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:

• 1st: Michael Whelden

• 2nd: Patrick O'Neill

• 3rd: Nicholas Woodman

Formula Mazda:

• 1st: TJ Fischer

• 2nd: Will Owen

• 3rd: Michael Anderson

FormulaSPEED2.0

• 1st: Parker Nicklin

• 2nd: Bucky Lasek

• 3rd: David Hollander

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:

• 1st: Michael Whelden

• 2nd: Patrick O'Neill

• 3rd: Dave House

Formula Mazda:

• 1st: TJ Fischer

• 2nd: Mike Anderson

• 3rd: Will Owen

FormulaSPEED2.0

• 1st: Bucky Lasek

• 2nd: David Hollander

• 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

The FCC presented by Goodyear National Championships

TJ Fischer won in FM, Bucky Lasek in FS2.0, and Michael Whelden took the championship in Pro FM

August 25, 2013 
Sonoma, CA

This weekend's event was also scored as the Formula Car Challenge

Pro FM National Champion: Michael Whelden

National Championship event. The National Championships were decided based on the sum of points from both races, as well as a point for the fast qualifier and a point for fast race lap in each class. This was the second time that the National Championships were decided in Sonoma.

2013 FCC presented by Goodyear National Champions

• Pro FM - Michael Whelden

• Formula Mazda - TJ Fischer

• FS2.0 - Bucky Lasek

The FCC National Championship class winners are now qualified for a Mazda factory supported ride in the 2013 SCCA Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup valued at over $75,000. Three FCC champions, and a handful of SCCA and NASA Club racing champions will now present themselves to a team of judges who will whittle the already small group into a more focused collection of candidates.

Mazdaspeed also provided $9,000 in cash prize awards for this event. "Our series and drivers really appreciate that Mazda recognizes the FCC presented by Goodyear as being worthy of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Driver ladder program, stated Series Official Jeff Loge. "The Formula Car Challenge was designed to develop future champions and we have already seen some of our alumni move into the highest ranks in professional motorsport."
Official announcement.....