2009 Runoffs at Road America

SCCA announced today the results of a vote by its Board of Directors that will move the National Championship Runoffs® to Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) in 2009. Road America will become the sixth venue to host the event, dating back to 1964.

The Sports Car Club of America, Inc. (SCCA) Board directed its staff to move forward to negotiate a three-year agreement with Road America for SCCA Club Racing’s signature event, which has averaged over 650 participants since 2000. The Runoffs is currently in the final year of a three-year agreement at Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka, Kan.

“Given the deep history the track, the town of Elkhart Lake and SCCA enjoy, it only seems natural for the most prestigious Club Racing event in the world to be hosted by Road America,” SCCA President & CEO Jim Julow said. “The Board had a difficult decision, as we had an unprecedented number of outstanding potential hosts for the event, meaning the long term future of Club Racing’s National Championship is very bright.”

“The SCCA has been an integral part of our 53 year-history,” Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies said. “The opportunity to showcase our facility and our community to a nation of SCCA racers and fans is a tremendous honor. On behalf of our board of directors and staff, my thanks to the SCCA for their confidence. We promise to build on the outstanding Runoffs tradition and exceed stakeholder expectations.”

The first-ever “Interdivisional Championship,” later referred to as the “Runoffs,” was held at Riverside Raceway (Riverside, Calif.) in 1964, and alternated coasts with Daytona International Raceway (Daytona Beach, Fla.) through 1969. In 1970, the event began a 24-year run at Road Atlanta (Braselton, Ga.), before moving to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) in 1994. After 12 years in Ohio, the Runoffs moved to Heartland Park Topeka in 2006. The move after three years signifies a change in philosophy after such long runs at venues from the 1970s through the turn of the century.

“Club Racing in the United States has evolved in the last decade, and rotating the Runoffs will do nothing but help the event and the Club Racing program, overall,” SCCA Chairman R.J. Gordy said.

“This is by no means a reflection on the job that Raymond Irwin and his staff have done at Heartland Park Topeka,” Julow added. “In the last four years, they have met every challenge and request and built a tremendous facility that is worthy of potentially hosting not only the Runoffs, but other high-profile road racing events in the future. Additionally, the local community and business groups have been outstanding and we thank them for their continued support.”

The event has grown in both size and stature over the years, with approximately 700 of the nation’s best amateur race drivers from across the country making the annual trek for the event that spans an entire week, preceded by additional days of optional testing. The sheer number of competitors makes the Runoffs the largest annual amateur road racing event in the world, and results in an average local economic impact approaching $10 million each year.

The Runoffs annually crown the National Champions of SCCA Club Racing’s National level classes (currently 25) and has been referred to as the “Olympics” of motorsports. Drivers from across North America race locally to earn points, with the top-10 qualifying drivers from the nine SCCA Divisions in each class earning an invitation to compete in the event. The list of past Runoffs Champions is a who’s who in road racing history that includes Skip Barber, Michael Galati, Paul Newman, Bobby Rahal, Graham Rahal, Greg Ray, Boris Said and Scott Sharp.

Road America’s history dates back to the early 1950s when public street races in the Elkhart Lake area were a part of the SCCA national championship series. When street racing became illegal in 1952, participants and supporters joined efforts and raised funds to develop Road America. The track held its first event, the SCCA National, on September 10-11, 1955. The inaugural June Sprints® was held the following year, June 23-24, 1956. Today, the 14-turn, 4.048-mile track holds its original configuration and continues to challenge the world’s best two- and four-wheel racers.

The date for the 2009 event has yet to be finalized, although it will move from October to September.

The 45th SCCA National Championship Runoffs will be held at Heartland Park Topeka October 6-12, 2008.

For more information about SCCA and the National Championship Runoffs, please visit
[ www.scca.com/Runoffs ]

For more information about Road America, please visit
[ www.roadamerica.com ]

For more information about Heartland Park Topeka, please visit
[ www.hpt.com ]


News story from
[ scca.com/newsarticle.aspx?hub=1&news=3334

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PVM Buys West Race Cars

PVM Motorsports announced today the acquisition of West Race. West's Portland assembly plant will be moved to PVM's expanded facilities in Atlanta, GA, housing both race team operations for PVM Motorsports and manufacturing for West Race Cars.

