2022 Runoffs - VIR

[John LaRue]

Registration opens today for the 2022 Runoffs at VIR. Do we have a tally as to who will be on the grid?

[Speed Sport Engineering]

Registration opens today for the 2022 Runoffs at VIR. Do we have a tally as to who will be on the grid?

We're at 13 so far, which seems like a good start. Would love to see a few more join in the fun.

[CScharnow]

Guess who’s back. Back again. (Oh come on, don’t everyone audibly sigh at the same time.)

Admittedly, things have been a bit quiet recently. That was somewhat by design so I could selfishly move my way up the grid. I had already convinced Armington to retire. I persuaded Tomasi to spend the year doing a ground-up on a new car (but what’s that you say, he already had a finely prepped car ready to go?). And I lobbied to move the Runoffs as far east as possible to dissuade those fast west coast guys from making the trip. Check, check, and check.

I also took a small break from social media this summer. Which is the opposite of Fight Club, because the first rule of taking a break from social media is to tell everyone you’re taking a break from social media. (Check)

Looking across the board, Runoffs entries are down about half from Indy. And after the 35th anniversary celebration we all knew we wouldn’t match the same numbers as last year. But the fact we’re a few weeks out and still the 3rd largest formula car class is a huge win. Apparently the reports of FCs demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Unfortunately for me, even with less entries the field is still stacked. The pointy end will be just as tight as it was at the Brickyard. And in fact, the battles throughout the field will be the best we’ve seen all year.

Sikes is potentially back to defend his crown. Minor returns to the site of his previous gold medal. Rob is out for redemption after the 2019 heartbreak. Nolan is taking a break from winning F1600 races with all 4 wheels in the grass (you can look it up) to bring the heat. And the temporary absence of Varacins from the top step of the podium feels like it’s very close to being over.

There’s a whole host of other drivers nipping at their tails, but I’ll wait to see who SportsCar tries to jinx first before I make my predictions. Besides, I need something to keep me busy for the next few weeks that doesn’t include watching Ferrari make another strategy mistake.

Stay tuned. More to come.

[Purple Frog]

Throwback Thursday.... say what?

Obviously the task of reporting to the masses of the small bore formula car racing community the actual beauty of Formula Continental racing needs to be passed to my wonderful friend Chris "off the pace" Scharnow!

I wrote all those posts last year trying to drum up support for the Indy race 2021. They were honest posts. But really... I'm an Ol' Skool Boomer. True race tracks need to have grass on both sides of the pavement. Grass is better to pass on. VIR meets all my requirements as a great race track.

1. The place has history.
2. It's out in the woods, not in the Miami Dolphin's football stadium.
3. It has elevation change.
4. If you have raced there, and you close your eyes diving into that one special corner you can still see the Oak Tree.
5. Did I mention it has grass on the sides of the track. I think so.
6. Somehow Mike Rand managed to not get fired by the organization until he finished bringing the historic place back to life.
7. When you are cruising up through the climbing esses, you get to the last left turn and you know its the real deal.
8. Not just Civil War battles were fought nearby, but Revolutionary battles. Just ask Jim Morgan. Hell, Indy still belonged to the original inhabitants when championship battles were happening along the Dan River. The place has history. (see number 1)

I actually raced at VIR. In a '84 Reynard FC car, while the field was loaded with new '99 Van Diemans. Still, it was a blast.
So many years in April VIR is where we kicked off the F2000 Championship Series. Where else can one witness the whole Fat Boys Racing team take themselves out at the Oak Tree during the first practice session of the weekend? Then they proceed to completely take over Aunt Millies that night with a massive party. What great memories.

I remember when Eric Cruz did an assisted rollover in turn 1. Now he shares a condo with his wonderful wife next to the climbing esses. Wave as you go by, but have both hands on the wheel before that last left turn. If he races on Saturday in FE, his bride might miss it watching Virginia Tech on the big screen in the condo, Just saying, she is a bit of a rabid Hokie.

