Mazda Powered Open Wheel Racers Compete in the GoPro Grand Prix - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CROWNED
Double Header Event Ran Alongside the IZOD IndyCar Series in Sonoma
August 25, 2013 Sonoma, CA
Race fans were once again treated to the Formula Car Challenge presented
 | Perfect weekend for Fischer: Pole, Fast Lap, 2 Wins, and National Championship Win |
by Goodyear during the Indy� Grand Prix of Sonoma Aug. 23-25. This event marked the fourth time the Formula Car Challenge (FCC) has been be paired with the IZOD IndyCar� Series in the Sonoma Valley. The FCC hosted two main events during the action-packed race weekend, and three FCC National Champions were crowned at the end of the weekend.
The FCC features three separate classes of racing, and the pole winners for Saturday's race were Michael Whelden in Pro FM, TJ Fischer in FM, and Parker Nicklin in FS2.0. All 23 cars had a clean start, but there was one full course yellows at the halfway mark due to a car that had a mechanical issue on track. Just after the restart, a couple of cars spun as the pressure of the clock ticking increased their determination. At the checkered flag Michael Whelden took the overall win, Parker Nicklin won in the FS2.0 class, and TJ Fischer won in Formula Mazda.
SATURDAY AUGUST 24th PODIUMS
Pro Formula Mazda:
Formula Mazda:
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1st: TJ Fischer
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2nd: Will Owen
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3rd: Michael Anderson
FormulaSPEED2.0
The grid for Sunday's race was based on fastest lap times from Saturday's race. This put Michael Whelden on pole in Pro FM, TJ Fischer in FM, and Parklin Nicklin FS2.0.
The pack was tight heading into turn one after taking the green, and a few cars had contact. The incident ended up causing a full course yellow, and ending the day for Woodman, and Armida. In turn six, on same lap West Coast series points leader Parker Nicklin had an issue and left the course, which allowed Bucky Lasek to take over the lead in the FS2.0 class. After the restart Whelden and O'Neill battled closely, with Whelden almost giving up the lead in turn seven. Whelden ended up holding onto the lead, and taking the win at the checkered flag. Lasek won in the FormulaSPEED2.0 class, and TJ Fischer won in Formula Mazda.
SUNDAY AUGUST 25th PODIUMS
Pro Formula Mazda:
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1st: Michael Whelden
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2nd: Patrick O'Neill
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3rd: Dave House
Formula Mazda:
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1st: TJ Fischer
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2nd: Mike Anderson
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3rd: Will Owen
FormulaSPEED2.0
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1st: Bucky Lasek
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2nd: David Hollander
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3rd: Parker Nicklin
The FCC West Coast Region, which is in its ninth season, features a 16 race schedule. In 2013 ten of the races take place at Sonoma Raceway on a variety of the track's configurations. A large percentage of drivers are local California enthusiasts, but the series has also been a breeding ground for the up-and-coming professional racers. The West Coast Region drivers will be back to Sonoma on the long course on September 28th - 29th.
Other Links of Interest:
Official Results and Event Page
Event Photos
Press Release from Races 9 and 10 at Portland
Press Release from Races 7 and 8 at Sonoma Raceway
Press Release from Races 5 and 6 at Thunderhill
Press Release from Races 3 and 4 at Mazda Raceway
Press Release from Races 1 and 2 at Sonoma Raceway
FCC to Race Alongside IZOD IndyCar Series
More information on the series can be found at:
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