TOPEKA, California — Los Angeles sports car racer Mike Miserendino won his third straight Spec Racer Ford national championship when he out-raced a determined Brian Schofield during the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Heartland Park Topeka.
Miserendino started on the pole but spent much of the race chasing Schofield, who took the lead after a restart. The two went side-by-side frequently before Miserendino muscled by to take the lead on the 17th of the race’s 18 laps.
“This will probably be one of the best television races,” said Miserendino. “We ran 18 qualifying laps (in the race), basically.”
The Spec Racer Ford class is for open cockpit cars and engines specifically built for the class. Goodyear is the exclusive tire provider for the class. Miserendino said the tires Goodyear supplies work well with the chassis.
“I think it’s a consistent tire,” the champ said. “It’s just a matter of the guys pushing the limits. The car’s going to slide around a little bit. I think we’re all even in terms of tire wear and adhesion.”
Miserendino led the first five laps with Schofield close behind. A rare full-course caution period bunched the field and Schofield used the restart to grab the top spot.
Schofield said, “It was a battle. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to race that hard for that many laps.”
Miserendino chased the leader until his car abruptly shutoff with a few laps to go. He was able to recycle his electrical system with the car rolling and refire the engine. He lost second place, but quickly got that spot back and caught Schofield.
He grabbed the lead for the final time in turn five of the penultimate lap.
More information on Goodyear Racing is available at www.racegoodyear.com.
