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PARTNERS
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News For July 15th, 2006
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Eurosport 944 Placed 2nd in Saturday's Sprint Race at Putnam Park |
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Mt Meridian, IN - Co-op Racing withstood the heat in Central Indiana for two sprint races with the
Porsche Club of America (PCA). With temperatures in excess of 100
degrees, drivers and crew were doing all they could to keep hydrated and cool. With onsite support
from Eurosport Racing and Co-op Racing members Jason Hartnell, and Bryan and Elaine White, the Eurosport 944
earned 2nd place in Saturday's sprint race.
Continually developing the Eurosport 944, the team had made some suspension adjustments in order the make the car handle better. Throughout the last race weekend, driver Andy Berberich complained of an |
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understeer problem. With no more adjustability in the suspension, Co-op Racing made a spring change
in order to give the car more front end bite. Friday's practice was primarily focussed on suspension
setup and for Berberich to adjust his driving in accordance with the new setup. Besides a quick shower
in the morning and a small tweak of the front end alignment, Friday's practice was fortunately uneventful.
Saturday's driving events consisted of three practice sessions, a fun race with practice starts, qualifying, and a 22 lap sprint race. As the day went on, the heat became more and more intense. After each track sessions, drivers would return from the track soaked with sweat. After the practice sessions, Berberich commented how difficult it is to pass other cars. "Putnam Park is definitely a momentum track. Which is good for the lower powered, but excellent handling car like the Eurosport 944. The layout of Putnam makes it difficult to pass the higher horsepower cars that are slower in the turns. I knew I had to qualify well so as not to get caught behind these slower cars." Unfortunately, qualifying was cut short after a 944 Porsche drove off into the straw bales in turn 10. This put the Eurosport 944 25th out of a field of 41 cars and third in class. The first sprint race started almost in the heat of the day. Berberich started on the outside of row 13. After the green flag was thrown, Berberich dove into turn one after advancing multiple positions. Unfortunately, the outside of the very fast turn one was littered with rubber pieces and dirt. The Eurosport 944 could not maintain its line and slid off the track into the grass. Quickly regaining control, Berberich had to wait for the rest of the field to pass before re-entering the track after turn two. The rest of the race was spent regaining positions and chasing down first place in class. About half way through the race, the rear tires of the Eurosport 944 began to get slick which made maintaining control difficult. "Chuck Reiter followed me for several laps and commented later on how "squirrelly" the car looked." Mentioned Berberich. "He had his video camera running and said he would send me a copy. It should be really interesting from that vantage point". By the end of the race, the Eurosport 944 had progressed up to second in class with lap times ½ second faster than first place. Based on lap times alone (assuming no incidences including the off in turn one), The Eurosport 944 would have advanced two positions in group and one position in class. Considering this, the Eurosport 944 finished comparably to the theoretical outcome of the race. After bearing the heat and without major incident, the Eurosport 944 improved lap times and was positioned well for the next day's racing activities. Regardless of the heat, Hartnell, the Whites, and Berberich helped Eurosport Racing prepared the 12 cars they were supporting for the weekend. Hartnell, who was responsible for five cars himself, worked at a level that a professional team would be proud of. Way to go Jason. Next race for Co-op Racing and the Eurosport 944 is this weekend at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. Racing will be Saturday and Sunday with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). |
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RACING PARTNERSEurosport Racing is a premiere Midwest Porsche street and race specialist. They specialize in Porsche service, track support and transport, engine design and rebuilding, dyno tuning, and suspension setup and alignment. They also offer a full line of OEM, aftermarket, and high performance parts and accessories. More information on Eurosport Racing can be found at www.midwesteurosport.comKauth and Mayeur provides the finest import services in Peoria, IL. They offer a wide range of maintenance and repair services for import cars. Specializing in high performance streetcars. Kauth and Mayeur can be reached at (309) 673-1412 or http://www.kauthmayeur.com. Maui Jim, Inc. was established in 1996 and continues to be the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass manufacturer in the world today. With more than 50 styles to choose from and easy online browsing at their website, www.mauijim.com Maui Jim are the sunglasses of choice for Co-op Racing, which provide excellent clarity and protection when used behind the wheel or behind the wall. |
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