing.com Improves Classified Ads System

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:01:06 PST

JustRacing.com Improves Classified Ads System
By Mark Dadgar, JustRacing.com Staff

JustRacing.com is pleased to announce extended runs for classified ads. All ads placed starting today will run for 30 days with two 30 day renewals available, for a total ad run of 90 days. This better serves the motorsports community by reducing the amount of work required to sell large-ticket items such as race cars.

The result of feedback from JustRacing.com users, the new extended ad runs take effect immediately for new ads. Existing ads with available renewals will pick up the extended run intervals at the ad's next renewal.

Remember that ads can be syndicated to the following organization's web sites for more coverage:

Please click here for classified ad management as well as instructions for placing ads.

Posted On 11/7/07

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Runoffs Programming Begins This Week on SPEED

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:13:12 PST

Runoffs Programming Begins This Week on SPEED
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (November 6, 2007) – Programming from this year’s 44th SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T starts Wednesday, November 7, on SPEED with the Sports 2000 and GT-Lite races.

A thrilling three-way battle between John Fergus, Marc Mercer and Nick Mancuso in Sports 2000 kicks things off at noon (EST). Polesitter and defending National Champion Mercer can’t put a wheel wrong when going up against Fergus, who’s in search of his fifth S2000 National Championship. Throw Runoffs rookie Mancuso into the mix and you have a recipe for a last lap dog fight.

GT-Lite is next at 1 p.m. Joe Kristensen’s Acura Integra sits on pole, but local driver Chris Bovis shares the front row in a Honda CRX. When Bovis motors away at the start, Kristensen gets locked into a battle for second with the Nissan 200SX of Peter Zekert. Once in firm control of the runner-up spot, Kristensen sets his sights on Bovis, but does he have enough laps left to catch him, or will Bovis capture his first National Championship on home turf? Set your TV to SPEED to find out.

If you miss them the first time, the races will re-air at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Thursday, November 8.

All 25 SCCA National Championship races will receive their own one-hour show on SPEED throughout the winter. Visit the Runoffs event page at www.scca.com/Runoffs for the full schedule.

Attached image: Chris Bovis leads Joe Kristensen and Peter Zekert in the 2007 GT-Lite National Championship race.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 11/6/07

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Volkswagen and SCCA Pro Racing to Feature Clean Diesel Power in Jetta TDI Cup

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:14:19 PST

Volkswagen and SCCA Pro Racing to Feature Clean Diesel Power in Jetta TDI Cup
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (November 1, 2007) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced at the 2007 SEMA Show that it will bring TDI clean diesel technology to select North American race tracks starting in May 2008. The Jetta TDI Cup series will be sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing Ltd., and will appear at up to eight major racing venues in North America during 2008.

“The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will celebrate Volkswagen’s diesel technology and heritage in motorsports as good, clean fun,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Not only will the young drivers gain real-life track experience in a factory-prepared race vehicle, it will allow them to develop their own mindset of today’s clean diesel technology, and foster increased awareness of its advantages in this new era of environmental sensitivity.”

The Jetta TDI Cup shifts gears from the previously announced GTI program, allowing Volkswagen to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology, available in the upcoming 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. With up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of aspiring, young drivers, this unique motorsport offering will highlight a new, exciting platform of racing that does not currently exist – a full field of clean diesel powered vehicles.

“With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean and quiet diesel technology,” said Bob Wildberger, president and CEO, SCCA Pro Racing, Inc. “We look forward to the series in hopes that it will attract more attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel power.”

The Jetta TDI Cup racecars will be optimized for track performance and safety. To focus on the skill of the young drivers and to ensure performance parity, proper maintenance and safety standards, all vehicles will be owned and maintained by Volkswagen. The heart of the Jetta TDI Cup racing vehicle will be the all-new, high-tech 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The Jetta TDI race vehicles will be outfitted with a six-speed automatic DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and four-wheel ABS racing brakes.

Signifying Volkswagen’s environmental commitment, the Jetta TDI Cup series will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Additional program details will be available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com by mid-November 2007.

SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc.-a 55,000-member organization dedicated to motorsports events. SCCA Pro Racing sanctions four separate professional racing series: the SPEED World Challenge Championships, SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup, Formula Russell and F2000 Championship Series. Each series holds events on high-profile race weekends and annually crowns champions. On the web at www.sccapro.com.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.

Attached image: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup car
Credit: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Posted On 11/1/07

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SPEED World Challenge Championships Celebrated in Monterey

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:23:03 PST

SPEED World Challenge Championships Celebrated in Monterey
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 24, 2007) – The latest SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Champions were honored at the year-end banquet in Monterey, Calif., following the season finale races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Jeff Altenburg, of Ellicott City, Md., collected his first World Challenge Championship in 2007 thanks to an impeccable record. Running with MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MAZDA6, he kicked off the season with back-to-back wins from pole, collected a third pole at Mid-Ohio and finished every race in the top 10. Altenburg ended the year with 277 points and a total purse of $91,450.

Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., earned his second SCCA SPEED GT Championship, his first being in 2003 with Audi. This time around, at the wheel of a K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey/3R Porsche GT-3, Pobst earned three poles, two wins and finished outside the top ten only once. It all adds up to 303 points and $75,900 for Pobst.

Mazda earned its first SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER magazine with the combined efforts of the Tri-Point Motorsports and Tindol Motorsports teams. Mazda’s seven poles, 92 laps led and five race wins allowed them to clinch the title a round early at Road Atlanta and end the season 18 points ahead of Acura.

It was SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine number two for Cadillac, who sealed the deal with a win from Andy Pilgrim in the final race. With three poles, 48 laps led and three race victories, Cadillac pulled out 11 points over Porsche for its second title in four years of competition.

Coming into the game with a steep learning curve, Stan Wilson, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and the Sorted Performance team stepped up to the challenge of fielding the series’ only Dodge SRT-4 entries on a budget that was limited to say the least. Just as the team thought they’d made a breakthrough at Watkins Glen, putting three cars in the top 10, their transporter was stolen and everything, including the race cars, were gone in an instant. Wilson soldiered on, borrowing Robb Holland’s SRT-4 and continued to put in solid performances, which earned him the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Piloti Rookie of the Year.

Wilson also collected the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Sunoco Hard Charger of the Year Award for advancing 57 positions in his No. 92 Sorted Performance Dodge SRT-4 over the course of 2007.

The SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Piloti Rookie of the Year contest was extremely close coming into the season finale and it got even closer when the checkered flag fell. Finishing just three spots away from each other, Brian Kubinski, of Plainfield, Ill., and Jeffrey Robbins, of Southfield, Mich., were tied at 92 points apiece in the drivers’ championship. In such a scenario, the Rookie of the Year Award goes to whichever driver had the highest finishing position of the year. Kubinski’s best finish of fifth at Mosport, versus Robbins’ best finish of ninth at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, earned the driver of the No. 12 Diamond Construction/Blackdog Racing Chevrolet Corvette the crown.

Robbins did win the Sunoco Hard Charger of the Year award in SCCA SPEED GT completion. Robbins advanced 61 positions throughout the year in his No. 6 RSIG Security Dodge Viper.

Had sponsor dollars not kept the No. 29 Tecmark Autosport/GMG/BMW 325Ci parked in Ohio during the final round of the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Championship, James Sofronas, of Newport Beach, Calif., might have equaled his best-ever World Challenge points finish. Sofronas still walked away with a trophy however, the Toyo Tires Cup, created this year for those drivers who have primary occupations other than “race car driver.” With a bevy of top-10s, including runner-up finishes at Lime Rock Park and Watkins Glen, Sofronas scored 205 points, the most of all Toyo Tires Cup drivers in SCCA SPEED Touring Car.

The SCCA SPEED GT Toyo Tires Cup went to Rob Foster, of Phoenix, Ariz., who ended the season tenth in points. Foster narrowly missed a podium at Lowe’s Motor Speedway where he finished fourth in the No. 17 LTI Contracting/Foster Motorsports/Grp4Mt Dodge Viper. Foster switched to a Chevrolet Corvette at Mid-Ohio and only one race later had the car qualified in the top ten at Mosport. Foster ended the season with 136 points.

Nathan Bonneau, Team Manager of RealTime Racing, was awarded the Zimmerman Cup, given to the World Challenge crew chief who demonstrates dedication, leadership and sportsmanship, as well as a genuine passion for the series. All of these qualities were possessed by the late Jerome Zimmermann, former RealTime crew chief, for whom the trophy is named.

In recognition of the challenging year the series has faced and the hard work and comradery of all the teams in SCCA SPEED World Challenge, SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Bob Wildberger presented the entire paddock with the Jim Cook Memorial Trophy. Traditionally the award is given to a person or entrant who has made significant contributions to the success of the series.

Voted on by the teams of SCCA SPEED World Challenge, the Crew of the Year Awards went to Tri-Point Motorsports and 3-R Racing.

Holly Connell, of 3-R Racing, was also recognized for her selfless work throughout the paddock, most notably her assistance in getting all the teams across the Canadian border twice with their papers in order.

The SCCA SPEED World Challenge finales from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will air Sunday, October 28th, at 3 and 4 p.m. (EDT) on SPEED.

Stay tuned to www.world-challenge.com for a 2008 schedule announcement.

Posted On 10/24/07

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Pilgrim Wins SPEED GT Season Finale, Pobst Takes Championship

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 10:19:01 PST

Pilgrim Wins SPEED GT Season Finale, Pobst Takes Championship
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif., (October 21, 2007) – Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., took his second win of the season and secured the second Manufacturers’ Championship for Cadillac at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Finale, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Second place Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., took home the Drivers’ Championship, while teammate Michael Galati, of Omsted, Ohio, finished third.

Needing to finish at least second to win the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Drivers’ Championship regardless of where his competitors finished, polesitter Pobst took command of the race from the start lights, defending the lead from the Cadillacs of Pilgrim and Ron Fellows, of Mississauga, Ontario.

Before a full lap could be completed, the race went full-course yellow for five cars spinning into the gravel at Turn Four, three of which need to be removed with track safety vehicles. Following a lengthy cleanup, the race restarted on lap seven. It would be the only full-course caution of the 28-lap, 74.241-mile race.

Pobst continued to hold the lead in his No. 22 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3 over the No. 8 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V of Pilgrim. As Pobst clicked off fast laps, he opened up a lead of more than two seconds by lap 15. Pilgrim responded with several fast laps of his own, including the fastest lap of the race, a 1:30.801 (88.730 mph) and whittled down Pobst’s lead. He was within striking distance by lap 20 and on lap 22, Pilgrim slid inside of Pobst entering Turn Two and took the lead. Pilgrim motored into the distance, taking his second SCCA SPEED GT win of the season and the seventh of his career, by 1.883 seconds.

“This has not historically been a fair track for us,” Pilgrim said of his Cadillac. “We’re quite good on fast tracks and quite good on street courses, but the long wheelbase does not lend the car to being very good on medium-speed courses. But, with Randy carrying so much REWARDS weight, we thought, on a historically good Porsche track, that we had a shot.

“We have to start our tire pressures very low, because of how heavy the cars are. We had to wait for the tires to come up to temps and it takes six or seven laps to do that. At the time when my tires were just getting optimal, which is the middle eight or so laps in the race, I noticed that Randy began to have a little bit of a hard time with his fronts. I radioed that to the crew and they told me to ‘keep pushing and shut up.’

“I got close enough to make a fair move and Randy gave me racing room, which is all we can ever ask for. I managed to pull away a little bit and I think at that point Randy might have settled a little bit for second—maybe he didn’t want or need to fight it out for the win today.

“When you’re racing these guys, it’s the real deal. You can’t make any mistakes and if they see it and perceive that you’re having a problem they’ll be right on you. I didn’t want to show that my rears were going in the last five laps because I figured he’d be on me. That’s how competitive we are and that’s how good this series is.

“I congratulate Randy on his Championship and the K-PAX team. We knew they were going to be the class of the field. It’s always tremendous to run with these guys and it is just tremendous to get a win today.”

Pilgrim’s win earned Cadillac the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER. Cadillac finished 11 points ahead of Porsche (71 to 60). It is the second Manufacturers’ Championship for Cadillac since entering the series in 2004. Chevrolet finished third with 50 points, followed by Dodge, with 24.

Riding in second with his nearest Championship competition coming into the race, Lawson Aschenbach, running seventh, Pobst was content with a runner-up finish to take his second-career SPEED World Challenge Championship.

“Andy Pilgrim really knows how to race,” Pobst said. “He races hard and he knows what he’s doing. He’s not going to take you out with some kind of a crazy maneuver.

“I’m so thrilled to have another opportunity to race in World Challenge and with a great team like K-PAX and 3R Racing and great sponsors like Team Janica and a great car like a Porsche, to have a great teammate like Mike Galati and race against quality people like Andy Pilgrim and the Cadillac team.

“We had to chase the track. Normally, we fight oversteer in a Porsche, but today we fought understeer with the little Toyos on the front. Andy was coming and I didn’t have anything for him. It didn’t make sense to really fight it. I went deep into Turn Two and he just came right up the inside. I tried to stay on the outside. It was fun.

“Today proves that you just can’t win them all. But, it is great to be able to win another Championship, especially at my age!”

Pilgrim finished second in the Drivers’ Championship, 16 points behind Pobst (303 to 287). Last year’s Champion Aschenbach finished the year third with 280 points, followed by Galati with 269 and Eric Curran with 190.

