Round 5 and Round 6 of the 2018 North American Formula 1000 Championship was a huge success at Watkins Glen International over the weekend.
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FULL RACE REPORT
Following a full day of test and tune, it was time for the Random Drawing Awards and dinner social, held every Friday night during championship events.
With Cash prizes from Taylor, Sunoco, Jongbloed, and HRP, plus discounts and products from American Racer Tire, MPT Industries, Race Mirrors, Rebel Gears, Rilltech Racing, VIsorCamusa.com and Wulff Motorsports –
Every Driver wins in F1000 Championship racing.
Saturday morning drivers awoke to beautiful 70 degree weather and clear skies for round 5 qualifying.
Once again it was the defending champion, Alex Mayer putting his #77 Mayer Motorsports / Technotecs / JDR on pole, followed closely by teammate Jose Gerardo in the #14 G-Labels JDR, Doug Hertz in the #13 Sunrise Solar Solutions Firman, Reilly Harris in the #12 Murry Consulting / Mantac, with Mike Meyers in the #111 Philly Motorsports DBF1000 rounding out the fast 5
When the green flag flew on Round 5, Mayer jumped out to a commanding lead, however behind the #77 it was a wheel to wheel battle for second through fourth. #14 Jose Gerardo, #13 Doug Hertz, and #12 Reilly Harris put on a phenomenal show – until just past halfway.
Coming through the laces of the boot, Hertz would end up a little wide, getting loose in the marbles, coming across the track Gerardo had nowhere to go and the two collided. Hertz would continue with a bent wheel to finish second, however Gerardo would retire immediately with severe suspension damage. Both drivers were unhurt and very apologetic – agreeing the incident was simply racing. On the same lap, Reilly Harris would have issues with downshifting and send the RPM of his #12 way beyond recommended range – and suffer the consequences – retiring with engine related issues.
Not too far behind the battle for second, Steve Hamilton in the #93 and Mike Meyers in the #111 were putting on a great show as well, until Meyers spun in “the boot” ensuring another podium finish for the #93 CSI Leasing / EPCusa..com of Steve Hamilton.. Meyers would recover to finish in fourth place, with Tim Pierce in the Waterfall Security Solutions / Briky Coolers / JDR rounding out the top 5.
The grid for round 6 would appear very similar to round 5, with only a few minor changes. Reilly Harris would join Alex Mayer on the front row – as Mayer Motorsports was unable to repair the damage to Gerardo’s JDR – he was forced to start at the rear in Tim Pierce’s former Firman – now owned by Thomas Copeland.. Doug Hertz would also miss the green flag, after having starter issues, but would join the race and be running at the finish to claim valuable championship points.
Gerardo would not let starting at the back spoil his day – after a phenomenal start – moving from last to 3rd before turn 1 – Gerardo and Reilly Harris battled all race with Gerardo coming out ahead in the end – taking home second place and the Sunoco Hard Charger Award. Reilly would hang on for his first podium in F1000 professional competitions, however the day would once again be dominated by the defending champion – the #77 of Alex Mayer..
Congratulations to all the F1000 championship drivers from rounds 5 and 6 at the Glen.
For more information about the North American Formula 1000 Championship – visit www.NorthAmF1000.com
Stay up to the minute all weekend – follow the series across all social media including Facebook and Apex Speed – @NorthAmF1000
Next up for the F1000 Championship –
August 4-5 at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course.
