The MCR77 Racing Team competed in the 2008 SCCA OVR Nationals Race at Mid Ohio in the GT Lite class with the #76 Honda CRX and DSR class with the #25 Radical.
May 30th
We arrived at mid Ohio Race Track just in time to go through registration. Found our paddock spot we liked. Was going to put up the canopy until the wind starting blowing real hard and decided to wait till morning.
May 31st
Arrived at the track Saturday morning to see that it rained last night and that the track is still wet. Mark and Larry decided to waive off the 1st qualifying session so that they are not rushed getting through tech. After getting through tech everyone pitched in to get the canopy set up and the cars unload from the trailer. Mark started to go through both the cars getting them prepped for the 2nd qualifying session.
Larry got geared up and proceeded to false grid to start his qualifying session. Several laps later he arrived back at the paddock stating that the track felt great. His times improved since last year.
Mark got geared up and proceeded to the false grid for his qualifying session. With only 5 gallons of gas in the tank Mark was ready to run. His times have improved since last year. He completed only 9 laps with a best time of 1.44.966 he was 2nd in GTL and 12th in group. He was excited that his times have improved. He went to the scales to see what the car weighed in at. with only 3 gallons of gas left his weight was 1915. only 15 pounds over. Good.
Bill Tomasmyer and Mark Keefer who came to the track to run the restricted regional class went out and had a blast. This was their first time running at Mid Ohio. Their times were real good and they were happy with their times.
We packed up the cars and decided it was time to go eat at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Yummy.
June 1st
Arrived at the early Sunday morning to go over the cars one last time before the race. Cars were prepped and ready to go. We all decided to go watch some races to see how everyone else is running.
Larry got ready for his race and headed down to the false grid. Everyone was lined up and starting their pace lap. The green flag waived and they were off. Larry was holding his own and running great. He completed the race with a 2nd place with a time of 1.42.295. With this 2nd place win Larry is holding 1st place in the Northeast division in DSR. Go Larry.
Mark got suited up and was ready for his race. We put a total of 8 gallons of gas in his car to that way we know he will make weight. He headed down to the false grid to line up. This will be a split start since there are several classes in this group. the 1st start will be GTL, FP, GP and HP and the 2nd start will be SRF. On the pace lap scrubbing in the tires. The green flag flew for the 1st start. Mark was off and running. He kept the 1st place GTL car in his sight and got so very close to passing him. His times improved yet again down to a 1.42.335. The best lap ever here at Mid Ohio. Mark finished with a 2nd place in GTL. He was excited. His weight with about 3 1/2 gallons of gas left was 1920. With this 2nd place, Mark is currently in 2nd place in the Northeast division in GTL. Way to go Mark.
Bill Tomasmyer and Mark Keefer got ready for their race in the Restricted Regional ITS. On their pace lap scrubbing their tires. The green flag flew once again. Very large group. Mark Keefer was able to complete most of the race and had to come in due to mechanical difficulty. Bill Tomasmyer was running great till a SM (Spec Miata) T boned him on the passenger side. Bill was able to get back on the track and continue. He was able to complete the race. Bill was able to get 8th place with a time of 1.50.265 and Mark Keefer was able to get 9th with a time of 1.50.360. Good job all in all.
