The stop at Inde Motorsports Ranch was the last event for NASA AZ before the real heat kicks in. Looking to get some laps in before the summer events, the paddock filled up quickly on Friday night. Offering drivers another treat on the menu was configuration 3, which eliminates 3 corners taking drivers from turn 3 through a kink and straight into turn 7 with great speed. This configuration truly puts drivers up to the challenge to see just who is willing to push through this fast configuration and use the track to its full potential.  While drivers were skeptical as to the fun they would have with the configuration change, it’s safe to say a good time was had by all.

Race Group

Saturday Small Bore

At the drop of the green flag Dave Hauck got a great jump on the pack. Justin Markiewicz in his white 228 BMW would be the first to come through the start finish area. In Honda Challenge, both Leland Forbes and Doug Evans got great starts out of the hole, but it would be Forbes who would reach turn 3 first and begin his immediate domination. After being held on grid, Pete Dimuzio found himself with lots of ground to make up if he was going to catch the 944 leaders; Hauck and Rob Giorgio. So far the Honda challenge group was a toss-up. Jason Noel and Eric Dayton put consistent pressure on each other swapping positions multiple times trying to catch up to Doug Evans, who continued to lead the HC pack. Giorgio in the maroon 944 was all over Hauck trying for the class lead. Up at the front of the pack, race leader Justin Markiewicz continued to dominate the field only growing his lead with each lap. After laps and numerous attempts, Giorgio makes the pass on Hauck in turn 4. With all eyes now on this group, Dayton had a catastrophic failure into turn one that would end his weekend. With a full course caution, Noel used this time to close the gap on Evans. With a green course the race was on. In case you missed it, the blue 968 Team LBR (the LBR meaning is still up for debate) is new to HC compared to the other competitors. Running a consistent race a flat tire would bring the team off early. In the end it was Justin Markiewicz with the overall race win. Hauck was able to gain position on Giorgio for the 944 win. Special mention goes to Stephen Marlow for running a great race just behind the class leaders. Honda Challenge winner Leland Forbes led the entire race with Jason Noel in 2^nd and Doug Evans in 3^rd.

PT-C

1^st - Justin Markiewicz

944 Spec

1^st - Dave Hauck

2^nd - Rob Giorgio

3^rd - Stephen Marlow

HC2

1^st - Leland Forbes

2^nd - Jason Noel

3^rd - Douglas Evans

PT-F

1^st - James Sample

Saturday Big Bore

The big bore race was filled with more SU cars than NASA AZ has seen in some time. With so many fast cars the race was sure to be interesting. An overzealous group of leaders carrying too much speed during the rolling start were waived on for another warm up lap. With the drop of the green flag, Kyle Foster was off to a quick lead followed closely by Mark Alger. Going into turn 3 Curtis Lansing and Paul Lynch found themselves in front of Algers pointed towards Foster.  An early mechanical failure just in front of start finish for Michael Papworth would force a full course yellow. A number of driver errors during the caution had officials issuing 3 stop and go penalties to Lynch, Lansing, and Garcia. With each driver finding their correct position, the track went green. In PT-A Jeremy Renshaw and Matt McIntyre were going to town with Matt Seech following very closely behind. Issuing penalties one at a time, Lynch pulled in, with Lansing coming in during the next lap. With Garcia on deck for a stop and go, he would fail to reach the pit lanes after suffering a small brake fire which would force a last course caution and ruin any chance of Lansing making up ground. In the end Kyle Foster would take the overall and SU win. Mark Alger took 1^st place ST-1. Matt McIntyre was the PT-A winner with James Fluckey and Dan Klaudt winning GTS3 and ST-2.

SU

1^st - Kyle Foster

2^nd - Brent Crosser

3^rd - Lou Lupo

ST-1

1^st - Mark Alger

PT-A

1^st - Matt McIntyre

2^nd - Jeremy Renshaw

3^rd - Erik Davis

GTS3

1^st - James Fluckey

2^nd - Martin Saltzman

ST-2

1^st - Dan Klaudt

Sunday Small Bore

After ending the day with quite an eventful Big Bore Saturday race, Small Bore drivers looked to put on a show of their own. Again, it was Dave Hauck out to an early lead in 944 spec. Having a less than favorable race Saturday, Pete Dimuzio was looking for a better showing starting out in 2^nd. In Honda Challenge Jason Noel had a great launch from the standing start but was no match for Doug Evans power into turn 3. Coming around start finish Leland Forbes passes Mervin Tang for 2^nd place. Noel worked his way through the pack eventually finding Forbes and taking the pass in turn 11. As traffic slows down, the Honda Challenge drivers found themselves bunched up losing any lead they had. Meanwhile at the front of the pack, Justin Markiewicz was once again running away with the overall lead. Early on, it was the Honda Challenge show as the passing continued. Noel eventually makes the pass on Evans in turn 13 and almost gives it right back in 14. Now with Evans in his sight, Forbes charges trying for the pass. Traffic once again aids the drivers as Tan is able to sneak back up on the pack. Holding a strong lead Noel finds himself directly behind the 944 pack leaders of Dimuzio and Hauck. Noel gets the pass on Dimuzio but gives the position back with an off in turn 3 also allowing the pack to pass. With all the HC commotion, Rob Giorgio sneaks up behind Dimuzio currently in 2^nd place 944. With numerous attempts Giorgio gets the pass in turn 7 for 2^nd place where he would finish with Dave Hauck taking the 944 win. Justin Markiewicz took the uncontested PT-C win. Doug Evans would finish 1^st place HC and James Sample in 1^st place PT-F.

PT-C

1^st - Justin Markiewicz

944 Spec

1^st - Dave Hauck

2^nd - Rob Giorgio

3^rd - Pete Dimuzio

HC2

1^st - Douglas Evans

2^nd - Leland Forbes

3^rd - Jason Noel

PT-F

1^st - James Sample

Sunday Big Bore

Paul Lynch jumped out to an early lead. Curtis Lansing blasted from the back of the pack in 4^th before the end of the runway into turn 3 and began putting heavy pressure on Mark Alger. In PT-A Jeremy Renshaw led Matt McIntyre with Erik Davis following closely behind. Matt worked hard to pass Jeremy with no success. In GTS3, Marty Saltzman and James Fluckey had a tight race going. At the front, Mark Alger was putting great pressure on the #37 Team Flatout Motorworx car. With a battle still going on in PT-A, Renshaw carries too much speed into turn 14 forcing him wide but McIntyre cannot take advantage. With 10 minutes left, race leader Paul Lynch begins to lap the back of the pack, creating traffic for other race leaders. Alger and Team Flatout Motorworx continue to trade spots with Alger eventually taking the lead position. Driving a smart race, Flatout Motorworx pushed hard to stay with Alger, while attempting to save their tires. With the white flag out, Flatout Motorworx made their move on Alger down the straight and took the pass. Alger worked hard to regain positions ultimately spinning up the hill into turn 14.

SU

1^st - Team ArizonaPain.com

2^nd - Team Flatout Motorworx

3^rd - Curtis Lansing

ST-1

1^st - Mark Alger

PT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw

2^nd - Matt McIntyre

3^rd - Erik Davis

GTS3

1^st - Martin Saltzman

2^nd - James Fluckey

ST-2

1^st - Dan Klaudt

Saturday Time Trials

2012 is the season for new track configurations. Every Time Trial driver was excited to run Inde Configuration 3 as the speeds reached on the track were sure to reflect low lap time and new track records. In TT-R Team Arizona Pain.com put down a 1:34.4 for the fastest time of the day. Closely behind them were Brent Crosser with a 1:39.0 and Thomas Glenn with a 1:44.6 in his only session of the day. Adding to the continuously growing TT classes, TT-U had 10 drivers putting down some very fast times. Leading the way on Saturday was the always fast Mark Alger with a 1:38.3. Gary Felton managed a 1:43.8 and Tim Schoeppner closed out the podium with a 1:45.9. With the only TT-S competitors; Gabe Ortega ran a 1:57.7 and David Montgomery ran a 1:59.3. In TT-A Matt McIntyre’s 1:46.5 just edged out Jeremy Renshaw’s 1:47.3. Matthew Seech ran a 1:49.5. TT-B was another large class lead by David Schotz running a 1:45.6 with some impressive driving. Mervin Tan put down a 1:47.6 and Joel Schotz ran a 1:50.1. David Snyder was the lone TT-C driver running a 2:00.1. TT-D was as usual led by Robert Rose with a 1:52.7 but look out for Noz Wijaya and Jeff Abrams. Noz managed a 1:55.7 and Abrams ran a 1:55.8, both quick times for the relatively new TT drivers. In TT-E Brad Lundahl ran a 1:58.5.