Dropping back on the start, Galati in the No. 23 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3 climbed back quickly to his grid position of third.

“I had a bad start and [James] Sofronas went by me and so did Ron Fellows,” Galati said. “I was able to get by Sofronas in Turn One and then me and Ron—we duked it out. After the restart, he was struggling with his car a little bit. I don’t think it was handling as good. Once I got by him, I started chasing these guys, but I tell you what, they were running so fast. I was trying to catch up and not burn up the tires. They opened up the gap and I could do nothing.

“I’m happy for Randy that he won the Championship today and for K-PAX that we both finished on the podium today. Congratulations to Andy, who drove a great race, and to the Caddies.”

Michael McCann, of North Canton, Ohio, finished a season-best fourth in his No. 82 McCann Plastics/K&N Filters Dodge Viper. McCann also earned the B&M Oil Coolers Coolest Move of the Race with his pass on Aschenbach’s No. 1 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V for fifth on lap 24.

Newly crowned SCCA SPEED Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg, of Ellicott City, Md., completed the top five in the No. 13 Kicker/Woodhouse Auto Family Dodge Viper.

Championship hopeful Aschenbach ended the race in sixth, followed by teammate Ron Fellows, Scotty B. White (Dodge Viper), Paul Bonaccorsi (Pontiac GTO) and Ritch Marziale (Dodge Viper).

Bonacorssi, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., earned the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing 15 positions during the race in the No. 21 Autosport Development Pontiac GTO.

Cindi Lux, of Aloha, Ore., in the No. 2 Dodge/MOMO/Corsa/Mintex Dodge Viper won the Piloti Rookie of The Race by finishing 11th.

Sonny Whelen, of Old Saybrook, Conn., was the Toyo Tires Cup Award winner, finishing 13th in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Chevrolet Corvette.

Today’s race will be broadcast on SPEED, Sunday October 28th at 4:00 p.m. (EDT). For results, photos and news visit www.world-challenge.com

Posted On 10/21/07

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Cunningham Gets Monterey Win, Altenburg Captures First SPEED TC Championship

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:36:16 PST

Cunningham Gets Monterey Win, Altenburg Captures First SPEED TC Championship
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif., (October 21, 2007) – In a Championship-deciding race packed with action, Peter Cunningham, of Grafton, Wis., captured the win at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Finale, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Acura swept the podium with Kuno Wittmer, of Montreal, Ontario, finishing second and Brandon Davis, of Denver, Colo., finishing third. Jeff Altenburg, of Ellicott City, Md., won his first World Challenge Drivers’ Championship, finishing fourth.

In one of the most exciting races of the season, Cunningham crossed the finish line behind teammate Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla., but still collected his 31st World Challenge victory.

Ian Baas, of Noblesville, Ind., got a great start from third on the grid in his No. 18 STaSIS/Clear Capital/Livermore Audi A4 and led the field through Turns One and Two, but was quickly re-passed by polesitter Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., and Cunningham.

As Pobst continued to lead the field through the first lap at the 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course, his teammate and point leader Altenburg hit trouble on the crowded opening lap, clipping a curb in Turn Six, causing a flat tire. As the race went full-course yellow for the No. 92 Sorted Performance Dodge SRT-4 of Stan Wilson stuck in Turn Six, Altenburg hit the pits. He re-entered in 18th.

Pobst maintained the lead on the lap four restart in his No. 73 Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development MAZDA6, but the full-course yellow came out again, only two laps later for the No. 95 Mazda North America/Tindol MAZDA6 of Michael Galati who was deep in the gravel at Turn Six.

On the lap nine restart, Pobst again defended his lead, as the No. 1 Acura Certified Pre-Owned Acura TSX of Kleinubing made his way past Cunningham for second. Kleinubing immediately put the pressure on Pobst for the lead while Altenburg charged through the field, needing to finish fourth or higher while Pobst led, in order to claim the Championship.

The full-course yellow came out for the third and final time on lap 14 when the No. 96 Tindol Motorsports/Pesco Inc. MAZDA6 of Charlie Putman was caught out in the gravel at Turn Eight. By this time Altenburg had moved up sixth.

On the lap 16 restart, Kleinubing continued to fill Pobst’s mirrors and Altenburg jumped to fifth, needing one more spot to earn the Championship should Pobst win the race. As the laps ticked by, the battling Pobst and Kleinubing began to pull away from the rest of the field.

On lap 21 of the 25-lap, 53.712-mile race, Kleinubing went to the outside of Pobst into Turn Two, but ran wide, allowing Pobst to hold the lead. The next time around, Kleinubing again went to the outside. This time, Kleinubing’s left front hit Pobst’s right rear, spinning the Mazda across the Acura’s nose. Several cars including Altenburg sped by as Pobst attempted to rejoin the field. Altenburg now had the Championship in hand, running fourth, while Pobst was shown in seventh.

Race officials quickly ordered a black flag for Kleinubing’s contact with Pobst and requested the car in pit lane. Kleinubing did not answer the call with one lap to go and was still the lead car when the checkered flag waved, with Cunningham close behind.

With a 30-second penalty assessed to Kleinubing, Cunningham was declared the winner, who crossed the finish line only 0.819-second ahead of Wittmer.

“I enjoyed the race today,” Cunningham said. “It seemed like Ian Baas had a mechanical problem coming out of Turn Two and we passed him between Two and Three. He did have the lead going into two.

“It appeared that Randy [Pobst] had a very good car and was pulling me. It also appeared that I was holding up Pierre [Kleinubing] a little bit. Certainly, Pierre had a job to do and put the bit between his teeth. On a restart, he got a little jump on me and we went side-by-side into Turn Two and rather than argue with him like we had before, I tried to hand it to him on a platter and fall in behind him.

“For a time, under green, Pierre was really chasing down Randy hard and the two of them were having a very good race. It seemed like my car was getting better and better as the race wore on and I might have had a little more for them at the end and certainly could pounce on them if they got into each other.

“I didn’t get the chance to get by Pierre, but after Randy spun due to the contact, I was in second and that’s where I thought I had finished.”

Driving the car that won this race last year, Wittmer finally captured a long overdue podium in his No. 44 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura RSX. The finish pushed Wittmer to third in the Championship standings.

“I had a great car and we were communicating a lot on the radio about the positions in the Championship,” Wittmer said. “At one point, they told me I was fourth in the Championship, but I was also fourth in the race and the podium was right there.

“I’m very pleased with how things turned out and I’m very pleased with second place. The team and Acura have done a great job all year and to finish it off with second place is a great way to end the season.”

After falling behind Altenburg briefly in the closing laps, Davis reclaimed the third spot on the final lap, earning his top-three of the season and giving Acura a podium sweep in his No. 43 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/Real Time Racing Acura TSX.

Following Pobst’s clash with Kleinubing, Altenburg’s fourth-place finish in the No. 72 Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development MAZDA6 was enough to capture his first ever SPEED World Challenge Championship. Crossing the line in sixth, Pobst finished the Championship runner-up, 18 points behind Altenburg.

“I knew I had a job to do obviously, Randy was on the pole and I was in eighth,” Altenburg said. “If Randy stayed there, I knew I needed to be fourth. The start was a little hectic and going into Turn Six, we were going two-by-two and I dropped a wheel on the curb and I figured that I was out. I congratulated Randy over the radio and I thought I was going to park it, because I thought the suspension was broken. I came in the pits and the team put a new tire on it and I went out and it felt remarkably good.

“It was tough coming through the field but I pretty much settled in, in fifth place. Believe me, I’ve been doing all the calculations in my head and I knew that if I was fifth and Randy won that we’d be tied and he’d win the tiebreaker. I was driving my heart out and the car was working amazingly well for what had happened to it.

“It feels incredible to win the Championship and it feels like it was a long time coming. I feel a little vindicated in justifying Mazda’s faith in me over the years. Believe me, I’m very, very proud. With this series, with RealTime and Bimmerworld and STaSIS and all the teams that have been in this series over the years—it’s top notch, and to come out on top of this series means a whole lot to me, because of the people we’re competing against.”

Behind Altenburg and Pobst, Wittmer ends the season third in the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Drivers’ Championship with 203 points, followed by teammates Kleinubing and Cunningham, with 225 and 220 points, respectively.

Returning to World Challenge competition for the first time since Sebring, Dino Crescentini, of Malibu, Calif., finished fifth in his No. 74 Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development MAZDA6, just ahead of Pobst.

Adam Pecorari (Audi A4) and Nick Esayian (Acura TSX) finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Esayian was the highest-placing Toyo Tires Cup driver, earning the Toyo Tires Cup Award.

Finishing ninth, Andrie Hartanto, of San Francisco, Calif., earned the Piloti Rookie of the Race Award as the highest-finishing rookie in his No. 88 PRIMA Honda Civic.

Matt Richmond, of Mooresville, N.C., completed the top ten and earned B&M Holeshot Award for advancing seven positions on the start, as well as the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing 11 positions during the race in the No. 37 BimmerWorld BMW 325i.

Mazda clinched the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER a round early at Road Atlanta. The automaker wins its first-ever World Challenge Championship by 18 points ahead of Acura. Audi finishes third with 42 points, followed by BMW with 31 points.

The SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car finale will air on SPEED, Sunday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). Results, photos and news are available at www.world-challenge.com

Results from Sunday 25-lap, 55.95-mile SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Finale, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with finishing position, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. (2), Peter Cunningham, Grafton, Wis., Acura TSX, 25.
2. (6), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura RSX, 25, -1.239.
3. (5), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Acura TSX, 25, -4.222.
4. (8), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 25, -8.073.
5. (12), Dino Crescentini, Malibu, Calif., MAZDA6, 25, -8.759.
6. (1), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., MAZDA6, 25, -10.353.
7. (13), Adam Pecorari, Aston, Pa., Audi A4, 25, -14.719.
8. (9), Nick Esayian(T), Encinitas, Calif., Acura TSX, 25, -15.282.
9. (16), Andrie Hartanto(R), San Francisco, Calif., Honda Civic, 25, -16.667.
10. (22), Matt Richmond, Mooresville, N.C., BMW 325i, 25, -24.329.
11. (3), Ian Baas, Noblesville, Ind., Audi A4, 25, -28.004.
12. (18), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 25, -29.080.
13. (4), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 25, -39.580.
14. (15), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 25, -1:09.870.
15. (23), Carl Hober(R), Cape May, N.J., Acura TSX, 25, -1:20.006.
16. (11), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 24, -1 lap.
17. (20), Stan Wilson(R), Mount Juliet, Tenn., Dodge SRT-4, 24, -1 lap.
18. (21), E. Glenn Bocchino(R), Delray Beach, Fla., MAZDA6, 24, -42.238.
19. (19), Christian Miller, Newark, Calif., VW Jetta, 24, -52.408.
20. (17), Charlie Putman(T), Denver, Colo., MAZDA6, 24, -1 lap.
21. (7), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., Audi A4, 0, Mech.
22. (14), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 0, Crash.
23. (10), Seth Thomas(T), Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 0, Crash.

Time of race: 50 minutes, 11.379 seconds.
Average speed: 66.886 mph
Margin of victory: .819 Seconds
Lap leaders: Laps 1-23, #73 Randy Pobst; laps 24-25, #42 Peter Cunningham
Fastest race lap: #73 Randy Pobst, 1:36.921 (83.127 mph)
Fastest qualifier: #73 Randy Pobst, 1:35.857 (84.050 mph)
B&M Holeshot Award: #37 Matt Richmond advances seven positions at the start
Sunoco Hard Charger Award: #37 Matt Richmond advances 11 positions in the race.
Piloti Rookie of the Race: #88 Andrie Hartanto
Toyo Tires Cup: #34 Nick Esayian
Note: #1 penalized 30 seconds, race points and purse for contact with the #73

SCCA SPEED Touring Car Drivers' Championship
Ps., Driver, Car, Points (Wins)
1, Jeff Altenburg, MAZDA6, 277 (2)
2, Randy Pobst, MAZDA6, 259 (2)
3, Kuno Wittmer, Acura RSX, 230
4, Pierre Kleinubing, Acura TSX, 225 (2)
5, Peter Cunningham, Acura TSX, 220 (2)
6, Chip Herr, Audi A4, 210 (1)
7, James Sofronas, BMW 325i, 205
8, Michael Galati, MAZDA6, 174 (1)
9, Charles Espenlaub, MAZDA6, 161
10, Brandon Davis, Acura TSX, 153

SCCA SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers' Championship Presented by RACER
Ps., Manufacturer, Points (Wins)
1, Mazda, 69 (5)
2, Acura, 51 (2)
2, Audi, 42 (2)
4, BMW, 31 (1)

Attached image: No. 42 Cunningham leads No. 44 Wittmer to an Acura podium sweep at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/21/07

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Saini's Dreams Becoming a Reality

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:37:48 PST

Saini's Dreams Becoming a Reality
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 18, 2007) – A new face will be exploring the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge paddock at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend. SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion Jason Saini, of Fort Worth, Texas, will get his first glimpse at his next step on the Mazda ladder program.

In his second year of competition with MX-5 Cup, Saini dominated the 2007 season, winning five of eight races and clinching the Championship a round early. His prize was more than just a trophy, it was a dream come true. As part of the Mazda ladder program, Saini earned a spot with a Mazda team in the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

“Just running in the MX-5 Cup was a dream come true,” Saini said. “So, winning the Championship and being given such an incredible opportunity by Mazda is just amazing. The ladder program that Mazda has established is the most important driver development program that's ever been implemented, and I'm proud to be associated with such a company. I look forward to fighting for Rookie of the Year while helping Mazda repeat the Manufacturers’ Championship in SCCA SPEED Touring Car.”

