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NorCal Race 4
Thunder Hill, August 12-13: 7
Challenge Series racers arrive at this terrific facility expecting some
triple digit heat, but much to the racers delight the weather was great
mid 80’s clear and bright.
This event, being the 4th
Nor-Cal points only event, found the field short of all the So-Cal
racers choosing not to make the trek north. Dave Standridge (#83
Rennwerks car) made it clear that his recent success at the last event
was no fluke, by setting the pace a full 1+ second ahead of his closest
competitor.
Time to grid up and only 5 cars,
Robert Walter #3 with tranny problems, Tim Treat #17 after qualifying 3rd
finds multiple rear break problems and decides to park it for the
weekend. The field lead by Dave takes the green, Donny and Dave, inches
apart, drag race towards the first turn. Donny manages to force Dave so
far to the inside of the track by the time they reach the braking zone
Dave is out of pavement, not giving in Dave out brakes Donny and takes
the lead through the first turn. The two leaders enter turn 3 with a
car length between them and Dave begins to spin, Donny chooses the
outside but can’t avoid contact with the 83 car and both end up in the
dirt. Rick and the rest of the field slip by unscathed. Donny and Dave,
minus a few body parts, set off to run down the pack
Rick Anderson leads the field
for the first lap; follow by Paul McGarvey (#85 Rennwerks second car)
Rich Norgrove, Donny and Dave. Dave for the second time spins in turn 3
and Rich spins in turn 5, not the kind of excitement we where hoping
for. Donny has manage to pass all but the lead car of Rick, pressing
hard Donny finally completes the pass going into 14 and leads the field
for the third lap. The group settles down with Dave working hard to make
his way back to the front, passes everyone but Rick, coming out of turn
15 Dave gets a run and completes the pass on lap 5, sets out to run down
Donny.
A full course yellow to clean up
of debris, as the field grids up behind the pace car Dave fines 1 CMC
car between himself and Donny. Green flag waves and Donny taking
advantage of the traffic puts a few cars between himself and Dave,
working hard to stay with the leader Dave fines he can’t shake Rick who
is putting pressure on from the 3rd position. White flag
flies with Donny in the lead, but Dave has cleared traffic and is
closing the gap, Rick after losing touch with Dave in traffic is in 3rd
followed by Paul and Rich. Looking like the order would not change Donny
gets sideways in turn 5 and Dave trying to avoid contact spins along
with Donny, they both gather up the cars without losing a position.
Finally the checker waves with Donny 1st followed by Dave,
Rick, Paul and Rich.
Sunday morning, looks like
another near perfect day. Ed Gavin #62 has arrived to join the group and
Robert Walter has installed a new tranny (on loan from Lawson Bros.
Racing) and is ready to go. After the morning sessions the times are
posted, with a few surprises. After making some minor changes the LBR
entry has set the fast time follow by Standridge, Anderson (improving
his time by 4+ seconds) Norgrove, Walter, McGarvey and Gavin. Just to
keep it interesting the race director has inverted the field in both
groups; FFR will take the 2nd flag behind CMC.
Gavin brings the field around
for the start but, before they get the green, the CMC group has a 12-car
melee in turn five with 7 cars sustaining damage. Finally after 2 laps
of yellows, FFR gets there green flag, Edwards from the back gets a
great jump up the inside and is behind the front row at the S/F line,
splits those two and takes the lead into turn 1. Standridge determine to
catch Edwards has passed all the field but Anderson by the 3rd
lap, Rick determine to hold on to the 2nd spot holds off Dave
for 2 laps but, Dave gets a good run out of 15 and takes the position.
Meanwhile Edwards has taking advantage of the battle behind him opening
up a straightaway lead. Dave charging hard and is slowly making up some
ground on Donny, but finds he can’t shake Mr. Anderson who is keeping
the pressure on from behind. At the finish line it is Donny first, Dave
a couple of car lengths ahead of Rick, Paul, Rich and Ed.
All in all an outstanding
weekend with everyone heading home cars intact ready to head east for
the Nationals. With only 1 race left Donny has locked up the Nor-Cal
championship but the WCS is still up for grabs.
See Ya In Ohio
Bob Lawson
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