USSC-West Race 2 Results
Reno-Fernley Raceway
May 13-14, 2006

By Roger Miller

·    New comer to the series John Stafford
·    Stock CR250 package/Anderson - first time out

·    Ron Shaw while not competing in the series did join the event with his Rotax 257
·    Chris Horsley is not competing in the series but also joined this event, and was also at West #1.

Friday morning saw testing on two track configurations, both of which used a back section of the track that was felt to be too rough, and, the complexity, number and tightness of turns, was not in the character of road racing. During lunch, the Northern California Karters Board of Directors took input from racers that had tested during the morning, and, went out and inspected various parts of the track, and concluded that what is called Configuration "H" looked to be a possible alternative. This configuration avoided the back section, and, changed the racing line through a transition onto the older track, and at the end of the day, both USSC competitors and other road race kart competitors were saying that this layout provided a great mix of corners and was a very drivable circuit.

Due to some miscommunication with the track, and problems with insurance, USSC was not allowed to do any timing and scoring on Friday as had been planned. Roger Miller call together the USSC drivers and teams and discussed the situation. If was agreed that using both Miller's stop watch results, verified with on-board data acquisition, that the qualifying order would be set. Anthony Williams topped the ICE class with a fast time of 1:45.1 followed by Ryen Miller with 1:46.1 and Paul Band with a 1:53.-

In Formula E, Chris and Ryan Hegar compared their data acquisition results and determined that Ryan had the quick time, .1 second better than Chris.

Williams and Miller on the front row for the start of Race #1 rolled into the green flag and Paul Band jumped to the early lead in the 20 minute race. Miller closed the distance and then in lap 4, Band's Rotax seized and Ryen avoided colliding and went into the lead, opened a large gap on Williams who was running his Rotax tuned conservatively to assure completing the event, and, preparing for Race #2 later in the afternoon. Due to some problems in Timing and Scoring, the 20 minute race actually ran closer to 25-28 minutes, however, all was fine.

Miller led the 30 minute Race #2 flag to flag. Williams stayed right on Miller's tail until about ½ distance, when Williams suddenly slowed, near the "Horseshoe" and limped into the pits with the right rear tire going flat. Williams pit crew made a tire change and Williams returned to the race nearly 2 laps down. Miller was then able to lead easily accumulating a full lap advantage on the rest of the field. Stafford got off to a slow start, but, was able to get his rhythm and slowly closed on Ron Shaw, running third. Stafford made the move on Shaw and then the two traded positions several times, finally Stafford was able to break away, and with Williams' pit stop, moved into 2nd. Chris Horsely, in only his 2nd race was able to hang onto 3rd with a consistent run.

Chris and Ryan Hegar were the only Formula E contenders to attend this event. They enjoyed racing each other, and with Riley Will in attendance, were able to accomplish much testing and tuning over Friday and Saturday on their BRC powered Anderson karts. While Ryan was the fast qualifier, in the end, it was Chris that won both Race 1 and Race 2.

Point total after two rounds:

F/E
Ryan Hegar 108
Chris Hegar 106
Ryan Kurpiewski 62
Pat Yoshikane 32
Larry Kurpiewski 32

I/CE
Ryen Miller 128
Mark Morrison 86
Anthony Williams 84
Paul Band 66
John Stafford 44