Miata Challenge Round 5: Spring Mountain (5/16/2010)
 

With the quick hiatus that is Miatas at MRLS 2010 come and gone, Miata Challenge is back for Round 5 at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park. This is a first for Miata Challenge to visit this exclusive “motorsports country club.” Personally, just seeing the track layout of the pristine 2.2 mile circuit and the fact that it usually isn’t open to many open track day groups like Speedventures very often, both those reasons are enough for me to sign up and join in the fun.

And if it’s any more influence to you to come, Las Vegas is only 45 minutes away from Spring Mountain, in case you want to make a weekend out of the trip.

Per usual, Speed Ventures credits on rewarded to the podium finishers of each class.

• 1st: $30
• 2nd: $20
• 3rd: $10

And remember, you guys are starting this year fighting for the season grand prizes, as per the 2009 season finale.

• 1st: $200 SV credit AND 1 set of 949Racing 6UL wheels (Gen 2)
• 2nd: $100 SV credit AND choice of either a $200 949Racing voucher towards $1000+ purchase or $100 gift certificate
• 3rd: $50 SV credit AND choice of either $100 949Racing voucher towards $700+ purchase or $50 gift certificate

Round 4 registration link: Sun, May 16th, Spring Mountain
(Note: TRANSPONDERS ARE REQUIRED. Please order one during online registration.)

2010 Rules and Regulations link: PLEASE READ
It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and understand these rules in their entirety.

Current Standings: As of Round 4


Round 4 Summary:

Infineon Raceway had plenty handle as Miata Challenge came to town in Sonoma, CA. Bryan Wood’s Modified-class track car made its MC debut after much hype and anticipation since the beginning of the 2010 season. Also, MC’s very first V8 Miata entries gave something for the established ranks both Unlimited and Modified classes new competition to defend against. Though there were no Street-class cars to be found here, but the added spice in the other two classes definitely was enough to spark excitement within the total 10-car field (5 in both Modified and Unlimited) at what is claimed to be the best road course in CA.

In Unlimited class, Gordon Jennings definitely had something to worry about, despite his refreshed Rotrex setup now making 350whp, because Dean Thomas made his debut in the class with very fast, untested, fresh out-of-the-box LS1-powered Miata. The results between the two were very close, with Dean nearly taking out Gordon with a 1:49.930. Gordon got the win barely with a 1:49.248 and extends his winning streak to 3. Last year’s Infineon winner, Andrew Kidd, had a few mechanical hiccups early in practice, got them fixed, but choked in the time attack session with a 1:50.028, 3 seconds off his pace last year. However, Andrew’s time was good enough to secure 3rd place, his first podium finish and first points for 2010 season.

In Modified class, Bryan Wood lived up the hype and took a commanding victory over the rest of the class with his 1:57.311. Laura Thomas makes her debut in a 1.6L Spec Miata ended up finishing 2nd with her 1:58.233 lap time. Third place was a very close fight between Grant Heathman and Eric Green, with Grant being the victor with a 2:00.062, a first podium finish for Grant this season. Eric was only so close for 4th place with his 2:00.842.