After years of involvement with SCCA, Saini now finds himself at the top of the SCCA ladder as well. The Cleveland native credits SCCA with developing his racing skills and opening the doors to a career as a professional race car driver.

“Racing has always been a dream for me and running SCCA Solo events was all that I could afford to do as a young racer. In addition to teaching car control, it taught me how to perform under pressure and I was able to win two Solo National championships (B-Stock in 2003, and A-Stock in 2004).

“I always knew I wanted to road race, but that success prompted me to try my hand at it. I also knew that I wanted to drive a Mazda because of the unbelievable support they have for motorsports. I went straight into Pro racing with the Miata Cup, and was in the top five by my fourth race. In 2003, I set a five-year goal to be in SCCA SPEED World Challenge, and without the SCCA, Mazda and the support of my sponsors along the way I never could have achieved this goal.”

As the first MX-5 Cup ladder graduate, Saini has been invited by Mazda to tour the paddock at the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend. There, he’ll get a chance to talk with both the Tri-Point and Tindol teams and decide which crew he’ll want supporting him in his rookie World Challenge season.

“It’s so amazing to be here at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca knowing I’ll be racing in World Challenge next year. I’m looking forward to meeting with the Mazda teams and making plans for the 2008 season.”

There couldn’t be a better time to hang out in the Mazda pits, as the automaker just captured its first World Challenge Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine, and Tri-Point drivers Jeff Altenburg and Randy Pobst run one-two in the Drivers’ Championship.

Round Ten of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship kicks off with two rounds of practice on Friday. Qualifying is set for Saturday at 9:25 a.m. (PDT) and the race will go green on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). You can follow the action with living timing and lap notes at www.world-challenge.com. The race will air on SPEED, Sunday, October 28th at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on SPEED.

You can watch Saini in all eight rounds of the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup when they air this winter on SPEED. Keep checking www.mx-5cup.com for air dates and times.

Attached image: MX-5 Cup Champion Jason Saini was presented with a suit and helmet by Mazda to recognize his ascent on the Mazda ladder program.
Credit: Juha Lievonen

Posted On 10/20/07

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Pobst Goes Two-For-Two With SPEED GT Pole in Monterey

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:34:17 PST

Pobst Goes Two-For-Two With SPEED GT Pole in Monterey
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 20, 2007) – Current Championship leader Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., captured the pole for Round Ten of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship minutes after collecting the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Pole at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., will start second.

Preventing a Cadillac clinch of the SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER and giving himself another five points in his Drivers’ Championship lead, Pobst recovered from a first lap slide to put the No. 22 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3 on pole. Just after getting out of his pole-winning Mazda SCCA SPEED Touring Car, Pobst collected his 22nd-career pole with a lap of 1:29.707 (89.812 mph) around the 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course. He now needs to finish third or better to win the 2007 Drivers’ Championship, regardless of what his rivals do.

“The Cadillacs are right there,” Pobst said. “When you’ve been racing as long as I have you learn that sometimes you finish on the good end of the thousandths and sometimes you finish on the bad end of the thousandths. That’s just the game and I think we got lucky.

“I hate to come right out and say this, but I blew my first lap in the Porsche. I got off to a good start, but I noticed that the handling was quite a bit different than practice, which surprised me, because in Touring Car, the Mazda was very similar. The Porsche was not terribly happy that first lap, but the first lap is when you have the most grip. I had real trouble getting around those first couple of corners. I was going down to my brake point in Turn Five and I got so far to the right that I put two wheels on the curb. I think that curb was a bit wet or maybe it was the roughness and being on the edge, but I got the car sideways and screwed up the corner. I came out for my second lap, knowing that it would have to be the lap. The handling was getting better at the same time, so that second lap around, I put in a clean lap and it was just barely enough. It was luck on my part.”

Pilgrim is indeed, “right there,” only 0.057-second behind Pobst. Pilgrim had hoped to win the pole and clinch the Manufacturers’ Championship for Cadillac, but a 1:29.764 (89.755 mph) put the No. 8 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V second on the grid.

The second row will be near-identical to the first, with Pobst’s teammate, Michael Galati, of Olmsted, Ohio, starting third in the No. 23 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT3, after entering a 1:30.121 (89.399 mph). Pilgrim’s teammate, Ron Fellows, of Mississaugo, Ont., starts fourth in the No. 16 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V, turning a 1:30.209 (89. 312 mph).

James Sofronas, of Newport Beach, Calif., completed the top five in his No. 14 GMG/Tolar Manufacturing Porsche 911 GT-3, with a time of 1:30.516 (89.009 mph).

Although there are three Porsches in the top five, to Cadillac’s two, if a Cadillac finishes in the top six, the automaker will capture its second SCCA SPEED GT Manufacturers’ Championship.

Jeff Altenburg (Dodge Viper), Michael McCann (Dodge Viper), Lawson Aschenbach (Cadillac CTS-V), Mike Davis (Ford Mustang Cobra) and Tomy Drissi (Chevrolet Corvette) completed the top ten.

The SCCA SPEED GT finale will launch from a standing start tomorrow at 2:55 p.m. (PDT). Live timing and lap notes are available at www.world-challenge.com. The race will air on SPEED, Sunday, October 28, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).

Starting lineup for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Round Ten race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Raceway, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (22), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:29.707, 89.812.
2, (8), Andy Pilgrim, Boca Raton, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:29.764, 89.755.
3, (23), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.121, 89.399.
4, (16), Ron Fellows, Mississauga, Ontario, Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.209, 89.312.
5, (14), James Sofronas(T), Newport Beach, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.516, 89.009.
6, (13), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., Dodge Viper, 1:30.644, 88.884.
7, (82), Michael McCann, North Canton, Ohio, Dodge Viper, 1:30.707, 88.822.
8, (1), Lawson Aschenbach, W. Palm Beach, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.720, 88.809.
9, (11), Mike Davis, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Mustang Cobra, 1:30.897, 88.636.
10, (87), Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, Calif., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.067, 88.471.
11, (28), Brian Kubinski(R), Plainfield, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.178, 88.363.
12, (3), Scotty B. White, Puyallup, Wash., Dodge Viper, 1:31.188, 88.353.
13, (05), Jason Daskalos(R), Albuquerque, N.M., Dodge Viper, 1:31.228, 88.315.
14, (17), Rob Foster(T), Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.345, 88.201.
15, (09), Gunter Schaldach(R), Aspen, Colo., Dodge Viper Comp Coupe, 1:31.495, 88.057.
16, (2), Cindi Lux(R), Aloha, Ore., Dodge Viper, 1:31.535, 88.018.
17, (31), Sonny Whelen(T), Old Saybrook, Conn., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.541, 88.013.
18, (56), Ritch Marziale, Tempe, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:31.574, 87.981.
19, (10), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Saleen SR, 1:31.682, 87.877.
20, (30), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.772, 87.791.
21, (34), Tony Gaples, Libertyville, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.900, 87.669.
22, (18), Jason Foster, Phoenix, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:32.442, 87.155.
23, (20), Dane Moxlow(R), Grosse Ile, Mich., Pontiac GTO, 1:32.692, 86.920.
24, (21), Paul Bonaccorsi, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Pontiac GTO, 1:32.732, 86.882.
25, (7), Brett Pearson, Orlando, Fla., Dodge Viper, 1:32.810, 86.809.
26, (6), Jeffrey Robbins(R), Southfield, Mich., Dodge Viper, 1:33.956, 85.750.
27, (29), Eric Olberz(R), La Canada Flintridge, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:34.470, 85.284.
28, (99), Jeff Courtney, Slinger, Wis., Dodge Viper, no time.
29, (02), Steve Valentinetti(R), Seatte, Wash., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:33.332, 86.324.
30, (12), Nick Parker(R), Seattle, Wash., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:36.055, 83.877.

Attached image: Randy Pobst added five points to his SPEED GT Championship lead with a pole in Monterey.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/20/07

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Pobst Edges Cunningham for Monterey SPEED Touring Car Pol

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:31:22 PST

Pobst Edges Cunningham for Monterey SPEED Touring Car Pol
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2007) – Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., edged Peter Cunningham, of Grafton, Wis., for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car pole for Sunday’s Round 10 race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and edged closer to his teammate for the Drivers’ Championship.

Driving the No. 73 Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development MAZDA6, Pobst turned a 1:35.857 (84.050 mph) on his first flying lap—not a record, but 0.025-second faster than Cunningham’s 1:35.882 (84.028 mph) in the No. 42 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX. It was Pobst’s third SPEED Touring Car pole of the season, and pulled him within 14 points of Championship leader, teammate Jeff Altenburg, going into Sunday’s finale.

“I think that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a MAZDA6 track,” Pobst said. “You might recall this is the track where the MAZDA6 won its first race with Jeff Altenburg a couple years ago. But, the SCCA officials adjusted our car for the last several races and it worked. It slowed us down and the car didn’t handle as well anymore. We’ve been trying to figure that out and look for a way to compensate. I know that Craig Nagler and the Tri-Point team were in the shop all week working on the cars and what they did obviously worked. I want to specifically thank Chris Degioanni my car chief, because he predicted the track, he figured it out.

“I’m really pleased to get pole while Mazda is associated with the Humane Society of the United States. I’m carrying Mooch the cat on my car from the MUTTS comic strip. We visited the SPCA across the street yesterday and they named a cat after me and a dog after Jeff. I think the spirit of Mooch was probably with me.”

For Cunningham, the winningest driver in series’ history, it was his best qualifying effort of the year.

Ian Baas, of Noblesville, Ind., will start third after setting a fast time of 1:36.081 (83.854 mph) in his No. 18 STASIS/Team Janica/Livermore Audi A4.

Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla., ran more laps than anyone in the session (11) and will start fourth based on his lap of 1:36.093 (83.843 mph) in the No. 1 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX. Kleinubing is winless in 2007, and if he does not win on Sunday, it will be his first winless season since joining the Championship in 1997.

Brandon Davis, of Denver, Colo., made it three Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSXs in the top five with a fast lap of 1:36.253 (83.704 mph).

Kuno Wittmer (Acura RSX), Chip Herr (Audi A4), Altenburg (MAZDA6), Nick Esayian (Acura TSX) and Seth Thomas (BMW 325i).

Altenburg needs to finish fourth or better to clinch his first Drivers’ Championship, regardless of what the competition does. Mazda clinched the Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER at the most recent round at Road Atlanta.

Sunday’s race makes its standing start at 12 noon (Pacific). Tune in to world-challenge.com to follow live timing and race notes via the SCCA Pit Board. Sunday’s race will be broadcast Saturday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. (Eastern) on SPEED.

Starting lineup for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship Round 10 race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (73), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., MAZDA6, 1:35.857, 84.050.
2, (42), Peter Cunningham, Grafton, Wis., Acura TSX, 1:35.882, 84.028.
3, (18), Ian Baas, Noblesville, Ind., Audi A4, 1:36.081, 83.854.
4, (1), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 1:36.093, 83.843.
5, (43), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Acura TSX, 1:36.253, 83.704.
6, (44), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura RSX, 1:36.269, 83.690.
7, (17), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., Audi A4, 1:36.451, 83.532.
8, (72), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 1:36.488, 83.500.
9, (34), Nick Esayian(T), Encinitas, Calif., Acura TSX, 1:36.741, 83.282.
10, (38), Seth Thomas(T), Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 1:36.895, 83.149.
11, (95), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 1:36.905, 83.141.
12, (74), Dino Crescentini, Malibu, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:36.912, 83.135.
13, (19), Adam Pecorari, Aston, Pa., Audi A4, 1:36.978, 83.078.
14, (36), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 1:37.183, 82.903.
15, (97), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:37.329, 82.779.
16, (88), Andrie Hartanto(R), San Francisco, Calif., Honda Civic, 1:37.745, 82.426.
17, (96), Charlie Putman(T), Denver, Colo., MAZDA6, 1:37.803, 82.377.
18, (57), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:38.136, 82.098.
19, (25), Christian Miller, Newark, Calif., VW Jetta, 1:38.174, 82.066.
20, (92), Stan Wilson(R), Mount Juliet, Tenn., Dodge SRT-4, 1:38.237, 82.014.
21, (94), E. Glenn Bocchino(R), Delray Beach, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:38.274, 81.983.
22, (37), Matt Richmond, Mooresville, N.C., BMW 325i, 1:38.620, 81.695.
23, (49), Carl Hober(R), Cape May, N.J., Acura TSX, 1:43.888, 77.552.

Attached image: Randy Pobst puts a Mazda on pole at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/20/07

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SCCA Pro Racing and SPEED Renew Relationship for 2008

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:52:12 PST

SCCA Pro Racing and SPEED Renew Relationship for 2008
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2007) – SCCA Pro Racing and SPEED announced today that the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships will again be broadcast on SPEED in 2008, marking the 13th year of its partnership.

For the 10th-straight year, each SCCA SPEED Touring Car and SCCA SPEED GT race will feature one-hour broadcasts on a tape-delayed basis on the network, generating 20 hours of unique programming.

“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with SPEED Channel,” SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Robert Wildberger said. “This series has experienced tremendous growth in the last 13 years and much of that is due to SPEED’s involvement. We have a lot of items in the works to enhance the programs, including a larger broadcast presence on the Web.”