“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to acquire, establish and grow the West Race Cars company here in Atlanta,” said Eric Vassian, CEO and President of both PVM Motorsports and now West. “I have worked closely with West over the past two years and look forward to now combining the efforts between our race team and manufacturing plant to build exciting new cars in the months ahead”

West CEO, Ted Spooner said “I’m confident Eric will do a great job with West. He has a passion for the business of racing and plans to grow and expand the West product line. His proven track record for customer service and marketing will bode well for West moving forward.”

West Race Cars is the sole constructor for the L2 class of the very successful IMSA Lites presented by Hankook series. PVM Racing has been part of the series since it’s inception in 2006, winning consecutive team championships and driver championships. “Our partnership with IMSA has worked very well over the years and we will continue to focus our efforts on IMSA Lites, the premier sports racing series in the world. We are in the planning stages for the 2009 racing season and you will see some exciting changes coming from West Race Cars.”

Tim Mayer, IMSA President and COO of the American Le Mans Series, “We have every confidence in Eric and believe he will continue to maintain the standards of excellence established by West in the IMSA Lites Series. We look forward to an exciting season of racing in the L2 class from the West competitors.”

For more information about West Race Cars or PVM Motorsports contact West at (404) 376-8282. The IMSA Lites presented by Hankook series kicks off at the Mobil1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 13

[ PVM Motorsports website ]

[ Read more ] ::

C&D Features Green Normas

Two ATG prepared Norma M20F sports racers are featured in an article in the March edition of Car & Driver magazine. The cars are featured in a segment called "Bio-Racing – Little Green Racing Machines."

Automotive Technology Group (ATG) of Irvine, California, took two normally aspirated, gas powered Norma M20F 2.0 liter sports car and converted them to run on bio-ethanol (a type of E85), resulting in increased horsepower output of 10% while significantly reducing emissions. Both cars ran flawlessly for the full duration of the NASA 25 hour of Thunderhill endurance in Northern California. One of the cars finished 2nd place overall capping off an exciting race where the two E85 powered cars repeatedly reset fast lap of the race.

Read the full Car & Driver article.

The cars were also featured in the February 2008 issue of Ethanol Producers Magazine in a ten page article that discussed the Thunderhill race and the merits of Bio-Ethanol in race cars. The article titled "Quick off the Straw" has drawn attention from all automotive sectors.

Read the full Ethanol Producers Magazine article.

For more information on the Norma M20F or the E85 conversion, email James Vaughn at jvaughn@automotivetechnologygroup.com or go to the

[ Automotive Technology Group website ]

[ Read more ] ::

NAMEC 2008 Schedule Finalized

North American Modern Endurance Championship and NASA announce dates and venues for their 2008 endurance races for CSR/DSR, CN, C3, and SRF Sports Racers to run in Texas and Oklahoma. Each NAMEC enduro will run in one dedicated run group ( Sports Racers only) consisting of the 4 classes. Each race will include a 20 minute practice session and a 20 minute qualifying session.

January 14, 2008: Schedule for 2008 in cooperation with NASA-TX

* February 9-10 MSR Houston (1 hour 45 minute enduro)
* March 15-16 MSR Cresson (1 hour 45 minute enduro)
* April 19-20 Texas World Speedway 2.9 Counter Clockwise w/ 4 hour enduro
* June 21-22 Hallet (1 hour 45 minute enduro)
* August 2-3 Texas World Speedway 2.9 Clockwise (1 hour 45 minute enduro)
* October 11-12 Eagles Canyon (1 hour 45 minute enduro)

Race Format

Each NAMEC enduro will run in one dedicated run group ( Sports Racers only) consisting of the 4 classes below. NASA cars will be running in their own prospective groups with the exception of the April TWS race where all NAMEC and NASA enduro cars will run in the same group. Each race will include a 20 minute practice session and a 20 minute qualifying session.