Saturday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - Team ArizonaPain.com - 1:34.4

2^nd - Brent Crosser - 1:39.0

3^rd - Thomas Glenn - 1:44.6

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1:38.3

2^nd - Gary Felton - 1:43.8

3^rd - Tim Schoeppner - 1:45.9

TT-S

1^st - Gabriel Ortega - 1:57.7

2^nd - David Montgomery - 1:59.3

TT-A

1^st - Matt McIntyre - 1:46.5

2^nd - Jeremy Renshaw - 1:47.3

3^rd - Matthew Seech - 1:49.5

TT-B

1^st - David Schotz - 1:45.6

2^nd - Mervin Tan - 1:47.6

3^rd - Joel Schotz - 1:50.1

TT-C

1^st - David Snyder

TT-D

1^st - Robert Rose - 1:52.7

2^nd - Noz Wijaya - 1:55.7

3^rd - Jeff Abrams - 1:55.8

TT-E

1^st - Brad Lundahl - 1:58.5

Sunday Time Trials

On Sunday Team Arizona Pain.com once again took the win in TT-R with a 1:32.6, almost 2 seconds faster than the previous day and good for a course record. Mark Alger was once again the TT-U winner with a 1:37.9 and another new record. This time Tim Schoeppner was able to edge Gary Felton by .2 seconds with a 1:43.3 to Felton’s 1:43.5. Arriving Sunday Nicholas Wirski lead TT-S with a 1:46.3 and a new class record. Jeremy Renshaw was flying on Sunday taking 1^st in TT-A with a 1:44.6 and a new track record. David Schotz once again took the TT-B win with a 1:44.5 and a track record. Aaron Hiar stepped up big in TT-C taking the track record with a 1:56.8. Robert Rose was able to shave a few tenths off his Saturday time with a 1:52.4, also good for the record. Brad Lundahl was once again flying solo in TT-E improving his time by 2 seconds over Saturday for the record.

Sunday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - Team ArizonaPain.com - 1:32.6 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Kyle Foster - 1:36.8

3^rd - Jim Harris - 1:49.9

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1:37.9 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Tim Schoeppner - 1:43.3

3^rd - Gary Felton - 1:43.5

TT-S

1^st - Nicholas Wirski - 1:46.3 - New Track Record!

1^st - Gabriel Ortega - 1:54.3

TT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw - 1:44.6 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Matt McIntyre - 1:45.4

3^rd - Robert Smithson - 1:48.1

TT-B

1^st - David Schotz - 1:44.5 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Mervin Tan - 1:48.3

3^rd - Harold Dunn - 1:48.4

TT-C

1^st - Aaron Hiar - 1:56.8 - New Track Record!

1^st - David Snyder - 1:56.9

TT-D

1^st - Robert Rose - 1:52.4 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Jeff Abrams - 1:52.9

3^rd - Noz Wijaya - 1:53.2

TT-E

1^st - Brad Lundahl - 1:56.5 - New Track Record!

UMS Time Attack

Twenty Five of the NASA competitors were out to show they could put down a fast time in 2 laps. With a short amount of time to get all the competitors through, the officials packed each driver on track one after another. There is something to be said for the extra adrenaline on track when there is a line of drivers running within seconds of each other all chasing time.

TA-C

1^st - Tim Schoppner - 1:43.723 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Taylor Wilson - 1:46.782

3^rd - Jim Cozzolino - 1:50.428

TA-B

1^st - Robert Smithson - 1:47.270 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Ravi Tomerlin - 1:50.715

3^rd - Justin Markiewicz - 1:52.658

TA-A

1^st - Jeff Abrams - 1:53.798 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Noz Wijaya - 1:54.038

3^rd - Aaron Hiar - 1:56.707

HPDE

NASA was joined by some special guests in HPDE welcoming the BMW Car Club of America. HPDE drivers welcomed the group who brought their cars to see their full potential with the help of NASA instructors. HPDE 3 and 4 were also combined meshing the different levels of experience, and hopefully teaching everyone something about driving in traffic. Great job goes to each driver for keeping it clean. We hope this experience will show drivers the fun they can have moving up through the ranks.

Next Event Info

Firebird East Early Morning Event
Event details:
* HPDE1
* HPDE2
* HPDE3
* HPDE4
* Time Trial
* Time Attack
* Race Groups

June 2-3 Registration is open click here to sign up!

NASA-AZ Info

Join the NASA-AZ forms to check out the latest info on upcoming events, questions and answers, Etc.

nasaaz.com

Also check out our Facebook page.

NASA-AZ Facebook

Credits

Written By: Taylor “Dr. Koby D” Wilson

Photos & Editing By: Travis Barnes

If there is one event of the season not to be missed, it’s the Annual NASA Arizona Night Event and Tuner Shootout presented by Modified Magazine. Each year NASA Arizona promises a full day from sunrise to well after sundown filled with racing, attractions, vendors, and family fun. This year certainly met expectations of all participants with a very smooth running event providing hours of wheel blistering racing. Modified Magazine also stops by each year to co-host the Modified Magazine Tuner Shootout competition presented by Continental Tires. In previous years unlimited race cars have been the car of choice; however this year the shootout would bring over a dozen of the fastest street cars.

Modified Magazine Tuner Shootout

Modified Magazine and Continental Tire were back one again to host the Modified Magazine Tuner Shootout. Each year the fastest cars in the country come to show their team has the fastest racecar competing in a number of events. This year, Modified Magazine decided to change it up a bit and bring street cars into the mix. Laced with catalytic converters, Continental DW Extreme Contact tires, and minimal interior modifications, drivers showed up to prove they have the fastest street car. Like previous years, drivers would compete in a Dynamometer testing, Autocross, Drag Race, and Time Attack Event. However, this year being a street class challenged, an emissions and sound test were thrown into the mix. NASA Arizona was proud to have three local drivers competing for street car glory. These drivers are Jeff Abrams in his Mazda Maniac Racing RX8, Russell Whelan in his R32 Skyline GT-R, and Taylor Wilson in the Forced Air Tech and Snail Performance Subaru WRX. Be sure to check out the August issue of Modified Magazine on stands in July to see how these drivers stood up to the competition.

Firebird West Small Bore Race Group

In true Nigh Event Fashion, the small bore race on Firebird West started quickly with a bang. Having qualified 4^th, Tony Lisa was eager to work his way to the front. A mechanical failure would leave him in a different situation and coming off early. The new #72 Team Mike Browning Racing had a great showing in their qualifying finishing 2^nd. Unfortunately contact with another driver and damage to the suspension would leave this team out early as well. Simon Pavlick qualified 1^st in Honda Challenge and was working hard to hold this position. Eric Dayton would not make this easy as he continued to follow closely. In 944 Spec #7 Darren Griffith qualified 1^st. When the green flag dropped he ran away and held his position for the entire race. In PT-E Shane Kniesel had a great showing putting huge gaps between the rest of his class. Despite Dayton working hard to gain position on Pavlick, traffic into turn 4 would give Pavlick the advantage to put some space between him and Dayton’s Integra. This also gave #510 Leland Forbes an opportunity to pressure Dayton for the 2^nd place position. While competing in different classes, #56 Ford Spec Racer Elliot Freireich made Griffith in the 944 work to hold his overall position. In the end it was Simon Pavlick taking the checker flag in the number 1 position. Due to the tires used however, his efforts would bump him to the back leaving #21 Eric Dayton with a well-deserved overall win and 1^st place HC2.