“It gives us great pleasure to continue the longest-running relationship SPEED has with any sanctioning body,” SPEED Senior VP of Production and Network Operations and Executive Producer Rick Miner said. “SCCA Pro Racing provided the first racing event on SPEED in February of 1996 and continues to be a pillar of our motorsports programming.”

The 2008 season will be the 19th year of SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge competition. In 1999, SCCA Pro Racing and SPEED Channel formed a partnership with the series, naming SPEED as the title sponsor in addition to its broadcast partner. Split into two, separate race series—SCCA SPEED GT and SCCA SPEED Touring Car—the World Challenge Championships feature the cars people drive the way they wish they could drive them. SCCA SPEED World Challenge—this is how racing should be.

SPEED is the nation's first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, from mainstream to the ultimate extremes, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 78 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

For additional information about SCCA SPEED World Challenge, visit www.world-challenge.com. For additional information about SPEED, visit www.speedtv.com. For additional information about SCCA Pro Racing, visit www.sccapro.com.

Posted On 10/20/07

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Pilgrim Fastest in Practice for SCCA SPEED GT Finale

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:28:17 PST

Pilgrim Fastest in Practice for SCCA SPEED GT Finale
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 19, 2007) – Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., improved on his morning practice time to set the fastest practice lap of the day for Round Ten of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships. Michael McCann, of North Canton, Ohio, and Michael Galati, of Olmstead, Ohio, were second and third quickest, respectively, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

While most of the SCCA SPEED Touring Cars were unable to improve on their morning practice times in the session previous to the SCCA SPEED GT cars, the track conditions wound up being perfect for Pilgrim to improve on his. The No. 8 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V pilot set the fastest lap of the day, a 1:29.373 (90.148 mph), in the 20-minute afternoon session.

“The sun went in and the temperature dropped, which is exactly what we needed,” Pilgrim said. “The temperature drop is good for the engine and good for the tires.

“I’m pretty much a real long shot now for the Drivers’ Championship after Atlanta, but if we can get the one point for pole we’d wrap up the Manufacturers’ Championship. Obviously my focus is to get the pole if I can.”

McCann posted the second-fastest time of the day in his No. 82 McCann Plastics/K&N Filters Dodger Viper, entering a 1:29.698 (89.821 mph) in the afternoon session.

Galati just outpaced teammate Randy Pobst, turning a 1:29.970 (89.549 mph) in the No. 23 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3. Point leader Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., who was fastest in the morning session, was unable to improve on his time in the afternoon and ended the day fourth in his No. 22 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3, with a time of 1:30.118 (89.402 mph).

Defending SCCA SPEED GT Champion Lawson Aschenbach, of West Palm Beach, Fla., snuck into the top five on his final hot lap. The No. 1 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V driver stopped the clocks with a 1:30.126 (89.394 mph).

Jeff Courtney (Dodge Viper), Ron Fellows (Cadillac CTS-V), Tomy Drissi (Chevrolet Corvette), James Sofronas (Porsche 911 GT3) and Gunter Schaldach (Dodge Viper) competed the top ten.

Qualifying for the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship finale will take place Saturday at 9:50 a.m. (PDT). Live timing and lap notes are available at www.world-challenge.com. The race will go green Sunday at 2:55 p.m. (PDT).

Combined practice results for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Round Ten race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (8), Andy Pilgrim, Boca Raton, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:29.373, 90.148.
2, (82), Michael McCann, North Canton, Ohio, Dodge Viper, 1:29.698, 89.821.
3, (23), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:29.970, 89.549.
4, (22), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.118, 89.402.
5, (1), Lawson Aschenbach, W. Palm Beach, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.126, 89.394.
6, (99), Jeff Courtney, Slinger, Wis., Dodge Viper, 1:30.486, 89.039.
7, (16), Ron Fellows, Mississauga, Ontario, Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.487, 89.038.
8, (87), Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, Calif., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:30.516, 89.009.
9, (14), James Sofronas(T), Newport Beach, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.610, 88.917.
10, (09), Gunter Schaldach(R), Aspen, Colo., Dodge Viper Comp Coupe, 1:30.707, 88.822.
11, (3), Scotty B. White, Puyallup, Wash., Dodge Viper, 1:30.842, 88.690.
12, (13), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., Dodge Viper, 1:30.975, 88.560.
13, (2), Cindi Lux(R), Aloha, Ore., Dodge Viper, 1:31.181, 88.360.
14, (28), Brian Kubinski(R), Plainfield, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.231, 88.312.
15, (56), Ritch Marziale, Tempe, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:31.305, 88.240.
16, (17), Rob Foster(T), Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.437, 88.113.
17, (11), Mike Davis, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Mustang Cobra, 1:31.552, 88.002.
18, (34), Tony Gaples, Libertyville, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.647, 87.911.
19, (05), Jason Daskalos(R), Albuquerque, N.M., Dodge Viper, 1:31.757, 87.805.
20, (31), Sonny Whelen(T), Old Saybrook, Conn., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:32.066, 87.511.
21, (10), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Saleen SR, 1:32.511, 87.090.
22, (7), Brett Pearson, Orlando, Fla., Dodge Viper, 1:32.533, 87.069.
23, (21), Paul Bonaccorsi, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Pontiac GTO, 1:32.703, 86.909.
24, (29), Eric Olberz(R), La Canada Flintridge, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:33.287, 86.365.
25, (30), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:33.370, 86.289.
26, (02), Steve Valentinetti(R), Seatte, Wash., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:33.406, 86.255.
27, (20), Dane Moxlow(R), Grosse Ile, Mich., Pontiac GTO, 1:33.421, 86.241.
28, (18), Jason Foster, Phoenix, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:34.100, 85.619.
29, (6), Jeffrey Robbins(R), Southfield, Mich., Dodge Viper, 1:34.293, 85.444.
30, (12), Nick Parker(R), Seattle, Wash., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:35.716, 84.174.

Attached image: The No. 8 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/19/07

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Herr's Morning Time Tops SPEED TC Practice in Monterey

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:25:30 PST

Herr's Morning Time Tops SPEED TC Practice in Monterey
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 19, 2007) – Chip Herr, of Lititz, Pa., topped the time sheets Friday in practice for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship season finale at the Monterey Sports Car Championships. Peter Cunningham, of Grafton, Wis., and Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla., led the afternoon session and were second and third fastest overall, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Herr hit the top of the timing monitors early and continued to whittle down his time throughout the 20-minute morning practice session. By the end, a 1:35.929 was the (83.987 mph) was good enough to keep the No. 17 STaSIS/Clear Capital/Nalley Audi A4 on top. In the afternoon session, Herr could only manage the ninth-best time, but his morning lap held on to the top spot of the combined time sheets.

“We made some really great changes,” Herr said after the morning session. “We put a stiffer bar on the car that we’ve never used before. Yesterday, I tested it and today I think we proved it’s going to work for qualifying at least.

“We haven’t historically done well here. I finished fifth here last year and I qualified 10th. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pass a bunch of cars again on the start like I did last year. There’s a lot of people here battling for Championships so it’s going to be tough. I don’t want to be in the midst of it, but I’m going to be there.”

Four-time World Challenge Champion Cunningham ended the day second fastest in his No. 42 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX, although he topped the evening session. The winningest driver in series history entered a time of 1:36.238 (83.717 mph). Teammate Kleinubing in the No. 1 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX completed the top three with a time of 1:36.370 (83.602 mph).

Denver’s Brandon Davis made it three Acura TSXs in-a-row, running the fourth-quickest time of the day in the morning with a 1:36.478 (83.509 mph) in his No. 43 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura. Currently second in the Drivers’ Championship, Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., was fifth on the time sheets, turning a 1:36.480 (83.507 mph) in his No. 73 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MAZDA6.

Dino Crescentini (MAZDA6), Kuno Wittmer (Acura RSX), point leader Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6), Ian Baas (Audi A4) and Nick Esayian (Acura TSX) completed the top 10.

Qualifying for Sunday’s season finale is scheduled for Saturday morning at 9:25 a.m. (Pacific). Live timing and lap notes are available at www.world-challenge.com.

Combined practice times for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship Round 10 race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (17), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., Audi A4, 1:35.929, 83.987.
2, (42), Peter Cunningham, Grafton, Wis., Acura TSX, 1:36.238, 83.717.
3, (1), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 1:36.370, 83.602.
4, (43), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Acura TSX, 1:36.478, 83.509.
5, (73), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., MAZDA6, 1:36.480, 83.507.
6, (74), Dino Crescentini, Malibu, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:36.791, 83.239.
7, (44), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura RSX, 1:36.795, 83.235.
8, (72), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 1:36.842, 83.195.
9, (18), Ian Baas, Noblesville, Ind., Audi A4, 1:36.985, 83.072.
10, (34), Nick Esayian(T), Encinitas, Calif., Acura TSX, 1:37.126, 82.952.
11, (38), Seth Thomas(T), Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 1:37.129, 82.949.
12, (95), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 1:37.294, 82.808.
13, (97), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:37.312, 82.793.
14, (36), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 1:37.811, 82.371.
15, (19), Adam Pecorari, Aston, Pa., Audi A4, 1:37.915, 82.283.
16, (57), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:38.287, 81.972.
17, (94), E. Glenn Bocchino(R), Delray Beach, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:38.386, 81.889.
18, (96), Charlie Putman(T), Denver, Colo., MAZDA6, 1:38.600, 81.712.
19, (92), Stan Wilson(R), Mount Juliet, Tenn., Dodge SRT-4, 1:38.606, 81.707.
20, (25), Christian Miller, Newark, Calif., VW Jetta, 1:38.692, 81.635.
21, (88), Andrie Hartanto(R), San Francisco, Calif., Honda Civic, 1:38.725, 81.608.
22, (37), Matt Richmond, Mooresville, N.C., BMW 325i, 1:38.917, 81.450.
23, (49), Carl Hober(R), Cape May, N.J., Acura TSX, 1:43.146, 78.110.

Attached: Image of Chip Herr’s Audi A4 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Image by Mark Weber.

Posted On 10/19/07

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Pobst Quickest in SPEED GT Practice at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:21:49 PST

Pobst Quickest in SPEED GT Practice at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif. (October 19, 2007) – Current Drivers’ Championship point leader Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., paced morning practice at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for Round Ten of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships. His teammate, Michael Galati, of Olmstead, Ohio, was second, followed by Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla.

With his eyes firmly set on claiming the 2007 SCCA SPEED GT Drivers’ Championship, Pobst laid down the fastest practice time of the 20-minute morning session, despite battling a case of food poisoning. Driving the No. 22 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3, Pobst landed at the top of the time sheets with a 1:30.118 (89.402 mph)

“What I keep hearing around the paddock is that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a Porsche track,” Pobst said. “I’m not exactly convinced of that, but I hope they’re right. We’ve made steady progress on the Porsche at K-PAX and I think we’re in a good position at the moment. I don’t feel like I’m taking risks to make the car go fast and that’s a really good place to be.

“I do have a speed secret though: I got food poisoning last night. I was up all night sick as a dog. I just limped in this morning, but once I put the helmet on and buckled the seatbelt it was as if nothing ever happened. But, as soon as I stopped in the paddock again, I wanted to take a nap.”

Galati, ended the session 0.075-second behind his teammate, turning a 1:30.193 (89.328 mph) in the No. 23 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3. Pilgrim completed the top three in the No. 8 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V with a time of 1:30.470 (89.055 mph). Pilgrim was followed on the timesheets by Ron Fellows, of Mississauga, Ont., also in the No. 16 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V, who clocked a 1:30.566 (88.960 mph).

James Sofronas, of Newport Beach, Calif., completed the top five, turning a 1:30.610 (88.917 mph) in the No. 14 GMG/Tolar Manufacturing Porsche 911 GT3.

Scotty B. White (Dodge Viper), Lawson Aschenbach (Cadillac CTS-V), Cindi Lux (Dodge Viper), Michael McCann (Dodge Viper) and Jeff Courtney (Dodge Viper) completed the top ten.

The second SCCA SPEED GT practice session at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (PDT). Live timing and notes are available at www.world-challenge.com.

