AV8ss runs Wild at CMP

[DHR]

Carolina Motorsports Park was the site of the season opener for the
newly formed American V-8 Supercar Series (AV8SS). Hosted by the SVT
Cobra Mustang club (SCMC), the weekend was an unqualified success by any
measure.
Saturday dawned windy but sunny with 17 racers ready to shake off the
long winter chill. The morning practice session found veteran Barry
kline atop the time sheets in AV8 at 1:50.876, followed by Bryan Shugg,
Thomas Moran from Canada, Greg Anderson, Richard Koehler, rookie Brian
Groth, Mike Schlickenmeyer, Gene Boccabella, Brion Gluck, rookie Jack
Flynn and John Vickerman. The unlimited class had an obvious potential
winner in Lester Lesneski in his supercharged 2004 Mustang. Lesneski led
the time sheets all weekend, dipping into the 1:43's when required.
Giving chase in unlimited were Pete Johns, David Morrison, Bobby Byrd
and Gary Henkel.
In an interesting twist, a qualifying race was held on Saturday to set
the grid for Sunday's "money race".
Though mired mid-pack due to a poor "draw", Lesneski wasted little time
moving to the front of what was a 15 car field. The real action was a
bit further back in the AV8 class where Kline ('94 Mustang Cobra) was
waging a fierce battle with local hot shoe Shugg ('98 Mustang Cobra).
Slightly further back , rookie Thomas Moran dueled with Richard Koehler
and Greg Anderson with a third distinct battle between Groth and
Schlickenmmeyer. In the end, Kline would have the measure of Shugg
followed by Moran, Anderson, Schlickenmeyer, Boccabella, Koehler, Flynn
and Gluck. In unlimited, Lesneski would earn the top starting spot for
Sunday over Morrison, Henkel, Byrd and Johns.
Sunday dawned even brighter with a welcome relief from the high winds
of the previous day. Due to early season teething problems and
mechanical woes, only 14 of the 17 cars were able to answer the call to
the grid. At the drop of the green, Lesneski rocketed off never to be
headed. As with Saturday, the most excitement was in the AV8 class.
Again, it would be Kline and Shugg embroiled in a race long battle for
the win with Groth, Schlickenmeyer and Anderson having a war of their
own. The race presented problems for both cars and racers in knocking
the rust off for the coming season. Mechanical gremlins surfaced during
the race and drivers overcooked braking points to lead to some fairly
high attrition. In the end, Kline would come out victorious with Shugg
close behind, followed by Groth, Schlickenmeyer, Anderson, Flynn,
Koehler, Gluck and Boccabella. In unlimited, Lesneski won in a rout,
followed by Morrison, Henkel and Johns. The race definately did not lack
for close competition, providing a little of everything for the
spectators in attendance. Post race inspection showed no bent sheetmetal
and no flared tempers. A good time was had by all. Congratulations to
all competitors!
The $2500.00+ cash purse was distributed as follows: Kline(600),
Shugg(450), Groth(300), Schlickenmeyer(150), Anderson(100), Flynn(100).
Unlimited: Lesneski(450), Morrison(300), Henkel(100). Additionally,
series sponsor Nitto Tires provided two tires for the Hard Charger award
to Jack Flynn. Associate sponsor Cobalt Brakes provided a free set of
race pads to Late Brake of the race award winner Richard Koehler. Barry
Kline's company, nutandbolt.com provided a free entry for the next event
in the way of a Sportsmanship award, presented to Pete Johns. Post race
cash and prizes totaled in excess of $3500.00, not including individual
contingency awards.
AV8SS would like to extend a special thank you to SCMC for their
expertly run event and superb hospitality during the weekend. A special
thanks to John Pearson, event coordinator.
AV8SS recognizes with great appreciation it's sponsors, Nitto tires,
Nutandbolt.com, Cobalt Brakes, Racetech Seats, Kenny Brown Industries,
Griggs Racing, Capital Motor Group, Mustangs Unlimited, Darkhorse
Racing,................
For additional information and upcoming races please visit
www.av8ss.com.

[Salt Racer]

Is there any plan of AV8SS events coming to west coast?