The LeMons Race Series concluded their 2013 program with the final endurance event held at the Sonoma raceway at Sears Point off Highway 37 at 121. This year's event had 184 entries in the 3 categories A,B,C. (Likely to finish; Maybe will finish; Unlikely to finish).
Temperatures descended Friday to subfreezing 20's and participants huddled in their vans, campers, shells, and trailers to keep warm. The rain that fell earlier in the week moved through and skies cleared for the Saturday morning green flag. It was a clean start and engines coughed and roared as 184 amateur drivers lunged forward for the day's 6 hour block of driving on the 2.2 mile twisting road course.
The Minister of Manufacturing and Engineering was in the pits with his teammates as Car #942-The Porch Racing Team's 1989 944 Porsche began the run that would consume their next 36 hours at the track. After months of preparation, the team had tuned the 944 to its engineered top performance mode-all was ready for this effort. Drivers had worked out a rotation plan and a time/driver change plan, all dependent on many uncontrollable factors such as track conditions, weather, fuel consumption, and the other 180 cars on the track.
Within a few hours, the weather improved, temps rose in Sonoma County, and drivers settled into a routine, winding through the curves, braking, accelerating, and navigating for position. Soon it became evident that #942 was rolling well, all systems working. By 2pm, the Porch Team's vehicle was in the 1st position, leading the A Division and all others,too. Pit stops were minimal and tire tread was holding well. At the end of the day's allotted time, Porch Racing was in the lead.
Day 2
Cold temps continued, and all crews fired up the coffee pots early on to put some heat into their veins. The early start put a strain on the pit crews, but the starting line was bunched up as teams took their positions. #942 was at the head of the pack as the green light flashed. Team Captain Sean had made the decision to stay on as driver for the next 4 hours, if all went well. After a midmorning pit stop, he cruised into the pits exhausted but happy as he had extended their lead to 3 laps! Now it was Enzo's turn. He was ready, despite having to sit in a urine -soaked driver's seat. The tank was topped off, the oil was filled,again; the radio was fixed on the harness; and safety belts and harness tightened to secure positions. A yellow caution flag held drivers in the pits for a few minutes, and then off he went, trying to extend the 2 lap lead. The next 4 hours of racing would see the lead extended but pursuers would hold their 2nd and 3rd positions, waiting for an opportunity to overtake the leader. It would not happen on this day.
At 4:30pm sharp, the checkered flag was dropped on #942-WINNER, 2013!
A jubilant team surrounded the car as it was escorted to the winner's Pit next to the track admin building so all participants could help celebrate. The team was awarded the 1st Place Trophy and the Judges Trophy for Best Team Effort. Photos were taken all around.
Congratulations Team Porch Racing-Well Done.
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