June 29, 2024
West Coast Sprite-Midget Challenge Race 1
*for immediate release*
June 29, 2024 saw the first of three 2024 Sprite-Midget Challenge races on the West Coast. Despite a weekend with high attrition, twelve Spridgets lined up on the inside of turn 8 at Pacific Raceways for a Le Mans style start.
At the wave of the flag it was immediately apparent that the proxy runners included some serious ringers. Martin Maggio, running for Stephen Newby, sprinted across the track to get Stephen out first, but as fast as he was, it was Greg Heacock’s daughter who practically lit the track on fire, seemingly reaching Laurie Lyford’s car without touching the ground.
At the other end were two cars, Campbell and Volkert, who, despite great runners, charged out last and second to last after they needed push starts.
At the front of the pack, Newby led start to finish, but had to fight off a very fast Geoff Tupholme, who moved up five positions and had the fastest lap of all cars at 1:42.040. Brad Shin ran strong to place third in the 1275 race group.
Pete Smith dominated the small-bore group, leading wire to wire…with Greg Heacock unable to get rolling at the Le Mans start.
Complete results:
1275/Large Bore
1. Stephen Newby
2. Geoff Tupholme
3. Brad Shinn
4. Laurie Lyford
5. Paul Quackenbush
6. Rich Newman
7. Loren Campbell
8. Brian Volkert
9. Rod Duncan
10. Bill Greenman
948 and 1098/Small Bore
1. Pete Smith
2. Greg Heacock
The group welcomed first time Sprite-Midget Challenge racers Paul Quackenbush and Laurie Lyford.
The Le Mans style start was a hit with the drivers and spectators, who thronged to the turn 8 fence to watch. Everyone involved offers their thanks to SOVREN and Pacific Raceways for working with the group to stage the special event and start, and to Stephen and Lori Newby and Newby Racing for facilitating it.
A hearty thank-you to Bert McBride, David Schultz, Thea Campbell, and Brin Hamilton for the photos!
Stay tuned for our next Sprite-Midget Challenge race in beautiful Mission, British Columbia on August 10, when we officially become The International Sprite-Midget Challenge!