Overland Park, Kan. (October 12, 2008) - It was a race to remember. Every year drivers from across the nation come to battle it out in that one last, winner-take-all event-the National Championship Runoffs. And every race of that same year, that same season, drivers from across the nation all ask the same question: who will be crowned champion?
In America's heartland more than 500 drivers in 18 classes came to Heartland Park Topeka for SCCA's National Championship Runoffs. Paddocks were full, the track was hot and thousands of fans came to watch hundreds of cars cross the finish line in this landmark event.
LevelFive Motorsports was here to show not only its world-class operation, but here to win. Drivers Scott Tucker and Ed Zabinski competed in SCCA's T1 class with their No. 55 and No. 77 eData Solutions/US Bank Ferrari's. Earlier this season, Tucker qualified for the National Championships at Pocono Raceway by setting a fastest race lap record and driving to an impressive podium finish.
As the green flag dropped to start the race, Zabinski was in the No. 2 position and Tucker in fourth position as both drivers took their marks pushing ahead full throttle. The field entered turn one three wide when the No. 98 Dodge Viper driven by Jim Lynch hit Tucker's No. 55 Ferrari, spun and took out a front running Corvette in the melee. Though Tucker narrowly avoided a major collision, his front tire was heavily damaged. "We thought that tire was done and Scott's race was over. It looked like someone machined off the entire sidewall", said Ross Thompson, team technical advisor and coach.
Feeling no pressure from the Corvettes behind, Zabinski set the quickest pace with a time of 1:41.523 on Lap 3. The race was at the halfway point as Zabinski and Tucker stayed strong in their positions within the Top 5. Zabinski then closed in on Andrew Aquilante of the No. 36 Chevrolet Corvette C6 for the race lead, Zabinski and Aquilante began battling back and forth for the top position. With only 7 laps to go, Tucker then used his skill to take his No. 55 eData Solutions/US Bank machine from fourth position to third. Tucker's, teammate, Zabinski took over the lead in with some swift crafty moves on Lap 14. Zabinski would not relinquish the lead, as a full-course yellow was brought out, the race ended under caution with Zabinski crossing the finish line and winning the title for the T1 class national championship. Tucker, just mere seconds behind, nursed the damaged Ferrari to a podium finish taking third place honors. The win was also historic, as Zabinski's became the first driver ever to win an SCCA National Championship in any class while driving a Ferrari.
It couldn't have been a better weekend for the LevelFive Motorsports team. With two podium finishes, Zabinski and Tucker stood proudly thanking their team for a great season of commitment and dedication.
"I can't thank this team enough," Tucker stated. "We have all worked so hard to get here. Not only did we achieve our goal of qualifying for the championships, but we also went above and beyond to taking the championship. I am so proud of Ed and what he has accomplished here today. LevelFive Motorsports was here to win, and that's what we did."
Now a T1 class champion, Zabinski reflected on his past racing career. "Every race at Topeka , I have started in the front row. And today, I finished in the front row. After 20 years of racing, this is my first national championship win and to make history, it's really special. Right now, I am the luckiest driver, and to be a part of this program, it's so incredible. I would like to thank the entire LevelFive Motorsports crew-everyone from the marketing arm, Scott and our families, Steve Smith, David Stone and especially our sponsors, eData Solutions and US Bank. We had a great week and I couldn't have asked for more."
The weekend also featured another landmark event. A customized five-star hospitality program was put into place for the year's biggest race, giving existing partners and new clients of LevelFive Motorsports a taste of sports car racing at its finest.
And five-star it was! Guests were transported in a lap of luxury from Kansas City to Topeka and back, with a personalized menu, access to victory lane, autograph sessions with the drivers, tours, gifts and more. LevelFive Motorsports and US Bank also hosted a group of kids and their Bigs, from both the Topeka and Kansas City area Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations.
Rounding out the Top 5 for today's race was champion, Zabinski in the No. 77, John Buttermore; No. 52, Tucker: No. 55; David Sanders; No. 73 and Chris Ingle; No. 7.
Next up for LevelFive is the Ferrari Challenge Series Championships in Mugello, Italy November 5-9. Scott Tucker will drive his No. 55 WestFund F430 Challenge car in the final race of the season. Tucker is currently second is the Series Championship standings and will look to dominate the week as he has done much of the year in that series.
About LevelFive Motorsports:
LevelFive Motorsports is a leader in the racing industry. The team participates in the Ferrari Challenge Series and Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 GT division. To be a part of history and get additional information on the team, visit www.L5racing.com.
About SCCA's National Championshp:
Each year, drivers race in 70 events across the country to qualify for one last, winner-take-all event in October-the National Championship Runoffs. Some of the most famous American racers have won at the Runoffs, including Bobby Rahal, Boris Said, Scott Sharp, Skip Barber and the late Paul Newman. With drivers, crew, workers and sponsors from all over the country in attendance, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs promises to be a landmark event. For more information about the event and the race day schedule, visit www.scca.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters:
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth. It is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country-including yours. To read more about the organization and how you can volunteer, please visit www.bbbs.org.
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