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PARTNERS
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News For July 30th, 2006
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Eurosport 944 Places 3rd in its Second SCCA Race at Autobahn Country Club |
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Joliet, IL - Co-op Racing returned to the Autobahn Country Club on July 30, again to compete
with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The grueling heat
did not let up any for Sunday's race. Following a successful race on Saturday, Andy Berberich
and the Eurosport 944 was at an even bigger disadvantage since the other competitors were gaining
experience on the new course. The 3rd place finish was expected for Co-op Racing, so the time was
spent gathering data to be used for driver development and racing line optimization.
Along with George Weathered and George Weathered Jr. of Eurosport Racing, Co-op Racing members Bryan and Elaine White |
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supported the Eurosport 944 during Sunday's activities. Before
coming to Autobahn, Bryan had borrowed a data acquisition system from Collin Mizeur.
The purpose of the data acquisition system was to collect real time performance data of Berberich
and the Eurosport 944. During dinner on Friday night, Berberich, Tom Collins, Denny Hiffman, and
the Weathereds were discussing the racing line and different techniques for different parts of the
track. In order to truly determine the fastest line around the track, test data needed to be
taken and analyzed.
With the data acquisition installed, Berberich used the early morning qualifying session to try different racing lines primarily through the turn 1-2-3 combination. Two racing lines were in question as to which line would produce the lowest lap time. Each line was taken for at least five laps and the results were analyzed after the qualifying session. (Due to the competitive nature of racers and Co-op Racing, we will refrain from divulging the test results) Further analysis and testing will be necessary, but the preliminary results were of much use to Co-op Racing. The information would also be of use to Bryan White who races a Pontiac Firebird in the American Iron class with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). During the qualifying session, Berberich qualified the Eurosport 944 to 3rd out of four Improved Touring S cars. This time, the Eurosport 944 qualified behind the same AS Mustang and number 93 BMW it battled with on Saturday. After Saturday's race, Berberich figured he couldn't compete with the Mustang or BMW. However, he wasn't going to give up without a fight. Berberich started right behind the BMW and nearly drove into it when the field "checked up" before the green. When the green flag was flown, Berberich moved from the outside lane he started in to right behind the Mustang. "I knew that if I got behind the Mustang, I could follow him through the inside of turn one and make up some positions," Berberich reflected. "It was a pretty gutsy move, but the inside of turn one is almost always the place to be. It sets you up better for turn three, which leads on to the first high speed straight away. This worked as I gained position on the BMW." Being behind the Mustang put the Eurosport 944 at a disadvantage. Same scenario as Saturday: the Mustang was not able to carry the speed through the turns, but would pull away on the straight. About two laps into the race, Jim Peterson in the BMW passed the Eurosport 944 on the back straight like he did on Saturday. Berberich completed the remaining ten laps without much pressure and finished 3rd in class. After the race, Berberich and Peterson reminisced about the weekend's activities. "It's always fun to talk to competitors after the race to hear what kind of experience they had," remarked Berberich. "Jim observed that my car was really underpowered since he was able to pull away so quickly. However, he did comment that I had good car control. There were times where I would make a move or make a pass and he didn't think I would be able to keep control of the car. The car would get out of line and I would always bring it back under control. He said that after a while, he quit lifting because he knew that I would recover. That told me that I was definitely using the car for all it had and then some." Co-op Racing was again very pleased with the results of the race and the entire weekend. The team learned some valuable lessons and now has some good data to analyze before the next race. The next schedule event for Co-op Racing and the Eurosport 944 will be on the four mile, 14 turns of Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. This world-class racetrack hosts races with groups like the American Le Mans Series, CHAMP Car, and AMA Superbikes. Co-op Racing will be there with the PCA over Labor Day weekend. |
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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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