Bridgestone Iame Winter Series Round 1 a Success!

On Saturday January 22, SIMA hosted its first official race of 2011.  This was the first round of three races for the SIMA Winter Series.  A ton of prizes were up grabs, including a set of Bridgestone tires to each winner while prizes of VP fuel and Seattle Mariners tickets were raffled off.  Many more prizes, including P1 Fitness packages and sets of Douglas Wheels, will be raffled off at the next two Winter Series events in February and March. Unique to this event is its one day format which allows for a lot of track time and a days rest before heading back to work or school. 

Shifters were the largest class of the weekend with 15 participants.  The racing was intense since there was no qualifying.  Grid positions were set by pea picking, and two heats determined the starting position for the final.  Crossing the finish line first was Remo Ruscitti, who also earned himself a free set of Bridgestone tires along with his victory.  Second Place was won by Scott Hargrove, while the top three was rounded out by David Jurca.

Next up was IAME senior, with many drivers doing double duty in both Shifter and IAME Senior classes.   Having their work cut out for them, Hargrove drove to a two-second victory over Donald McGregor, earning himself a new set of Bridgestone YKC tires. Rookie senior driver Keegan Laithwaite captured the third spot.

One of the most entertaining classes of the weekend was that WWR rental kart class.  15 different drivers lined up for the final after a practice and heat race.  When the green flag flew, it was an intense battle with a lot of bumping and banging allowing Nicola Valiante to get out front and never turn back.  Hot on her tail were Stefano Ruscitti and Stan Crocker.  Stefano, brother of Remo Ruscitti would make an impressive last corner, last lap pass to overtake Crocker for the second spot. 

The junior class had light participation but familiar faces where up front.  Jamie McAllister and Nik Thomsen went head to head for the set of Bridgestone YKC tires.  The finish line found McAllister with the victory and the tires, while Sara Brinkac won Jr.1.

In Tag Sr, Chris Barker took the win with Ryan Devier in Second.  With conditions constantly changing, Adam Isman struggled with the slick tires on the drying track slipping to third after starting from the pole.

In 4cycle, Greg Henderson took the top spot and on himself a set of tires with the victory and a second in the raffle. A great weekend for Greg with fellow races Glen Blenkers and Chris Genge.

We look forward to more racing, awards and prize raffles at the next two rounds of the Winter Series scheduled for the 26th of both February and March – don’t miss it!