Honda Challenge HC2

1^st – #21 Eric Dayton

2^nd – #510 Leland Forbes

3^rd - #67 Terry Denton

944 Spec

1^st – #7 Darren Griffith

2^nd - #55 Rob Giorgio

3^rd - #47x Steve Marlow

Ford Racer Spec

1^st - #56 Elliot Freireich

PT-E

1^st - #20 Shane Kneisel

2^nd - #166 Michael Babcock

3^rd – #62 John Pacey

PT-F

1^st - #98 Eric Jacobsen

Firebird West Big Bore Race Group

Paul Lynch in the Team ArizonaPain.com Radical SR3 and Mark Alger qualified 1 and 2 on Firebird West. The green flag dropped, and Alger jumper out to a quick lead with Clay Koevary and Paul Lynch following closely behind. Lynch wasted no time making his move on Koevary, aiming his sights on the red Viper of Mark Alger. Brian Turner jumped out and put a huge gap between him and the rest of the GTS3 pack. Matt McIntyre and Jeremy Renshaw were running very close until traffic would give McIntyre exactly what he needed to gap Renshaw. Lynch was working hard to take the lead, but Alger used the entire course making Lynch work for the pass. Within a few laps Lynch took his opportunity for the lead and began to gap the field. Clay Koevary maintained consistent lap times holding onto his 3^rd place overall and 2^nd place SU position where he would finish. Despite his best efforts, Mark Alger was unable to regain position on Paul Lynch but still took 1^st place ST-1 and 2^nd place overall with Lynch taking the podium and SU 1^st place.

SU

1^st - #777 Team ArizonaPain.com

2^nd - #36 Clay Koevary

ST-1

1^st - #4 Mark Alger

STR-1

1^st - #727 Bryan McCormick

GTS3

1^st - #524 Brian Turner

2^nd - #63 Timothy Bidwill

3^rd - #167 Erik Davis

PT-A

1^st - #31 Matt McIntyre

2^nd - #11 Jeremy Renshaw

3^rd - #46 John Dowling

STR-2

1^st - #19 Steve Lisa

Firebird Main Small Bore Race Group

Small Bore drivers enjoyed some great racing under the moon on Saturday. Qualifying first overall, #56 Elliot Freireich lead the beginning of the race along with #47x Steve Marlow. The two drivers quickly spacing the rest of the pack turning some great times. #55 Rob Giorgio also followed closely behind the leaders finishing second in class. In Honda Challenge, Ryan Denton was off to a great start instantly putting space on the drivers and working through the pack. While Leland looked very fast coming around the tower turn, Team Mike Browning Racing had other plans and made the pass for 2^nd place. With Leland now falling to 3^rd, Eric Dayton began to put pressure on the freshly painted #510 Integra. After 4 laps Dayton forced the pass on Leland now setting his sights on the #72 car of Team Mike Browning Racing. Unfortunately, Dayton would get a little too close making contact forcing #72 off track coming around the tower. Ryan Denton continued to dominate Honda Challenge while Steve Marlow took the Spec 944 win.

Honda Challenge HC2

1^st – #66 Ryan Denton

2^nd – #510 Leland Forbes

3^rd - #469 Team LBR

944 Spec

1^st – #47x Steve Marlow

2^nd - #55 Rob Giorgio

3^rd - #28 Dean Schaefer

Ford Racer Spec

1^st - #56 Elliot Freireich

PT-E

1^st - #62 John Pacey

PT-F

1^st - #98 Eric Jacobsen

Firebird Main Big Bore Race Group

Team ArizonaPain.com’s Paul Lynch and Mark Alger once again led the group to the green flag. As the race started, racers barreled down the drag strip looking to take position early in the race. Coming around the tower in lap 1, it was Mark Alger leading with Paul Lynch and Bryan McCormick following closely behind. In PT-A, Jeremy Renshaw made his move in lap 2 and passed Matt McIntyre for the class lead. Timothy Bidwill was out leading the GTS3 class running very consistently during each lap. Back at the front, Paul Lynch was doing his best to set up a pass on Mark Alger. Bryan McCormick, who was hard to miss with his amazingly bright LED light bar, would not make Lynch’s job easy as he made numerous attempts to make the pass on the Radical SR3. Tony Lisa, Martin Saltzman, and Erik Davis were having a great race each trying to gain position on one another. Eventually it was Lisa and Davis making the pass. With 10 minutes left, Lynch made the pass on Alger for the lead and began to spread the gap. With Alger in his sight, McCormick worked hard to gain track position and make a pass with no success. In the end, Paul Lynch would take the podium with Mark Alger in 2^nd and Bryan McCormick in 3^rd overall and each taking 1^st in their respective classes.

Firebird West Time Trials

With the first stop at Firebird West in the 2012 season, drivers were eager to set a fast lap early in the day as the afternoon heat was inevitable. With beautiful morning weather, Robert Rose jumped out in the Team Arizona Pain Radical SR3 running a 1:02.9 good for a TT-R 2^nd place finish. The very next session Paul Lynch stomped a .59.285 for 1^st place TT-R with Richard Koevary taking 3^rd with a 1:04.5. The always fast Mark Alger was especially confident Saturday and for good reason. He took 1^st place TT-U with a time of 1:01.2. Nicholas Wirski came out swinging in TT-S placing 1^st with a time of 1:05.8, a solid 2 seconds faster than the competition. Matt McIntyre ran an impressive 1:04.3 for 1^st place TT-A. David Schotz was out in his 2001 Pontiac Firebird taking the TT-B win running a 1:04.9. Robert Rose was back once again in the third session of the day running TT-D. With a time of 1:07.3 he took 1^st place, only a tenth of a second faster than 2^nd place Dave McCombs time of 1:07.4. Keeping the class as close as possible, Jeff Abrams was just behind Rose and McCombs with a 1:07.6 for 3^rd place TT-D. Brad Lundahl took TT-E with a 1:08.9 and Eric Jacobsen won TT-F with a 1:12.8.

Firebird West Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st – Team ArizonaPain.com - .59.285

2^nd – Robert Rose – 1:02.9

3^rd – Richard Koevary – 1:04.5

TT-U

1^st – Mark Alger – 1:01.2

2^nd – Chip Romer – 1:02.7

3^rd – Timothy Schoeppner – 1:03.3

TT-S

1^st – Nicholas Wirski – 1:05.8

2^nd – Gabriel Ortega – 1:07.8

3^rd – Albert Borboa – 1:08.2

TT-A

1^st – Matt McIntyre – 1:04.3

2^nd – Erik Davis – 1:05.01

3^rd – Dave Evans – 1:06.4

TT-B

1^st – David Schotz – 1:04.9

2^nd – Mervin Tan – 1:05.7

3^rd – Chris Wilson – 1:06.9

TT-D

1^st – Robert Rose – 1:07.3

2^nd – Dave McCombs – 1:07.4

3^rd – Jeff Abrams – 1:07.6

TT-E

1^st – Brad Lundahl – 1:08.9

TT-F

1^st – Eric Jacobsen – 1:12.8

Firebird Main Fast Time Trials

In anticipation of preparing for the sprint race later in the night, Paul Lynch wanted to get out early on Firebird Main and set his fast lap. In his first session he did just that with a TT-R 1^st place time of 1:01.4. Mark Alger was out once again taking the TT-U win with a 1:02.3, but Tim Schoeppner in is newly revamped Mitsubishi Evolution was only a second behind taking 2^nd place TT-U. Albert Borboa, relatively new to Time Trials, set a fast time of 1:08.2 for 1^st place TT-S! TT-A driver Matt McIntyre took 1^st place TT-A once again with a time of 1:04.6. David Schotz was 3 seconds faster than the TT-B competition taking 1^st place with a 1:05.0 in his first and only session on Main! Mervin Tan and Justin Markiewicz each ran a 1:08.0, but based on Time Trials tie breaker rules, 2^nd place went to Tan and Markiewicz took 3^rd place TT-B. David Snyder took TT-C with a 1:12.1. Robert Rose again narrowly edged out Dave McCombs for the TT-D win running a 1:10.2. McCombs ran a 1:10.4 for a 2^nd place finish. Brad Lundahl again won TT-E and Eric Jacobsen won TT-F.

