Formula Ford Challenge Series (FFCS) - VIR Race Recap

[Dan Pyanowski]

VDCA 23^rd Annual Wild Hare Run with VRG at Virginia International Raceway

March 28 – 30, 2025 - The VRG/Formula Ford Challenge Series (FFCS) opened their 10^th anniversary season with 39 cars registered for this event. A diverse field of cars filled the Historic Ford, Club Ford and Post Club Ford classes, including six Canadian friends who made the long haul despite diplomatic uncertainty and leaving in a snow storm.

After two Friday qualifying sessions, Scott Fairchild (Zink Z10) secured the pole position with Doug Meis (Lola T340) alongside at the start for the first race.
Drivers and crew then retired to the garage area for snacks and drinks provided by FFCS while conducting the draw for prizes provided by our supporters before heading to the welcome party hosted by SascoSports.

Drawing winners:
- Hoosier tire BOGO free:
Historic Ford: Dave Allison (Merlyn MK20)
Club Ford: Jon Yaged (PRS 81F)
Post Club Ford: Jeff White (Reynard 87F)
- $100 gift certificate Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies: Stewart Bartley (Crossle 20F)
- $25 credit Bill Stoler Photography: Trey Dusek (Winkleman WDF2)
- $100 labor credit Powerslide Motorsports: Cal Trumbo (Royale RP16)
- $500 labor credit Quicksilver Race Engines: Alan Tosler (Crossle 32F)
- $100 credit Scott Young Enterprises: Steve Wagland (Reynard 87F)
- Guest pass to The Driver's Club at Dominion Raceway: John Herne (Hawk DL17)
- $100 credit Stonebridge Cryoscience – Hard Charger Award: Steve “Dusty” Wagland (Reynard 87F)

Saturday saw the overall and CF race one win got to Tim Hannen (Crossle 35F), followed closely by Scott Fairchild and Doug Meis. It was a close race with lead swapping every lap between Tim and Scott. Joe Griffin (Reynard 84F) finished 4th overall and 1st in PCF, while Trey Dusek (Winkelman WDF2) topped the HF class win and 8^th overall.

Tim Hannen again prevailed in the Feature race with Scott Fairchild a close 2^nd and Stephen Adams (Lola T540) 3^rd, the highest finishing Canadian. Trey Dusek repeated HF win honors, moving up to 6^th overall. Steve Wegland (Reynard 87F) finished first in PCF, this being the first time out with this car. He earned the nickname “Dusty” thanks to his creation of a massive dust clouds when leaving the pavement at Turn 1. When asked what happened, he said " I was going really well until I ran out of talent."

Sunday saw another tight battle up front with Scott Fairchild prevailing this time over Tim Hannen. Doug Meis was 3^rd, followed by Tim Gaffney (Lola T342) and David Clubine (Crossle 40F), who last raced at VIR 15 years ago. Steve Wegland topped the PCF class and once again Trey Dusek swept the weekend with the win in HF.

There was a lot of great racing back from the front throughout the weekend and other notable stories:
John Gaither (Zink Z10) rejoined us after a very long absence and had lots of fun while wrestling with a rented car. He was also awarded the Field Champion Flag for representing the spirit of vintage FFCS racing.

Alan Tosler (Crossle 32F) made great gains in his new car working himself up into the top ten with a personal best 2:10 lap time.

Steve Brooks (’81 Van Diemen) recovered from an earlier incident with repairs made by Joe Griffin and captured 6th on Sunday with his best finish and times of the weekend.

Ron Beard's car was not ready in time for the weekend, but made top 20 in car loaned to him by Joe Griffin for the weekend.

Jeff White, supported both Canadians and Americans by coming with his new to him 87 Reynard, bought in Canada and making its debut in fine fashion with a strong mid pack finish.

John Herne (Hawk DL17) kept #7 in the mix all weekend, fending off multiple challenges.

UP NEXT: April 25 – 27 FFCS at Mid Ohio with Formula Race Promotions (celebrating 20 years) - entry is open on MotorsportReg. Dedicated Vintage FF run group and 2.5 hours of track time with an optional test day Friday morning.