Cars will run in 4 classes:

1) CN - ADR3, Norma, Chiron, etc.
1,000cc or less weight 480kg - 1,056lb
1,300cc weight 500kg - 1,100lb
1,600cc weight 520kg - 1,144lb
2,000cc weight 540kg - 1,188lb

2) C3 - Radical
1,000cc or less weight 505kg - 1,111lb
1,300cc weight 540kg - 1,188lb
1,600cc weight 565kg - 1,243lb

3) Spec Racer Fords- SCCA Specs apply

4) CSR/DSR Class- All 2.3L and under sports racers excluding converted Formula Atlantic cars. SCCA specs apply. Eligible cars include but are not limited to: West, Diasio, Phoenix, Elan, Fusion, Gloria, Johnston, Mallen-Alley, Speads, Stohr, MSR.

Schedule

The detailed schedule of the events for the weekend of February 9/10 will be up on the NASA site soon. When I get those I will email the schedule to everyone on the email list.

Entry Fees

Entry fees are $475. For an additional fee, cars in these 4 NAMEC classes are also invited to run in the NASA sprint races in the Super Unlimited group. This will include practice, qualifying and 4 sprint races. This is a total of over 4 hours of track time for the weekend not counting the test and tune day on Friday. You can enter one race at a time or multiple races.
Licenses

An annual NAMEC license and NASA license are required and can be obtained by having a valid competition license from NASA, SCCA or FIA. Details of licensing is described below. This is a one time annual requirement.

Drivers

The 1 hour 45 minute enduros can have 1 driver or 2. The 4 hour enduro requires at least two and no more than 4 drivers.

Re-Fueling

There will be one mandatory timed fueling stop for the 1 hr 45 min enduros to accommodate cars without dry break fueling. More for the 4 hour race.

Fuel

CN and C3 cars max octane is 104. Fuel is open for 2008 for SRF and DSR/CSR.

Tires

Tires are open for 2008. We are working on a tire contingency program with Goodyear and hope to have that worked out in the next few days.

Trophies and Prize Money

Each class with more than 3 entrants will be awarded:

First Place: $150, Trophy and NAMEC Shirt

Second Place: $75, Trophy and NAMEC Shirt

Third Place: $50 and NAMEC Shirt

As the size of the classes grow through the year and as we can attract new sponsors, we will increase the prize money.

Contact

For more information see
[ North American Modern Endurance Championship ]

[ Read more ] ::

Juno Racing USA Formed

Juno UK Managing Director, Ewan Baldry, agreed to terms with Chris Hall for Chris to become their sole US distributor and form Juno Racing USA. Chris is a very experienced racer/coach/instructor and owner of his own race shop based in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was born in London, UK and has now lived and raced in the US for 13 years. Over the past 5 years Chris’s specialty has been the sports racer class making him an expert in this field.

The Cars

Juno design race winning, innovative and beautifully engineered race cars. Their race winning chassis has been designed using state of the art Computer Aided Design techniques allied to considerable on-track experience. The cars can run in a variety of sports racing championships world wide including the V de V, Britsports, PBOC Florida, NASA Pro Racing, FARA USA etc.

Q: How much is a Juno?

A: It all depends on the configuration. A basic Juno TR220 track day car starts at $85,000 and climbs to $150,000 plus for the ultra fast 400 HP Juno Jaguar. The Juno chassis design is universal for every combination of engine, enabling a basic Juno TR220 to be upgraded to a 250 HP Ford or 400 HP Jaguar engine economically.

Q: Where can I race a Juno in the USA?

A: There are several organizations that have a class for all Juno chassis engine combinations. N.A.S.A., PBOC Florida, FARA USA etc. If you want to compete in SCCA Juno can configure a specification to meet CSR rules.

Q: Does Juno make a car specifically for the track day market?

A: Yes. The Juno 220 HP Ford Duratec TR220 engine was designed for the prolific track day market. To this effect it is fitted with two seats enabling the driver to give family or friends the "hot lap" of their life!! The Juno TR220 is also an excellent training car for teaching and coaching purposes.

Q: How will spares and support be handled?

A: Juno Racing USA will carry a comprehensive supply of parts at it’s Daytona Beach, Florida location with immediate back up from the UK. Juno Racing USA along with it’s sister company Competition Source can also provide track side support for the Juno owner.

