The Challenge of Learning a New Track
On track, many of the 2018 SCCA Runoffs drivers are experiencing Sonoma Raceway for the first time and learning with video, data and getting as many laps as they can. Trackside, it is also the first visit for 2018 SCCA Runoffs Chief Flagger Don Drennon, who had not seen the track before last Friday.
Though it may be his first time at this track, it’s not the first time Drennon has taken on a lead role at a new track, having done the same thing at the 2017 SCCA Runoffs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and just a few weeks ago at the inaugural Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals at NCM Motorsports Park. Even with decades of Runoffs and trackside flagging and communications experience, Drennon doesn’t expect to just show up and have things fall into place.
“It’s a lot of recon,” Drennon said of his pre-event prep. “Video recon, map recon, lots and lots of it.”
In addition to his vast experience at mega SCCA events and doing his homework, Drennon points out that he couldn’t do it without utilizing the SCCA network.
“It takes a team,” he noted. “I went to Heather Streets, the local SCCA flag chief and asked, ‘Please help.’ I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Right at Home
Competitors travel from all over the United States to take a shot at winning the SCCA® National Championship Runoffs®. Joe Huffaker is no exception, having competed at Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But this year, Huffaker — a nine-time National Champion — isn’t traveling to the Runoffs … because the event is taking place practically in his backyard.
Huffaker, who will be competing this year in both the F Production (FP) and GT-Lite (GTL) classes in his 17th trip to the Runoffs, lives in Petaluma, which is just on the other side of the hill from Sonoma Raceway. He grew up at Sonoma Raceway and has a race shop, Huffaker Engineering, onsite at the track.
“I get to sleep in my own bed this year,” Huffaker joked. “I’ve turned thousands of laps at this track, and that makes a difference. I can see these other guys who are really good, and I’m so happy they came out from back east, but I see them struggling with this track. But I know they’ll have it down when race day comes around.”
It’s been a couple years since Huffaker last walked away with a Runoffs win? Will he be able to get back to the top step of the podium? He’s off to a good start after setting the fastest qualifying time in FP and GTL after the first day of qualifying.
Runoffs qualifying continues Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time from Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. Audio-only coverage of qualifying is available at http://www.SCCA.com/live. Providing the commentary are longtime Runoffs pit reporter Heyward Wagner, Tom O’Gorman (pro driver), Gregg Ginsberg (Super Tour Radio), Andy Hollis and Larry MacLeod (SCCA Solo Nationals announcers) along with occasional special guests. Live timing and scoring can also be found at http://www.SCCA.com/live. Coverage can also be accessed through the SCCA Runoffs mobile app.
The wait is over! The 2018 SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® at Sonoma Raceway has begun. After three days of testing, qualifying officially began Tuesday morning. Each of the 28 car classes has 20-minute qualifying sessions Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to decide Tire Rack Pole Award winners. Audio-only coverage of qualifying is available at http://www.SCCA.com/live. Providing the commentary are longtime Runoffs pit reporter Heyward Wagner, Tom O’Gorman (pro driver), Gregg Ginsberg (Super Tour Radio), Andy Hollis and Larry MacLeod (SCCA Solo Nationals announcers) along with occasional special guests. Live timing and scoring can also be found at http://www.SCCA.com/live. Coverage can also be accessed through the SCCA Runoffs mobile app.
Mazda Shows the Way
Mazda Motorsports has long offered manufacturer support at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. That has included parts support, technical expertise, contingency and an annual dinner for its racers. For 2018, the support continues with a hospitality tent on site where racers, teams and families can relax and grab a snack, cold drink, and even lunch.
Also provided this year is guidance from pro racers Jonathan Bomarito, who races the Mazda RT24-P in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and Tom Long, who has raced everything form Spec Miata to the RT24-P. Sign-up sheets for coaching session can be found at the Mazda hospitality tent found at Sonoma Raceway’s Turn 7 paddock.