In the past we have ventured over to South Boston Speedway on Saturday nights. But, usually we are venturing into downtown Danville for dinner. Over the years the dining selections have gotten so much better. Don't expect to see James Lee in downtown Danville though. When you get back to the track after dinner he will still be dialing in his clients cars.

This year the FC field is so loaded with real talent. Simon is so complete. He has grown up in this type of racing and has such poise and maturity. Nolan has grown up in a complete racing family. The heritage shows. Rob now seems to be always looking at his rain light. Michael won so many championships in a class that wheel-to-wheel action is measured in fractions of an inch in each corner. Rick Payne, another National Champion to not be ignored. Then there is the working class guy Rand calls "Master Minor"... Number 88 and his team is so incredibly dedicated to finding every hundredth of a second, its hard not to cheer for his dedication to the class. Pro Championships, and SCCA Championships the guy has a heritage in 2 liter cars. And, he probably has the best dining available in the paddock because of his life long friend Tim Reddy (also great bar tender).

But, here's the deal... this year my Black Horse Super Pick to completely dominate the 2022 FC Runoffs (if only in my opinion) is none other that Chuck Moran. Who else would roll into VIR with a '90 Crossle FC car with...sit down.... rocker arm suspension! And a pinto behind his shoulders! You gotta love it! Chuck has has some crazy bad luck at many past Runoffs, but I sure want to see him blast under the checker flag in that Crossle. All us old rocker arm guys will be cheering. Not since Chris showed up at Daytona in 2015 with a pinto have I been so excited about an entry.

That's all I have for tonight. Maybe next Thursday I can look at a scrapbook or two and remember some other reason I should be at VIR at the end of the month...

[E1pix]

These posts have been missed.

Thanks for doing another one.

[Purple Frog]

Thanks...Its more fun than writing about wheel bearings.

[Tim Minor]

He’s Baaaack
Glad you finally made an appearance Purple Frog.
Maybe you’ll make a Personal Appearance at the Runoff’s
Thanks Mike
Tim Minorfc88

[Purple Frog]

Kick off parties, concerts, golf cart parades, block parties. How could you say there’s no fun during the week?! To top it off you can go to the formula and sports racer town hall just to start some stuff!


Begin forwarded message:

From: "SCCA Runoffs (via MotorsportReg.com)" <autopilot@motorsportreg.com>
Date: September 9, 2022 at 5:32:34 PM EDT
To: Chris Scharnow <chris1442@aol.com>
Subject: Runoffs Report - Friday, Sept. 9 (Drivers & Prep Shops)
Reply-To: SCCA Runoffs <runoffs@scca.com>

