The sign above the entrance says it all… “Welcome to the last great Colosseum!” This classic NASCAR track was a great venue for the rallycross cars, as they used both of the steep banked ends as well as a gravelled infield section and a 70’ jump on the front straight.
In second practice, a brake issue caused Geoff Sykes’ car to over rotate and contact the protective barrier at the exit of the gravel section. Sykes missed the seeding (qualifying) session while repairs were made, but fast work by Eric and Brad of the OMSE team had him ready for the first heat race.
“It was touch and go getting the car ready but the OMSE guys did an excellent job and we got to run a solid heat race,” said Sykes.
Saturday’s second heat race moved Sykes to the LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) where he started 4th. But by the time they entered the infield, he had moved into first place and built enough of a lead to stay in front when he took the longer Joker lap on lap 3. Sykes won the race by a clear six seconds.
In the finals, Geoff started 5th and kept that position up to the first lap melee that resulted in a race restart. The final race was without drama with Geoff finishing 4th overall, his best finals finish to date.
“It was a great result for us,” said Geoff. “We struggle because we still have minimal sponsors on board, but the support we do get from GetEnergyFX.com and Midnight Oil is invaluable. I’m thankful I can deliver a good result for them and the fans… the fans are great and they love the rallycross racing we bring them. We look forward to seeing them again next year!”
ABOUT RALLYCROSS AND GEOFF SYKES
Rallycross combines circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition with intense, crowd-pleasing action in a fan-friendly track environment, featuring a challenging course that includes jumps, unbanked turns and changing track and surface conditions that can include dirt, gravel and wet asphalt.
Geoff Sykes is driving his first season in Global Rallycross, having come from an autocross and road racing background with multiple records and championships in the BMW CCA racing series, and is the current GT points leader in the US Touring Car Championship.
Sykes’ rallycross racing includes support from GetEnergyFX.com, Midnight Oil and DTV Solutions.
Photo Credits: 1 Matt Kalish, 2/3 QNIGAN.COM