Results from the first practice session for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Round Ten race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (22), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.118, 89.402.
2, (23), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.193, 89.328.
3, (8), Andy Pilgrim, Boca Raton, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.470, 89.055.
4, (16), Ron Fellows, Mississauga, Ontario, Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.566, 88.960.
5, (14), James Sofronas(T), Newport Beach, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:30.610, 88.917.
6, (3), Scotty B. White, Puyallup, Wash., Dodge Viper, 1:30.842, 88.690.
7, (1), Lawson Aschenbach, W. Palm Beach, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V, 1:30.922, 88.612.
8, (2), Cindi Lux(R), Aloha, Ore., Dodge Viper, 1:31.181, 88.360.
9, (82), Michael McCann, North Canton, Ohio, Dodge Viper, 1:31.317, 88.229.
10, (99), Jeff Courtney, Slinger, Wis., Dodge Viper, 1:31.423, 88.126.
11, (17), Rob Foster(T), Phoenix, Ariz., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.437, 88.113.
12, (56), Ritch Marziale, Tempe, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:31.547, 88.007.
13, (28), Brian Kubinski(R), Plainfield, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:31.622, 87.935.
14, (11), Mike Davis, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Mustang Cobra, 1:31.778, 87.785.
15, (13), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., Dodge Viper, 1:31.922, 87.648.
16, (31), Sonny Whelen(T), Old Saybrook, Conn., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:32.066, 87.511.
17, (87), Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, Calif., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:32.102, 87.477.
18, (09), Gunter Schaldach(R), Aspen, Colo., Dodge Viper Comp Coupe, 1:32.155, 87.426.
19, (34), Tony Gaples, Libertyville, Ill., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:32.943, 86.685.
20, (10), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Saleen SR, 1:32.970, 86.660.
21, (05), Jason Daskalos(R), Albuquerque, N.M., Dodge Viper, 1:33.150, 86.492.
22, (29), Eric Olberz(R), La Canada Flintridge, Calif., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:33.287, 86.365.
23, (7), Brett Pearson, Orlando, Fla., Dodge Viper, 1:33.359, 86.299.
24, (30), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Chevrolet Corvette, 1:33.370, 86.289.
25, (20), Dane Moxlow(R), Grosse Ile, Mich., Pontiac GTO, 1:34.158, 85.566.
26, (6), Jeffrey Robbins(R), Southfield, Mich., Dodge Viper, 1:35.363, 84.485.
27, (21), Paul Bonaccorsi, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Pontiac GTO, 1:36.806, 83.226.
28, (12), Nick Parker(R), Seattle, Wash., Porsche 911 GT-3, 1:39.139, 81.267.
29, (18), Jason Foster, Phoenix, Ariz., Dodge Viper, 1:39.597, 80.894.
30, (00), Al Becerra, San Jose, Calif., Dodge Viper, no time.

Attached image: The No. 22 K-PAX LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3 of Randy Pobst.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/19/07

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Herr Tops Morning Practice at SPEED Touring Car Final

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:18:43 PST

Herr Tops Morning Practice at SPEED Touring Car Final
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

MONTEREY, Calif., (October 19, 2007) – Chip Herr, of Lititz, Pa., topped the time sheets in morning practice for Round Ten of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship. Peter Cunningham, of Grafton, Wis., and Brandon Davis, of Denver, Colo., were second and third fastest, respectively, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Herr hit the top of the timing monitors early and continued to whittle down his time throughout the 20-minute practice session. By the end, a 1:35.929 was the (83.987 mph) was good enough to keep the No. 17 STaSIS/Clear Capital/Nalley Audi A4 on top.

“We made some really great changes,” Herr said. “We put a stiffer bar on the car that we’ve never used before. Yesterday, I tested it and today I think we proved it’s going to work for qualifying at least.

“We haven’t historically done well here. I finished fifth here last year and I qualified 10th. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pass a bunch of cars again on the start like I did last year. There’s a lot of people here battling for Championships so it’s going to be tough. I don’t want to be in the midst of it, but I’m going to be there.”

Four-time World Challenge Champion Cunningham ended the session second fastest in his No. 42 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX. The winningest driver in series history entered a time of 1:36.450 (83.533 mph). Teammate Davis in the No. 43 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Racing Acura TSX completed the top three with a time of 1:36.478 (83.509 mph).

Currently second in the Drivers’ Champion, Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, Ga., was fourth on the time sheets, turning a 1:36.538 (83.457 mph) in his No. 73 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MAZDA6. Defending SCCA SPEED Touring Car Champion Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla., made it three Acuras in the top five, clocking a 1:36.804 (83.228 mph) in his No. 1 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/Real Time Racing Acura TSX.

Driving last year’s race-winning car, Kuno Wittmer (Acura RSX) was sixth, followed by Ian Baas (Audi A4), Nick Esayian (Acura TSX), Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6) and Charles Espenlaub (MAZDA6).

The second SCCA SPEED Touring Car practice session is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. (PDT). Live timing and lap notes are available at www.world-challenge.com.

Results from the first practice session for Sunday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship Round Ten race, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (17), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., Audi A4, 1:35.929, 83.987.
2, (42), Peter Cunningham, Grafton, Wis., Acura TSX, 1:36.450, 83.533.
3, (43), Brandon Davis, Denver, Colo., Acura TSX, 1:36.478, 83.509.
4, (73), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., MAZDA6, 1:36.538, 83.457.
5, (1), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 1:36.804, 83.228.
6, (44), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura RSX, 1:36.888, 83.155.
7, (18), Ian Baas, Noblesville, Ind., Audi A4, 1:37.019, 83.043.
8, (34), Nick Esayian(T), Encinitas, Calif., Acura TSX, 1:37.126, 82.952.
9, (72), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 1:37.338, 82.771.
10, (97), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:37.684, 82.478.
11, (74), Dino Crescentini, Malibu, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:37.727, 82.442.
12, (95), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 1:37.781, 82.396.
13, (36), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 1:37.932, 82.269.
14, (38), Seth Thomas(T), Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 1:38.155, 82.082.
15, (19), Adam Pecorari, Aston, Pa., Audi A4, 1:38.496, 81.798.
16, (88), Andrie Hartanto(R), San Francisco, Calif., Honda Civic, 1:38.725, 81.608.
17, (37), Matt Richmond, Mooresville, N.C., BMW 325i, 1:38.917, 81.450.
18, (25), Christian Miller, Newark, Calif., VW Jetta, 1:38.919, 81.448.
19, (57), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 1:39.085, 81.312.
20, (94), E. Glenn Bocchino(R), Delray Beach, Fla., MAZDA6, 1:39.130, 81.275.
21, (92), Stan Wilson(R), Mount Juliet, Tenn., Dodge SRT-4, 1:39.795, 80.733.
22, (96), Charlie Putman(T), Denver, Colo., MAZDA6, 1:40.851, 79.888.
23, (49), Carl Hober(R), Cape May, N.J., Acura TSX, 1:43.250, 78.032.
24, (31), Jameson Riley, Wilton, Conn., Volvo S40, no time.

Attached image: The No. 17 STaSIS/Clear Capital/Nalley Audi A4 of Chip Herr.
Credit: Mark Weber

Posted On 10/19/07

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Evosport Joins BMW CCA Club Racing As A Premier Sponsor

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:37:53 PST

Evosport Joins BMW CCA Club Racing As A Premier Sponsor
By Mark Dadgar, BMW CCA Club Racing

Greenville, SC (October, 15. 2007) – BMW CCA Club Racing is proud to announce that noted European automobile tuner evosport has joined the program as a Premier Sponsor.

"evosport is very well-known in the Club Racing community and has been a pillar of support for Club Racing in the Pacific Region," said BMW CCA Club Racing Chairman Mike Mills. "We are very excited that they are now taking their support nationwide. Their enthusiasm and expertise with BMWs, both on and off the race track, will be major assets to our program."

evosport, who currently serve many club racers via their shop in Southern California, are excited to expand the reach of their BMW performance tuning and racing operations.

"Many of evosport's California customers are active in the BMW CCA Club Racing program, as are the company's founders," evosport's Brad Otoupalik said. "We think that Club Racing provides some of the finest marque-based racing in North America and we could not be more pleased to be providing our support on a national level."

For more information about BMW CCA Club Racing, please visit:

http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com

For more information about evosport, please visit:

http://www.evosport.com

About BMW CCA Club Racing
Founded in 1995, BMW CCA Club Racing offers all BMW CCA licensed club racers a competitive driving experience conducted in a fun, safe, and friendly environment for all types of factory authorized or constructed BMWs. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com

About evosport
Founded in 1999 by Brad Otoupalik and Simon Atik, the evosport vision is to provide owners of high-line European automobiles a "one-stop shop" for all of their performance and visual enhancement needs. With a relentless passion, they have continued to increase the company's depth and breadth in pursuit of that vision. Today, evosport is a dynamic high-growth company and an industry leader in the delivery of premier aftermarket products and services for BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari automobiles.

Contact:
Mark Dadgar
Marketing Director, BMW CCA Club Racing
mark@justracing.com
(408) 348-2878

Brad Otoupalik
evosport
brad@evosport.com
(714) 901-3100 x15

Posted On 10/15/07

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Five Champions Successfully Defend Titles in Final Day of SCCA Runoffs

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 04:10:33 PST

Five Champions Successfully Defend Titles in Final Day of SCCA Runoffs
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (October 14, 2007) – The final eight Champions were crowned at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Despite looming cloud cover, nary a raindrop fell on Heartland Park Topeka, bringing a dry end to the event.

Kansan Jesse Prather (F Production), Wayland Joe (GT-2), Mike Miserendino (Spec Racer Ford), Stephen Oseth (Formula Vee) and James Goughary Jr. (Formula Mazda) each successfully defended their SCCA National Championships on the final day of competition.

Newly crowned Touring 1 Champion Andrew Aquilante, of Chester Springs, Pa. was awarded the President’s Cup by the Stewards of the event for demonstrating ability, competitiveness and success at this year’s Runoffs. Brian Linn, of Hermosa Beach, Fla., who finished runner-up in both F Production and H Production, was presented with the Mark Donohue award for outstanding performance, sportsmanship and competitiveness in SCCA road racing.

Race 18: Wayland Joe Wins Second Consecutive GT-2 SCCA National Championship

Wayland Joe, of South Barrington, Ill., won his second consecutive Valvoline GT-2 National Championship at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T at Heartland Park Topeka. Jim Walsh, of Redmond, Wash., and Jeff Moore, of Houston, Texas, finished second and third, respectively.

Polesitter Joe got a great start coming down the front straight heading into Turn One and took the early lead in his No. 1 Porsche GT-3. But, behind him there was a three-car incident involving Tom Patton’s No. 50 Sunbeam Tiger, Tony Rivera’s No. 52 Panoz GTS and Mark Plummer’s No. 31 Panoz GTS, which brought out a five lap caution to extract those machines from the course. All three drivers were able to get out of their cars.

When the race resumed on lap seven, Joe immediately put some distance between himself and then second place Jim Goughary. Goughary spent most of the race trying to catch Joe in his No. 46 Nissan/RedLine Oil Nissan 350z, but sustained a flat right side tire on lap 14 ending his day. From there, Joe was never challenged for the lead. He won by 3.401-seconds over Walsh.

“I am honored to win the National Championship again,” Joe said. “I got a good jump on Jim at the start, but you don’t know what those cars have. We know what Porsches have, but not the Nissan, the Sunbeam, or the Panoz. Patton is a great driver, Goughary is, Tony [Rivera] is, so I anticipated a hard race. The track conditions had changed, I was off the pace by three seconds. I was just hoping that others were running at the same pace as the track was wet and muddy. It was cold. I hit a mud patch once in Turn 10 and got a little sideways. I just tried to keep a gap to second place. I was keeping about five seconds and then he was out. I am very happy and honored.”

At the start, Walsh, who started fifth in his No. 96 Microsoft Live Search/Yokohama Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, managed to avoid the three-car melee and put together a consistent drive to earn his first-career Runoffs podium finish.

With his third-place effort, Moore also piloted his No. 32 Driversource Competition Panoz GTS to his first-career Runoffs podium finish.

Andrew Hauck III, of Cincinnati, recorded a fourth-place finish in his No. 41 Prather Racing Porsche 996, while Paul Baynard Jr., of Southlake, Texas, finished fifth in his No. 22 AutoComp Racing Toyota Celica.

Tony Giordano, of Overland Park, Kan., was the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing seven positions during the race. He started 19th and finished 12th.

Race 19: Knowles Crowned Touring 2 Champion at SCCA Runoffs

Don Knowles, of Pittsboro, N.C., won his fourth SCCA National Championship by dominating the Touring 2 race at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. William Ziegler, of Stamford, Conn., and Edward Zabinski, of Hallandale Beach, Fla., finished second and third, respectively.

Second-starting Zabinski had a great start in his No. 79 theracingcoach.com Pontiac Solstice, but polesitter Knowles powered his No. 35 Phoenix Performance/Iracing.com/Hoosier Pontiac Solstice into the lead by Turn One. From there, it was no looking back for Knowles, who steadily pulled away from the rest of the field. He finished the 18-lap race with a 3.112-second margin of victory, after slowing down for a victory wave to his crew.

“It has been a long nine days,” Knowles said. “The weather was difficult, and then we blew the turbo in this morning’s warmup. We only had two and a half hours until the race and we had to change it. We took a turbo off a street car, replaced the race car turbo with it, performed all the checks and made sure all the hoses were on. Meanwhile, while this was going on, I was over in the corner throwing up. I really wasn’t stressed about it for the race though. I figured that on the pace lap it would either be right or it would blow up-nothing I could do about it. I got through Turn One alright and figured everything was okay, so I just focused on the race.”

It was the first Touring 2 SCCA National Championship for Knowles, who is a three-time Showroom Stock B Champion.

Zabinski held down the second spot for most of the race before traction control issues allowed him to be reeled in by Ziegler’s No. 05 Swisher/Phoenix/Hoosier Pontiac Solstice. After hounding Zabinski for several laps, Ziegler made his move into second on lap 16. Zabsinski held with him, but was unable to challenge and settled for third. It was still an impressive result for Zabinski considering his first laps in the car were on Thursday after he made the decision to switch from a Lotus to a Solstice on Tuesday.

David Schotz, of Chandler, Ariz., and Ken Dobson, of Sonoma, Calif., completed the top five. Michael Sanos, of San Lorenzo, Calif., won the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing six positions during the race in his No. 16 worksEvo.com/Hoosier Mitsubishi Evo.

Race 20: Thrash Wins First E Production SCCA National Championship

Thomas Thrash Jr., of Houston, Texas, lead all 18-laps of the E Production race to claim his first SCCA National Championship at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Tony Rivera, of Missouri City, Texas, and Bob Neal, of Harbor City, Calif., completed the top three.