?Runoffs Driver/Prep Shop Report for Friday, September 9, 2022
The Runoffs is quickly approaching and in two weeks we’ll be loading in to VIR! Here is this week’s news you should know!
Data System Information for VIR Alternate Timing Loop
As announced earlier this year, test and qualifying sessions will be officially timed from the South Tower timing line, after Turn 12 (Oak Tree). The Runoffs races will all be timed from the traditional timing line at the Start/Finish line on the front straight.
SCCA is working with industry experts Roger Caddell and Peter Krause to gather information about how to address this with your onboard timing/data systems, so that you receive the "official" times on your dash, and can analyze data within the various software programs from previous events, regardless of which timing line was used. The first information we have is from AIM for RS3-based systems. Additional information addressing AIM RS2-based systems as well as other data systems will be posted as it becomes available on the Runoffs page under the Drivers/Prep Shops menu, or directly here:
https://www.scca.com/pages/vir-alter...em-information
Party People!
We have a couple of fun nights planned for you this year.
Kick-Off Party at the Gallery with the C.C. Coates Band
Everyone is invited to join us in The Gallery at VIR Monday, September 26 to kick off a great week of friends, fun and racing! Come by for dinner and drinks and listen to some live music, courtesy of the C.C. Coates Band.
3rd Annual Charity Golf Cart Parade
This will mark the 3rd annual charity golf cart parade on Wednesday, September 28 and lead into another favorite, the SCCA Block Party. This year, proceeds from the Golf Cart Parade will benefit Lemons of Love, an organization with deep motorsports ties that provides care packages to people affected by cancer. The parade will step-off from grid at approximately 6:15 pm. We will make a pass by victory circle where our expert cart announcers will make the parade call. We will then make our way around the paddock ending up at a block party stop. So, it’s time to start planning, get out those arts and crafts supplies and let those creative juices flow! Your goal is to raise money for your cart. Drivers, workers, crews, friends and family will “vote” with their dollars and the cart that raises the most money will be crowned the 2022 Golf Cart National Champion and win a major award! Teams can register early online at www.scca.com/cartparade. Once you arrive at the track, swing by the SCCA Staff Office on the 2nd floor of the Pagoda to pick up your cart number.
Block Party
The Block Party returns on Wednesday, September 28! It’s the opportunity to chill amongst race cars with hundreds of your closest SCCA friends. Not being “official,” start times will vary, but these parties are likely to kick off shortly after Wednesday’s final checkered flag. Who’s throwing the parties? We’re estimating five to 10 parties spread across the Runoffs paddock, with separate gatherings hosted by Hagerty, SCCA Women on Track, New England Region, the Prod racers and more!
The best part of the Runoffs Block Party is there’s no obligation to stay put – cruise the paddock and chat with drivers, teams, workers and fans. From party-to-party, you’ll meet up with old friends and make new ones.
Want to bring the Block Party to your paddock? If your Wednesday evening party is open to all participants, SCCA will put your party on the Block Party map – literally. Email Heyward Wagner at hwagner@scca.com to find out not only how your party can join this epic paddock-sized Wednesday night party, but how SCCA will assist you in making it happen.
Race Team Fuel Account with Sparks Oil
If you’d like to set up a fuel account with Sparks Oil, official Sunoco Fuel Distributor, during the Runoffs, download the account form, available at www.scca.com/runoffs under Driver/Prep Shops in the menu.
https://www.scca.com/downloads/64032...l-account-form
Forms may be turned in at the event or emailed to toddsparks81@gmail.com.
CRB & Program Town Halls
In addition to the category-based Town Halls, we have added two “General” sessions to the schedule (Tuesday at 3:30 pm and Wednesday at 11 am). This is an opportunity to discuss program related topics including the Runoffs, Majors/Hoosier Super Tour, Green-To-Checker and more. The panel will include representatives from the CRB, Executive Stewards and staff.
Dates and times of the Town Halls are listed in the event schedule. A form to submit topics in advance is available under “Drivers/Prep Shops” in the Runoffs event page menu (www.scca.com/runoffs) or directly here: https://www.scca.com/forms/2020-runo...all-topic-form
Dyno Services – Reserve your spot!
Torque Lab will be operating a mobile dyno from September 24 - October 2 for dyno testing (HP, TQ, AFR) offering tuning capabilities on select vehicle models. This DynoJet 224x is 2000hp capable and will be used as the Official Certifying dyno for the Runoffs. It can service both FWD and RWD vehicles. Call Kirk at (317) 268-8235 or email info@torquelab.net.
Book online today using this link (https://calendly.com/torque-lab/2022-scca-runoffs?month=2022-09).
Select your time from the list of available calendar/time slots. For rentals by the hour, simply select three-consecutive 20-minute blocks per hour needed. Please cancel within the calendar if a conflict arises.

• 3 Pulls for $100 (Add 4% processing fee if paying by credit card.)
• Dyno Rental (per 1 car) is $185 per hour (Add 4% processing fee if paying by credit card.)
• Custom Tuning (HP Tuners, Holley, FAST) - call for pricing

Get Your Nominations In!
We are accepting nominations for the Mechanic of the Year. If you know of a deserving member, please submit their name and tell us about them!
Mechanic of the Year nomination form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HRTLVRX
Order Those Tires!
The deadline for tire pre-orders is approaching. Get your order in today.
Hoosier - Appalachian Race Tire: Make your tire reservation at https://racetire.com/2022sccarunoffsvir/ or call (865) 681-6622. Deadline for tire reservations is September 9, 2022.
Goodyear Racing: Tire pre-orders can be requested via email, phone or by completing the online order form.
2022 SCCA Runoffs Pre-Order Form (google.com)
Phone: (602) 437-4977
Email: jdoughty@carrollshelbyent.com

