The team had to work very hard to be ready for this surprisingly technical track. Also surprising is the effect of the draft at this track in the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car, which proved crucial in qualifying. Eric started highest in P3, next was David Paton in P5, Chris Thorman in P7, and Jim List in P8. Bobby Childs was unable to set a valid lap, and started P22 in the rear along with MX-5 master Robert Hartley. Bobby was spun out in an accordion effect incident on lap 3 while trying to work with Hartley to get through the field, but ultimately worked his way to 11th thanks in part to pit strategy.
Eric, David, Jim and Chris stayed in the action hot and heavy at the front for the majority of the race, but Robert Hartley simply would not be denied and worked his way through the team. When it was all said and done, David and Chris finished where they started but Eric was shuffled back to P6. Already under the weather a bit, Jim retired early after an incident in pit lane and was scored in 18th. Both Eric and Chris earned bonus points towards the season championship by driving clean and picking up fewer than 6 incidents despite the intense racing.
Watch the race here.