Firebird Main Fast Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st – Team ArizonaPain.com – 1:01.4

2^nd – Richard Koevary – 1:06.1

TT-U

1^st – Mark Alger – 1:02.3

2^nd – Timothy Schoeppner – 1:03.3

3^rd – Chip Romer – 1:04.1

TT-S

1^st – Albert Borboa – 1:08.2

2^nd – Gabriel Ortega – 1:10.0

3^rd – David Montgomery – 1:11.3

TT-A

1^st – Matt McIntyre – 1:04.6

2^nd – Erik Davis – 1:06.0

3^rd – Robert Smithson – 1:08.6

TT-B

1^st – David Schotz – 1:05.0

2^nd – Mervin Tan – 1:08.0

3^rd – Justin Markiewicz – 1:08.0

TT-C

1^st – David Snyder – 1:12.1

TT-D

1^st – Robert Rose – 1:10.2

2^nd – Dave McCombs – 1:10.4

3^rd – Stenos Wijaya – 1:11.4

TT-E

1^st – Brad Lundahl – 1:13.3

TT-F

1^st – Eric Jacobsen – 1:16.4

UMS Tuning Time Attack Series

Firebird West

40 drivers registered to participate in time attack on Firebird West. With 35 minutes on the clock, officials grouped the drivers strategically and sent four groups onto the track for a quick four laps. Great job goes to both officials and drivers for helping to keep this event running smoothly. It certainly takes cooperation by all parties to make each session a success.

TA-C

1^st – Tim Schoeppner – 1:04.019 – New Track Record!

2^nd – Russell Whelan – 1:04.984

3^rd – Jim Cozzolino – 1:06.468

TA-B

1^st – Robert Smithson – 1:06.428

2^nd – Ravi Tomerlin – 1:07.014

3^rd – Markos Mylonas – 1:07.270

TA-A

1^st – Dave McCombs – 1:08.002

2^nd – Jeff Abrams – 1:08.413

3^rd – Melanie Bedrin – 1:09.613

Firebird Main Fast

As the rest of the drivers were packing up their paddocks for the night, the UMS Tuning Time Attack Series drivers were waiting on grid to be released for their last sessions of the night. The time was after midnight and the air was crisp, making for perfect conditions to set down some fast laps.

TA-C

1^st – Tim Schoeppner – 1:04.056 – New Track Record!

2^nd – Travis Barnes – 1:04.916

3^rd – Russell Whelan – 1:06.492

TA-B

1^st – Markos Mylonas – 1:06.033

2^nd – Robert Smithson – 1:08.222

3^rd – Ravi Tomerlin – 1:08.936

TA-A

1^st – Stenos Wijaya – 1:11.711

2^nd – Victor Malchesky – 1:11.953

3^rd – Aaron Hiar – 1:12.892

Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire was out to put on a drift exhibition. Drifters came out to show they have the car control to make it count. Sliding their cars to the limits of grip, these drivers put on a great show every year. Whether it’s the smoke, the smell of burning tires, or the sparks flying as belts fly from the rubber, spectators flock to the drift event every year to see both rookies and experienced drivers show what they can do.

HPDE

The NASA Arizona Night Event is easily the largest event of each year. Each year a session known as Hyper Drive is offered to give new participants a small taste of what it’s like to push their cars to limits impossible in any other atmosphere. Great job goes to all of our HPDE drivers new and seasoned, for keeping it clean, and following all the rules of the track. Please join NASA AZ in welcoming each of our new members. The talent shown was incredible with some drivers skipping from Hyper Drive in the morning to maintaining speed in classes as advanced and HPDE3 by the end of the day.

Next Event Info

INDE Motorsports Ranch

Event details:
HPDE1 hosted by BMWCCA
HPDE2-4
NASA Time Trials
NASA Race Groups
UMS Tuning Time Attack (Sunday Only)
Saturday night BBQ/happy hour.

May 5-6 Registration is open click here to sign up!

NASA-AZ Info

Join the NASA-AZ forms to check out the latest info on upcoming events, questions and answers, Etc.

nasaaz.com

Also check out our Facebook page.

NASA-AZ Facebook

Credits

Written By: Taylor “Dr. Koby D” Wilson

Editing By: Travis Barnes

Photos by Don from www.twoperspectivesphoto.com

Marked Photo By John McKenzie from JM Photography

Burnout Photo by Continental Tire

 Full Name: Jim “Coz” Cozzolino
Where is your Hometown? Peoria, AZ
How long have you lived in AZ? 14 Years, this time
Favorite Food(s): Italian
Favorite Music: Oldies
Occupation: Specialty Automotive Restorations and Modifications
NASA Position / Run Group: Official, HPDE Instructor and Asst. Group Leader.

            Jim “Coz” Cozzolino the most interesting man in NASA AZ!! Jim was born in Michigan but grew up in sunny California. When he turned 14 he attended Jack Martin Jockey School to become a professional Jockey. While attending the school he got drafted by the Army but decided to join the United States Marine Corps instead. During his four years he served two tours in Vietnam as a Tunnel Demolitions Expert aka a “Tunnel Rat”. After serving his time in the Marines, Jim went back to horse racing and traveling across the United States and Canada as a professional Jockey for the next 14 years. After retiring from horse racing in 1985, Jim started a career in Hotel and Convention Center Management. Since then Jim has started up his own company Coz Productions and has managed several major resorts, convention centers and produced over 400 concerts and events. Jim has also golfed on the Pepsi Golf Tour in the scratch division winning 4 events in 1999 & 2000. He also holds a Gold Medal for singles and a Silver Metal in doubles in the Senior Olympics while bowling in the Professional Bowlers Association.

           Jim has been a car nut all his life starting with his first car when he was 14, a 1959 TR-3 and from there it took off. He has owned many different cars ranging from Porsches, Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s, DeTomaso Pantera’s and NSX’s. Jim started his racing career in the 70’s with SCCA and then progressed to the Formula Ford’s, Super Vee’s and then finally the 2000 series. But just recently, only 2 years ago, Jim decided to hit the track again with NASA. Today Jim is a Certified Instructor and runs his NSX in Time Trail TT-U. Jim not only enjoys running with NASA as a driver, regardless of how he finishes, but also being able to teach new students to drive and watching them progress through the ranks.

Jim is a big family man and has been married to his wife “Elaine” for 32 years. Jim said “She has been with me through the thick & thin, all the ups and downs, all the cars, and she has been by my side, forever faithful, understanding, and loving.” They have four children: Ryan, Eric, Kelsey, Kyle, along with their family zoo of a dog, three cats, a turtle, a rat and a Blue & Gold Macaw. His family members are big supporters of his racing addiction and are always there to help him out in any way they can to ensure he makes the next race.

      So the next time you see Jim running around the pits at a NASA AZ Event be sure to stop by and say ‘Hi’.

Be part of the most exciting DAY and NIGHT in Arizona racing!  Autocrossing, drag racing, drift, road racing and features by Modified Magazine all in one place!

Gates open 8am-1am  $10 admission

Come by Registration (under the Bill Johnsons Pavillion) to enter into our Raffle Drawing.  Prizes include: t-shirts, hats, scarves, gift certificate and much more! 

Win a THRILL RIDE in one of these cars!

Arizona Pain Specialists Radical SR8 & SR3

Dyno-Comp 600WHP Monster STi 

Elite Automotive Finishes LS1 powered 240sx Drift Car Driven by Chris Soehren

COZ Motorsports Turbocharged Acura NSX

AZ Pain Specialists 700hp Dodge Viper

Bring the kids!  Enjoy our FREE Bouncy Houses!

 See some of the drifters from last year!

Trial By Fire Drift

For questions please contact Adina:  adina@nasaaz.com

Full Name: Philip Rosend Robles…Phil
Where is your Hometown? Tempe, Arizona
How long have you lived in AZ? 19 years
Favorite Food(s): Helen’s Mexican food..of course!
Favorite Music: Whatever I select in Pandora…Top Secret
Occupation: Defense Contract Management Agency / Quality Assurance Specialist on the Boeing Longbow Apache AH-64 program.
Run Group: Time Trials and Time Attack

Full Name: Jesse Cade Robles
Where is your Hometown? Tempe, Arizona
How long have you lived in AZ? 19 years
Favorite Food(s): My mom’s Mexican food!
Favorite Music: too eclectic to list
Occupation: I tend bar at Rula Bula Irish Pub
                                                                                                         Run Group: HPDE 4 and Time Attack TA-B

          Phil was born in Swindon, England and grew up in a military family stationed all over Europe.  Phil then joined the Air Force as an F-15 aircraft mechanic.  His career in the Air Force took him and his family to Iceland and Okinawa, Japan, among other assignments.  Japan was definitely the family’s favorite assignment. After a 6-year tour in Japan the Robles family was transferred to Luke AFB, AZ where Phil retired from the military. Phil now works for the Government as a QA Specialist on the Boeing Longbow Apache AH-64 program.

