MONTEREY, California — Bobby Runyan returned to victory lane this past weekend (June 20-21), scoring two San Francisco Region SCCA Formula Ford wins at Laguna Seca">Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver was the one to watch throughout the weekend, earning three pole positions in the tripleheader in addition to the double victories.
Runyan’s pursuit of the San Francisco Region SCCA Formula Ford title at the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca commenced on Friday with a morning practice session. Quickly getting up to speed behind the wheel of his No. 2 Porter Racing/Raging Bull Motorsports Swift DB6 Formula Ford, the talented young driver ended the session second quickest, setting the stage for a strong afternoon qualifying session. Runyan promptly met those expectations, turning the fastest lap by nearly a second, earning his second pole position of the season.
Returning to cool and damp track one day later, Runyan did not get the launch he desired when the green flag waved, falling as far back as fourth on the opening lap. The 16 year-old however quickly refocused, advancing back into the top-three. Showing good speed, Runyan was soon challenging for second place. It appeared he would make the pass for position on lap two, but the duo collided, briefly sending his race car airborne. While the car was damaged, he was able to continue. Runyan, benefiting from a subsequent full-course caution, soon found himself once again battling among the leaders. When the checkered flag waved, the young race pilot had made an impressive comeback to second place.
Unfortunately, following the race Runyan was penalized three positions for a pass under yellow, placing him fifth in the final results.
Runyan was soon back on-course in Northern California, with a second qualifying session setting the grid for race two of the weekend. With the damage from race one having been expertly repaired by his crew, the teenager was again the driver to beat in the timed session, earning his second pole position by nearly a second.
The first-year Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver lined up for the second race of the event on Sunday morning confident he could visit the Laguna Seca victory lane. Getting a good launch when the green flag waved, Runyan soon had a multi-car advantage on his nearest competitor.
Just as it appeared the Californian was headed towards a comfortable win, the yellow flags waved around the course bunching the field back together. Runyan, in a repeat of the initial start, again got away cleanly when the green flag waved for a second time, easily holding the
P1 position. However within a few laps the yellow flags waved for a second time due to a car off-course. While Runyan did not get an ideal launch on the final re-start, allowing second place to get alongside, the young driver maintained his composure, holding on to the lead and his third Formula Ford win of the season.
With the San Francisco Region awarding a third race to the Formula Ford group, Runyan was back behind the wheel of his Swift DB6 on Sunday afternoon, lining up on the pole position. Making the most of his starting position, the former karting standout drove a picture perfect race, leading every lap and setting the fastest time en route to a fourth series win.
“Bobby Runyan continues to impress everyone with his speed and race results,” stated head of driver development Ron Sutton. “He is having an amazing first season in car racing. That’s due to his incredible talent, a good team and solid guidance,”
Runyan resumes his 2009 San Francisco Region SCCA Formula Ford race campaign on July 26, with Round Seven taking place at Thunderhill Raceway Park">Thunderhill Raceway Park in California.
For direct contact, please email Bobby Runyan at bobbyboy@fire2wire.com
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About Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle:
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is an established talent scout and development program, providing long term, comprehensive racing and career development for up and coming drivers focused on NASCAR careers.
RSWC drivers are raced, coached, groomed, trained and molded, within a professional racing environment, into what top pro teams look for when hiring drivers. Drivers involved in the program race in a variety of cars, including USAC Junior Ford Focus Midgets, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, USAC Midgets, USAC Sprint cars, Skip Barber Race Series, SCCA Club Racing Formula Ford and F2000, NASCAR Grand American Modifieds, NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars and NASCAR Grand National cars.
