The West Coast Star Mazda Series traveled to the Buttonwillow Raceway Park for round 5 and 6 of the Championship Series. Hosted by the S.C.C.A., the weekend consisted of two separate races.
Although Friday was intended to be an open testing day, scattered showers limited the amount of valuable track time available. However, as the weather cleared in the afternoon, Moses and the R-Sport team worked efficiently to fine tune their setup.
“This track configuration is new to me, but a blast to drive.” Moses stated as he described the fourteen-turn course, which measures just under three miles. By the end of the long day, most of the Star Mazda teams felt prepared for their first race on Saturday.
The competitors were please to find Saturday’s weather dryer. At times there was a light drizzle, but the winds kept the track fairly dry. During the early morning practice session, Ron Roland of R-Sport had to make very few changes to the HASA Pool Product sponsored car in preparation for Moses’ qualifying session.
Ron took the time to tell me, “The car looks good, and Moses is driving great.” Ron’s positive remarks proved accurate, as the qualifying results found Moses (with fast time) and fellow HASA teammate, Mike Anderson completing the front row.
The race came later in the afternoon than was anticipated, and was eagerly awaited by racers and spectators a like. After a short warm up lap, the thirteen cars formed the grid and appeared synchronized as they drove to the green flag.
Moses led the pack into turn one. Rushing into turn two, the entire field was nose to tail. Mike Anderson managed to pull out of line, in what proved to be a successful attempt to pass Moses for the lead. The HASA teammates would lead the rest of the race, finishing first and second, with Jim Hall II completing the podium with a third.
“Mike made an awesome pass on me into turn two.” Moses commented on the maneuver that cost him the race. “It was a late pass, but he gave me plenty of racing room, and he drove a great race.”
Sunday provided clear and warm weather, which was welcomed by everyone at the track. The morning practice session was used by most to break in a new set of tires and to make the final adjustments to accommodate the milder weather. Qualifying mirrored Saturday’s results, with the two HASA Pool Product teammates on the front row.
This causes quite a stir amongst the spectators. Remembering yesterday’s exciting start, one fan commented, “Moses and Mike Anderson were able to use their heads and driving skills to avoid potential disaster yesterday. I don’t know how they both made it through that turn!” The fans were looking forward to another exciting race.
As the green flag dropped, they were not disappointed. Moses and Anderson raced for and through turn one side by side. Entering turn two, Anderson attempted to repeat yesterday’s pass, but Moses, having learned from Saturday’s experience was able to hang on to his lead. Although Anderson and Hall maintained pressure from behind, Moses managed to collect his fourth “first place finish” in the series.
“Now that’s what I call racing.” Moses announced as he returned from his victory lap. From the sound of the pit-lane crowd, they agreed with him. “Everything really came together today. R-Sport gave me an awesome car to drive, the Goodyear tires have never worked better, and the continuing support of the HASA Pool Product gang made this weekend magnificent.
Moses wanted to send a special thanks to HASA Pool Products, R-Sport, and Tom & Karen Moore. He related, that it is their continued support that makes his quest a successful one.
For more information, check out these links: www.mosessmith.com; www.starmazda.com; and www.rsport.com.
Star Mazda West “Top-Ten” Point Standings (After six of eleven): 1) Moses Smith – 253; 2) Mike Anderson – 238; 3) Jim Hall II – 227; 4) Larry Couture –175; 5) Bob Hatle –155; 6 Matt Kurdock – 111; 7) Ed Zabinski – 110; 8) Rob Walker – 96; 9) Brian McAtee – 88; 10) Chris Emanuel – 87.