          In 2007 Phil made the transition from being a motorsports enthusiast to actually driving on track at a NASA AZ Phoenix International Raceway event. Phil progressed though the HPDE ranks and up to Time Trials and the UMS Tuning Time Attack series.  In 2009 Phil won overall in TT-B and the UMS Tuning Time Attack series, and repeated his TA overall win in 2011.

          Phil enjoys driving with NASA because of the well-structured organization that, “allows you to go as far as you want to fulfill your motorsports addiction.” Phil doesn’t plan on slowing down one bit.  In fact, he plans on fulfilling his motorsports addiction by continuing to improve his car and driving skills.

          Phil enjoys the racing scene so much that he makes it a family affair.  Phil’s son, Jesse has always enjoyed cars but never really got into racing until he made the trip with his Dad to a NASA AZ Inde Motorsports Ranch event in 2011. Phil let Jesse drive his car out on track and ever since then Jesse was hooked on driving, starting the Father/Son duo.

          Jesse was born in Tucson, AZ, but as an Air Force dependant Jesse got to move around and live in different places. While the Robles family was stationed in Japan, Jesse learned to drive in his Dad’s Mini Cooper.  Jesse later would hit the streets of Japan to participate or watch the local drift shows. Jesse and his friend Ross Petty (who is now a pro drifter) used to drift Ross’ mom’s van around for fun. After moving back to the States, Jesse started racing bicycles and now holds a USAC Category 2 license. Jesse has won several of Arizona’s major cycling races, including the 84 mile El Tour de Tucson (twice!), and the Valley of the Sun stage race.  Cycling is also a sport Phil and Jesse share–Phil was on a military cycling team in Okinawa and also ran for the Air Force in marathons in Iceland and Japan.  

           After getting bitten by the racing bug Jesse started his quick rise though the HPDE ranks.  Jesse first drove his current car (which he borrowed from Nolan to compete in Time Attack) at the Firebird West event.  He won 1^st place at the event in TA-B, and it was the first time he had driven the car!  Jesse later purchased the car from Nolan to become his dedicated track car. Jesse’s future plans are to continue racing with his family, build a drift car, and compete in Master Events in cycling.

 So the next time you are at a NASA AZ event be sure to say hi to the Father/Son duo Phil and Jesse Robles.

Written by: Travis Barnes

Photo by Robert Glaze of Caliphotography.com

Race Group

                Qualifying was flooded with cars including a number of new faces. With a California race, a number of NASA So Cal members made the drive out to Chuckwalla to join our racers on this new track. These drivers would be sure to challenge our local drivers as they swept qualifying in Honda Challenge. With a full field small bore saw 24 drivers in qualifying with 23 in big bore. With such a large turnout, the race was sure to be exciting as a corner would never be bare.

Saturday Small Bore

                Saturday the green flag dropped and the racers were off flying into turn 1 and 2 for early position. Within the first lap, both a 944 and HC drivers were off track and would have lots of ground to make up. Jim Richard was off to an early overall lead with Norm Hamden leading the 944 Spec class. The battles started early with Doug Evans and Terry Denton working hard in the HC class. With an early off Tony Szirka would have a lot of ground to make up. Once again Eric Dayton, Simon Pavlick, and Leland Forbes were having a great race in the middle of the Honda Challenge Pack. With Pavlick leading the three drivers, Forbes makes a pass on Dayton. A combination of Pavlick and Forbes dipping 2 off mixed up the group allowing Dayton to pass both drivers with Forbes just behind him and Pavlick now making up ground. The 944 and PT drivers were maintaining their positions with each driver gapping the next. Paul Seiferth in his PT-F RX7 continued to pressure Devon Dahn for position. About this time, the 25 car of Jeremy Croiset, and 72 car of Manny Coats, began their attack on the field. Within minutes Croiset had taken the HC lead. Manny Coats was not far behind, but Jason Noel commanding the 2^nd place position would make Coats work for the pass. In the end Croiset and Coats would take the 1^st and 2^nd overall positions with Norm Hamden taking 3^rd place overall and winning the 944 Spec class.

HC2

1^st - Jeremy Croiset

2^nd - Manny Coats

3^rd - Jason Neol

944 Spec

1^st - Norm Hamden

2^nd - Joe Paluch

3^rd - TeamArizonaPain.com

PT-D

1^st - Jim Richard

2^nd - Josh Allan

SM

1^st - Michael Babcock

PT-F

1^st - Devon Dahn

2^nd - Paul Seiferth

3^rd - Steven Bodeman

Saturday Big Bore

Photo by Robert Glaze of Caliphotography.com

                With one of the largest Big Bore races we have seen some time, the flag dropped and the racers went three wide into turn 1. Mark Alger was off in the first turn leaving him behind the entire field. Never one to quit, Alger wasted no time working his way up the field. Having not qualified due to radiator and alternator issues, the TeamArizonaPain.com radical started the race last. In no time the radical was making his way through the field almost as if playing a game with the other drivers. Within 2 laps, Mark Alger had regained position on half of the field. Bryan McCormick in the number 9 truck was making great laps following the 33 truck of Ed Charnock with Wayne McKeen following closely behind. Still coming through the other drivers, Team ArizonaPain.com makes the pass on John Gordon in his beautiful Porsche, and works on the leaders starting with Wayne McKeen. After some quick passes, TeamArizonaPain.com passes McKeen, McCormick, and Charnock leaving only Brent Crosser in the 206 Corvette between them and the lead. With only 4 minutes left, the leaders caught the back of the field and blue flags go waving all over the track. An off in the last laps by Crosser, leaves a gap for Charnock and Team ArizonaPain.com to make the pass for the 1 and 2 position.

SU

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com

2^nd - Ed Charnock

3^rd - Brent Crosser

ST-2

1^st - JR Smith

2^nd - John Gordon

PT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw

2^nd - Matthew Seech

3^rd - Brian Turner

Sunday Small Bore

                Norm Hamden was off to a quick overall lead. Due to an incident, Croiset and Coats in the 25 and 72 HC cars started in the back. Within the first lap, Croiset was on the bumper of Honda Challenge leader Jason Noels. In PT-F Devon Dahn made Paul Seiferth work to hold his lead. By this time both Croiset and Coats were knocking on Noels door trying for the pass. Finally on lap 3, 25 and 72 make the pass for the 1 and 2 lead in Honda Challenge. Now with the HC field in their rear view, they quickly pick off the rest of the small bore field. Meanwhile 944 Spec drivers maintained large gaps between each car and PT-D Jim Richard was still leading the race with a huge gap. Always waiting to make his moves, Dayton takes the pass on Doug Evans and begins to close the gap on Simon Pavlick. Evans, Forbes, and Szirka are all following closely. New to NASA-AZ, Steve Stepanian and Josh Allan displayed some great driving in the Spec E30 class. After numerous attempts, Stepanian gets the pass on Allan into turn 1 for the class lead. With race ticking down, Croiset passes Jim Richard for the race lead with Coats now working on 2^nd. In the last lap Forbes passes Szirka and Evans and Coats passes Richard for 2^nd overall.

HC2

1^st - Jeremy Croiset

2^nd - Manny Coats

3^rd - Jason Noel

PT-D

1^st - Jim Richard

944 Spec

1^st - Norm Hamden

2^nd Steve Marlow

3^rd - Rob Giorgio

Spec E30

1^st - Steve Stepanian

2^nd - Josh Allan

PT-F

1^st - Paul Seiferth

2^nd - Devon Dahn

3^rd - Steven Bodeman

SM

1^st - Michael Babcock

Sunday Big Bore

                Having qualified first, TeamArizonaPain.com was off to a quick lead in the radical driven by Paul Lynch. Brent Crosser followed closely behind in the 206 fire breathing Corvette. Unfortunately at the end of lap 2, Team AZPain.com pulled into the hot pits with a charging system failure that would ultimately take them out of the race. With the radical down, Crosser and Alger put on a great show running nose to tail. Not one to be left out, Wayne McKeen slowly filled the gap from 3rd. Another great race was going on with Bryan McCormick in the number 9 truck, JR Smith and David MacMillan. As McCormick made the pass on MacMillan, a slight off while working to pass Smith puts McCormick right back where he started fighting for position. In turn 17, Alger gets the pass on Crosser with McKeen still close behind. McCormick and MacMillan finally get the pass on JR Smith. In PT-A large gaps slowly close as Brian Turner begins to catch up with leader Matthew Seech who goes on to win his class for the first time! Now in the lead Alger begins to gap the rest of the leaders and runs away with the race.