After starting on pole and finishing second last year in E Production, Thrash took no chances in 2007, grabbing the EP lead from polesitter and defending Champion Lawrence Loshak at the start. Loshak’s No. 02 Enginetrans.com Honda Prelude remained in Thrash’s mirrors and ready to pounce as Thrash’s No. 67 Mazda/Goodyear/Lucas Racing RX7 began to get loose on lap five. Two laps later, Loshak went for the lead in Turn 10, but ran wide and through the mud, giving the lead back to Thrash.

The off-course excursion cut the right-rear tire on Loshak’s car and his gap to Thrash began to increase with each lap. On lap 15 Loshak came into the pits, handing over second place to Rivera, who was now 16.766 seconds behind Thrash. With only three laps to go, nothing could stop Thrash from taking his first-ever SCCA National Championship.

“I have to give Lawrence (Loshak) a lot of kudos,” Thrash said. “He was pushing me hard, especially through the middle part of the race. I was coming through eight and I was not getting through there fast enough, maybe there was something on the track, and he was catching me. We went down into Turn Ten and we were side-by-side and he went really deep and he went off a little bit. He must have lost a tire or something then. That was it for him, unfortunately, because we were really stuck in a tough battle. After that, I was just driving around trying to keep the pace up. This is a wonderful feeling; we have been working so hard.”

Rivera moved from fourth on the grid to third at the start in his No. 52 ESCP/Hoosier Tire Mazda RX-7 and inherited the runner-up spot with Loshak’s pit stop, equaling his best-ever Runoffs finish. Neal in the No. 08 MazdaTRIX/Performance Solutions Mazda RX7 finished third for the second year in-a-row.

Aaron Downey, of Corona Del Mar, Calif., and David Lemon, of Signal Hill, Calif., completed the top five.

Michael Sturm, of Grafton, Wis., won the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing nine positions during the race in his No. 48 Honda City/Shorewest Realty Honda Prelude Si.

Race 21: Oseth Captures Second Consecutive Formula Vee SCCA National Championship

Steve Oseth, of Leesburg, Va., used a late last lap pass to win his second-consecutive Formula Vee National Championship at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T at Heartland Park Topeka. Michael Varacins, of Burlington, Wis., and Bob Neumeister, of Pueblo, Colo., completed the top three.

Oseth, who is the defending Formula Vee National Champion, led only one lap in the chase for the Formula Vee crown – the last lap. Driving the No. 72 Hoosier Tire/DBM Racing Vortech 07, Oseth spent most of the race mired in second place, trying to chase down then race leader Varacins. Oseth finally caught and passed Varacins on the last lap going into Turn Alpha and never looked back winning by a slim 0.239-second over Varacins.

“The truth is, I probably couldn’t have caught Mike if it hadn’t been for the lapped traffic,” Oseth said of his win. “It seemed to me that his car went off about five laps or so before the end. It seemed that the back end was starting to slip out a little bit. My car was good all the way to the end. He was faster than me through the fast stuff. It was really tough keeping pace with him early on. There aren’t many opportunities, so you take them where you can. Last year, we had two braking areas where you could take somebody, but those don’t exist anymore, so you are pretty much left to drafting. I think that I got a better run on him coming out of the last turn and I picked up a car length or so on him as we were exiting, and that let me by him.”

Polesitter Varacins got a great jump at the start in his No. 65 Speed Sport Eng./Veetech/Hoosier Speed Sport AM-5 and led the first 17 of the 18-lap race. In fact, at one point Varacins led by more than two seconds until he caught lapped traffic, allowing Oseth to narrow the gap to less than a second with two laps to go. Varacins did everything he could to keep Oseth behind him, but could not hold the lead with only 14 corners remaining in the race. This was Varacins’ second consecutive second-place finish in the Formula Vee National Championship race.

Starting on the outside of front row, Neumeister dropped to fifth at the start in his No. 94 Hoosier Tire/RedLine Vortech Vortech. Undaunted by his early loss of position, Neumeister methodically worked his way back into the top three by lap 12, which is where he finished. This was Neumeister’s first-career Formula Vee National Championship podium finish.

Brad Stout, of Webster Groves, Mo., finished fourth in his No. 35 Goodyear/Noble/LRE/BRP ACI Vorech 2005. Steven Davis, of Powder Springs, Ga., piloted his No. 80 Butler Engines/Goodyear/Valvoline Racer’s Wage to a fifth-place finish.

Warren Holcomb, of Denver, was the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing 14 positions during the race.

Race 22: Miserendino Takes Second Consecutive Spec Racer Ford National Championship

Mike Miserendino, of Los Angeles, captured his second-straight Spec Racer Ford title at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Brian Schofield, of Lakeland, Fla., and John Black, of Olympic Valley, Calif., completed the top three.

Miserendino grabbed the lead immediately at the start in his No. 11 MBI Racing Spec Racer Ford. But, before the entire 37-car field could even cross the start-finish line at Heartland Park Topeka, several cars came together on the front stretch. Two cars made contact with the wall, leaving debris and three cars stranded on the front stretch. The race immediately went full-course yellow and after one lap of caution, race officials brought the field into pit lane to allow a faster cleanup of the front stretch.

The race resumed with a single-file restart and Miserendino promptly pulled away from the rest of the field, while Schofield, Jordon Gore, of Vero Beach, Fla., and Black commenced a fight for the final podium spots behind him. With a battle raging behind him, Miserendino cruised to his second-consecutive Spec Racer Ford National Championship, winning the 14-lap race by nearly five seconds.

“My car was really strong the first couple laps,” Miserendino said. “I really wanted to make it into Turn One first, because I knew I could pound out some real good laps and hopefully the guys behind would start to battle and allow me to get away. My car handled really well and I was able to drive consistently and hit the marks every lap and build the gap a little bit. On the restart, I was able to get another good start and to hold them off into one.”

Gore put heavy pressure on Schofield’s No. 61 PM Racing Spec Racer Ford throughout the race, but also had a mirror full of Black’s No. 17 Spec Racer Ford. On the final lap, Gore took a look to the inside of Schofield in Turn One, but couldn’t make it stick. The lost momentum allowed Black by and into third, but Gore was glued to his bumper. As the pair exited the final corner, Gore pulled alongside Black and it was a drag race to the checkered flag. Black just edged Gore and filled the final SRF podium spot. Cliff White, of Vail, Colo., completed the top five.

Nick Evans, of Hilliard, Ohio, was the Sunoco Hard Charger, advancing 12 positions in his No. 91 Jay Motorsports/BWS/Cedar Ent. Spec Racer Ford.

Race 23: Prather Wins Second F Production SCCA National Championship

Local driver Jesse Prather and Brian Linn, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., put on one of the most exciting races of the weekend at Heartland Park Topeka, when Prather narrowly beat Linn by 0.898-second to win his second-consecutive F Production National Championship at the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Harold Flescher, of West Palm Beach, Fla., finished third.

The side-by-side battle between polesitter Prather and Linn began just seconds after the green flag dropped on the F Production race. Prather grabbed the early lead in his No. 1 Prather Racing Mazda Miata. Linn, driving the No. 31 Hoosier/RedLine Oil MG Midget, briefly took the lead for the first time from Prather on lap five. Unfortunately for Linn, Prather regained the lead one corner later. For the next 13 laps of the 18-lap race, Prather and Linn raced each other hard exchanging the lead several times before Prather finally took the lead for good on lap 16.

“Last year when I came into this room I said that I had never driven harder in my life,” Prather said. “This year, guess what? It was ten times as hard! Brian is a phenomenal driver. It was a great race. He had a better handling car, I had a little more power, and we went back and forth. It was very interesting, the way I could pull him on the straight and he would pull up on me and he was killing me in one and two. I didn’t think that I could go much faster through one and two without going off. We went side by side through three, then four, then five, then six, then seven. You know, when you race with a clean driver like that, it is a pleasure. The side-by-side was such fun, I adjusted my shifts, and I could hear his engine, he could hear my engine, that was such fun. That was the best race of my career, for sure.”

“The first few laps I did not know if I could catch him,” Linn said. “He was maintaining a gap to me and I was starting to get concerned. Then it seemed that his tires began to go off a little bit before mine did and I was able to close up on him. I was faster through two and three and he was faster down the straights. We had a very good battle. It was very clean. For as many times as we were side-by-side through multiple corners. We made it through them all. One time one guy would be off line in the marbles and the next corner the other would be. It was incredible how even it was. It was really fun racing.”

Flescher drove an impressive race in the No. 93 C.A.R.S. /RedLine/Goodyear Austin Healey Sprite to finish third. Flesher’s F Production Runoffs podium finish was the eighth of his career.

Eric Prill, of Topeka, Kan., finished fourth in his No. 7 800-Fight-MS/Hoosier/Prather Lotus Super 7. Joe Walker, of Richland, Mich., piloted his No. 5 Walker Racing Lotus Super 7 to a fifth-place finish.

Driving the No. 89 C. W. Horton General Contractor MG Midget, Charles Horton, of Hayward, Calif., was the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing 10 positions during the race.

Race 24: Race Osborne Cruises to D Sports Racing National Championship

J.R. Osborne, of Castle Rock, Colo., led flag-to-flag at Heartland Park Topeka to capture the D Sports Racing National Championship at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Mark Jaremko, of Spokane, Wash., and Jean-Luc Liverato, of Alpharetta, Ga., finished second and third, respectively, after an exciting late-race shootout.

Starting from the pole, Osborne was untouchable in his No. 83 Equinox Land/Rilltech/GodSped Inc. Stohr WF-1, holding off his competitors in Turn One and never looking back. At the conclusion of the caution-free, 18-lap race, Osborne had built an 11.726-second lead to claim his first SCCA National Championship.

“It’s just a relief to finish,” Osborne said. “I’ve always run into issues my whole racing career. The only luck I have is bad luck, so to finally put one together that means something significant and have everything come together means the world to me right now. This is affirmation that this is what I need to keep doing.

“The race was perfect. It probably wasn’t fun to watch, but it was a perfect race for me. I got a good jump, put my head down and tried to go as hard as I could for about five or six laps to build that gap up. Then, I just ran consistent times and I was hoping the guys behind me were doing just what they were doing, battling and slowing each other down. That allowed me to save my tires, save my brakes and make sure the car was going to make it to the end. It was the perfect race for a racer – uneventful. I’m thrilled to finally get a National Championship.”

All the action was unfolding behind Osborne, where the No. 2 Loynings/Goodyear/Redline Stohr WF-1 WSL of Jaremko and the No. 8 Expanded Tech/KWS/Hoosier Stohr WF-1 of Liverato were dueling for the runner-up spot. Liverato got a great start, going from fourth to second by Turn One, while defending Champion Jaremko slotted into third.

Jaremko cranked up the pressure on Lap 12, then made his move a lap later through Turn Six. Liverato hung with Jaremko through the closing laps and when Jaremko hit lapped traffic in the chicane, Liverato shot by to take the runner-up spot. Jaremko was unphased, retaking the position into Turn 10 and holding the position to the checkered flag. Liverato’s chase for the SCCA Chicago Region Triple Crown ended with a third-place finish.

Joshua Held, of San Carlos, Calif., and Dorian Foyil, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Roy Maxwell, of Arlinton, Texas, was the Sunoco Hard Charger, advancing seven positions during the race in his No. 55 Racing Engine Service Mystery III.

Race 25: Goughary Cruises to Formula Mazda SCCA National Championship

James Goughary, of Jupiter, Fla., cruised to his second-consecutive Formula Mazda National Championship in the final race of the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T at Heartland Park Topeka. Sam Stuard, of Shippensburg, Pa., and Juan Marchand, of South Haven, Mich., completed the top three.

Under overcast skies, polesitter Goughary grabbed the lead heading into the Turn One on the start and was never really seriously challenged for the lead. Goughary powered his No. 72 RedLine Oil Star Formula Mazda to a 3.495-second win over first time Runoffs competitor Stuard. With the win, Goughary also won the Chicago Region SCCA Triple Crown ®.

“From where I was sitting, it wasn’t an easy race,” Goughary said. “I thought I threw it away that first lap. The cold tires and green race track caught me a little bit off guard. I turned in slightly late going into Turn Eight going straight off the outside and then to the inside of Nine. I came back across and hit a big curb and got about three or four inches in the air and hit my right front so hard that I though I’d knocked the wing off the car. I thought for sure my race was over.

“I saw Sam behind me and I just tried to concentrate on running smooth, consistent laps the best I could and try to build any sort of a gap. I think once I pulled away a little bit, he lost the draft and he was done.

“I was waiting for something to break the whole race. The car was vibrating and shaking the whole race. When the race was over and I pulled in and the crew told me I broke the right front shock right off the car. I’m very fortunate to be sitting here right now.

“This gives me a shot at the Mazda shootout for the MX-5 Cup car again, which I got to do last year, but left without it. Maybe this time I’ll be able to take the prize. I also got the Triple Crown, which is a big thing for me personally. My career has been primarily with SCCA over the past 20 years and the Triple Crown is a pretty unique thing. I’m so glad I was able to do that this year.”

At the race start, Stuard dropped one spot from second to third. Fortunately for Stuard, he was right on the rear bumper of Marchand and was able to slip by him on lap three. Now riding in second, Stuard did everything he could in his No. 48 RamTech/Ski Motorsports Star Formula Mazda to chase down Goughary. But, in the in end, he did not quite have enough. Stuard finished second recording his first-career Runoffs podium finish in his first try.