Hankook Motorsports: Tire pre-orders can be requested via email, phone or by completing the online order form.
Phone: (800) 287-5013; Ask for Nikki Martz
Email: info@hankookmotorsports.com
Online Form: https://hankookmotorsports.com/pages/scca-runoffs
Speedwaiver
If you or your crew does not have a SCCA Annual Waiver on file, please fill out this Speedwaiver. Share with other members of your team that need to complete the event waiver. https://runoffs.speedwaiver.com/bqcgg
Sign Up for Mobile Alerts *NEW SYSTEM*
Sign up to receive text messages during the event! This will be our primary communication method throughout the event, so don’t miss a message and sign up today! This is a new provider for 2022, so if you were signed up in 2021 or earlier, you’ll need to sign up again. Choose a keyword group(s) from the list below and send {Keyword} i.e.Text “Bspec” or “FormulaA” to 833-345-2423.
To receive general event information messages, text RUNOFFS to 833-345-2423.
Keyword Groups:

• Worker
• ASedan
• Bspec
• EProd
• F500
• FormulaA
• FormulaC
• FE2
• FormulaF
• FProd
• FormulaV
• FormulaX
• GT1
• GT2
• GT3
• GTL
• HProd
• Protoype1
• Protoype2
• SpecMiata
• SRF3
• STL
• STU
• Touring1
• Touring2
• Touring3
• Touring4

Link to Instructions: https://www.scca.com/downloads/63344...aging/download

Attention Pro Path Drivers
If you are qualifying for the Runoffs using the Pro Path, don’t forget you must purchase Majors Substitute Entries to complete your qualification process. Substitute entries must be purchased by September 13, 2022. Click for Instructions to Purchase Majors Substitute Entries.
https://www.scca.com/downloads/63828-2022-majors-substitute-entry-communication-final
Runoffs Report Archive
An archive of previous Runoffs Reports is available in the Event Page menu under “Event Information” or directly here: https://www.scca.com/pages/2022-runoffs-report-archive

Have a great weekend!
The Runoffs Team

[E1pix]

If you see an astonishly dapper guy roaming around, it won’t be me but say Hello anyway.

[CScharnow]

Who Will Win the Runoffs?

We’re a couple days away from the start of testing. Last minute touches are being applied. The computers back at the factories are working overtime for the best setup/strategy mix. And Purple Frog is still trying to come up with new excuses as to why he may not show.

The SportsCar article was relatively accurate with picking some of the front runners, but apparently you don’t even need to be entered to have a shot. So, my dark horse to win it all this year is… Cole Morgan.

Seriously though, if we’re being honest Sikes is probably the favorite to repeat. But if you want to talk about “margin of error,” I’ve got Minor and Rob right there with him.

This is Tim’s home track, and while everyone seems to have moved on to the younger Allaer (who is unbelievably quick in just his second season), I keep going back to the last time the Runoffs were held here and what could have been.

Anything can happen. We’ll see who the racing gods smile down on and choose this year in just over a week.

[Purple Frog]

One problem... my visa for Georgia has expired. To get into Virginia from the swamp I would have to sail into Georgetown SC and then work my way inland.

So... now that Sportscar has hit the proverbial news stands ... do all you FC guys really believe SCCA has you on their Christmas Card list? "Sportscar" was certainly dialed in to all the latest about the class. ..not. I suggest next year they get Chris to write the "Who is going to win".

With heavy heart I must report that Chuck Moran called me a few days ago. My darkhorse #1 pick to win the 2022 Runoffs in FC has withdrawn from this year's Runoffs. During testing at Summit Point he experienced a brake problem and does not think he can solve it soon enough to be safe at VIR. I was so hoping to see that old Crossle on the top step next week.

Can Cole even fit in a FC car?

