We wrapped up our second event at Palmer and it was certainly a memorable one. Although perhaps it was not the fun we had on and off track, but rather the torrential rain, high winds, and hail we experienced on Saturday Afternoon!
Paddock Heroes:
The number of people offering up their cars to fellow competitors or braving the storm to help secure their neighbor’s canopies was staggering, but there were a few standouts. Jeff Zissulils for loaning out tires, sawzalls, and anything else anybody needed. Also, to Andrew LaValley for his “airbagectomy,” instructing his student Teresa in the Relay Rally, and for always willing to lend his mechanical skills.
A huge thanks to Palmer Motorsports Park. They were out immediately after the rain had stopped to prep the track and paddock for our Time Trial the next day.
Thank you Bob Steenson and Troy Velazquez for organizing and funding the BBQ, we really appreciate it!
Super A – Cue “All By Myself, by Eric Carmen” as Jon Harris piloted his spaceship Superlite to a 1:45:084 to take first place.
Super B – Jeff Zissulis was not to be outdone this event and threw down a 1:43:798 to claim first over Dan DiMatteo and Ryan Catucci who’s pimp limp must have been slowing him down. Congrats to Mike Guertin for getting his car running and for Ken Story shaking down his freshly built 350ZLS.
Super C – Jon Cowen was again victorious running a 1:46.124 and claiming Most Consistent, real original Jon. Team Orange BMW was close behind with both Tom Cannon and Scott Rosnick running 1:46s.
Super D – Jake Wile ran a 1:45.214, for first place. Even more impressive was the repair work completed from the Palmer 1 incident. Less impressive was his painting skills.
Super E – A real shocker here! Jeff Wasilko put on another commanding performance running a 1:51.782 followed by a slew of other Miatas.
Touring Unlimited – Our first event with a car in this class and Victor Larin made it one to watch with a 1:40.890, setting the TU record and FTD!
Touring 100 – Steven Amanti through some super smooth driving, ran a 1:42.608 that is also a track record, seriously go check out his YouTube video.
Touring 90 – Our very own Rodney Sandstorm sporting some slick new gloves (that he spent most of his free time taking pictures of) piloted his C7 Grand Sport to a 1:42.903 setting a new track record. Nick Gaumond and Preston Pebbles had matching best times of 1:47.903!
Touring 80 – This class is shaping up to be a very fast and competitive class. Vidi Saptari put up a great fight with a 1:46.680, but Chris Taylor decided to go even faster with a 1:46.064 and reset his own track record set last year.
Touring 70 – Brandon Ganem, can no longer be known as slow Brandon as he put down a screaming 1:46.958 that was not only good enough for the win, but a T70 track record as well!!!…grocery stores must have been closing early. Eric Breckner and Andrew LaValley ran a 1:48.729 and a 1:50.506 to pick up 2nd and 3rd. This is certainly shaping up to be an exciting class to watch and were even in the same TT run group along with Bill Rice. Congrats to Teresa on her first COM TT, those sub 2:00 laps are right around the corner! (Pun intended)
Touring 60 – Another David Wittmer victory, but Bob Steenson was right on Dave’s 1:49.778 with a 1:50.153. I think Dave should spot us a couple seconds, or maybe bump drafting? Congrats to Barrett Neidecker on his first COM TT and for putting down a blistering 1:55.887!
Touring 50 – Paul Giurlando with nearly the upset of the season put down a scorching 1:50.720 to claim second place. Dan Baldwin barely squeaked by with a 1:50.419 to claim first place. T50 is a prime example of the COM camaraderie. Troy Velazquez’s workhorse of a Miata finally suffered a failure, which meant Dave Lemoine and Troy had no TT car. Dan Baldwin and Bob Steenson both offered up their cars to Troy and Dave respectively.
Touring 40 – Charles Nano ran a 1:52.443 to claim first place, which was his first career win, Congratulations!!! T40 is another BRZ vs Miata class it seems with 2nd place going to Rodney Carriere in his Miata, 3rd to Hector Ruiz in his BRZ, and 4th place to Emily in her FRS.
Touring 30 – Andrew Grigg showing up on Sunday, throwing down a 1:54.669, and leaving with a first place trophy, he’s a machine! PJ Aspesi may not have been able to match Andrew’s time, but his car color choice of Blurple was worth noting.
-Authored by Chuck Comeau