Formula Car Challenge Racers Face the Weather Challenge at Infineon Raceway
22 racers register for the opening weekend, but only half of them brave the elements
Sonoma, CA
March 21st, 2011
This weekend was the first double header in the 2011 West Coast Region Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear. Weather was uncharacteristic for the middle of March. "According to historical data there hasn't been rain in the Sonoma area on this weekend in over 15 years," noted Series Official Jason Reese. "Our series allows for two drop races at the end of the season tally. This allows drivers to remove their two worst finishes from the final points. Some of the drivers opted to take their drop races this first weekend."
"Using their 'drops' at the opener was akin to using all of the lifelines on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, before putting the first $1000 on the board." added one of the competitors. "That was their 'final answer' and we'll have to see where the cards fall at the end of the season."
FCC veteran Claudio Cornali took pole position for race one, and led the field to the green flag. Sean Prewett, who started next to Cornali, got a great lead into turn one but was unable to hold the position into turn two. By the time the Pro Formula Mazdas cleared turn six the top three were Cornali, Kohls, and Prewett. The race conditions worsened, and a few cars left the course causing a full course yellow. On the restart Kohls stayed close on Cornali, and Prewett was inches behind them both. Cornali left the course in turn two and Kohls took over the lead until the checkered flag. The Pro Formula Mazda podium was Stan Kohls in first, Lloyd Read in second, and Sean Prewett in third. The FM podium saw newcomer Peter Workum on the top step, followed by Todd McAllister, and Cameron Parsons.
On Sunday the weather improved slightly, and times dropped from previous sessions. Stan Kohls took pole position, and led the entire field to the green flag. Claudio Cornali, who started on the front row also, got a great start and they drove side-by-side into turn two. Kohls got passed by Cornali on lap one, but was able to get him back almost immediately and held on until the finish. At the checkered flag the Pro FM podium was Stan Kohls 1st, Sean Prewett 2nd, and Paul LaHaye 3rd.
In the FM class Peter Workum took another win, followed by Todd McAllister, and Cameron Parsons. Workum is new to the series, and to the Formula Mazda and is currently leading the FM championship. Kohls, a two time FCC Champion, is leading in the Pro FM class. Races three and four of the West Coast Region Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear will take place at Thunderhill Raceway Park April 16th & 17th.
Official Event Timing Available at MyLaps.com (Group F):
http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=634206
Photos from the event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/formula...7626316882114/
About the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear
The Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear is a multiple-region series with an annual NASA sanctioned national championship. The series features a multi-class format; Formula Mazda (FM), Pro Formula Mazda (PFM), and the FormulaSPEED2.0 (FS2.0). All classes are powered by Mazda, and equipped with Goodyear Racing tires.
There are currently four Formula Car Challenge regions; The West Coast Region promoted by World Speed Inc, the South West Region promoted by Texas Autosports, the East Coast Region promoted by The Speed Connection, and the Mid West Region promoted by Lake Effect Motorsports.
The West Coast Region is partnered with Goodyear, Mazda USA, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, Red Line Oil, and NASA Pro Racing.
More Information: http://www.FormulaCarChallenge.com
Races 1 & 2 West Coast Region Results