Watching, and watching again, coverage of Indy 2021, what Simon was doing with his car was art in its purest form. The slip angles he was able to achieve in some of the corners were something else. It would be hard to bet against that whole team package. Chris mentioned Rob at VIR the last rodeo. Obviously that team could be a first pick. Their spare car in the trailer is probably as good as any other car on the grid. But, then glance across the paddock and there is Tim Minor with Langbein looking at the data and Reddy mixing Margaritas every evening... what a winning combo that has proven to be.

Sportsfans, it looks like it is going to be one very special race.

[Purple Frog]

As soon as I picked Chris as my new "darkhorse favorite" for the 2022 Runoffs in FC class at VIR along comes Ian to screw everything up big time.

Chris lives about 5 feet above sealevel in the Tampa Bay area. No way he can go to the Runoffs and leave the family to swim to safety.

And, I can't bail on Mrs Frog while she watches a pile of grandkids, even though tonight it looks like we are out of the danger zone.

Here's hoping Ian turns out a bust and Chris and Mark Defer come out of the storm in good shape.

[John Nesbitt]

Looking at the weekend forecast for the Danville area, folks in Saturday and Sunday races might do well to buy fresh rain tires.

[problemchild]

I never made it to the tech shed to offer my personal congratulations, but I certainly want to congratulate Nolan Allaer and LTD Motorsports for their fine victory in todays FC race. The young lions put on a fine show with 3 different leaders. Simon Sikes lead much of the race but struggled as the rain picked up. Trevor Russell took over before being passed by Nolan on the last lap. Great job!

[Tim Minor]

I second what Greg said,What a great job by Nolan Allaer,he never lost his composure,kept his head in the game and is a deserving Champion.I also want to thank all the other driver’s and teams who came out to support the FC class,what a great job by everybody.
We have a great group of people and I’m proud to be involved.
Tim Minorfc88

[jnortonjr]

Agree with what was mentioned above!

I have the pleasure of being garage mates with the Russell family at INDE Motorsports Ranch and have seen Trevor race for the past 4 years. Watching the racing on Youtube was some of the best racing I've seen in any racing let alone the Runoffs. The weather obviously made it very tricky but the top 3-4 drivers absolutely put on a clinic.

Congratulations to Nolan, Trevor, and Simon and all the FC competitors who continue to show why this such a great class to race in.

[CScharnow]

What a race.

Easily the most entertaining FC Runoffs of the last decade plus. That one was fun to watch.

I’m still incredibly disappointed I missed it. My initial concern for the storm turned to relief when it shifted and hit just about an hour or so south of us. Which then turned to guilt about how easily that could have been us. Which then turned to be semi-depressed about working all year towards the goal of making it to this one race only to have to pull the plug on those plans 48 hours before qualifying started.

On Friday, I even debated just driving up, doing a hardship lap, and pleading my case to start from the back. But we hadn’t even gotten power back yet, and I figured I was already lucky enough to not lose my house so I better not push my luck with my marriage.

Huge congrats to the newly crowned champ and the entire LTD crew. Those guys work so hard and and are so singularly focused on putting the best cars on track. It’s impressive to watch. They also go out of their way to help competitors with parts, setup, and elbow grease to keep everyone running. (Side note: Tim Minor also falls squarely into this category). I wouldn’t say this to his face because Jim and I still need his head to fit through the trailer door, but Jose has become quite the FC legend.

Nolan has matured incredibly as a driver over the past two years. Then again, the dude was sniffing track records at his driver’s school so I’m not surprised by this win. I’ve seen his data, and he can do stuff with a 20-year old FC car I didn’t know was possible.

I’m willing to bet he’ll always remember this as one of his sweetest victories. Starting on pole and falling back to 10th(?) at the first turn, his drive through the field was epic. Those comeback drives can mean so much more than a flag to flag win. And he earned the hell out of that one.

Congrats again to everyone involved, the whole field included. The Runoffs are tough (10 days is too long to be at a racetrack) but all those guys put in the time and work, braved the weather, and gave us the best race we’ve seen in a long time.

There will always be haters, but as Roosevelt famously said, “It’s not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” Everyone there deserves a huge round of applause.