Sports Car and Trans Am at STR on 5/8/2017 Prelude
I thought it might be interesting to look at Sports Car and Trans-Am results for the last year in an effort to predict the results of the upcoming race.
Below is a table showing historical Sports Car data from 5/16 through 4/17. During that timeframe there were four Sports Car races at STR.
Looking at the point totals, one can see that the top drivers include Jack, James, Bob Hanna and Bob Iles. Looking ahead, to the race on 5/15, Jack, Bob Iles, Ron L. and Nick are out of the picture for one reason or another. So, it would appear that James and Bob would be vying for the top spot. But, there is more to the story. Below are my observations
- It has been over a year since Ron Johnson as competed in a Sports Car race at STR. In his last outing (4/18/16), he won the race with his green Ferrari 612 with 92.7 laps and turning a fast lap of 4.887. This car is a rocket! Both statistics were surpassed only by Jack Roeber. If Ron shows up, he will definitely challenge for the top step of the podium.
- Joe finished third in the Sports car race held on 11/7/16 with a very competitive Testarossa finishing with 89.2 laps (and about .5 laps out of first place). He has not raced in the Sports Car class since. He will be in contention for the top spot
- Rich may also be in contention for a podium spot. Rich recently unveiled silver Ferrari 599 which finished third in the race held on 3/13 with a respectable 88.2 laps. With a new pinion and crown, the car runs much more smoothly and quickly and is quite capable of breaking the 90 lap mark. Generally, 90 laps yields a podium finish
- Marks Modena might just be in contention for a podium finish. It has been able to turn a fast lap of 5.133 seconds and 87.6 laps. With a bit higher consistency it is capable of breaking 90 laps
Below is a table showing historical Trans-Am data from 5/16 through 4/17. During that timeframe there were four Trans-Am races at STR.
Looking at the point totals, one can see that the top drivers include Bob, Jack, James and Rich. Looking ahead, to the race on 5/15, Jack, Bob Iles, and Nick are out of the picture for one reason or another. So, it would appear that Bob Hanna, James and Rich would be vying for the top spots but this is not the whole story
- If Ron Johnson shows up with his Challenger or Firebird Trans-Am, he will be in the mix for a podium finish. Back in February of 2016 the Challenger finished with 88.7 laps and a fast lap of 5.034 seconds with a consistency of 93.2%. With a bit higher consistency the car is quite capable of 90+ laps. Geneally speaking 90 laps will yield a podium finish
- In his only appearance in Trans-Am on 11/7/16, Joe drove Bob's Challenger. His fast lap was in the top tier at 5.048, but his consistency was a rather poor 90.76%. Joe has logged many laps at STR since that race and his consistency has improved. Joe will likely challenge for a podium finish in the upcoming race
- The second tierwill need to step up their game to compete for a podium finish. The second tier cars are .2 seconds or more slower than the top tier.
