This past weekend the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear visited historic Portland International Raceway to compete in the Group 3 races of the SCCA Super Tour.
The three day event started with a Friday practice day. The weather looked grim, but stayed dry. This allowed the teams to get some solid testing in before the battles would begin.
“We love visiting Portland,” commented Series Official Ben Hettema. “The Oregon Region SCCA folks are always so organized and helpful, and the track is incredible and FAST!”
ROUND 5 Pole Positions
- Pro FM John Purcell 1:12.759
- FM Bill Weaver 1:17.204
At the start of race one, overall pole sitter John Purcell got off to a good lead but dropped wheels while working through traffic. This opened an opportunity for Jay Horak, who pounced and took the Pro Formula Mazda win.
Bill Weaver’s experience and fast car secured him the pole position, but once the green flag dropped his car began to misfire and he struggled to keep pace. Mel Kemper got past Weaver and kept the lead position until the checkered flag. Weaver was able to hold onto second and Brad Drew got third after a long and exciting battle with Stew Tabak.
ROUND 6 Pole Positions
(Decided by fastest times of all previous official sessions)
- Pro FM John Purcell 1:12.759
- FM Bill Weaver 1:17.204
In Sunday’s race Purcell got off to another good start, and this time his driving was flawless and he was able to secure the Pro FM win. In the Formula Mazda class, Bill Weaver started from the front, but had an uncharacteristic off-track excursion while trying to avoid contact with traffic. Kemper was able to use Weaver’s mishap to his advantage and secured his second win of the weekend. Tabak and Drew battled again for the 3rd spot on the podium, and on this day Tabak took it.
At every Formula Car Challenge event series partners provide additional awards to the competitors. At this event, Stew Tabak and Brad Drew were awarded complimentary Goodyear Racing tires. Next up on the 2019 schedule is Rounds 3 and 4 for the Formula Speed class on June 1st – 2nd at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Formula Mazda and Pro Mazda racers will compete again next at Sonoma Raceway July 6th – 7th.