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Jessica Sullivan 's PIT STOP -—-—Trans- Am's Best to Glitter at MexicoIf it is true that sav ing the best for last is the only way to end a season, then the final Sports Car Club of America Trans-Am Championship event in Mexico City Nov. 3-5 smacks of a storybook ending Set in a pagentry of a Mexican fiesta, the final Trans-Am of this 1978 season will determine both drivers' and manufacturers titlists after a year-long pursuit and a bevy of race winners The site of this season-wrapper is the Ricardo Rodriguez Autodrome, used in the past for World Championship Formula I events and most recently updated to current circuit standards. On that 3.2-mile, nine-tum road course a full 7,000 feet above sea level, some 30-odd of the best racing sedans in the world will contest for a total award fund of $35,000. the victor's share of the $100,000 Trans-Am drivers' point fund, and for some the trophy emblematic of being the best of 1978. awarded in front of an estimated 80.000-100.000 spectators,The race will carry a full FIA international listing and be introduced by a number of preliminary races and shows, including plaque ceremonies by the Mayor of Mexico and a 100-piece band.Add to that Janet Guthrie, the world's most famous woman driver, in a Dick Barbour Porsche 935, and 1977 VW Gold Cup winner Tom Bagley in the Kent Oil Company Oftedahl Camaro, and the field is heavy with international interest and talent.But more important, perhaps, are the individual struggles going on amid the spectacle Both Greg Pickett of Alamo. Calif., in the strong fast Pickett Racing Corvette, and Tuck Thomas of Minneapolis, in the Lancer Stores Monza 350. can capture Category II laurels for the year. Pickett currently leading by a 117,5-102.5 margin.The difference can be made up. The 106-mile race will award 20 points to the Category II winner And the results won't be inconsequential. As well as the 1978 title. the overall Category winner willreceive $10,000 from the driver’s point fund and the runnerup $6,000THERE IS IMPENDING drama in the Category I chase too. Veteran Bob Tullius of Herndon, Va has sewed up the drivers' crown with an incredible six victories in a row. dating back to June 25 at St. Jovite, Quebec, and has far outdistanced competitors But the manufacturers crown for the swift British Levland Jaguar XJS has not been locked away Jaquar holds a slim one-point. 64-63 lead over Chevrolet but the Camaro-Corvette contingent is legionary Thus. Tullius and Group 44 co-founder Brian Fuerstenau have entered a second Jag. with Fuerstenau at the wheel, in an attempt to clinch the crown,Others will contest. Category I regulars John Huber of Winchester in The Big Apple Corvette. Frank Joyce of Carmel Valley. Calif., in the Phantom Racing Corvette. John J. Brandt of Lebanon, Pa in the Bekins Van LinesCorvette. Babe Headley of King of Prussia. Pa in the Babe's Garage Corvette and Nick Engels of Bethel Park, Pa in the Metamorphic Corvette have chased Tullius all season.In Category II. Ha! Shaw Jr. of Vail, Colo, in the Ore House Porsche 935, winner of the Watkins Glen Six-Hour, Rich Sloma of Cupertino, Calif, in the Sloma Enterprises Corvette. Daniel Muniz of Mexico in the ex-Pickett LSI DeKon Monza, 1977 titlist Ludwig Heimrath of Scarborough. Ontario in a Porsche Turbo 934 and Bruce Leven of Mercer Island. Wash., tn the ex-Peter Gregg Porsche 935 have driven well all season and Pickett’s three straight wins, and four overall, have not come easilySpeedway BanquetThe annual Awards Banquet honoring Winchester Speedway drivers and owners is set for Saturday. Nov. 11 beginning at 7 p.m at the new Lee Jackson Ballroom, which has been completed well ahead of the scheduled event.The dinner-awards-dance will honor the track's two champions. Denny Bonebrake of Hagerstown. Md., who captured the Late Model crown and David Wilt of Martinsburg, W.Va. who successfully defended his 1977 Challenger title.Special awards, known only to Speedway officials, will be presented to drivers in both Late Model and Challenger classes. Awards include Sportsmanship,'' “Most Improved Driver, Rookie of the Year, Hard Luck Trophy and others Special appreciation awards will also be presented By Promoter Clem LaMaster Tickets are still available and may be secured by phoning LaMaster at 662-0199 or writing him at Box 55c. Mountain Falls Route. Winchester. Va , 22601. No tickets will be available at the door.Golden Skillet 200A1 Grinnan, Buddy Armel, Buddy Campbell, Ron and Jim McBee. Bob Williams, Miles Chamberlain, NathanCityWright, Tommy Bare, Bernard Paul and other area top dirt stock car drivers are expected to take time tomorrow for the annual 200-lap race at Saluda More than 100 racers are expected to try for qualifying positions. Practice goes on all day today and time trials will be held tomorrow Along with the posted purse of $16,000, money and awards will be paid to drivers as bonuses The top 30 qualifiers will start the 150 laps with $3,000 going to the winner The next 30 car field will run 50 laps with $500 to win.The races are open to any American-made car with a stock wheel base of 108 inches or longer, one carburetor, any size engine or gas tank, but not over 12 inch tires and wheels No wings are allowed and cars must have a windshield or screen and be from 1964 to 1979 model year bodyVirginia Raceway in Hampton will allow free camping for the weekend A country music show will be held tomorrow night for all ticket holders.
Newspaper Details
Winchester Evening Star
Winchester, Virginia, US
Fri, Nov 03, 1978
Page 18
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MD, USA 09 Nov 2024
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