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California Speedway Race
Five Challenge Series racers took to the high
banked oval at California Speedway this weekend. Dave Standridge and
Robert Walter made the long trek from Nor Cal, and were joined by So Cal
racers TC McNett, Mike Beeler, and Karen Salvaggio.
Winds had been gusty at the track on Friday (45 mph +), but the weather
eased by Saturday morning, and racers were greeted with sunny skies and
snowcapped mountains.
Saturday Qualifying: All ran well, with the exception of Mike Beeler,
who, after running a smoking hot lap that placed him among the leaders,
was sidelined with an overheating engine.
Qualifying order: Karen, TC, Dave, and Robert
Saturday Race: Dave got by Karen at the start, and with TC on a mission,
this then led to a three car donney brook (nose to tail, side by side)
that lasted for the entire length of the race. Robert drove one heck of
a race as well, and at the finish it was Dave taking the win by less
than a car length over Karen, with TC taking third and Robert securing
fourth place.
Racers were treated to a fantastic BBQ, which was organized and provided
by not only the racers, but Forum members, family and friends. War
stories and just general unwinding after a busy day at the track carried
the group well into the evening. Thanks to everyone for making that BBQ
so much fun, and soo yummy....TC kept wanting me to eat 3-4 hotlinks and
a bunch of chips so I'd be "ready" for tomorrow....He says I need my
energy you know....Thanks TC ">)
Sunday Qualifying Order: Karen, TC, Dave, Robert, Mike
Sunday Race: At the green, TC and Dave gave Karen a run for the money
onto the oval, but by the end of the banking, Karen was pulling ahead
toward the infield turn. A full course yellow, caused by a fellow
competitor in a different class hitting the wall at the end of the
banking. Two laps under full course caution, and at the single file
restart, Dave snaked under Karen, while TC put the hammer down and got a
run up onto the banking. Karen had her hands full picking her way
through traffic as well, and by the end of the high banks, the three
were again running nose to tail. Karen got by TC into the infield, and
set her sights on the #83. Dave and Karen slide sideways through the
sweeper, and Karen emerged a nose ahead and pulled into the lead just
before the kink. Farther back, Robert had his hands full with Mike hot
on his tail, and dogging him at every chance. In the end, it was Karen
for the win, followed by TC, Dave, Mike and Robert.
All cars came off the track unscathed and ready to go for the next race,
which will be at Buttonwillow April 25-26.
Videos coming......
I want to thank all members, family and friends who support these teams
at the track, or are supporting us with kind words and great technical
advise. The enjoyment we receive, and the friendships we've made through
racing these cars is nothing less than amazing.
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