Posted (05/29/2007) -
Rob Huffmaster made a successful return to his home track of Grattan by winning the SCCA National T3 race on May 13th, driving the Huffmaster Racing #31 Mazda RX-8.
The weekend started off well for Huffmaster Racing, as the first practice session was a very successful adventure.
"Instead of sending Rob out on brand new tires to set an ultimate lap in practice, we instead choose to go with worn out tires. This allowed us to work on the set up of the RX-8 for the end of the race."
- stated Robb's father Ray Huffmaster
For Qualifying, Rob set a blistering pace. His time of 1:29.6 broke the Grattan track record in T3. Ironically, the previous track record of 1:29.9 was held by Robb's father Ray.
With the multi class format of SCCA Nationals, Rob started the Sunday event on the T3 Pole Position, but in 15th out of a total of 22 in the race.
"It was great being able to be bunched up in a pack of cars from faster classes all around our #31 Mazda. It was great action, and was good practice for what we will experience when the team arrives at the Runoffs in Kanasas." - stated Rob Huffmaster
At the start of the race, Rob was able to pass an amazing 7 cars, despite being in slower classed car. Rob soon gained control of the race and had a commanding lead of the 2nd placed T3 class racer. But then a late race yellow bunched up the field. Keeping his cool, Rob steadied himself for the restart, and proceeded to roll to victory in the T3 class, and 11th overall. In the process of the restart, Rob laid down a fantastic string of laps, concluding in a new fastest race lap of 1:28.4. His fastest race lap was over a second faster than his qualifying time.
"What a great way to come back to Michigan and race at our home track. Everyone at Huffmaster Racing pulled together today to ensure we had a great car. We learned a lot this weekend about how the Mazda reacts on both New and Old tires, which I feel will really benefit us as the season progresses towards the Runoffs"
- stated Rob Huffmaster
Then next event for Huffmaster Racing will be the June 2nd Mid-Ohio Single National May 12th & 13th National. Rob will again be driving the Huffmaster Racing #31 T3 Mazda RX-8. At the Mid-Ohio event, there will also be a Restricted Regional Enduro for Improved Touring Class cars. Huffmaster Racing will utilize this event to bring out their ITS class Mazda RX-7 for extra seat time for Rob.
Currently, Rob is now leading the T3 Class Great Lakes Division Points. The Goal for the season is to qualify both Huffmaster Drivers for the National Runnoffs; Ray in D Prepared and Rob for T3. For the 2nd straight year, the 2007 SCCA National Runnoffs will be held at Topeka, Kansas at Heartland Park on October 8-14.
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