CalSpeedMagFeb2018

A n unusual uptick in the temperatures brought a beautiful and warm California day in January for the 2nd installment of the 2018 Sprint Series. The Tecnico circuit, a favorite for many drivers here at CalSpeed, added to the excitement for race day. What was already looking like a perfect sunny day would also become a perfect race for just one driver… In the final qualifying round, driver after driver went purple over the duration of the session and it was unclear who would grab that best time. Ultimately, James Lieser would earn the coveted top time of the day by a slim .008 over Lukas Dziemidok, making this his first career pole in the Sprint Series. Going into heat 1A, Lieser held the torch and never looked back. The battle for P2 began to brew between Diego Alvarado and a slew of drivers invading in rapid succession. Very quickly, the infighting led to Lieser and Alvarado cruising away un-pestered, making way for a comfortable trek to the finish line. As the green flag raised for the A-Main, it was a calm before the storm as leaders Lieser and Dziemidok began gapping the rest. Lukas would grab the lead in turn 4, ready to replicate his win earlier in the day during his heat. In turn, Lieser’s attempt at an over-under onto the straightaway was met with a closed door. He regained the lead once again at the Tecnico hairpin and grew markedly defensive in his line choice from this point forward. Meanwhile Diego Alvarado sat in wait behind the pair. With the top 3 bumper to bumper, Dziemidok constantly showed his eagerness, taking peeks for a pass at every perceivable chance. The white flag approached and the air remained heavy. Lieser stayed defensive for the entirety of the final lap while Dziemidok stayed glued to his bumper– Lieser’s shallow line brought Alvarado side by side with Dziemidok. Lieser took the checkered for his first Sprint Series win while contact during the final lap saw Alvarado promoted to the 2nd spot on the podium! A Main Podium B-Main Winner Feras Feraj C-Main Winner Evan Karp Round 2 FEB. 3