SPEEDSF CHALLENGE - MARCH 17, 2019 - ROUND 2
The SpeedSF Track Events party continued on to Thunderhill West held in the middle of March, much to everyone’s happiness. As they say, “West is Best!” — and our drivers agree!
This round featured a fallen record and excellent driving from all participants involved.
Class S1
A man in a literal league of his own by the name of Gordon Peng in some Chevy 2-door arrived on scene to win his class, putting down a 01:21.962. Despite having a rough start to the SpeedSF Challenge session, he managed to get what was rightfully his!
Class S2
When your last name is literally the same name as a popular brand of racing tires, you’re pretty much expected to go fast. Dan definitely lived up to the name by not only rejoining the SpeedSF Challenge after a few years off, but dominated the S2 group while still maintaining the signature smile. His 01:19.870 lap time in his fearsome 2004 BMW M3 was ridiculous. This not only was a fast lap time, but he obliterated Gary Yeung’s S2000 S2 class lap record of 1:21.411. That’s certainly one way to re-introduce yourself to everyone!
Gary’s efforts did not go unnoticed as he put down a 01:21.606 lap time for his 2nd place win. Never mind the fact he was only .300 ahead of 3rd place winner and other M3 driver of the podium Steven Chiu. Steven’s also came out of a mini retirement and put down a 01:21.914 lap time. Come on Steven, shake off that rust! How are you going to beat Gary again this season?
Class S3
Going o
There were 9 drivers who showed up to play in this group, and the top three were relatively close to each other in lap time - not bad! Gary Wong took home 1st place with some crisp driving in his 2004 Honda S2000, proudly laying down a 01:22.353 lap time. The 2nd place winner was Bob Blackwood who drove his 2005 Lotus Elise with a masterclass display and a 01:23.139 lap time to boot. Martin Riente rounded off 3rd place with a 01:23.836 lap time in his Honda S2000 as well. Great job to all the drivers in this group.
Group S4
More S2000 love continuing on to Group S4, with 1st place winner Sohan Kota putting down a neat 01:24.721 lap time in his 2000 Honda S2000, while 2nd place winner, driving a car we don’t normally see outside of drifting events (a 1991 Nissan 240SX), put down a cool 01:28.682 lap time! “Dad” of the NorCal86DRIVE Challenge, Matt Belter, piloted his Subaru BRZ to a 01:32.536 lap time to round out 3rd place for this group. Awesome stuff guys!
Group S5
This was a Miata-filled group that featured a rotary-powered Mazda cousin who was in the group for a good show AND a class win for the day! Daniel Riente drove his 1985 Mazda RX-7 to Class S2 victory by using all of his Dorito power and laying out a 01:29.608 lap time and managed to beat 2nd place NA Spec Miata driver Scott Smith by just .163 seconds! Super close! Perhaps Scott can improve on his 01:29.771 the next time around? 3rd place driver Eric Fernandez, also in a Miata ( albeit an NB), was very close to beating Scott with his own 01:29.902 lap time — certainly a respectable lap time for a non-Spec Miata! This is going to be a great group to watch with the top three drivers being separated by mere tenths!
Conclusion
A great job to the drivers who won their places and THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the SpeedSF Challenge!
As we look forward to Round 3 of the SpeedSF Challenge back at Weathertech Race Laguna Seca we want to say that we truly appreciate our sponsors and participants as it would not be possible without them!
We thank our sponsors Wine Country Motorsports, G-Loc brakes, Titan7 Wheels, Necksgen, and Charles Schwab for their continued and valued support. Please visit their respective websites to show your support and let them know SpeedSF sent you!
Our next SpeedSF Challenge will be held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA. Again, please check out the event website by clicking here. We will see you at our next event!