SpeedSF Challenge Returns as NorCal Miata TT Launches and 86 Challenge Continues

Thunderhill East | February 14–15, 2026

Two days. Three competition platforms. Structured grids. Official timing. Verified results.

Thunderhill East hosted a full competition weekend featuring the ongoing 86 Challenge, the official launch of the NorCal Miata TT Challenge, and the return of the SpeedSF Challenge Championship.

The weekend was made even more demanding by tricky semi-wet conditions. Weather shifted throughout the day from dry to damp and back again, forcing drivers to constantly adapt. Grip levels evolved session by session. Dry lines appeared in some sectors while others remained slick. These were not straightforward laps — they required patience, precision, and experience.

In conditions like this, clean execution separates the field.

February 14 - 86 Challenge – Thunderhill East Cyclone

The 86 Challenge continues to grow as one of the most competitive single-platform series in Northern California. With defined classes and balanced performance indexing, it has become a true proving ground for GR86 and BRZ drivers.

Stock Class
1st – Ivan Larionov – Gen 2 – 2:08.251
2nd – Saurabh Kulkarni – Gen 2 – 2:09.070
3rd – Aris Perez – Gen 2 – 2:10.167

Street Class
1st – Nico Iskos – Gen 2 – 2:06.305
2nd – Dennis Feng – Gen 2 – 2:07.527
3rd – Andrew Cremins – Gen 2 – 2:08.953

Touring Class
1st – Will Lorne – Gen 2 – 2:02.735
2nd – Miles Kodama – Gen 1 – 2:05.937
3rd – Pall Kornmayer – Gen 2 – 2:08.728

Unlimited Class
1st – Daniel Quinones – Gen 2 – 2:03.747
2nd – Brian Kao – Gen 2 – 2:08.921
3rd – Johnny Hu – Gen 2 – 2:09.754

Touring and Unlimited both dipped into the low 2:02–2:03 range, showing the pace potential of the platform. Across all four classes, the depth of competition continues to tighten as drivers refine setups and return each round faster and more prepared.

The 86 Challenge is no longer just participation — it’s a benchmark environment.

February 15 - NorCal Miata TT Challenge – Round 1 Launch

February 15 marked the official launch of the NorCal Miata TT Challenge.

This series has been sought after in Northern California for years. The community was ready. The cars were ready. What was missing was the structure.

Now it’s here.

Super Modified
1st – Rick Dunbar – 2:02.120
2nd – Joey Zhu – 2:05.896
3rd – Matthew DeLaHousaye – 2:07.101

Super Street
1st – Chris Wise – 2:09.607
2nd – Greg Perez – 2:12.711
3rd – Phong Nguyen – 2:13.540

Miata drivers now have a proper proving ground — class-based competition, official timing, and consistent scheduling.

We are working closely with NorCal Miata TT leadership to grow this series deliberately. This is not a one-time activation. It is a platform we intend to refine with driver input.

If you drive a Miata and have been waiting for a structured time trial environment in NorCal, come see it for yourself.

And if you’re already competing, tell us how we can make it better. We are building this with the community.

February 15 - SpeedSF Challenge Championship

The SpeedSF Challenge returned with structured session progression throughout the day.

Grid position for each session was determined by the fastest lap from the previous session. Championship points were awarded based on each driver’s fastest lap time of the day.

S2 Class
1st – Steve Melson – Audi R8 – 1:53.161
2nd – Cory Smetzler – Corvette – 1:55.013

S3 Class
1st – Chris Pestano – BMW M340i – 2:00.06
2nd – Kunal Pamani – Porsche Cayman GT4 – 2:04.338
3rd – Amethyst Reese – Nissan Z – 2:09.081

S4 Class
1st – Andrew Morthland – BMW E46 M3 – 2:01.249
2nd – Martin Riente – Tesla Model 3 Performance – 2:05.666
3rd – Jiachen Yan – Honda Civic Type R – 2:07.412

S5 Class
1st – Seigo Ma – Prius prime - 2:11.861

The championship platform continues to evolve into a structured Time Attack ladder built on qualifying integrity, class balance, and consistent participation.

Upcoming 2026 Competition Dates

SpeedSF Challenge
Apr 26 – Buttonwillow Circuit
May 10 – Sonoma
Sep 6 – Thunderhill East
Oct 24–25 – Thunderhill West (CW / CCW)
Nov 27 – Buttonwillow Classic
Laguna Seca – Pending

86 Challenge (SpeedSF-Hosted Rounds Only)
Mar 14 – Laguna Seca
Apr 4 – Thunderhill West CCW
Apr 5 – Thunderhill West CW
Apr 25 – Buttonwillow Circuit
May 9 – Sonoma
Jun 6 – Thunderhill East Bypass
Oct 11 – Laguna Seca
Oct 24 – Thunderhill West CCW
Nov 28 – Sonoma

NorCal Miata TT Challenge – 2026 Schedule
March 1 – Sonoma
Apr 5 – Thunderhill West CW
May 10 – Sonoma
Sept 6 – Thunderhill East Bypass
Sept 13 – Sonoma
Oct 25 – Thunderhill West CCW

Thunderhill East rewarded preparation, discipline, and adaptability. The season is underway, and competition across all three platforms continues to tighten.

If you’re ready for structured Time Attack with defined classes and measurable progression, we’ll see you at the next round.