Sometimes it all just comes together, and that’s what happened at Autoclub Speedway in early March. The pros might be racing in Fontana later this month, but they are not likely to match the fun had by 944 Spec drivers this past weekend. The weekend started out well, with 18 entries from as far away as the Midwest Region lined up in their garages and ready to race.
Saturday morning was so windy you could feel the wind pushing against your car on the front straight, yet times were still very competitive. By race time the wind had died down, and the large class was lined up and ready to take the green flag. The battles throughout the race were competitive. By the last lap, it was Tyler Palmer, last year’s National champion, in first, Norm Hamden, visiting from Arizona region, in second, Eric Kuhns, National 944 Spec director, in third, and Everett DeLano, SoCal’s own 944 Spec Series Director, in fourth place. As they approached turn 3, the sharp left hander at the end of the banked oval, both Norm and Eric went into it too hot. Eric spun out and Everett slipped into third place. Everett gave Norm a good run for his money and the two were in a tight race to the finish line, with Tyler finishing in first, Norm in second, and Everett in third. That night the bench racing was fierce and fun.
Sunday’s weather was warmer and expectations were high for another good day of racing. In practice, Tyler ran a lap time just over 2:00, very fast at this track. At race time, the top four qualifiers decided to add a little spice to the race, starting in the back of the pack. Once again, the battles on the track were fierce as those qualifiers made their way through the group of outstanding drivers. There was considerable passing and re-passing as the cars jockeyed for position throughout the event. At the checkered flag, it was Tyler in first, Norm in second, and Eric in third place. As the drivers packed up and headed on their ways, it was clear this had been one spectacular weekend and plans were already being made for more great racing in the months ahead.
NorCal 2011 Champions
Written by Ken Huey
Sunday, 29 January 2012 13:31
NorCal crowned their 2011 944-Spec Champions with a awards luncheon followed by a competitive go kart race.
Congratulations to Steve Lewis, Ron Dale and Jerry Whitteridge!
Congratulations to Kevin Webb, winner of the 2011 NASA Texas Regional Championship!!!!
(left to right, Al Fernandez, Kevin Webb, Todd Covini)
The Texas season ended with a four race event at Eagle's Canyon, a very hilly and challenging course. Eight 944Spec cars were in attendance for this final event of the innaugural Texas 944Spec season. Chris Blazer and Steve Coomes came down from Kansas to join Texas regulars BJ Meyer, Ryan Patterson, Todd Imwold, Todd Covini, Kevin Webb, and Al Fernandez.
BJ drew first blood, taking the win in R1 after a tremendous fight with Chris. Todd Covini got up on the podium, holding off Kevin and the rest of the field. R2 featured an inverted start from R1 results, and the group diced over and over for advantage. Steve managed to hold off Chris for a well deserved win while Al Fernandez closed out the podium. Unfortunately Covini suffered a cracked radiator end cap which would sideline him for the remainder of the weekend.
Saturday night NASA Texas treated the all drivers and friends to a grilled dinner lubricated by plenty of beer from the dual station kegerator. After that a special feature of Airplane showed on the giant projector while the drivers told lies about their prowess.
Sunday began with a wet and foggy track, really skewing qualifying times. It was dry and cool for the race though, and Chris showed it with a scorching 2:11.292 lap time and a solid win followed by Kevin and Al. It was down to R4 for the Regional Championship though, with Kevin holding a slim 25 point lead. Al did what he could, taking the last win while passing and being passed by BJ multiple times, but it wasn't near enough with Kevin taking the 3rd spot.
Congratulations to all of our Texas 944Spec drivers, families, and friends. Its been just an incredible first year for 944Spec in this region, with 14 drivers scoring points and an average car count of 6...considering in January there was one 944Spec car that had run an event with NASA Texas this is a strong testament to the attractiveness of the series! Next year the competition will be even stronger with several new cars and drivers already mid build and working on their licenses!! See you in January!
Tricks & Treats at the 2011 AutoPoint Challenge
Written by Ken Huey
Saturday, 05 November 2011 10:44
The 2011 944-Spec CASH race at the “Porsches at the Point” was full of unusual tricks and plenty of treats over the Halloween weekend of October 29-30.
