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The West Coast’s second race of
the season, although a very long drive for most, was highly anticipated.
Due to the famous track, this being the first official NASA Arizona
region FFR event, and Dave Smith and Dave Riha were coming out in
support with their cars from the east coast!
Region streetcar owners showed up in force, putting on a great display
of Roadster’s for everyone to see. FFR Roadsters dominated the entire weekend.
A special bit of thanks needs to be directed to Levy Racing, from all of
his crew, to Spencer Sharpe, and the man himself. They helped work on
many cars, rented garage space fro all, and threw one great BBQ Saturday
night.
The garage space may not sound like that big a deal but remember were
had “16”, yes sweet sixteen racecars at this event! AND the weekend
showed record high temps everyday, the coolest being 106 to the high
Sunday of 113! Trust me when I say the shade was much appreciated.
Hometown tracks are very good for any racer, and his fans. Spencer
Sharpe's fans were in for a treat, and the east coast men better be
prepared! Spenser ran a clinic of speed dominating the entire weekend
winning both days.
That’s not to say he went unchallenged. Donny Edwards currently leading
the West Coast Challenge series points, brought out Bob Evan’s beautiful
red and white “flamed” number 1. Both James and Bobby Bondurant were
driving Evan’s cars. 2003 Series champ Bob Lawson was there in the
Factory Five West #11, and Langley Kauserbooon in his number 6 beautiful
silver spec racer in only his second weekend of running was showing a
heavy foot (by the way he also has an even more beautiful brand spanking
new spec racer for sale at LK Motorsports! Other newcomers were Peter
Nash, Robert Woods coming out for their first event, both running very
well. Mike McGovern the lead driving instructor at Bondurant’s Driving
School, brought out the #19 from there to run. Bob Bondurant came out to
cheer on his son Bobby (a very fast man), and his grandson James (#2
drifting king in the nation) Rick Anderson, Mike Easton, Dave Standridge
(Rennwork BMW fame), and Mike and John Joyce “Slightly Dangerous Racing”
were also on hand, and running very well in support of the largest ever
field for a race other than the nationals!
 With
this many entrants the show was great 16 roadster’s coming down the
straight at PIR! When the green fell on Saturday Donny and Spencer
blasted into turn one side by side with no daylight between them, with
Dave Riha and James right behind. As the dust settled in turn two
Spencer was leading and took off. Putting on a show of talent, never
looking back taking first. There were battles all over the track, Dave
Riha and James switched positions dozens of times, sometimes each
passing the other in the same lap! Bob Lawson and Langley traded
positions battling hard. A few cars were in the battles but fell out,
Mike Mcgovern was battling with James and Dave but his T5 gave out. What
a shame, as it was a beautiful battle. All of these iron men
were racing hard in 110 degree HEAT!
The really only unfortunate item was Rick Anderson got out of shape
coming onto the back straight almost head on into the wall just stopping
short, but James Bondurant happened to be passing out there and the two
collided, doing extensive damage to Rick's car, and a lot of body damage
to the Evan's machine.
After the race everyone started repairing cars, took a break for
Gordon’s Ribs, and some welcome COLD BEER, then got back to work well
into the night.
Sunday morning arrived 10 degrees
hotter than the day before at the same time! Track times in
qualifying were a little slower than the day before, EXCEPT for Langley
…. A 1:06 and change! As he himself put it, “I turned a really good lap,
but I think there was a mistake in timing”.
There he was bringing the field
down for the start, as the green flew both he and Spenser took off, but
James got a terrific start going into the first turn three wide! It was
a awesome sight, James gave it a hell of a try, but couldn’t hold turn
two going four off, keeping his foot in it, and getting back on track,
but costing himself many positions. Donny was also in the thick of it
but the fuel system gave up leaving him on the sidelines.
Again Spencer took the lead and couldn’t be caught. A flawless ride!
Langley fought off James challenge after he recovered passing cars left
and right to try to catch Langley taking the last podium spot.
The race was amazing, John Joyce
and Mike Easton although toward the back of the racing field had an
incredible battle, they must have passed each other fifteen times in
thirty laps, as did Robert Woods, and Rick Anderson more toward the
middle of the field! There were battles everywhere! A great show to
watch. No matter where you looked on the track there were very hard
fought wars going on every bit as intense as the heat, it didn’t matter
if it was for first or last.
The Factory Five Challenge
contestants put on a terrific show for all to see.
GREAT RACING, CONGRATS TO ALL………………..to be continued in June at Thunder
Hill….. Keep your wheels down and see you there.
by Dan Lawson
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