Challenge of the Americas - Round 5
| Date | Apr 8, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Track | Simraceway, Sonoma, CA |
| Configuration | Reverse National |
| Total Drivers | 2 |
| Heat Race Position / Best Lap | P1 / 1:01.587 |
| Main Race Position / Best Lap | P1 / :58.244 |
| Points Earned | 110 |
| Standings Position | 1/2 |
Practice
Track conditions on Thursday and Friday were extremely wet, which made for some good seat time in rainy weather. I started practicing on used tires and was able to make them last throughout the two days. I scored the fast lap on the final official practice, thanks to the consistent pace I kept all day.
Also, I repainted the Arai helmet that I had last year with some test-patterns, making it my official practice helmet.
Photo by Tubay Yabut Photography
Track conditions pretty much guarantee you won’t be coming in dry. Photo by Tubay Yabut Photography
Qualifying
Since Zach Pettinicchi and I were the only 2 drivers this race, we were both going to be on the front row no matter how we qualified. The strategy for today was to conserve my tires the best I can because I was allowed only one set of rains for the whole day. I went ahead and did a lap, doing my best to keep my kart on the racetrack.
Photo by Tubay Yabut Photography
Pre-Main
There were only two drivers in the shifter class this weekend, but that didn't mean there was no competition. On the start, Zach Pettinicchi had a great launch and began to pull away. Unfortunately, he overshot the Memo Esses one lap, and went into the muck, allowing me to cruise by and take the lead. Zach made up a whopping 15 seconds after that, but it wasn't enough for him to catch up and challenge me for the win.
Main
The two drivers chose two different tires, with Zach choosing to run on slicks, and me choosing to use the rain tires. Zach took the lead once again on the start, but ended up losing traction and went off. I maintained a steady, consistent pace throughout the rest of the remaining laps to take the win.
Official Podium Photo from Rotax Challenge of the Americas
Photo by Sean Buur for eKarting News
Full Results:
Read about the other races from 2017 Challenge of the Americas