Starting third, Marchand made a nice move at the start and moved up to second in his No. 45 JRM Motorsports@GingerMan Star Formula Mazda. Once Stuard passed him, Marchand tried to stay with Stuard. But, unfortunately, Stuard proved too much for Marchand to handle and he had to settle for a third-place finish.

Jack Wilfley, of Carbondale, Colo., finished fourth in his No. 06 Star Formula Mazda. He was also the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing five positions during the race. Jaime Slone, of Tucson, Ariz., drove his No. 6 sloneracing.com Star Formula Mazda to a fifth-place finish on course, but race officials docked Slone a position following the race, handing the fifth spot to Doug Peterson, of Bonita Springs, Fla.

Results, by race, from Sunday’s SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T at Heartland Park Topeka with finishing position, starting position, driver, hometown, car, laps complete and time behind winner.

Race 18, GT-2
1, 1, Wayland Joe, South Barrington, IL, Porsche GT-3, 18
2, 5, Jim Walsh, Redmond, WA, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 18, -3.401
3, 7, Jeffrey Moore, Houston, TX, Porsche GT3 Cup, 18, -3.86
4, 11, Andrew Hauck III, Cincinnati, OH, Porsche 996, 18, -24.241
5, 9, Paul Baynard Jr., Southlake, TX, Toyota Celica, 18, -32.114
6, 12, Evan Gardner, Glendale, CA, Mazda RX7, 18, -49.317
7, 13, Derek Jones, Philadelphia, PA, Porsche Boxster, 18, -58.576
8, 10, Marvin Epps, Temecula, CA, Porsche 968, 18, -59.78
9, 14, Milton Grant, Germantown, TN, Toyota Celica, 18, -1:08.187
10, 16, Timothy Gray, Eden Prairie, MN, Porsche GT3 Cup, 17, -1 Lap
11, 18, Tony Giordano Jr., Overland Park, KS, Nissan 280-Z, 17, -1:29.149
12, 19, Thomas Vlasak, Tallahassee, FL, Porsche 911, 17, -1:47.551
13, 2, James Goughary, Houston, TX, Nissan 350z, 13, -5 Laps
14, 17, David Lemon, Signal Hill, CA, Mazda RX7, 11, -7 Laps
15, 8, Gerald Mason, Fishers, IN, Nissan 300ZX, 9, -9 Laps
DNF, 15, Richard Smith, Loxahatchee, FL, Mazda RX7, 1, -17 Laps
DNF, 3, Tom Patton, Hamilton, OH, Sunbeam Tiger, 0, -18 Laps
DNF, 4, Tony Rivera, Missouri City, TX, Panoz GTS, 0, -0.343
DNF, 6, Mark Plummer, Plano, TX, Panoz GTS, 0, -0.385
DNS, 20, Mike Henderson, El Cajon, CA, Mazda RX7, 0, --
Average race speed: 70.664 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:38.740, Wayland Joe
Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, Wayland Joe

Race 19, Touring 2
1, Don Knowles, Pittsboro, NC, Pontiac Solstice, 18
2, William Ziegler, StamFord, CT, Pontiac GXP, 18, -3.112
3, Edward Zabinski, Hallandale Beach, FL, Pontiac Soltice, 18, -4.058
4, David Schotz, Chandler, AZ, Pontiac Firebird Formula, 18, -20.677
5, Ken Dobson, Sonoma, CA, Nissan 350z, 18, -25.143
6, John Buttermore, Pontiac, MI, Cadillac CTS-V, 18, -33.421
7, Michael Santos, San Lorenzo, CA, Mitsubishi Evo, 18, -37.243
8, William Baten, Indianapolis, IN, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, 18, -40.091
9, Jason Henderson, Cincinnati, OH, Nissan 350z, 18, -52.276
10, Marty Grand, Manassas Park, VA, Mitsubishi Evo IX, 18, -53.384
11, Chris Brannon, Mntn Home, Ar, Pontiac GTO, 18, -58.394
12, Michael Pettiford, Louisville, CO, Camaro Corvette Z28, 18, -59.593
13, William Moore Jr., Chagrin Falls, OH, Chevrolet Camaro, 18, -1:13.767
14, Kumar Viswalingam, Cincinnati, OH, Pontiac Firebird, 18, -1:16.992
15, Joe Hermes, Happy Valley, OR, Nissan 350z, 18, -1:32.875
16, Rob Hines, Arlington, VA, Nissan 350z, 18, -1:50.481
17, Segundo Quinones, Glenwood, MD, Chevrolet Camaro, 17, -1 Lap
18, CJ Moses, Gainesville, VA, Mitsubishi Evo 9 MR, 17, -4.105
19, Richard Roberts, Chicago, IL, BMW M3, 17, -13.035
20, Dennis Aubuchon, Arnold, MO, Lotus Elise, 17, -20.05
21, Steven Christopher, Olathe, KS, Fast F22, 17, -56.526
22, Arthur Brass, Houston, TX, Ford Mustang, 17, -1:03.140
23, Spencer Gorham Jr., Gresham, OR, Nissan 350z, 17, -1:03.613
DNF, Bryan Viviani, Leechburg, PA, Subaru STI, 7, -11 Laps
DNF, George Biskup, Naperville, IL, Dodge SRT-4, 7, -1:06.145
DNF, Joseph Aquilante, Chester Springs, PA, Pontiac Solstice GXP, 7, -2:12.551
DNF, John Baldwin Jr., Covington, LA, Subaru STi, 5, -13 Laps
DNS, John Tecce, Ormond Beach, FL, BMW M3, 0, --
DNS, Guy Pavageau, Columbia, MD, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, 0, --
Average race speed: 82.932 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:45.468, Don Knowles
Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, Don Knowles

Race 20, E Production
1, 2, Thomas Thrash Jr, Houston, TX, Mazda RX7, 18
2, 4, Tony Rivera, Missouri City, TX, Mazda RX7, 18, -21.637
3, 5, Bob Neal, Harbor City, CA, Mazda RX7, 18, -23.28
4, 6, Aaron Downey, Corona Del Mar, CA, Mazda RX3, 18, -38.293
5, 8, David Lemon, Signal Hill, CA, Mazda RX7, 18, -43.314
6, 3, Jon Brakke, Fargo, ND, Mazda Miata, 18, -55.772
7, 11, Ernest Anderson, Beaverton, OR, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:02.440
8, 9, Donald Ahrens, Gainesville, FL, Nissan 240z, 18, -1:03.745
9, 13, Kevin Grant, Eads, TN, Mazda Miata, 18, -1:07.862
10, 17, Charlie Clark, Mission, KS, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:13.118
11, 14, Michael Hart, Cypress, TX, Madza RX7, 18, -1:18.028
12, 12, Kenneth Shreve, Sammamish, WA, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:23.968
13, 22, Gary Martz, Canton, OH, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:24.479
14, 19, Meredith Haupt, Overland Park, KS, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:28.357
15, 21, Gary Gist, Del Mar, CA, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:34.642
16, 25, Ryan Ennis, Vancouver, BC, Mazda RX7, 18, -1:49.729
17, 26, Michael Sturm, Grafton, WI, Honda Prelude Si, 18, -1:50.597
18, 7, Greg Ira, Plantation, FL, Nissan 240z, 17, -1 Lap
19, 27, James Speights, San Antonio, TX, Caterham Super 7, 17, -1.28
20, 15, Terry Jesk, Mokena, IL, Mazda Miata, 17, -9.64
21, 18, Barry Thomas, Quinlan, TX, Mazda RX7, 17, -15.503
22, 29, William Smith III, Lutherville Timonium, MD, Mazda RX7, 17, -18.765
23, 24, Richard Kavitski, Freeland, PA, Mazda Miata, 17, -19.171
24, 32, Ron Olsen, Barrington, IL, Mazda RX7, 17, -31.15
25, 31, Wesley Cunningham, Houston, TX, Caterham 7 America, 17, -31.789
26, 16, Chuck Clark, Gardner, KS, Mazda RX7, 17, -47.388
27, 30, Guy Ruse, Boulder, CO, Mazda RX7, 17, -49.425
28, 33, Christopher Garel, Lake City, FL, Mazda RX7, 17, -56.633
29, 36, John Longwell, Kittredge, CO, BMW 318is, 17, -58.345
30, 37, Donald Walsh, Orrtanna, PA, Mazda RX7, 17, -1:52.682
31, 1, Lawrence Loshak, Milwaukee, WI, Honda Prelude Si, 13, -5 Laps
32, 34, Ray Stephenson, Miami, FL, Mazda RX7, 9, -9 Laps
DNF, 83, Sam Halkias, Westerville, OH, Triumph TR-6, 7, -11 Laps
DNF, 23, Joseph Skorch, Chandler, AZ, Mazda RX7, 7, -4.953
DNF, 28, Robert Hummel, McHenry, IL, Mazda RX7, 5, -13 Laps
DNF, 20, Brian Haupt, Spring Hill, KS, Mazda RX7, 2, -16 Laps
DNS, 35, Sam Moore, Kannapolis, NC, BMW z3, 0, --
DNS, 38, David Headley, Cortez, CO, MG B, 0, --
Average race speed: 85.921 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:42.066, Tom Thrash
Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, Tom Thrash

Race 21, Formula Vee
1, 4, Stephen Oseth, Leesburg, VA, Vortech 7, 18
2, 1, Michael Varacins, Burlington, WI, Speed Sport AM-5, 18, -0.238
3, 2, Bob Neumeister, Pueblo, CO, Vortech Vortech, 18, -6.574
4, 3, Brad Stout, Webster Groves, MO, Vortech 2005, 18, -7.992
5, 10, Stevan Davis, Powder Springs, GA, Racer's Wage --, 18, -23.755
6, 6, Jeffrey Loughead, Darien, IL, Vortech CR04, 18, -23.878
7, 12, Lisa Noble, Manhattan, KS, Vortech A, 18, -24.144
8, 13, James Kearney, Lancaster, PA, Protoform P3, 18, -24.844
9, 9, Roger Siebenaler, Williston, VT, Mysterian M-2, 18, -24.992
10, 7, Dennis Andrade, Brush Prairie, WA, Vortech Vortech, 18, -25.035
11, 8, Rick Shields, West Mifflin, PA, VDF VDF-2, 18, -31.858
12, 5, Stephen Dreizler, Shell Knob, MO, Vortech Vortech, 18, -33.419
13, 11, Edward Womer, Suitland, MD, Womer EV-3, 18, -40.146
14, 18, Phillip Holcomb, Longmont, CO, Citation 88V, 18, -40.362
15, 19, Jim Rainey, Palmer, TX, Vortech 3, 18, -50.305
16, 24, Raymond Phillips, Sterling, VA, Protoform P3, 18, -56.971
17, 20, Timothy Remmers, New HartFord, CT, Protoform P2.5, 18, -57.139
18, 14, Gary Blanarik, Baden, PA, Caracal SB, 18, -1:11.279
19, 28, Neil Cox, Tulsa, OK, Protoform P 3, 18, -1:11.880
20, 16, L. Leroy Coppedge, The Dalles, OR, VDF VDF 1, 18, -1:22.897
21, 17, Charlie Rogers, Powder Springs, GA, Protoform P2, 18, -1:26.306
22, 23, Ron Whitston, Neenah, WI, Protoform P2, 18, -1:26.682
23, 30, Mark Felsen, Denver, CO, Vortech FV, 18, -1:29.060
24, 29, Philip Trinder, Houston, TX, Adams Aero, 18, -1:41.977
25, 39, Warren Holcomb, Denver, CO, Mysterian M-2, 18, -1:48.330
26, 32, Nick Maurus, Winnetka, IL, Citation 06V, 18, -1:51.821
27, 34, Eddie Cadena, Houston, TX, Protoform P2, 18, -1:52.594
28, 35, Michael Beaumia, Appleton, WI, Citation XTC-41, 18, -1:53.207
29, 38, Bill Griffith, Duncanville, TX, Adams Aero, 18, -1:53.390
30, 33, Vic Richter, Monticello, IN, Protoform P-3, 18, -1:58.597
31, 41, Paul Taylor, Denver, CO, Mysterian M2, 17, -1 Lap
32, 36, Donald Manthe, Santa Rosa, CA, FV FV, 17, -17.003
33, 40, Mike Rogers, Nederland, TX, Protoform P3, 17, -18.405
34, 43, Matthew Guzowski, Henderson, KY, Caracal C, 17, -18.613
35, 42, Michael Lauer, Cottonwd Fls, KS, Caracal C, 17, -26.325
36, 37, Albert Spadin Jr., Schellsburg, PA, Protoform P2, 17, -1:12.525
37, 44, Charles Turner, Mission Viejo, CA, Protoform P3, 17, -1:37.348
38, 25, Michael Landon, Zionsville, IN, Dunlap WASP LM 2, 16, -2 Laps
39, 26, Eugene Grimes, Peconic, NY, Mysterian old, 15, -3 Laps
DNF, 21, David Scaler, Flemington, NJ, Mysterian CM2, 5, -13 Laps
DNF, 15, Bruce Livermore, Stillwater, MN, Mysterian X-M2, 5, -59.546
DNF, 31, Jon Tate, Arlington, TN, Proroform P2, 5, -4:06.885
DNF, 22, Nick Grapsas, Eureka, MO, Citation FV, 4, -14 Laps
DNS, 46, Alan Harrington, Mulino, OR, Protoform P3, 0, --
DNS, 47, James Doyle, Houston, TX, Protoform P4, 0, --
DNS, 45, Charles Hearn Jr., Houston, TX, Protoform P-2, 0, --
DNS, 27, Zan Smith, Colorado Springs, CO, Vortec FV, 0, --
Average race speed: 81.564 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:49.306, Stephen Oseth
Lap leaders: Laps 1, Brad Stout; laps 2-17, Michael Varacins; lap 18, Stephen Oseth

