USCA wraps up Portland International Speedway with some surprising OUSCI Invties

[Trackside-Brandy]

Portland International Raceway
August 1-2, 2014

The Ultimate Streetcar Association made its way back out to the West Coast for one last event with three months left before the optima Ultimate Streetcar Invitation in Vegas. For those that wanted a chance to get an invite to OUSCI, this was the perfect opportunity. The car count was lower than the other USCA events with only twenty-right cars competing, but there were still some surprise last minute battles for the OUSCI Invites.

Before the event even started, competitors already started scouting out their competition and talk on social media grew guessing the weekend’s outcome.

Some of the USCA Portland competitors were unable to win an invite because they had already won a spot at another 2014 USCA event.

Brian Hobaugh has been an undefeated force throughout this year in both his ’65 Vette and his ’73 Camaro. As the 2013 OUSCI Winner, Hobaugh is automatically entered into this year’s OUSCI in order to defend his title.

Many were relieved that he would not be eligible for another invite because they knew his potential. This might have taken some of the pressure off Hobaugh, though we know he enjoys leading the pack. Maybe all the seat time he’s been getting this year is paying off. Whatever it is, Hobaugh didn’t have any problems taking the lead and winning first overall in the over GT3k class.

Hobaugh and his '73 Camaro on the BFG Hot Lap Challenge:

Mary Pozzi was another competitor on everyone’s “To Watch” list who had the potential to win first overall. She has been spending a lot of time out at the local SCCA events dialing-in her Camaro and getting plenty of seat time.

When she won the ridetech Autocross on Friday with a little over a tenth of a second lead many thought she had the win.

Coming in second on the design challenge helped earn more points, but Pozzi placed seventh in the BFG Hot Lap Challenge and the Wilwood Speed Stop Challenge, hurting her overall score. When it came down to the final leaderboard, Mary placed an impressive third overall in the GT3K Class. This was not enough to get the invite to OUSCI, but she definitely put on an impressive show and had everyone watching.

Duke Langely- We are going to be honest; we don’t know much about Langley. He came out of nowhere. We didn’t see him on anyone’s radar, he wasn’t among those believed to win in the GT3K class, and honestly we don’t think anyone knew he was a threat till midday Friday. What we do know is that he gave everyone a good run for their money and scored a second place finish overall, winning him a ticket into OUSCI. We can’t wait to learn more about Langley and his ’12 Grand Sport Corvette in Vegas.

Dan Livezey did indeed pop up on people’s radar before the USCA Portland event, but there wasn’t much concern since Livezey was running his ’64 blue Vette in the GT2K Class.

We’ve seen Livezey and his Corvette before back in 2011 at the OUSCI event in Parumph, Nevada.

Livezey now gets another chance in this year’s 2014 OUSCI event after winning his class. It looks like Livezey is quite happy with the outcome.

Jane Thurmond; USCA Portland’s Spirit of the Event Recipient. Without a doubt, Jane deserved the chance to go to the optima Ultimate Streetcar Invitational. Jane has had quite an eventful year behind the wheel of her ’64 Vette. Jane and her husband Greg both made the trek to Portland for Jane to win a chance to win the GT2K Class and go to OUSCI.

Jane came in a respectable second overall in her class, but more importantly won the K&N Spirit of the Event Award; allowing her a chance at OUSCI in November.

To read more on Jane Thurmonds strides and obstacles throughout the 2014 race season visit our write-up on her at:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...going-to-OUSCI

Joe Escobar is a man of many talents. Not only did he have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem during the USCA event in Fontana, California, but he has been driving the tires off his ’74 Pinto all year long. We have seen him at three USCA events this year, and it’s definitely paying off.

Escobar won the ridetech Renegade Award. This award started back in 2011 at OUSCI. The award is meant for someone who “makes the most with the least.” From the looks of it, Joe and his Pinto were prime candidates for this award.

It’s not every day you see a Pinto on a racetrack or making the hike from California to Oregon just to compete in a USCA event.

Though there was only one competitor in the AWD Class at the USCA Portland event, it was nice to see that it was not another Nissan GTR. Dieter-Heinz Kijora brought out his ’14 Mercedes-Benz CLA45, securing him a spot for this year’s OUSCI. Some might question just why he would bring this car, especially a 2014, to the track. Our thoughts- Who cares! We were huge fans since it gave us a long needed break from the GTR winning streak that has taken place in the AWD Class throughout this year’s USCA events.

Overall, though the USCA Portland event was on a much smaller scale, this definitely allowed for more track time, seat time with instructors and a whole bunch of bonding time with other competitors. If you have yet to come out to a USCA event and see what it’s about, we encourage you to do so before the year is up. There are only three more events left and they are double point events. This means that by just registering and attending the event your points double and the odd on going to OUSCI are that much greater.

DSE posted a great recap of the USCA Portland Event. Check out all their photos below:

Here's a quick video from one of the participants at the USCA Portland Event. Great video to see the layout of the track and a glimpse of Pozzi's behind:

For a quick photo recap of the USCA Portland Event check out their album below. For other pictures of the event make sure to go visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/optimabatteries

To register for one of the three remaining double points USCA events visit: http://driveusca.com/

Don’t forget- USCA is offering a referral discount program for the remaining USCA Events. Don’t miss out on the refer a friend or group discounts! For more information visit: http://driveusca.com/usca-offers-smo...e-2014-season/

[Supra510]

Nice write up and vids.

[GrabberGT]

Nice recap. Thanks