Kudos also go to Ernesto Roco, who started Sunday's AI event three laps down due to a broken steering wheel hub that came off in his hands on the parade lap. He drove his #2 GR40 Cobra back to the pits by turning the shaft with his hand (The Steering wheel quick disconnect had just been installed by a So Cal drag race shop. Be careful who does your work!). The Griggs Racing crew made the necessary repairs and got him running again. Ernesto then turned the fastest lap of the race for the AI class. Ernesto is driven, and we expect to see him in winner's circle soon.
A second lap crash on Saturday marred the event, resulting in a disqualification of Griggs Racing Products team driver Guy Cunningham. This was Guy's first event on the new spec tire for the series, and he quickly learned that they have much less grip that he was accustomed to. While racing hard with Ryan Flaherty he lost control of his car entering turn two, spinning across the infield and contacting his rear bumper against the front side of Ryan's car as Ryan was exiting the corner. Ryan's crew worked diligently late into the night to repair the car and was able to start the race on Sunday. Congratulations on their effort.
Further, the management of Griggs Racing Products remains in full support of Guy Cunningham. Our past experience with Guy indicates he is a very talented individual, and he has demonstrated great dedication to the Griggs Racing Team and the AI series. We remain confident that after a little experience on the spec Toyo tires Guy will perform well and be a great asset to the series.
Points leader Vageli Karas started from the pits nearly a half lap behind due to a late mechanical repair, and in a spirited drive overcame much of the distance to finish third in his GR40 Mustang. Vageli was then offered the ride in Guy Cunninham's #42 Griggs Racing team car for Sunday's AI race. Being several inches shorter than Guy, he was unable to depress the throttle to the floor, and experienced considerable discomfort due to placement of the crotch belts. But we want to thank Vageli for a valiant effort as he ran hard in second place, taking the lead at about halfway shortly before the motor's ECU failed bringing the #42 GR40 Mustang to a halt.
A complete video of the race can be downloaded from Rob Ainscough's website at http://www.v8venom.com. Thanks Rob!