Norcal News
By John Anderson
Published: April 10, 2006
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The NorCal contingent of the NASA TT Series traveled to Willows, CA. last weekend to compete in the 3rd event of the season at Thunderhill Raceway Park. There were 31 total competitors and a couple of new faces that joined us for the first time. Welcome aboard to Percy Howard III (TTA), Barrett Benson (TTA) and Robert Fuller (TTA) who is a regular in the SoCal TT series. Not only did they all compete in TTA, but also all three brought Evo’s to the party.
As expected, the rain came along about mid-day on Sunday and many folks decided that was the time to pack up and get an early start for home. However, the first 6 sessions of the weekend were pretty much dry and that, combined with the cool air, caused a few records to fall. Our newcomer Robert Fuller, though definitely not new to a racetrack, managed to break the TTA lap record by nearly a second. The record was previously held by Ryan Willson, driving his Griggs prepared ‘98 Mustang. You can bet that he’ll be gunning for that 2:01.982 lap time that Robert (Robi) set on his next visit to Willows. Ben Brandt was able to top his previous mark in his ’92 Miata, however it was Patrick Canlas in his Miata that would leave the track with the best time of the day and the new record in TTE. (2:11.377) These two are sure to be battling it out all season long. Lastly, Hugh Carter finally made the trip up to Thunderhill in his ’90 Honda Civic and was the first TTG participant to compete at this track. Though uncontested, his 2:31.231 stands as the official record in that class.
With only 3 weekends in the books and 7 still to go, the point standings for the season championship are beginning to take shape:
TTU
John Griggs was able to edge last years TTU Champion, Brian Evans, for the top spot on Saturday. Thus far, John has been picking up points this season by competing with a variety of cars prepared in the “Griggs Racing” stable of late model Mustangs. Once he gets his own monster, 660 HP, GR40 Cobra back on the track, who knows how many records will fall. On Sunday, the top spots went to Mr. Evans in his lightning fast RX-7, Greg Pribble in his Mustang Cobra and Peter Viviani in yet another Griggs prepped muscle car. Lowell Fennie remains in second place this season proving that consistency is sometimes the key to success. Lastly, Michael Neujahr dropped from 1st to 3rd place in the standings last weekend, as he was unable to attend. I’d say fatherhood is one of the few acceptable reasons to miss an event. J Congrat’s Mike and we look forward to your return!
TTA
With the exception of Mr. Fuller’s performance this weekend, it has been all about Ryan Willson and Kevin Smith (both late model Mustangs) that have dominated the competition. These two have both held track records and finish 1-2 or 2-1 at every event. It will be interesting to see which one of these guys ends up as the season champion, or if someone else can stage an assault. Instructors Jim Black and Don Templeton have been accumulating consistent points all year and that might prove quite valuable should one of the Mustangs falter later on this year.
TTB
John Anderson was still unable to fix his brake issues and seriously miscalculated the amount of good tread left on his Hoosiers, which left him unable to compete on Sunday. This left the door wide open for Team Bell to take the top spot both days and also moved his ’04 Nissan 350Z into the lead for the season championship. Team3S has also put up significant, steady numbers this year and promises to be in the mix this fall.
TTC
This year’s standout has been NASA HPDE Instructor and TT newcomer Jeff Cavano in his ’98 Acura NSX-T. Nearly stock, this Acura has been able to break records previously held by our National Director, Greg Greenbaum. If it had not been for a costly spin during the TT Shootout on Saturday, he would have posted a blistering 2:04.xxx lap time. However, it was another instructor, Team Antihybrids in his Honda S2000 that took 1st place on Saturday and posting a lap time that was only 3/10ths off Cavano’s current track record. Fellow Mustang driver Dave Snelson edged out Ken Baer for the top spot on Sunday and it is these two along with the infamous Mario Lento in his ever oil-spilling supercharged Miata that will continue to battle the instructors this season for the championship.
TTD
With only four competitors this season, the D-class appears to be wide open. Doc Brown has been steady and fast, racking up a number of 1st place finishes. Unless someone mounts a significant charge pretty soon, Brown will walk away with the championship in his Spec Miata. Newcomer Jeff Galletta, driving the #8 BMW could mount an attack, as could Mini Cooper driver Al Magenity or John Bachan in his late model Mustang.
TTE
This has always been an exciting class and this year is no different. With last season’s champion having moved on to racing full-time, a number of drivers have stepped up to the challenge of filling those shoes and breaking a number of track records along the way. Our youngest Time Trialer, Ben Brandt has the early lead for the championship. However, Patrick Canlas is right on his tail, both driving early model Miatas. Only time will tell which one of these record breakers will take the championship. Or, will one of our previous record holders, Eileen Thomas, step up her game. Maybe Greg Barron will get his Fiero back on track and put that horsepower to good use. Or, perhaps a newcomer could steal the show. Alexander Brooks-Nels and Michael Karpinski both show lots of promise should they make it to the track often enough to earn some points. Stay tuned!
TTF-TTG
Dave Rowsey (TTF) and Hugh Carter (TTG) have apparently scared away the competition in their 90 H.P. Honda Civics thus far. Both have commanding leads in their respective classes and have gone virtually unchallenged. Another weekend or two without someone to run against and they will most likely lock the season championship and their huge 1st place trophies at the annual awards banquet in January.
Our next event is in Sonoma, CA. at Infineon Raceway on April 29-30th. This springtime event is always a huge draw and the TT Group will definitely sellout. Be sure to signup soon. Until then, keep the shiny side up!
