D/FW Ferrari Club of America
Spring 2003 Karting Challenge
Spring, Round 1: January 14, 2003Pictures courtesy Ron Rippe and Rob LayThe Spring 2003 DFW/FCA Karting Challenge begins! There were 14 participants, 5 of whom were first time participants. Welcome aboard!
 From left: Jano, Geronimo, Nareg, Ron Q., Bill, Jayson, Dan, Ron R. (kneeling), Rob L., Jim, Rob M., Tillman, Chris, Wes
Based on past experiences, the races were broken into two heats of 7 karts each. The fastest times were consolidated to determine the winner of each race and the final.
 Racers prepare for their heat The first race was run on the longer track. Jayson ripped off a 36.90 in the A heat to win, which was the fastest lap of the entire day at that time. Ron R. just edged Rob in heat B for second, as 2nd through 6th were separated by only .86 of a second. The racing throughout the pack was tight, but stayed relatively clean. The second heat was held on the smaller, more technical track. Chris F. broke into the 20 second range with a 20.85 on the B heat to win the race. Ron R. followed up with another second place, just holding off newcomer sensation Geronimo. Once again, good racing resulted in fast lap times, and the top 7 were separated by less than a second. After a beverage break and some calculation of the standings, The Main Event was run on the long course, with a Gran Prix standing start. The final took place with a split field and a standing start. Cars were assigned on a random basis according to point standings at the end of the second heat.
 Benchracing before the finals
Rob ran a 37.08, Jayson runs a 37.07. Rob counters with a 36.76, Jayson comes back with a 36.57. Rob runs another fast lap at 36.26, Jayson turns 36.11. Rob takes the lead yet again with a 36.08. Jayson breaks the 35 second mark with an incredible 35.74. This could be the win! And then..... Rob runs a 35.73 to win the race! It was a great show, and a lot of fun to watch. The final margin of victory was only 1/100 of a second -- the closest yet in the history of the Karting Challenge. Heat B didn't have the drama, but did produce some good lap times. Rob M. (no relation) ran a 36.57 to grab the last podium position.
 Typically subdued celebration
This event ran a bit long, so the traditional post-racing celebration was skipped. The karters all scattered to the winds and began their cat-and-mouse games with the local gendarmes. The Spring 2003 series will run from January through June on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The next event is February 11, 2003. Discuss this event at Ferrarichat.com
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