Werner Takes Convincing Win at Miller
Miller Motorsports Park, Toole, Utah - (August 6, 2011) Russ Werner piloted his Phoenix F1000 race car to a convincing win in Race 9 of the 2011 F1000 Pro Series sponsored by Goodyear Racing Tires, Williams Racing Developments and George Dean Engines with partner sponsors Hyperco, Jongbloed Racing Wheels, Ballistic Performance Components, Elizabeth Jackson Artwork, Kool Coat, and Geartronics North America.
The field of F1000 competitors took the green flag race under clear skies and warm temperatures. As the field poured into the first corner Nicholas Belling took the lead from pole sitter Werner. Further back, Championship leader Dave Palmer starting in seventh position attempted to take in inside line into the corner in the hope of making up some positions only to find Randy Mitchell already there. The two made contact with Palmer spinning and falling back to the tail end of the field. Mitchell suffered some minor suspension damage in the fracas but was able to continue without losing any positions but would spend the race fighting handling issues as a result.
Nicholas Belling’s stint at the front would be short-lived as Werner quickly took back the position and began to pull away from the rest of the field. As Werner streak off into the distance the battle for second heated up as N. Belling, Archer, Vollum, and Mitchell all ran virtually nose-to-tail for several laps with each trying to overtake the other and move up in position. As Belling lead this train his car began to develop an understeer condition which allowed one driver after the other to finally force their way by dropping him back to fifth where he would finish.
At the back Palmer drove in a valiant effort to make up ground after his first corner spin left him in last place and fighting to keep his lead in the championship. Driving consistently quick laps he evenually caught up to and overtook M.Belling at about half-distance. As he closed on LaBrie to take another position LaBrie spun with Palmer narrowly avoiding contact. Palmer would finally get pass LaBrie a short time later to finish in 8th place.
Terry Biner in a Firman and Chris Ash in the lone Speads-Rilltech competing in his first F1000 Pro Series event both drove cautious and uneventful races to finish 6th and 7th respectfully.
Werner crossed the line in dominating fashion 16 seconds in front of his nearest competitor. Taylor Archer took second place honors with Larry Vollum rounding out the podium finishers in 3rd.
With Nicholas Belling’s fifth place finish and Dave Palmer’s eighth place, Palmer takes a 10 point lead into the season’s final race on Sunday. Nicholas Belling needs to win with Dave Palmer finishing no higher than 8th to have a chance of wrestling the title away from Palmer.
Results, 2011 F1000 Pro Series Race 9:
1. Russ Werner, Phoenix
2. Taylor Archer, Stohr
3. Larry Vollum, Stohr
4. Randy Mitchell, VD-Novak
5. Nicholas Belling, Firman
6. Terry Biner, Firman
7. Chris Ash, Speads-Rilltech
8. Dave Palmer, Stohr
9. John LaBrie, Phoenix
10. Mark Belling, Firman
Saturday Qualifying, Race 9:
1. Russ Werner. 1:22.267
2. Nicholas Belling 1:23.661
3. Taylor Archer 1:23.715
4. Larry Vollum 1:24.005
5. Randy Mitchell 1:25.141
6. Terry Biner 1:26.385
7. Dave Palmer 1:26.645
8. John LaBrie 1:27.643
9. Chris Ash 1:27.702
10. Mark Belling 1:32.008