For more information, email Chris Hall via chris@junoracingusa.com or go to
[ www.junoracingusa.com ]
[ www.junoracing.co.uk ]

[ Read more ] ::

Elva 50th Anniv Updates

The SVRA Vintage Races at Sebring March 12-15, 2008, will honor the 50th Anniversary of Elva sports racers at Sebring. There has been a $100.00 reduction for all US based Elva entries, and complementary entries for non US Elva entries. There is no requirement for FIA paperwork or special licenses. For those travelling extra long distances, do keep in mind that there are additional racing opportunities both before and after the Elva event and details are available from the organising groups HSR and SVRA websites. There is also the Amelia Island Concours the previous weekend.

Accommodation is at a premium as already announced on this website so do get something booked soonest. It could be worth considering an RV to avoid too much driving and possible traffic delays. There will be special Elva events within the Sebring meeting and all details will be advised over the coming weeks. Race schedules will be confirmed in early January, but again do PLEASE make contact with the SVRA to help them plan this event to best advantage.

Some contact info:
www.elva.com
www.svra.com
www.sebringraceway.com
www.hsrrace.com
www.ameliaconcours.org
www.uShip.com/vehicles

and for UK shipping email Gordon Palmer on GordonNPalmer@aol.com or David of Autofreight on Autofreight@aol.com

[ Read more ] ::

NAMEC Teams with NASA for 2008

NASA-Texas and the North American Modern Endurance Challenge (NAMEC) have announced that they agree to partner to bring endurance racing to Texas for Sports Racer class cars. The growing number of Sports Racer owners now have an opportunity for more races in an endurance format. Where sprint races are usually 25 to 30 minutes, NAMEC/NASA will provide 5 events of 1 or 1.5 hours each and one event of 4 hours in 2008. This series takes its cue from the very popular and very competitive V. de V. modern endurance series in Europe.

"We are excited about adding a class of high performance, purpose built race cars to our racing community. The added challenge of endurance racing for these cars should make it an interesting and exciting series", says Shannon Matus, President of NASA-TX.

Andrew Campbell, Director of NAMEC went on to say, "We hope to build NAMEC to a big series like those run in Europe. We started NAMEC earlier in 2007 in California in cooperation with NASA and there has been a lot of interest. Bringing the series to Texas will provide the same opportunity for this region of the country. These are the fastest open cockpit two seat sports racers short of the $1M plus, ALMS LMP cars. This series offers a real endurance race experience for the club racer."

The events will be held at the popular road courses in Texas. The new Eagle's Canyon in Slidell will be an interesting new addition to the tracks in 2008.

* February 9-10 - MSR Houston
* March 15-16 - MSR-Cresson
* April 19-20 - Texas World Speedway (4 hour)
* June 21-22 - Eagle's Canyon or Hallett (TBD)
* August 2-3 - TWS
* October 18-19 - Eagle's Canyon

Four classes invite most Sports Racers

NAMEC offers four classes:

1. The CN and CM classes use similar rules as the V. de V. in Europe and is composed of two seat, car and motorcycle engine based Sports Racers.
2. The SR classes are composed of any SCCA legal CSR or DSR or SRF classes excluding converted Atlantics.
3. Rules can be viewed on this site and are being modified to accommodate the SR class car's refueling requirements during the endurance format.
4. Cash prizes have been committed for the first race and sponsors are welcome for the remaining races.
5. Points will be awarded toward the series championship per the NAMEC Rules.
6. All participants are invited to the 25 Hours of Thunderhill to cap off the 2008 season.

Entry fees will be similar to typical NASA fees for enduros. The details will be provided as soon as they are finalized.


Contact dean@motorsports-sw.com or info@nasatx.com for more information and to reserve a spot on the starting grid.

