Thanks for the E-mails, As requested, How I would handicap the Runoffs FF race.
Some of the things considered.
Track, Car, Equipment, Luck, Runoffs luck, Experience,Team,Engineer, Budget, Racecraft, Attitude and Aptitude.
Some random notes.
Only 1 class will feature a 30 plus car field this year, in several just showing up will guarantee you a top 10 finish. With most classes #'ing in the teens.
Road America next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The announcement was met with immediate HPT Hotel cancellations.
Please, please, please ladder the schedule, No one should have to go out cold for a Sunday race, having not been on a track since Thursday. (OK, I'm dreaming and getting off topic). Back to the FF race
Coast to Coast and North to South battle, Serious contenders from all parts of the country, many haven't raced each other yet.
The West Coast has Alex Schutte and Chris Keller (by way of NJ)both in DB-6's both with wins over fast guys. Keller has a Porter car with a Chrysler blue lump, a very successful RO FF combination. And Alex has beaten Chris heads up which has to be enough to make you a favorite.
The 2 boys from VA that seem to print national championships will both be there. Steven Oseth will be attempting the double again (FV in case you've been under a rock). Steve suffered last year trying too late to make the little tires work. Tom Schwietz almost showed up mid week last year, both should be better prepared this year. They both bring different strengths, If I had to pick one driver in the field to be in second place with 5 laps left it would probably be Steve. Now, if I needed a driver to pass 6 guys in one lap.... Well...there really is only one choice. Prepare to be "Schwietzed".
Jeremey Treadway, driving the ex D'Addario DB-6, will be trying for the triple crown. There are some concerns about his lump (and his spare) but they should be able to be rectified by raceday. Ironically the best motor in his "camp" may be bolted in the back of his engineer's car. With a proper tire program and driving in competitive races all year to sharpen his game he should be ready.
Anthony Coello and John Robinson really were the class of the field last year, with no one else to race with they took turns trying to give each other the race. Anthony will be back although he should be careful because Treadway now also occasionaly features a "Blue Towel". (Personally I keep one over my right foot). John Robinson has had something of a fractured season. Kautz, Stokkers, Treadway all went out of there way to race him but his schedule didn't always allow him to be there. That being said he still has the ability to roll the car out of the trailer 10 minutes before final Q and put it on the pole. Next year the pole won't mean diddly, at HPT it's everything.
Speaking of Tim Kautz ,who in my opinion had the drive of the race last year, watch out. Tim really has put a good program together this year, new set-up, driving to find competition, he's ready. If he gets thru turns 1 and 5 on the first lap in the top 3 watch out.
Gerald Barrett played gate keeper last year. 1.Can drive the wheels off of a car 2.Is probably the fastest 1 man team in FF. 3.He drives the wheels off his car 4. Is excellent at starts/restarts and on cold tires. 5. Needs an engineer/crew (see #'s 2 + 3)
Cliff Johnson and Arthur Foster both can beat the big guns they just have to believe they can.
There has been a late driver change and it is bad news if you're entered in this race. The big yellow Vestal 09 will now be driven by Tonis Kasamets. A deep race just got deeper. I had Tonis under the track record this weekend on my watch, I didn't see Monday's race but Sun he started last overall and ran everybody but Chris Keller down.
Should be fun........
OK Ok enough. The odds in no particular order.
3 to 1
Who ever is on the front row (yes, it's that important)
4 to 1
Tony Coello
Chris Keller
Jeremey Treadway
Tonis Kasamets
Tim Kautz
5 to 1
John Robinson II
Tom Schwietz
Alex Schutte
6 to 1
Steven Oseth
8 to 1
Gerald Barrett
9 to 1
Art Foster
12 to 1
Cliff Johnson
Rest of the field at 15 to 1 or better
Best of luck to all
Yours for the Sport,
Jim