One man band takes 3rd in SCCA FM Runoffs

Juan Marchano takes third place driving, setting up, and crewing his FM in his second year of racing.
If you have "been there, done that" you know what an accomplishment this was.
Just saw this recorded version on Speed TV.
PS; Thanks to Speed for putting on the Runoffs again.
Now watch and see , car will be DQd after post race tear down and spoil all this

 

Juan, "JR", is a good friend of mine. A very impressive driver. He is my mechanic based at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI.

 

So I can assume his car passed post race tech ?

I remember a year where 2 guys on the podium were "more clever than the rules allow".

 

Yes it did...

 

The SCCA runoffs used to feel like amatuer racing. Last I looked, the big bucks came in and these amatuers showed up looking like a major team.

This is an impressive accomplishment, hope he has a good future.

 

Yah I watched the rerun yesterday and was very happy for him, he IS the whole race team, very inspiring.

 

Yep.

I used to photograph dirt late model racing in the midwest, in the mid-90's we started
seeing guys with $100,000 haulers, and $30,000 motors competing for.... $500.00 to win.

I don't mean TOURING drivers - I mean locals that only drove 60 miles to race.

 

It's motor racing. What's the big deal?

 

FM = Formula Mazda?

 

Yes, a spec class of open-wheel formula cars powered by Mazda rotary motors.

 

Old school tube frame.
Spec non adjustable shocks, 80s suspension. Easy to set up compared to F2000 but still takes knowledge.
Bulletproof motor lasts several seasons before a rebuild. The best bang for the buck in open wheel.

Not the new Carbon fiber car. Totally different world.

 

edit: figured it out..

that is an impressive feat..

 

I've raced against him, cool dude, great driver.