Useful links to information:

[ www.nasatx.com ]

[ www.motorsports-sw.com/namec ]

[ www.vdev.fr/New_en/accueil.php ]

[ Read more ] ::

Elva 50th Anniv at Sebring

This is an open invitation to all ELVA owners to participate in this wonderful SVRA event. The SVRA Vintage Races at Sebring 2008 will honour the 50th Anniversary of Elva sports racers and those who drove in the 1958 meeting which included 'Doc' Wyllie, Chuck Dietrich, Burdette Martin, 'Rip' Ripley, Bill Milliken, Cameron Argentsinger, John Bentley and Frank Baptista all of whom entered Elva Mk.II and Mk.III sports racers in the 12-hour race.

However for 2008 all Elva sports racers, Couriers and the Formula Juniors are invited to attend and race on the world famous 4-mile track. The SVRA are known for well organised and spectacular events and this will be a meeting NOT to be missed! There will be a special Elva paddock, displays and reception party plus a chance to be part of an escorted drive to downtown Sebring for selected cars.

A full 3-day HSR meeting will be held at Sebring the first week in March, and the SVRA will have additional events before and after the main Sebring vintage race. In all a great start to the season and a great opportunity to attend a fabulous and historic race circuit. Elva entries from overseas will be granted free entries and the Entry Forms will be available soon at www.svra.com

There will be regular updates on this official Elva website. More detailed information available from Bob Engberg who has been instrumental in setting this particular ball rolling (thank you Bob) via bobengberg@aim.com or from Roger Dunbar at Elva via www.elva.com/elva-contact.php regarding UK/European entries. Grateful thanks to Jack Woerle at the SVRA for his input and enthusiasm, so now let's make it happen and I look forward to seeing you there!

For more information and updates, see
[ www.elva.com ]

[ Read more ] ::

Fusion $5K Incentive Program

Fusion Racecars have announced a new program to rev up sales of the new FRC-07. The first 5 retail customers to order a new car will receive a $5000 credit that can be used for items such as; spare wheels, data system upgrades, AP Racing air jacks and endurance lighting kit etc.

Both the moto powered (Kawasaki ZX-14/Quaife) and auto powered (2.0L Mazda Duratec/Hewland) cars are eligible.

The cars will be delivered ready to race including an AIM data system and a fitted drivers seat… just add fuel and someone to warm the left seat and you are ready to go.

They are also eligible to run in a variety of sanctioning bodies, series and even track days with the passenger seat installed (also included).

Before starting construction we had the Chassis approved by SCCA and the car can also run with CACC, NASA, the Modern Endurance Championship and many more.

The announcement was made only two weeks after a successful test of the first Fusion FRC-07 at Stratotech Park, Fort Saskatchewan Alberta, Canada.

“It was a short test” said Fusion president, Dennis Bainbridge “but we accomplished our goals. The car was stable, well balanced and very strong."

The Stratotech test came the day after the car was on display in the GT paddock of the Champcar race in Edmonton, Canada.

Contact

For more information contact Dennis Bainbridge,
604-618-2234 or
dennis@fusionracing.com


[ Fusion Chassis page ]

[ Galleries of Fusion images ]

[ Fusion Racing ]

[ Read more ] ::

Dauntless P2007.c Shakedown Tests

Dauntless Racing had a successful test day at Thunderhill Raceway in California evaluating their new CSR bodywork on a Ralt RT-40/41 Formula Atlantic chassis. The usual initial bugs were worked out, then the team proceeded to do preliminary tuning of the chassis and aerodynamic setups. By the end of the day the Clayton family had the car down to record breaking lap times.

Rennie Clayton, the son and team driver, reports, "We had a very successful shakedown run today at Thunderhill to work out teething troubles. We were unable to make the SCCA Regional race last weekend, but made it to the track today running with NCRC / TracQuest in their Open group (think ITE). Not going to release any lap times, but suffice it to say that if we'd been running at the SCCA weekend, there would be a new CSR track record (possibly outright, I'd need to check). We were running the same Hoosier tyres that I won the 2003 Formula Atlantic National Championship on - literally the same set, from 4 years ago.

As expected, there were a few mechanical gremlins to work out, but nothing that caused us to miss any sessions. A great deal was learned about the behaviour of the car with the new body kit, as well as how it all integrates together.

I can safely say at this point: It is fast."