The Mazda annual banquet for Mazda racers and families will be held Wednesday evening in a tent at the track, on the hill on driver’s left between Turns 1 and 2. The banquet is always a celebration of Mazda racers’ accomplishments throughout the year, but will also have presentations on the strategy for the third-generation (NC) MX-5, where Mazda Motorsports intends to put resources behind boosting the car’s profile, and possibly an update on the Penske Racing Shocks for Spec Miata. Grab banquet tickets at the Mazda parts trailer. Festivities begin at 6 with the program scheduled for 6:45, dependent on how late on-track action runs.
California Connection
As the roaming Runoffs move to a track just up the road from the Golden Gate, more than 180 drivers hail from the Golden State. Although there are drivers from as far away as Miami, Florida (3,131 Miles) and Walpole Massachusetts (3,172 Miles), a major benefit of moving the event around the country is how it gives opportunities to SCCA drivers who might not otherwise find the time to cross the country to participate.
“We may see some ups and downs for overall entries, but it does ensure that over the course of a few years that many SCCA racers have a great shot at experiencing the Runoffs,” said Eric Prill, SCCA’s Vice President and COO. “With such a large contingent of California drivers attending, it gives everyone a chance to see some new names mixing with the traditional Runoffs front-runners. Plus, it looks to be six absolutely gorgeous days for racing, so it’s great to be in Northern California at Sonoma Raceway.”
It’s SCCA® Board of Directors voting season again, with five of the 13 designated Areas selecting members to serve on the BoD. Board members serve a three-year term. Ballots are mailed to addresses on record with the SCCA office for those in Areas with an upcoming election. Per SCCA policy, areas without contested elections will not receive ballots and be recorded as a 1-0 election.
Ballots should arrive soon in some mailboxes, but please allow at least a week for ballots to be delivered. Instructions are included with the ballot. Completed ballots should NOT be returned to the SCCA office. Instead, votes will be tallied by Mize Houser & Company. A postage paid return envelope is included with the ballot for your convenience.
Members in good standing as of October 1 shall be eligible to vote. If you feel you did not receive a ballot and should have, or if you have questions, please contact [email protected] or call 800-770-2055. Again, please give time for ballots to come through the mail before calling Member Services. Ballots must be returned to Mize Houser & Company by November 15. Areas up for election this year are as follows:
Area 1: Encompasses the Northeast Division, including the New England, New York and Northern New Jersey regions.
– Incumbent Area 1 Director Bob Dowie is running unopposed
Area 5: Encompasses the Central Division, including: Badlands, Central Illinois, Great River, Lake Superior, Milwaukee, Blackhawk Valley, Chicago, Iowa and Land O’ Lakes regions. Outgoing Director is Bruce Lindstrand.
– Peter Jankovskis
– Bill Trainer
Area 7: Encompasses the Southwest Division, and regions such as: Alamo, Delta, Lone Star, Texas, South Texas Border, Central Louisiana, Houston, Red River, Southwest Louisiana and West Texas.
– Incumbent Area 7 Director Dan Helman is running unopposed
Area 8: Encompasses the Rocky Mountain Division including the Colorado, Utah, Southwest Montana, Yellowstone, Rio Grande, Pan Am and Continental Divide regions.
– Incumbent Area 8 Director Arnie Coleman is running unopposed
Area 13: Encompasses part of the Northern Pacific Division, including: Northwest, Big Sky, Arctic Alaska, Oregon, Montana and Snake River regions. Area 13 post open due to current Director, Jim Weidenbaum, relocating outside Area’s border.
– Monty Holt
– Jeff Zurschmeide
Board of Directors members in the midst of their terms include: Area 2 – Jack Burrows, Area 3 – Lee Hill, Area 4 – Marcus Merideth, Area 6 – Chris Albin, Area 9 – Charlie Davis, Area 10 – Earl Hurlbut, Area 11 – Jason Isley, Area 12 – Tere Pulliam.
The Board of Directors represents you, the members — be part of the process and vote!
