CalSpeedMagMay2018

W hat’s another way to say “sweep the race”? That’s exactly what happened for the third time in a row during this past weekend’s Sprint Series, except this time, it was yet another driver who achieved this great feat. The trend of new winners just might keep up as we approach the second half of the season… The Grande circuit often throws the proverbial wrench in the forms of the Hairpin and the Scandi corner leading up to it. Quali would be dominated by drivers already familiar with the course. Your points leaders like Spencer Russell and Samuel Hunt remained dominant for the majority of their session. Ultimately the former would score pole position while the reserved Evan Karp would follow as the only two who broke into the 1:06 range. Russell was off to a good start with Sheng Wu [2R], Jacob Abrams, and Seth Willits in tow for heat 1. For the most part, it was smooth sailing for this top 4 and eventually each became his own island. A blue flag loomed ahead, causing the front pack to finally bunch together. By the checkered, Russell scored P1 with a now shuffled order behind him consisting of Willits, Abrams, and Wu. It was Russell and Donnie Clarke with the advantage over the A-Main field, but Michael Chen and Mark Sternberg weren’t going to make this an easy one. The top trio remained tight, with Russell on the defense through Long Beach from an eager Clarke as he staved off the rest with no small effort. Pulling off fast lap after fast lap was Karp, who after starting in 7th was already just within grasp of something more… Chen would attempt a pass at Kornakurva but with Clarke holding the fort down, no one would get by. Scandi saw some shenanigans from this pack, finally giving Russell some breathing room. Karp now ensued battle for P2 with Clarke, the two now an island separate from the rest. Through Contino, Karp kept applying the pressure, but it would be Clarke edging him out by just a hair for the checkered flag. Sprint Series Round 5 would mark the first career win and a clinch for the Winter Sub-championship for Spencer Russell, as well as the first career podiums for Donnie Clarke and Evan Karp. A Main Podium B-Main Winner Ivan Martinez C-Main Winner William Ball Round 5 May 12