Race 22, Spec Racer Ford
1, 1, Mike Miserendino, Los Angeles, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 14
2, 3, Brian Schofield, Lakeland, FL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -4.715
3, 4, John Black, Olympic Valley, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -4.81
4, 2, Jordan Gore, Vero Beach, FL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -5.197
5, 5, Cliff White, Vail, CO, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -5.915
6, 6, Mark Eaton, Melbourne, FL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -9.314
7, 9, Robert Breton, San Ramon, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -14.847
8, 20, Nick Evans, Hilliard, OH, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -15.787
9, 10, Derek DeFonce, New Preston, CT, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -17.231
10, 8, William Jucha, Tehachapi, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -18.585
11, 16, Jeff Beck, Ingleside, IL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -18.798
12, 12, John Dunn, Greenwood Village, CO, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -19.217
13, 13, Jonathan Bennett, Fort Mill, SC, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -20.566
14, 17, Ralph Green Jr., Charleston, WV, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -23.07
15, 18, James Marinangel, McHenry, IL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -23.453
16, 15, Scott Treat, Howell, MI, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -23.884
17, 21, Andrew Charbonneau, Delray Beach, FL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -24.055
18, 19, H. Franklin Stone, Leawood, KS, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -30.842
19, 24, James Gray, Minneapolis, MN, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -34.799
20, 23, Michael Wold-Steele, Omaha, NE, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -37.156
21, 25, Stephen Pence, Reston, VA, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -45.589
22, 28, Don Bodin, Excelsior, MN, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -46.251
23, 27, Thomas Riley, New Fairfield, CT, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -46.343
24, 31, Jim Cote Jr., Overland Park, KS, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -47.148
25, 14, Todd Lamberton, Portland, OR, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -47.315
26, 30, David Harriman, San Jose, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -49.465
27, 37, Dr Mark Hutchins, Lincoln , Ne, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -54.673
28, 36, Rick Bartuska, Inverness, IL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -57.701
29, 32, Dean Cunningham, Mokena, IL, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -1:03.241
30, 38, George Scott, El Jebel, CO, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -1:09.592
31, 34, John Treat, Dexter, MI, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -1:18.896
32, 39, Wade White Jr., Vail, CO, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -1:25.693
33, 40, Jim Cote Sr., Overland Park, KS, Spec Racer Ford, 14, -1:27.402
34, 22, Kenneth Sellenriek Jr, Wentzville, MO, Spec Racer Ford, 10, -4 Laps
DNF, 11, Michael Amy, Spring Grove, PA, Spec Racer Ford, 0, -14 Laps
DNF, 26, Johnny Humphreys, Veradale, WA, Spec Racer Ford, 0, -2.566
DNF, 35, William Douglas, Appleton, WI, Spec Racer Ford, 0, -3.781
DNF, 29, James Rishel, Wich, KS, Spec Racer Ford, 0, --
DNF, 33, Reid Johnson, Hamel, MN, Spec Racer Ford, 0, --
DNS, 7, Lee Fleming, Lake Forest, CA, Spec Racer Ford, 0, --
DNS, 42, Matthew Inge, Fort Myers, FL, Spec Racer Ford, 0, --
DNS, 41, William Parenteau, Stillwater, Mn, SRF SRF, 0, --
Average race speed: 51.628 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:48.878, Brian Schofield
Lap leaders: Lap 1, Mike Miserendino; lap 2, Cliff White; laps 3-14, Mike Miserendino

Race 23, F Production
1, 1, Jesse Prather, Topeka, KS, Mazda Miata, 18
2, 2, Brian Linn, Hermosa Beach, CA, MG Midget, 18, -0.898
3, 9, Harold Flescher, West Palm Beach, FL, Austin Healey Sprite, 18, -15.528
4, 5, Eric Prill, Topeka, KS, Lotus Super 7, 18, -25.071
5, 4, Joe Walker, Richland, MI, Lotus Super 7, 18, -35.637
6, 6, Mason Workman, Reynoldsburg, OH, Mazda Miata, 18, -42.425
7, 10, Gerald Lamb, Oswego, IL, MG B, 18, -42.891
8, 8, F. Robert Bramlage, Manhattan, KS, Mazda Miata, 18, -44.043
9, 12, Andrew Hauck III, Cincinnati, OH, Mazda Miata, 18, -54.467
10, 11, Noel Hayward, Fairfield, CA, MG Midget, 18, -56.681
11, 15, Charles Udell, Chesterfield, MO, Mazda Miata, 18, -1:21.400
12, 14, Andrew Wright, Murfreesboro, TN, Lotus Super 7, 18, -1:28.690
13, 22, Mark Weber, Saint Louis, MO, Austin Healey Sprite, 18, -1:43.204
14, 24, Charles Horton, Hayward, CA, MG Midget, 18, -1:44.122
15, 21, Thomas Lyttle, Decatur, GA, Ford Capri, 17, -1 Lap
16, 16, Ronald Davis, Auburn, KS, MG B, 17, -11.443
17, 17, Tom Burdge, Hillsborough, NJ, Porsche 914, 17, -12.982
18, 20, Larry Svaton, Alvin, TX, Honda Del Sol, 17, -39.575
19, 23, Robert Maples, Littleton, CO, BMW 2002, 17, -41.44
20, 19, David Vestrand, Oakland, MI, Mazda Miata, 16, -2 Laps
DNF, 18, John Walker, Richland, MI, MG B, 3, -15 Laps
DNF, 13, James Blust, Castle Rock, CO, MG Midget, 2, -16 Laps
DNF, 3, Luis Rivera, Rosharon, TX, Mazda Miata, 2, -2:03.830
DNF, 7, Mark Carpenter, Burlington, CT, Acura Integra, 1, -17 Laps
Average race speed: 83.274 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:46.461, Jesse Prather
Lap leaders: Laps 1-5, Jesse Prather; laps 6-8, Brian Linn; lap 9, Jesse Prather; lap 10, Brian Linn; laps 11-13, Jesse Prather; lap 14, Brian Linn; laps 15-18, Jesse Prather

Race 24, D Sports Racing
1, 1, J R Osborne, Castle Rock, CO, Stohr WF-1, 18
2, 2, Mark Jaremko, Spokane, WA, Stohr WF1 WSL, 18, -11.726
3, 4, Jean-Luc Liverato, Alpharetta, GA, Stohr WF1, 18, -12.392
4, 5, Joshua Held, San Carlos, CA, Stohr WF1, 18, -20.269
5, 7, Dorian Foyil, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Stohr WF1, 18, -40.799
6, 8, R Gardner, Newark, DE, Stohr WF-1, 18, -59.59
7, 3, Chris Farrell, Salt Lake City, UT, Lee Stohr WF1, 18, -1:21.427
8, 9, Harvey Goldman, Winnipeg, MB, Stohr WF1, 17, -1 Lap
9, 11, David Arken, San Jose, CA, AMAC AM5, 16, -2 Laps
10, 14, Dave Knaack, Neenah, WI, Fastercar MK1, 16, -41.393
11, 18, Roy Maxwell, Arlington, TX, Mystery III, 16, -1:06.236
12, 6, Timothy Micklos, Salt Lake Cty, UT, Stohr WF1, 15, -3 Laps
13, 20, Charles Smith, Raytown, MO, Cheetah SR1, 15, -4:18.222
14, 15, Richard Colburn, Northbrook, IL, Phoenix Phoenix, 15, -4:25.959
15, 16, David Gomberg, Laurel, MD, Cheetah SR1, 12, -6 Laps
DNF, 10, Tom Bootz, Evansville, IN, Speads RS06A, 8, -10 Laps
DNF, 13, Tom Gonzales, Santa Fe, NM, Stohr 01D, 6, -12 Laps
DNF, 19, Laurence Meisner, Columbia, MD, Radical Clubsport, 5, -13 Laps
DNF, 12, Bill Gendron, Monson, MA, Dragon Sr2, 1, -17 Laps
DNS, 17, Carl Maier, Grand Prairie, TX, Lola 540, 0, --
Average race speed: 102.711 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:25.333, JR Osborn
Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, JR Osborn

Race 25, Formula Mazda
1, 1, James Goughary Jr, Jupiter, FL, Star Formula Mazda, 18
2, 2, Samuel Stuard, Shippensburg, PA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -3.495
3, 3, Juan Marchand, South Haven, MI, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -15.646
4, 9, Jack Wilfley, Carbondale, CO, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -17.428
5, 8, Doug Peterson, Bonita Springs, FL, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -21.689
6, 4, Jamie Slone, Tucson, AZ, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -21.084
7, 6, Russell Lindemann, Longmont, CO, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -23.144
8, 7, David Donovan, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -24.281
9, 13, Lucian Pancea, Bellevue, WA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -24.542
10, 5, Mark Broyles, Oswego, IL, Star Mazda , 18, -33.839
11, 15, Samuel Lockwood, Cumming, GA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -36.986
12, 11, Mark Greb, Mount Vernon, IA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -39.885
13, 10, Bob Hogan, Atlanta, GA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -40.715
14, 14, Kenneth De Nault, Cedar Falls, IA, Star Formula Mazda, 18, -1:00.391
15, 17, Gary Phillips, Overland Park, KS, Star Formula Mazda, 17, -1 Lap
16, 18, Mark Felsen, Denver, CO, Star Formula Mazda, 17, -8.905
17, 19, Brian Sheppard, Livermore, CO, Star Mazda , 17, -9.161
DNF, 12, Guy Pipitone, Copley, OH, Star Formula Mazda, 2, -16 Laps
DNS, 16, Michael Fling, Edmond, OK, Star Formula Mazda, 0, --
DNS, 20, Dale Swope, Tampa, FL, Star Formula Mazda, 0, --
Average race speed: 94.751 mph
Fastest race lap: 1:34.278, James Goughary Jr.
Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, James Goughary Jr.

Attached image: Jesse Prather, of Topeka, Kan., took his second-consecutive F Production National Championship at the 2007 SCCA Runoffs.
Credit: John Steflik

Posted On 10/14/07

This story has been read 35380 time(s).

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Osborne Cruises to D Sports Racing National Championship

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 04:06:04 PST

Osborne Cruises to D Sports Racing National Championship
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (October 14, 2007) – J.R. Osborne, of Castle Rock, Colo., led flag-to-flag at Heartland Park Topeka to capture the D Sports Racing National Championship at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T. Mark Jaremko, of Spokane, Wash., and Jean-Luc Liverato, of Alpharetta, Ga., finished second and third, respectively, after an exciting late-race shootout.

Starting from the pole, Osborne was untouchable in his No. 83 Equinox Land/Rilltech/GodSped Inc. Stohr WF-1, holding off his competitors in Turn One and never looking back. At the conclusion of the caution-free, 18-lap race, Osborne had built an 11.726-second lead to claim his first SCCA National Championship.

“It’s just a relief to finish,” Osborne said. “I’ve always run into issues my whole racing career. The only luck I have is bad luck, so to finally put one together that means something significant and have everything come together means the world to me right now. This is affirmation that this is what I need to keep doing.

“The race was perfect. It probably wasn’t fun to watch, but it was a perfect race for me. I got a good jump, put my head down and tried to go as hard as I could for about five or six laps to build that gap up. Then, I just ran consistent times and I was hoping the guys behind me were doing just what they were doing, battling and slowing each other down. That allowed me to save my tires, save my brakes and make sure the car was going to make it to the end. It was the perfect race for a racer – uneventful. I’m thrilled to finally get a National Championship.”

All the action was unfolding behind Osborne, where the No. 2 Loynings/Goodyear/Redline Stohr WF-1 WSL of Jaremko and the No. 8 Expanded Tech/KWS/Hoosier Stohr WF-1 of Liverato were dueling for the runner-up spot. Liverato got a great start, going from fourth to second by Turn One, while defending Champion Jaremko slotted into third.

Jaremko cranked up the pressure on Lap 12, then made his move a lap later through Turn Six. Liverato hung with Jaremko through the closing laps and when Jaremko hit lapped traffic in the chicane, Liverato shot by to take the runner-up spot. Jaremko was unphased, retaking the position into Turn 10 and holding the position to the checkered flag. Liverato’s chase for the SCCA Chicago Region Triple Crown ended with a third-place finish.

Joshua Held, of San Carlos, Calif., and Dorian Foyil, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Roy Maxwell, of Arlinton, Texas, was the Sunoco Hard Charger, advancing seven positions during the race in his No. 55 Racing Engine Service Mystery III.

The SCCA National Championship Runoffs® Presented by AT&T, The Pinnacle of American Motorsports, will crown Sports Car Club of America’s Club Racing National Champions for the 44th-consecutive year in 2007. The best amateur drivers from across North America convene on Heartland Park Topeka’s 2.5-mile road course each fall in what is considered the “Olympics” of motorsports. This year’s event begins with four days of qualifying, Oct. 8-11, and concludes with three days of racing, Oct. 12-14.

Attached image: D Sports Racing National Champion J.R. Osborne
Credit: John Steflik

Posted On 10/14/07

This story has been read 34005 time(s).

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