The Formula 100 Karting Series held round 3 of their 2012
season on August 11th at Apex in Perris, CA. The threat of brutal
heat kept a few racers away but a strong contingent of determined drivers
showed up to do battle. Scheduled as a night race, most drivers arrived around
noon. Just as most of the racers were unloading their things the weather took
an unexpected turn and the skies opened, hurling down raindrops onto unprepared
drivers and their gear. The rain lasted for several hours. Once it had passed, prep work began for the racing that was to come.
Thanks to some excellent work by the staff at Apex and PAK
the track was cleared of standing water and readied for battle. The Formula 100
Karting Series fielded a strong turnout in 2 classes, Novice and Intermediate.
Unfortunately, due to the conditions, the Advanced class drivers decided to
cancel their race.
The Novice and Intermediate classes took to the track
together in what would be the largest senior class of the day. As usual the
Formula 100 Karting Series delivered close and competitive racing and provided
the rain soaked crowd with some excitement.
In the intermediate group local driver, Kyle Gash, dominated
the day. Gash took the pole and the heat victory with 2 strong showings. Even
though the rain was heavy, the track was never wet enough to warrant treaded
tires or rain setups. As the track dried Gash seemed to get stronger and
stronger and it was evident that his knowledge of his home track was paying
dividends. Behind him was a raging battle between Kalvin Chen and hard charging
Ivan Urueta, who recently scored a victory at round 2. Urueta and Chen would
battle throughout the day. In the heat Urueta chased Chen for the entire race.
Chen made a few mistakes but each time held off the passing attempts by Urueta
giving Chen the 2nd place finish and outside pole for the start of
the main. Steve Muehler had a strong showing in the heat as well, as he was
firmly planted on the bumper of Urueta for most of the race. Further back was
David Schall who was not his normal self at Apex. He soldiered on and collected
his points for the day but something was obviously not right in the Schall
camp. Timmy Fritch, the round 1 winner, had engine troubles and was not able to
take the green flag with the rest of the group for the heat, although he would
make a brief appearance on track before retiring from the heat for good.
Great racing continued in the main. Kyle Gash led the field down to the green and with a strong bump
from Urueta who was gridded right behind him Gash took the whole shot. Urueta’s
jump gave him P2 going into turn 1 with Chen falling back to 3rd.
The racers would stay close throughout the race, with Urueta harassing Gash and
Chen chasing Urueta. It was not until the last lap, heading into the tight
infield hairpin that there would be a lead change. Gash came around the high
speed right hander and drove right to set up his braking zone for the hairpin.
Urueta stayed inside and beat him to the corner. Urueta would park the kart in
the corner causing Gash and Chen to pile up momentarily. The pass was epic, and
the fans went wild. A drag race ensued and Urueta was the first to the sweeper leading
onto the back straight. Gash had led the whole race, fighting off Urueta at
every turn, but on the last lap Urueta got the position with a bold move to the
inside and some nice late braking. Gash would maintain 2nd position with Chen
coming home in 3rd. Urueta would lead the field down the back
straight and finally to the checkered flag besting the field by almost .5
seconds. This marks the 2nd victory of the season for Urueta who has
put in strong efforts at each race this season. Urueta is currently leading the
points standing in the Intermediate class a result of his strong racing.
Further back, Timmy Fritch was busy tearing his way through
the field. He would eventually land in 4th position after having
passed Muehler and although his laps were on par with the leaders, his starting
position had put him too far back to mount a serious charge. Fritch would get
the hard charger award on the day and with that and his 4th place
finish, he maintains 2nd position in the point’s standings heading
into round 4.
Muehler, who raced beautifully in the heat, would finish in
5th, another strong showing. Had it not been for him overcooking the
hairpin in the infield, Muehler may have challenged the lead pack for a higher
position. Nonetheless a strong result for Muehler, and he is certainly one to
watch for heading into round 4.
As previously mentioned, David Schall did not seem like his
normal "Superfast" self and he would come in with a sixth place finish. Even
though his results were not strong at round 3, David is a threat to win anytime
he sits in his yellow CRG and he will be on the prowl at round 4.
The Novice class featured 2 racers, Jeremy Specht and Ronald
Yu. It was Ronald’s first race of the season, and he looked strong. Unfortunately
for Yu, he would have trouble in the main and would retire early in the race.
Specht raced strong all day. His lap times and race savvy have improved greatly
throughout the season and he was able to take home his first victory of the
year. The pace at which Jeremy drives and the amount that he pushes himself on
the track have noticeably increased, and he has the lap times to prove it. Both
Specht and Yu will be serious contenders for Gregorio Urueta, Tom Denker and
Dave Mabry at round 4.
Another great event for the Formula 100 Karting Series is in
the books and the series is looking forward to its next race on September 15th,
2012 at the Orange County Grand Prix. A very large turnout is expected and
thousands of fans will be present as the Formula 100 Karting Series will take
to the track for its first street race of the season. For more information on
the Formula 100 Karting Series visit their website, F100karters.com, or email
them, formula100kartingseries@gmail.com.