SU

1^st - Mark Alger

2^nd - Brent Crosser

3^rd - Wayne McKeen

PT-A

1^st - Matthew Seech

2^nd - Brian Turner

3^rd - Marty Saltzman

ST-2

1^st - JR Smith

Saturday Time Trials

                With each Time Trial driver excited for a new track, 43 competitors made the trek to California for the first event at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. A new track also meant for the second time this season, new records were up for grabs. TT-R was led by TeamArizonaPain.com running a blistering 1.39.888. TT-U was led by Mark Alger with a 1.51.262. The TT-U class 2^nd and 3^rd place positions were separated by only .2 seconds with Mark Klenin running a 1.55.157 and Gary Felton putting down a 1.55.311. Drew Regitz dominated TT-S with a 1.58.833. TT-A was led by Jeremy Renshaw running a 1.58.640 and the only TT-A driver to break the 2 minute mark. TT-B was led by the only in class 2 minute time breaker, Dave Schotz running a 1.59.785. Justin Markiewicz took TT-C with a 2.04.641. Emilio Cervantes was the TT-D leader with a 2.03.223. TT-E was led by once again TeamArizonaPain.com with a 2.10.910.

Saturday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com - 1.39.888 - New Track Record!

2^nd - David MacMillan - 1.58.775

3^rd - Kent Porter - 2.02.646

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1.51.262 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Mark Klenin - 1.55.157

3^rd - Gary Felton - 1.55.311

TT-S

1^st - Drew Regitz - 1.58.833 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Ronald Graham - 2.04.445

TT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw - 1.58.640

2^nd - Robert Smithson - 2.01.282

3^rd - Brian Turner - 2.01.421

TT-B

1^st - Dave Schotz - 1.59.785

2^nd - Mervin Tan - 2.01.353

3^rd - Chris Wilson - 2.02.567

TT-C

1^st - Justin Markiewicz - 2.04.641

TT-D

1^st - Emilio Cervantes - 2.03.223

2^nd - Robert Rose - 2.05.208

3^rd - Jim Richard - 2.07.358

TT-E

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com - 2.10.910

2^nd - Brad Lundahl - 2.12.140

3^rd - Jeff Abrams - 2.18.850

Sunday Time Trial

                On Sunday TeamArizonaPain.com took TT-R once again but was unable to better their time from Saturday. Mark Alger led his class once again as well with a 1.51.692. Jeremy Renshaw led TT-A on Sunday improving his Saturday time with a 1.57.105. Each of the TT-B leaders improved their Sunday times with Dave Schotz running a 1.58.631, Mervin Tan running a 2.00.222, and Justin Markiewicz moving up a class running a 2.02.822. Emilio Cervantes shaved a second off his Saturday TT-D winning time with a 2.02.090 on Sunday. Brad Lundahl took TT-E on Sunday with a 2.10.544 beating the best Saturday time of TeamArizonaPain.com.

Sunday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com - 1.47.552

2^nd - Bryan McCormick - 1.57.330

3^rd - David MacMillan - 2.00.918

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1.51.692

2^nd - Gary Felton - 1.55.269

3^rd - Mark Klenin - 1.56.501

TT-S

1^st - Drew Regitz - 1.59.926

2^nd - Dale Naylor - 2.09.091

TT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw - 1.57.105 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Robert Smithson - 1.59.263

3^rd - Brian Turner - 1.59.727

TT-B

1^st - Dave Schotz - 1.58.631 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Mervin Tan - 2.00.222

3^rd - Justin Markiewicz - 2.02.822

TT-D

1^st - Emilio Cervantes - 2.02.090 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Fulton Haight - 2.04.259

3^rd - Robert Rose - 2.05.140

TT-E

1^st - Brad Lundahl - 2.10.544 - New Track Record!

2^nd - TeamArizonaPain.com - 2.11.028

3^rd - Jeff Abrams - 2.15.736

UMS Tuning Time Attack Series

                Time Attack saw 26 competitors for this event. Being a new track to NASA-AZ, a number of HPDE drivers were eager to see the times they had been running all weekend. With mostly return drivers, the field was well equipped for some fast times. Also because this was the first time the series visited this track, new Time Attack Records were up for grabs. Here are the results for the second event of the season.

TA-C

Russell Whelan :: 01:57.408 New Track Record!
Justin Bowie :: 02:02.601
Emilio Cervantes :: 02:02.738

TA-B

Robert Smithson :: 02:00.268 :: New Track Record!
Chris Willson :: 02:02.191
Justin Markiewicz :: 02:03.503

TA-A
Stenos Wijaya :: 02:08.753 :: New Track Record!
Aaron Hiar :: 02:11.693
Michael Esquer :: 02:13.246
 

HPDE

                HPDE drivers were in for a real treat at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. With a 3 day event, drivers had lots of opportunities to advance their driving knowledge and skills on a track filled with fast technical turns paired with a new and smooth racing surface. Great job goes to each of the drivers for keeping it clean and incident free. Congratulations also go out to each of the drivers who advanced to the next level over the weekend. New to DE3 were Hunter Bennet in his Corvette Z06 and Beau Brown in his Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. Also moving from DE3 to DE4 were David Stark, Jim Harris, Aaron Hiar, David Hume, Richard Wasson, and Fady Salama. On another note, one California visitor to NASA-AZ was very happy to be welcomed into the DE3 and Arizona group. He had this to say; “Just wanted to thank you guys for a really great weekend at Chuckwalla. You AZ guys run a nice operation and everyone I met was really friendly.”

Next Event Info

Arizona Motorsports Park

*No guests or pit crew
*Must meet sound requirements (Sound testing available both days)
*HPDE1-4
*Time Attack both days (Non points event, track records up for grabs)
*Time Trial (Non points event, track records up for grabs)
*Race Group (Test & Tune, non points event, no track records)

Feb 18-19 Registration is open click here to sign up!

NASA-AZ Info

Join the NASA-AZ forms to check out the latest info on upcoming events, questions and answers, Etc.

nasaaz.com

Also check out our Facebook page.

NASA-AZ Facebook

Credits

Written By: Taylor “Dr. Koby D” Wilson

Editing By: Travis Barnes

Photos by Doug Hughes from www.waypast210.com

Two Photos marked by caption from Robert Glaze of Caliphotography.com

1.Turn on your WIFI connection in your Android or Apple Device.

2. Select TIMING 1 or TIMING 2 as your wifi connection. Choose the one with the strongest signal as they are aimed towards different ends of the paddock and your location may affect the signal strength. Make sure you are connected before continuing next step.

3. FOR APPLE USERS ONLY- these devices may require you to “renew lease” in the settings menu. Press the >> arrow next to the timing connection you have selected (timing 1 or 2). Then press “renew lease”.

4. Open RACE MONITOR

5. Click IP/PORT tab

6. Enter Rmonitor address : 192.168.20.1

7. Enter Rmonitor Port: 50000

8. Click Connect

Results will only populate on your screen IF there is a timed session currently active on track. Please wait 2-10 seconds for the network to “add” you and for results to appear on your screen.

Race Group

With a fresh season at hand, the NASA AZ racers were pumped and ready to go in an attempt to clinch top points early. Saturday was a beautiful day for racing. Cool temperatures took some of the stress out of qualifying and allowed drivers to focus on their cars and the track. Qualifying went smoothly with all drivers keeping it clean and setting some quick times. You may have also noticed certain classes growing including PTA with Jeremy Renshaw and Matt McIntire joining the crew. It was also great to see many familiar faces back on track with NASA including Wayne McKeen, Steve Lisa, and the whole crew from Race Techniks. We also wanted to recognize several new guests from SCCA. We really appreciate having you and hope you’ll realize that “the door” to our “home” is always open.

