Sanders - Riggen wrap up Regional FFR Championships

Mount Meridian, IN - The 2009 season came to a close for both the Great Lakes and Midwest FFR Challenge drivers at Putnam Park this past weekend. Before the season began, Lyle Riggen (Midwest) called Brian Sanders (Great Lakes) and issued a challenge. “I’ll run all the Great Lakes events if you run all the Midwest and we’ll battle for a dual championship,” said Riggen. And a battle it was, especially in the Midwest where Brian and Lyle went head to head at most events. In the end, it was both drivers claiming the Championship in his home region.

The Putnam races were contested as a matter of pride as Sanders had clinched the GL title back in August at Mid-Ohio and Lyle had a 130 point lead in the Midwest. Peter LaRose was the only other Challenge driver to make the trip to Putnam. Both of the final races were run on Saturday to facilitate the year end awards banquet on Saturday night.

In the first race, Brian jumped out to an early lead with Lyle close behind. On lap four Lyle got a strong run off turn ten and completed the pass after a drag race down the front straight. Lyle would lead the next ten laps with Brian in tow. At no time in this race were the two cars ever separated by more than a second. On lap fourteen, Brian got a great run off turn ten. This coupled with a slight bobble by Lyle, made the pass a “no contest.” Brian was able to hang on to the lead for the last six laps to claim the win, Lyle in second and Peter in third.

The second race was more of the same. Again Brian took and early lead and kept it for twelve laps. On lap thirteen, Lyle decided he wanted to lead. This was also about the same time that a light misty rain started to fall. Lyle went on to win followed by Brian and Peter.

Congratulations to all the competitors this year. They have made this the most successful season in the Great Lakes Region to date. And 2010 looks like it will be even bigger!

Brian Sanders

Great Lakes/Midwest

FFR Challenge Series Director

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