Duel in the Desert Goodguys Autocross Shootout - Complete Recap

[Trackside-Brandy]

Goodguys Scottsdale was the end to a fantastic race season. It was also one of the most anticipated events of the year; featuring the Goodguys Duel in the Desert Autocross Shootout. Driver's have been earning points at each Goodguys event throughout 2014 in order to be one of the eighteen finalist to compete in the shootout. Over the years Goodguys has perfected their autocross, while adding special events like the manufacture's autocross shootout at Columbus Nationals and the final autocross shootout at Scottsdale in November.


The year end shootout runs like a bracket race; each round knocking out a handful of competitors until it gets to the final two drivers. This year it came down to Brian Hobaugh and Danny Popp.



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With Danny Popp's recent win at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, predictions were high that he would stand victorious in this past weekend's Goodguys Autocross Shootout. Popp came in second at the shootout, leaving the last round between Popp and Bobaugh to be quite an intense showdown.



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Mary Pozzi was another driver who was predicted to sweep away the competition in her modified Camaro, sporting an Art Morrision IRS. In the beginning of the shootout, Pozzi was the quickest car out and displaying some very impressive driving.


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Of course there's also Brian Hobaugh, who has quite a lengthy record of wins. Hobaugh fought hard for his win at Scottsdale. After his half shaft broke, several people including other racers stopped to help him fix it and get back on course. There are not too many other sports (including automotive racing) where this would happen.


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We want to congratulate Brian Hobaugh on his victory:



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The underdog, though he ran strong at several Goodguys events this year, was Josh Leisinger in his silver Corvette. First, Leisinger is the youngest of this elite group of drivers. He also has the least experience; Pozzi, Hobaugh and Popp coming from racing backgrounds. For Leisinger to place third among these other drivers is definitely something to brag about. He is one driver we will be watching come the 2015 race season.


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We posted the complete breakdown of the results on another forum post here:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/111579-Goodguys-2014-AutoCross-Finals-Shootout-DUEL-IN-THE-DESERT-%28FINAL-RESULTS%29?p=1101634#post1101634




Goodguys Scottsdale brought a record breaking crowd out to the autocross Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Scottsdale event has been a slow growing event, with very little cars competing at the autocross in past years. If you were a spectator this past weekend, you would have never guessed that to be the case. Many competitors from the OUSCI event in Vegas headed straight to Scottsdale to run the autocross this past weekend. There were familiar faces scattered throughout the pits. Many of these faces below are some that you might recognize.


Suzy and Rodney shared driving responsibilities behind the wheel of their Camaro:


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The Farrington family came out after competing at OUSCI to attend the Scottsdale Show and run in the autocross:


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Mike and Brianne Maier stopped for a quick shot:


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Greg and Jane Thurmond also came out. Jane, who ran at OUSCI, told us that it was Greg's turn this weekend. He ran strong all year and had a very good chance of winning the event:


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Bob Bertelsen brought out his C10, which had a crowd around it all weekend:



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Dan Ballard came out with his Nova. Though the engine might be toast, he was able to finish the season. There is a vote on social media that it's time for an LS Swap in Grandma's Nova.



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As the year comes to an end for the pro-touring race circuit, many have mixed feelings when Sunday comes at the Goodguys Show. Debbie Farrington said it best: "We are headed home, it is funny I have mixed emotions. I miss home and family but am very sad to be leaving the sunshine and 78 degree weather!" Many of these drivers are heading back to the midwest and east coast, where they will tuck their vehicles away for the winter. It makes us who live in California and Arizona realize just how lucky we are to live in the sunshine states.


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Many of these drivers have spent the year racing each other and have formed a special bond that many who just spectate would not understand. Our pro-touring community is one giant family. Encouraging others to get involved means we can continue to grow the sport and our family. This picture of Mary Pozzi and her "fan club" wraps up what this sport is all about. No matter if you are first, fourth or last; just go out and have fun. We want to end on this note just as Pozzi had done: influencing others to become part of our extended race family no matter the age, the gender or the car.



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For complete coverage of the 2014 Goodguys Scottsdale November Event check out our gallery below:

http://s385.photobucket.com/user/protouringdotcom/slideshow/Pro-Touring%20Events/Goodguys%20Events/Goodguys%20Scottsdale%20Duel%20In%20The%20Desert%2 02014


Or visit our Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/ProTouring

[struck by Lightning]

What a great weekend that had everything you could ask for in an event. Drama, blood and carnage starting with Brian snapping a half shaft in his Corvette which left a hole in the floor. Several fellow competitors jumped in to assist in the repair including Greg Thurmond which came away from the repair bleeding, nothing major, but it just shows what a great community of people there are at these events.


Later, Scott Fraser, driving Bruces real AC Cobra, also snapped a half shaft powering though the finish line. Again several competitors jumped in to help however time ran out and the Cobra was unable to make the start against Mary Pozzi.

The entire Good-Guys Crew did a great job and we look forward to next year.
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[hotrodalex]

Here's some onboard video from the Mustang rental car:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaAEfV2F8cQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHrz5uR7meg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBWIk2wMNIg

Don't tell the rental company! LOL

(Maybe next time we'll find some stickier tires...)

[Bad94]

Dan Ballard came out with his Nova. Though the engine might be toast, he was able to finish the season. There is a vote on social media that it's time for an LS Swap in Grandma's Nova.



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Brandy we missed you in Scottsdale, I have been getting calls and text about the motor. The motor had a good life this year, never let me down until the last day of the last event.