Saturday Small Bore Race

You may have noticed something different during the small bore race on Saturday. As the green flagged dropped, 944 Spec and PT racers took off leaving a small group of 6 sitting at the starting line. That’s right; Honda Challenge has hit NASA AZ! In case you missed all the talk last season, a number of our competitors have been preparing cars for HC racing. A total of seven cars qualified, however an unfortunate bearing failure left Tony “Sriracha” Szirka unable to start the race in his red hatch. Racers led by P1 qualifier Tony Lisa, pulled to the starting line awaiting their start. With a drop of the flag, FWD frenzy ensued down the drag straight with each driver looking to gain position early. In 944 Spec Norm Hamden was off to his usual quick pace setting the lead however much like last season, Darren Griffith was following closely behind. In HC Tony Lisa ran away within the first lap. Leland Forbes displayed some great driving holding the #2 position in HC and gapping the rest of the pack. Jeff Sachs walked away with a nice lead in PT-E with Kevin Michaels in 2^nd. In 944 Spec Norm Hamden bounced around falling into 3^rd only to regain position on Joe Paluch where he would finish the race. Darren Griffith held onto the race lead until the last lap when Tony Lisa worked his way to the front of the pack and took 1^st place overall. The rest of the Honda Challenge pack did their best to overtake in traffic. Eric Dayton worked to find an opening around Simon Pavlick at the end of the race. While not able to make the pass, Eric would take 3^rd due to a disqualification for Simon from illegal tires.

Big Bore Race

Wayne McKeen got a great start to take the lead but was quickly overtaken by The TeamArizonaPain.com Radical driven by Tage Evanson. During the next few laps a number of passes would be made. Curtis Lansing in the #2 Camaro made numerous quick passes first taking the pass on Mark Alger. He then continued to work his way up the field passing the #318 Porsche of Paul Fairchild and the #07 Corvette driven by Wayne McKeen. The PT-A group added some faces this year, fielding seven cars for this race. New to this group Matt McIntyre lead the group and began making some distance on the rest of the pack. Later in the race lapping traffic would cause TeamArizonaPain.com to slow their pace slightly allowed the #2 Camaro Curtis Lansing to slowly fill the gap from 2^nd to 1^st and eventually take the lead. This was short-lived however as only 2 laps later, the Radical would use the same traffic to not only take back the 1^st place position, but also put two lapped cars between them and Lansing earning TeamArizonaPain.com some distance. Overall we saw some great racing on Saturday from all the drivers including some fine passing by Mark Alger, Paul Fairchild and Ricky Johnson. Also keep an eye out for the new competition in PT-A as Matt McIntyre and Jeremy Renshaw finished 1 and 2 in their first PT-A race.

Sunday Small Bore Race

Sundays small bore race was slightly smaller than Saturday, which allowed spectators to really focus on some of the great battles during the session. 944 Spec was once again led my #7 Darrin Griffith who after one lap takes a pass on Jim Richard in the Spec Boxster for the overall lead. Lingering in the background is Tony Lisa sliding his #19 Honda Civic while leading the Honda Challenge crew and working the pack once again. Kevin Michaels was setting a great pace in PT-E quickly catching the back of the 944 pack. Jeff Sachs however, turned things up and made Kevin work for his position. In Honda challenge the pack is holding together running nose to tail. Due to a rough standing start, Eric Dayton had his work cut out for him if he was going to podium in this race. During the first 10 minutes of the race it seemed he would hold his 5^th place position until he found some grip in his tires and started working through the group. Soon Dayton was putting pressure on Pavlick and Forbes who were having a great battle of their own, and found himself in 3^rd place. Going into the final turn before the checkered flag, Dayton went for a pass on Forbes diving inside going into turn 12. Forbes’ exit speed was superior to Dayton’s but it wasn’t enough to get the position back before the finish line where they had a “photo finish” for 2^nd place with Dayton making it stick! Tony Lisa having led the entire race would eventually pass Darrin Griffith for the overall win once again. With Griffith taking the 944 win, Steve Marlow and Joe Paluch put on a great show finishing 2^nd and 3^rd.

Sunday Big Bore Race

With a gap between the small bore and big bore race, there was just enough time for the skies to open up just enough to make the track slick. Regardless of only a short downfall, the damage would be done in the first laps. Paul Lynch piloted the Team Arizona Pain rocket (i.e. Radical SR8) to the pole position pole and was off to a great start, however rounding the tower for lap 2, a spectacular 720 degree spin before it came to a dead stop. With the engine dead and vehicle not moving, Fairchild made a wise move by simply coming to a full stop to avoid contact and completely avoid the ultra-slippery drag strip. The racers tip toed around the two stopped cars but Renshaw having little time to react made an aggressive move to avoid them but sent his car for a nice little spin on the front straight as well. Amazingly, all cars made it through without contact of the wall or each other! Mark Alger and Rick Johnson were able to avoid the close call and had a huge advantage over the field. 3 laps later, the rain had stopped but residual water would keep the racers on their toes. Fairchild caught back up with the leaders and the three of them put on a fantastic show trading positions numerous times while the entire PT-A class rotated leaders. With Alger and Fairchild fighting for the lead, TeamArizonaPain.com had a chance to sneak up to the front and get a pass on Fairchild. With just Alger holding TeamArizonaPain.com from the lead, traffic in the tower would slow Alger just enough for TeamArizonaPain.com to get a great run out of turn 12 and launch down the drag strip for the lead and the overall win.

We announced some exciting news at drivers meeting both days. NASA AZ now has a new Medical Director! Dr. Paul Lynch from Arizona Pain Specialists (www.ArizonaPain.com) will be filling this role and is a perfect match. Dr. Lynch’s extensive background with handling trauma cases makes him the ideal onsite Medical Director to supervise and/or directly handle any extreme situations. He will also give racers the added benefit of being able to handle the periodic required NASA Medical Exams from the convenience of the paddock when it is not possible to have it done by their PCP.

We would also like to recognize each of the racers who passed their competition license evaluation this past event. Warm welcome and congratulations goes out to: Don Dillon, Tim Bidwill, Rob Davis and Jason Noel. Nice job guys!

Saturday Time Trials

With 43 competitors out for the first Time Trial event of the season, times were sure to be quick and close. With a configuration never having been run for the NASA Time Trial group , it also meant track records were up for grabs in all classes. The fastest time of the day went to TeamArizonaPain.com running a .56.915 for the win in TT-R; however keep an eye out for Curtis Lansing who ran a .58.694. TT-U went Mark Alger running a 1.00.014 good for the class win and new class record. Times in TT-S were scattered and Dave Rosenblum’s 1.03.463 was good for a class 1^st place finish. TT-A was led by the new to class Matt McIntyre with a 1.03.102 and Jeremy Renshaw with a 1.04.485. Dave Schotz dominated TT-B running a 1.03.115, 4 seconds faster than the next closes competitor. Justin Markiewicz was able to pull the win in TT-C in the last session of the day with a 1.07.401. TT-D showed the closest times of the day, with four competitors separated by less than a second. 1^st place went to Robert Rose in the last session with a 1.08.356, narrowly beating the earlier time set by Tage Evanson of 1.08.490. Dave McCombs 1.08.865 rounded out the podiums in TT-D. TT-E was led by Brad Lundahl running a 1.10.038 and Eric Jacobsen took TT-F running a 1.14.693 in his Zombie RX7.

Saturday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com - .56.915 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Curtis Lansing - .58.694

3^rd - Dave Lansing - .59.874

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1.00.014 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Ricky Johnson - 1.01.043

3^rd - Gordon Levy - 1.04.453

TT-S

1^st - Dave Rosenblum - 1.03.463 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Ronald Graham - 1.06.595

2^nd - Gabe Ortega - 1.08.280

TT-A

1^st - Matt McIntyre - 1.03.102

2^nd - Jeremy Renshaw - 1.04.485

3^rd - Brian Turner - 1.05.546

TT-B

1^st - Dave Schotz - 1.03.115

2^nd - Mervin Tan - 1.07.236

3^rd - Chris Wilson - 1.08.353

TT-C

1st - Justin Markiewicz - 1.07.401 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Joe Cattaneo - 1.09.202

TT-D

1^st - Robert Rose - 1.08.356

2^nd - Tage Evanson - 1.08.490

3^rd - Dave McCombs - 1.08.865

TT-E

1^st - Brad Lundahl - 1.10.038 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Geri Amani - 1.13.143

TT-F

1^st - Eric Jacobsen - 1.14.693 - New Track Record!

