Cold temperatures, 40mph wind gusts, and snow did not keep three Midwest Region Spec E30 drivers from opening the 2013 season at Autobahn Country Club. Speedy Ryan CieChanski, sophomore Rob Rhodes, and newly-minted Rich Friman were cheered on by four other SpecE30 drivers who, for various reasons, were unable to get their cars on track for Round 1. Unfortunately, an electrical problem and then a “small” fire prevented Jeff Niswander from making the school, and Series Director Kyle Burkhardt was still puting the final touches on his new car.
On Saturday, CieChanski (1:46.184) took the pole over Rhodes and Friman. In the race, Rhodes and CieChanski took the green and raced side by side through Turns 1,2 and the tricky Turn 3 before CieChanski edged ahead into Turn 4 and never looked back. Rhodes and Friman had off’s that ended their races prematurely, however both cars returned to the paddock to fight another day.
On Sunday, a shortened qualifying session put CieChanski back on the pole (1:42.422). Sunday’s race featured a standing start. Again, Rhodes and CieChanski got off well with CieChanski getting the advantage. Rhodes managed to keep CieChanski in sight for awhile, but CieChanski’s near record pace (best lap 1:41.949) led him to another comfortable win. Rhodes put in his personal best performance to date (best lap 1:44.147). Friman also improved his times and, more importantly, finished his first race weekend clean. Congratulations to Friman!
I know guys got more photos than me. Let’s see them and some vids too!
