J. Patrick Womack, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, was the runaway Touring 3 class winner in the Northern Conference and narrowly captured the nationwide class championship. The Nationwide points came down to race wins to break the three-way tie at the top.

“I realized after about the third race weekend that there was an outside chance of pulling off the nationwide points title, as I had three other strong competitors across the country,” Womack said. “We watched each other closely and it came down to highest finishing place with three of us tied for points. Both Bob Schader and Chad Gilsinger finished tied with me on points. I was just lucky enough to put more overall wins on the board than them and that is what pushed me slightly ahead.”

On paper, it may look like Womack had a fairly trouble-free year. However, in racing nothing goes exactly to plan. Womack’s year was no different.

“My only setback for the year was after the second race weekend at Blackhawk Farms,” Womack said. “I misjudged weather and started the second race on dry tires instead of wets. Upon acceleration I lost the rear and started spinning like a top down the front straight and into the outside wall causing some damage but not destroying the car. I managed to get back on track and get back on the podium.

“Fall Line Motorsports did a fantastic job repairing the car in a short period of time and getting us back out for the next weekend, I really have to thank these guys for their support and professionalism over the years.”

Womack wanted to make sure to bring attention to his best supporters.

“Without the support of my wife, and friends, this would not be a reality,” Womack said. “They allow me to blow out of town for a long weekend to enjoy my passion. It is truly some of the most peaceful time I have in my hectic life, and only racers realize this.

“Running a large BMW Center in the Chicagoland area is stressful and time consuming. So, once I get belted in and can take a deep breath nothing else matters. You have to be 100-percent focused on the task at hand and it is like a drug, you crave the peace more and more.”

Aside from his support system, Womack also wanted to draw attention to the very talented drivers with which he competed.

“I give my T3 competitors great credit as I know most were watching each other very closely from afar,” Womack said. “I know that it is a very talented field. Many race in the Continental Tire Series or Pirelli World Challenge, and I am just an aging BMW salesman.

“I really wish that I could have attended the Runoffs but was given the opportunity to drive a very special car at the Porsche Rennsport reunion and I could not pass that up.

Congratulations go out to Bob Schader for the Runnoffs win. We felt the Nissan really had the advantage this year and Bob proved it with an incredible run at Daytona.”

Last, but certainly not least, Womack wanted to thank some very special people without whom drivers could not race.

“I wanted to make sure to thank all the corner workers and others that donate their time to SCCA so that we can go out and enjoy a very special sport that most outsiders do not understand,” Womack said. “I really feel like part of a special family when at the track and it is a joy to be there with like-minded people.

“Again, thank you to my wife Melissa as well as the whole Fall Line Motorsports team for their hard work and support!”