Sunday Time Trials

Sunday Time Trials was widely spread with fast times slightly hindered by weather. TeamArizonaPain.com ran a quick .57.233 but was unable to better their time from Saturday. The TT-U record set Saturday was unable to be broken with no times breaking the 1 minute mark. Matt McIntyre while running consistently was unable to better his record set the previous day. Jeremy Renshaw on the other hand stomped a 1.02.871 taking 1^st place and the new TT-A record. Dave Schotz held onto the TT-B record and bettered his time running a 1.03.053. Tage Evanson went out in the last session of the day with one goal in mind. Running a 1.07.979 Tage took the win on Sunday for TT-D and set a new record.

Sunday Time Trial Results

TT-R

1^st - TeamArizonaPain.com - .57.233

2^nd - Jonh Bianchi - 1.07.245

TT-U

1^st - Mark Alger - 1.00.372

2^nd - Ricky Johnson - 1.02.296

3^rd - Ken Gerhart - 1.03.232

TT-S

1^st - Ronald Graham - 1.07.167

2^nd - Gabe Ortega - 1.07.294

TT-A

1^st - Jeremy Renshaw - 1.02.871 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Matt McIntyre - 1.03.247

3^rd - Brian Turner - 1.05.762

TT-B

1^st - Dave Schotz - 1.03.053 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Chris Wilson - 1.07.299

3^rd - Mervin Tan - 1.07.431

TT-C

1st - Justin Markiewicz - 1.08.330

2^nd - Joe Cattaneo - 1.09.275

TT-D

1^st - Tage Evanson - 1.07.979 - New Track Record!

2^nd - Robert Rose - 1.08.238

3^rd - Leland Forbes - 1.08.705

TT-E

1^st - Brad Lundahl - 1.11.922

2^nd - TeamArizonaPain.com - 1.13.781

TT-F

1^st - Eric Jacobsen - 1.15.216

UMS Tuning Time Attack Series

The UMS Tuning Time Attack Series is back once again and as with every event, is stronger than ever. There is no sign of this series disappearing anytime soon. The first event of the season saw 28 competitors hit the track looking to get a great jump on the competition for points. As the racers sat awaiting their launch, the rain began to fall very lightly. The first drivers to hit the track were in a hurry to set their times before the track was affected by the rain. Unfortunately the last running groups were caught in wet conditions. Here are the ending results.

TA-C
Russell Whelan :: 01:04.188 :: New Track Record!
Taylor Wilson :: 01:04.262
Jim Cozzolino :: 01:05.859

TA-B
Jesse Robles :: 01:05.103 :: New Track Record!
Markos Mylonas :: 01:05.228
Robert Rose :: 01:06.135

TA-A
Dave McCombs :: 01:09.894 :: New Track Record!
Stenos Wijaya :: 01:11.529
David Synder :: 01:12.239

HPDE

It was great to see such a large showing for each of the HPDE classes. We love seeing return drivers out to improve their skills of car control and Firebird Main Fast is a true test of that. Great recognition goes out to each of our HPDE drivers for keeping it clean and incident free on this new and quick moving configuration. Hopefully each of the HPDE drivers also took a lesson from the race group participants, learning just how slick the drag strip can become with even the slightest rain. Congratulations also go out to a few specific drivers who moved up in the ranks. Micahel Esquer, Michael Lee, Dale Volz, and Dan Haski moved from DE2 to DE3. David Snyder, Pablo Soria, and Carson Clark all moved up to DE4. Noz Wijaya, and Jeff Abrams both made the move into Time Trials.

Next Event Preview

Coming up in February, NASA AZ will venture to California for Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. This secluded track is sure to be a change of pace for the drivers of NASA AZ. With a combination of speeds and elevations, we look forward to seeing as many drivers out at the event. This is the first time running this track so track records will once again be up for grabs! For more information about traveling and lodging, be sure to join the NASAAZ.com forums and keep in touch with all the drivers.

Next Event Info

* Test and Tune on Friday (HPDE4, TT, Race Groups)
* Split Small Bore and Big Bore Race groups (Points events Saturday and Sunday)
* Time Trial (Points events Saturday and Sunday)
* Time Attack (Sunday only)
* HPDE1-4

* Saturday night BBQ!!!

Feb 3-5 Registration is open click here to sign up!

NASA-AZ Info

Join the NASA-AZ forms to check out the latest info on upcoming events, questions and answers, Etc.

nasaaz.com

Also check out our Facebook page.

NASA-AZ Facebook

Credits

Written By: Taylor “Dr. Koby D” Wilson

Editing By: Travis Barnes

All Photos by Doug Hughes from www.waypast210.com

TA-A

TA-B

TA-C

Full Name: Anthony “Tony” Frank Szirka

Where is your Hometown? Ligonier, PA

How long have you lived in AZ? Since 1995, moved to Phoenix in 2002.

Favorite Food(s): Yes

Favorite Music: Depends on mood…Metal to Rap

Occupation: Car Nerd

NASA Position / Run Group: Tech official / TTU

          Tony was born in Romania “but is Hungarian” he grew up in Oradea till the age of 9 when his family moved to America. They settled down in Ligonier, Pennsylvania where Tony grew up. Shortly after his 18^th birthday Tony joined the U.S. Army where he was trained as a generator mechanic (52D) and stationed in Germany with the 3^rd ID 103d MI Unit. During his stay in Germany Tony met his future wife Shannon who was also in the Army. They both dated during their tour in Germany and before Tony’s enlistment was up he asked Shannon to marry him. She said yes of course!! Tony got out of the Army and moved back to Pennsylvania in 1993, Shannon shortly followed as she had to finish her enlistment in the Army as well. They were married that same year in Pennsylvania while Tony was attending Vale Technical Institute. A year later in November their daughter Tabitha was born and Tony graduated from college with his degree in Automotive Technics and Management. In 1995, Tony and his family moved to Prescott, AZ to be close to some of Shannon’s family and to start life somewhere new with his family. Tony worked for York Motors in Prescott as an Auto Technician while Shannon attended college to become a Nurse. Also, during this time Tony was introduced to racing by an acquaintance, Erwin Rice, who invited him out to a track day with Gemini Racing. Tony started to attend many different racing events with Hotchkis and Baer Brake at Button Willow and Firebird Raceway. In January 2001, the Szirka family’s first son was born “Ulrik” bringing the male and female balance into check.

        In 2002, Shannon made a top secret trip to Phoenix for a job interview at a hospital for a surgery nurse position. She got the job and on the way back she stopped by the Volkswagen dealership and picked her out a new Jetta to drive back to tell everyone “to pack up we’re moving”. They moved to Mesa where Tony started working for Mode INC. running the engine dyno, building custom wiring harnesses and engines for Porsches. Tony, happy to be in the performance part of the automotive industry, decided in 2004 he would open up his own performance shop. So in August 2004, UMS Tuning was born. For those of you that don’t know UMS Tuning is named after Tony’s son Ulrik, they are the initials of his full name. With his own shop up and running Tony wanted to get back into racing so in 2006 he started running in NASA AZ with his 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution. Tony has worked his way up through the HPDE ranks and in 2010 he started running Time Trial. During this time Tony competed at Super Lap Battle from 2008 to present, Modified Tuner Shootout from 2009 to present, and Global Time Attack in 2011. Some of Tony’s most memorable experiences in racing happened this year while running with GTA. He was their Race Steward which gave him the opportunity to race at different race tracks to include, New Jersey Motorsports Park and Autobahn Country Club. When Tony isn’t busy running the shop or racing you might find him at the karting track, riding his BMX bike or just relaxing at home with his family and pets. Well that’s a wrap for Tony “Sriracha” Szirka be sure you say ‘Hi’ next time you see him if not he might fail your car at Tech as he is a NASA AZ Tech Official.

Written by: Travis Barnes