SAN FRANCISCO, California — When it comes to racing in his home state of Utah, Michael Self just can't seem to have a perfect race. Saturday proved truth to this theory as Self was a favorite to contend for the win in the Larry H. Miller Utah Dealerships GP at Miller Motorsports Park, until a little dose of misfortune found its way beneath the hood of the Shining Monkey sponsored Golden Gate Racing Team/RCR #21 Chevrolet.
"After running with only one gear and to be able to overcome what we did and still be as fast as the top five cars with all our problems I think we showed everyone that they have someone to worry about on the road course races this year,"— Michael Self
"There really isn't a way for me to sum up my feelings for the weekend with words, but with everything we went through I couldn't be happier with the outcome," said Self, who rallied to a top ten finish despite losing two gears while racing for position on the 2.2 mile road course in Toole, Utah for round three of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. "The car was fast enough to win and it definitely showed when we were still in the top five on the last lap."
For Self and the Golden Gate Racing Team, the weekend at the track in close proximity to Self's hometown of Park City started off extremely strong. Despite the mechanical challenge at the end of the race, in the eyes of the team it ended very strong as well with a much appreciated eighth place finish aboard a handicapped car.
"We were very pleased with the way this race turned out," said Jim Offenbach, owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team that carries the support of Richard Childress Racing Driver Development. "Michael had strong performances all weekend. Losing a gear or two on a road course can end your day, he did very well despite the challenge and brought home a top ten. I'm really happy with this whole team coming out of Utah."
In qualifying on Saturday, Self turned the fourth fastest time around the 2.2 road course with a recorded speed of 84:412 and a lap time of 93.825 seconds. The strong lap put him on the outside of defending champion Eric Holmes in row two for the start of the race.
Throughout the event, Self was a force to contend with, racing amongst the top five for the majority of the race. Self got as high as the fourth position during the 63 lap event. His eighth place finish came in the form of rally as he battled a car that had only one gear late in the race and overcame a spin on lap 34 when he became involved in an incident when David Mayhew spun following a restart in the first turn.
In the end, Self was in the right place at the right time to gain positions as Holmes ran short on fuel in the final laps and Greg Pursley went on to win the race. Self's was just one of 15 cars remaining on the lead lap at the end of Saturday's event. He credits the Golden Gate crew and their successful pit stops for the team's success.
"After running with only one gear and to be able to overcome what we did and still be as fast as the top five cars with all our problems I think we showed everyone that they have someone to worry about on the road course races this year," said Self. "Steve Portenga gave me an unbelievably fast, consistent car that never fell off the pace and the crew did great on the pitstops. Somehow we were fortunate enough to not lose the motor or the entire transmission and limped across the line with a solid finish."
Following Saturday's event, Self and GGRT/RCR are currently 8th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship standings. Saturday's race will air this Thursday on SPEED TV. The next event will be on Saturday, May 21 in Iowa when the West Series will face the East in one of the tour's most competitive events.
In addition to the title sponsorship of Shining Monkey and Bay Bio Diesel, The Golden Gate Racing Team has a number of associate sponsors that support them. Among their partners are the Richard Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, Hill Meat Company, Golden Gate Meat Company, Corte Madera Tow, Superior Farms, Harraka Racing Equipment Sales, Foodcomm International, Signco, Praxair and JW Web Design.
For an in-depth look at the Golden Gate Racing Team and additional news, visit their official website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. To learn more about the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development program visit www.rcrracing.com Michael Self's personal website can be found at www.michaelselfracing.com. All four entities can also be found on facebook, become a fan today.