Proud father Stan Clayton added, "I too had a great time at the track today, and it was awesome to get the Ralt back on track after a 4-year hiatus. The NCRC folks were very friendly and welcoming -- a big thank you for sharing the track with us! All the drivers in the Open group were very professional (half the cars sported SCCA stickers... :D ) with lots of point-by's and good, heads-up driving.

As Rennie notes, there were a few mechanical issues to deal with. I think the punch list has about 10 items on it, though nothing major. The engine ran like a top, and the new bodywork seems to really work well. We started off very conservatively, as this is our prototype bodywork and we didn't want to damage it. You can see in the photo that the car was quite high (about half an inch higher than in FA trim). As the day wore on we continued to lower the car (almost to FA ride height now) and fine-tune the aero package. All in all, I must say that I am quite pleased with our progress. Sorry about being a bit cagey about the details, but we are not yet at our final configuration and don't want to give away too many details too early. After all, we don't want to give our competition at the Runoffs too much to go on...!"


[ Dauntless body photos ]

[ Duantless Bodywork page ]

[ Dauntless Racing website ]

[ Sports racer forum discussion on this subject ]

[ Read more ] ::

CSR & DSR Will Not Combine, For Now

The August edition of SCCA's FasTrack included important information in the Club Racing Board (CRB) minutes from July 3 & 5, 2007. It states that "Sports Racer – The CRB has rescinded its recommendation to combine CSR and DSR due to member input."


[ Club Racing section of August 2007 FasTrack ]

[ Full August 2007 FasTrack ]

[ Read more ] ::

Liverato Wins, Sets Record at Glen National

Story by Bill Bell from the SCCA News page.

Jean-Luc Liverato, of Alpharetta, Ga., was third overall and first in DSR driving a Stohr WF1. Liverato also set a new DSR record at The Glen, turning a 1:51.311. William Goldkind, of Holbrook, N.Y., took the CSR win in a Viking and David Dullum, of Falls Church, Va., was the S2000 victor in a Lola.

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (July 17, 2007) – The 59th running of the Glen Nationals, dating back to the original street races in 1949, attracted 320 competitors to the 2007 edition, presented by the Finger Lakes Region Sports Car Club of America. Some of the best national drivers, from Maine to Florida and parts of the Midwest, came to test their skills at one of the most famous and historic road courses in the United States.

Saturday was devoted to practice and qualifying sessions for each of the seven race groups. Following practice and qualifying, an open Town Hall meeting was held with SCCA President Jim Julow and local directors Brian Holtz and John Sheridan, and the evening concluded with a picnic supper for all participants.

Race Three was composed of Formula Atlantic, D Sport Racing, C Sports Racing, F 1000 (FB), Formula Continental, S2000, and Formula Mazda. The start was delayed by two extra pace laps due to slippery course conditions. On Lap Five, a full-course yellow was called for four laps, and green flag racing resumed on Lap Nine. At the finish, it was two Formula Atlantics in first and second position; Paul Lecain, of Dandown, N.H, driving a Ralt Toyota in front, followed by Ahsen Yelkin, of Austintown, Ohio. Polesitter and third in FA, Hans Peter, of Overland Park, Kan., set a new FA track record of 1:45.074, after being held in the pits and starting the race from dead last.

Jeremy Hill, of Toronto, Ont., won FB in a Photon VD, setting an FB track record of 1:54.621 in the process. In FM, it was Jeremy Grenier, of Point of Rocks, Md., and FC was won by Mauro Fauza, of Auburn Hills, Mich., in a Van Diemen. Justin Hoffman, of Herndon, Va., took the FE victory in a Van Diemen and set a lap record of 1:59.171.

Forty-three Spec Racer Fords took the green at the start of Race Two. Lee Hill was the early leader followed by Mark Eaton. Hill took over the point on Lap six, but one lap later, Herb Sweeney, Jr., took the lead with Hill now back in fourth position. Lap nine saw a new leader, Mick Robinson, followed by Derek Defonce and Eaton. This held through four laps of full-course yellow. At the finish, it was Eaton, of Eau Gallie, Fla., Defonce, of New Preston, Conn., and Robinson, of Melbourne, Fla.


[ Sports Racer forum discussion on this race ]

[ Read more ] ::