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In Pictures: Spec MX-5 Challenge is a Crowd Favorite at Historic Laguna Seca

Tight racing, multiple lead changes, and a drag race at the line for the victory are only some of the highlights which dropped the jaws of spectators and had the announcer remarking over the speakerphone “I’ve never seen racing as good as this”!

Turn 2 of Laguna Seca proved to be a popular spot to watch the race-action unfold

Laguna Seca didn’t disappoint, seeing our National Option and West Region attack the famous circuit for an exciting crossover event. Clayton Ketcher continued a remarkable season-long podium finishing streak; winning Saturday’s race & finishing 2nd in Sunday’s race. Ketcher was on pole for both races, and was dominating Sunday’s race with a lead of over 8 seconds, but had technical problems on the last lap, causing him to lose out on the win by an incredible .061 seconds to fast charger Wyatt Couch.

Saturday’s race saw Jon Davies claim 2nd place, with Steve Borlik having a great drive to finish 3rd, his second consecutive podium of the season. Sunday’s other podium finisher was AJ Zarcone – his 5th time jumping on the podium.

Our weekend’s podium finishers: AJ Zarcone, Wyatt Couch, Clayton Ketcher, and Steve Borlik (not pictured: Jon Davies)

Honorable Mentions:
Thomas Annunziata made the trip across the country to tick racing at Laguna Seca off his bucket list. He qualified 3rd and was leading the first race when he was involved in an incident and was taken out of the race. In Sunday’s race he battled with his car after losing his power-steering, but still managed to finish 4th.
Wyatt Couch started Sunday’s race from last position, and powered through the field in a remarkable & jaw-dropping drive to snatch the victory from Ketcher at the line.
Michael Travers & Andy Chittum returned to racing their Spec MX-5s, both of them last racing at Willow Springs for Round 1 of the season
Sophia Storey made her debut in the Series, earning a respectable 26 points.
Over 225 cars were racing, with 12 Spec MX-5s in attendance.
A special thank you to SCCA – San Francisco Region for their hospitality.

Spec MX-5 Challenge returns to the track in just over two weeks, seeing our National Option and South Region head to Daytona International Speedway next month, from August 5 – 7.

SFR SCCA Steward Wally Smith provided a unique experience to our Series Manager – 3 laps around Laguna Seca!
Thomas and Tommy Annunziata made the trip out west, seen here talking to Mike Haag of Haag Performance.
Typical early-morning fog lifts just in time for Saturday’s race.
Saturday’s qualifying underway as the fog lifts.
MX-5 Cup Racer and Driver Pro Chris Nunes going over data with AJ Zarcone before Saturday’s race.
Steve Borlik ready to attack Laguna Seca.
Sophia Storey made her Series debut over the weekend.
Michael Travers and his New Mexico-themed Spec MX-5 returned for the event.
Andy Chittum also returned to racing his Spec MX-5.
Haag Performance supported 4 cars during the weekend.
Wyatt & Dave Couch pictured here with their impeccably prepared #66.
Cars lined up at pre-grid for Saturday’s race.
Clayton Ketcher holds the lead through 3, with Wyatt Couch and Thomas Annunziata in hot pursuit.
Incredibly tight racing, including the challenge of passing out-of-class cars.
The historic “Corkscrew” at Laguna Seca provided thrills to our racers.
Clayton embraces his mother, Gina, after a hard-fought race win on Saturday.
Sunday brought more Sun with unlimited viewing locations to the circuit.
Clayton Ketcher was dominate in Sunday’s race, but would lose out to Wyatt Couch at the line after technical problems.
Wes Mollno, Steve Borlik, and Ricardo Arruda relaxing after a busy race.
Wyatt Couch after his unbelievable win on Sunday.

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