Weather Forces Changes to the Busch Light Clash in Los Angeles

Fireworks and lighting of the Olympic Torch at the start of the Busch Light CLASH.
Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Weather Forces Changes to the Busch Light CLASH

Words and Images By:  Brandon O'Brien, unless otherwise stated

That old saying goes, "it never rains in California".  That may be true most of the time but when it does, it pours.  Prior to the third gathering of the NASCAR Busch Light CLASH at the LA Coliseum the weather forecasters had been predicting a weeks' worth of heavy rain thanks to the approaching "Pineapple Express"

Qualifying for the CLASH was scheduled for Saturday afternoon with the race to be held Sunday afternoon. With both the Teams and media questioning how NASCAR was going to handle a rain delayed event  NASCAR announced that the CLASH would take place on Saturday night at 8:00pm. The decision to reschedule the exhibition race, "was made by NASCAR in conjunction with FOX Sports television and the management of the Los Angeles Coliseum due to the impending inclement weather and concern for fan safety".  

2nd Place finisher Kyle Busch in the #8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet Camaro praised NASCAR for being proactive in rescheduling the CLASH due to the impending severe weather.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Instead of the normal heat-races to determine the twenty-two qualifying spots, those positions were  determined by earlier practice times.  Pole position would be held by Denny Hamlin in the #11 Sports Clips Haircut Toyota, followed by Joey Logano in the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang and Ty Gibbs in the #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry.  The 23rd starting position was taken by the 2023 Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney in the #12 Menards/Great Lakes Flooring Ford Mustang.

The top two qualifying positions went to Denny Hamlin in the #11 SportClips Haircuts Toyota Camry and to Ryan Larson in the #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang.  

Ryan Blaney during morning practice in the #12 Menards Ford Mustang.  He could not make the field on time but started in the 23rd spot as the 2023 Cup Series champion. He ended the race in 3rd place.   Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Under threatening skies the race started without incident.  Unlike the past two-years the race went for 70-laps prior to the first caution being brought out when #38 Todd Gilliland spun into the wall between turns 1 & 2.  During the first half of the race the lead changed between three drivers: Logano, Hamlin, and Gibbs.  Caution laps do not count in this race so once the #38 was removed and the track cleaned the field raced to the 75-lap mark for the mid-race break. During the final restart Logano was able to pass Gibbs for the lead.

Ty Gibbs in the #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry door-to-door with #8 Kyle Busch.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

During the second half of the race there were an additional 6 caution periods brought out primarily by single car spins.  Front brake cooling issues took their toll throughout the field as the race wore on.  These cautions allowed other drivers to make up positions, at the restart, due to which lane they chose to restart in. This would influence the outcome of the race.

The restart following the sixth caution on lap 141 allowed Hamlin to take the lead. With two laps to go Gibbs spun out in Turn 4 after contact with Larson forcing the seventh caution.  Hamlin was able to maintain his lead on Busch for the two-lap shootout to the finish.

The race ended with Denny Hamlin winning by 0.610 seconds in the #11 Sports Clips Haircuts Toyota Camry followed by Kyle Busch in the #8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet Camaro.  Ryan Blaney went from the back of the field to third in the #12 Menards/Great Lakes Flooring Ford Mustang, much of this due to his team restart strategy.  The average race speed was 32.937 mph.

CLASH winner Denny Hamlin surrounded in tire smoke as he celebrated his CLASH win.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2nd Place finisher Kyle Busch is out of his #8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet Camaro prior to being interviewed.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Ty Gibbs probably had the quickest car in the race but his inexperience, especially on restarts,  and his spin in turn 4 may have cost him his first win.

Fortunately the heavy rain held off for the rest of the scheduled events.  

TAGS: Brandon O'Brien, Busch Light, CLASH,  Cup Series, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, LA Coliseum, Los Angeles Coliseum,  NASCAR,  Motor Driven Images, Ryan Blaney, Ty Gibbs

The NASCAR Mexico Series Races at the Los Angeles Coliseum

Race winning driver Daniel Suarez acknowledging his fans at the LA Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

NASCAR Mexico Series Races at the Los Angeles Coliseum                                                            Words and Images by: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The King Taco LA Batalla En El Coliseo was the support race for the Busch Light CLASH at the Los Angeles Coliseum.  This was an invitation only race and the individuals competing were invited from NASCAR Mexico and its two feeder series. 

The Desafio Corona was established by NASCAR Mexico in 2004 to develop and promote stock car racing in that country.  Up to that time open-wheel racing dominated the sport. In 2024 they will be racing at 12 events throughout Mexico plus the LA Coliseum. Over the years it has taken on a few different names.   There are now two feeder series; the NASCAR Challenge Series and the NASCAR Truck Series.

Six drivers have won the championship.  The Telcel team is the most successful winning four drivers' championships.  Ruben Garcia, Jr was the youngest champion at 20 years old and has four championships to his name. He competes full time driving the #88 for Team GP - CANEL'S.

To date, three women have competed in the NASCAR Mexico Series. 21-year old Regina Sirvent is the only woman in todays competition and she was driving the #10 GRUPO FIRME Chevrolet.

The only female driver in the event was Regina Sirvent who drove the #10 HO Speed Racing Chevrolet to 13th Place.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 2023 Challenge Champion Salvador de Alba Jr. would have competed while driving the #48 RED-COLA  Ford but during practice his throttle stuck and he hit the turn-1 wall hard and damaged the car too severely to compete.

2023 Mexico Challenge Series Champion Salvador De Alba.  Inage Credit 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

As a guest driver, Daniel Suarez drove the #99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.

Due to the impending weather conditions qualifying for the event consisted of three flying laps.  The fasted qualifier was 4-time Series Champion Ruben Garcia Jr in the #88 Team GP-CANEL's Chevrolet.  He was followed by Abraham Calderon in the #2 Escuderia Telmex Chevrolet. 

Pole sitter Ruben Garcia, Jr in the #88 Team GP - Canel's Chevrolet.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Abraham Calderon in the #2 Escuderia Telmex Chevrolet.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The race followed the end of the rescheduled Busch Light CLASH.  The race was highly contested but run cleanly.  Garcia and Calderon swapped positions a number of times. 

The grid for the King Taco LA Batalla En El Coliseo.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The start of the King Taco LA Batalla En El Coliseo. Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images 

Typical tight racing at the front of the pack at the King Taco LA Batalla En El Coliseo.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O''Brien / Motor Driven Images

Suarez ran near the front for most of the race while Tovar and A. De Alba appeared to have the fastest cars.  With about 30-laps to go Suarez was able to take over the lead. A slow drizzle began to fall but was not bad enough to stop the race.  As the track began to get wet many of the cars slowed their pace and held position. With 7-laps to go a car spun forcing the final caution.  Suarez was able to hold off Tovar on the restart and finished the race in 1st place

The top three finishers were Daniel Suarez in the #99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, followed by Santiago Tovar in the #22 Team GP - CANEL'S Chevrolet.  The final podium position was taken by Alex de Alba in the #14 Alessandros Racing Chevrolet.

King Taco LA Batalla En El Coliseo race winner Daniel Suarez doing donuts in celebration of his win.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2nd Place finishing driver was Santiago Tovar in the #22 Team GP-Canel's  Chevrolet seen here during practice earlier in the day.  Image Credit:  2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

3rd Place driver was Alex De Alba in the #14 Alessandros Racing Chevrolet.  Image Credit: 2024 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The next race in the NASCAR Mexico Series will take place on  March 24 at 11:00 am CST at San Luis Potosi'.  Tickets are available through NASCAR Mexico. 

As a footnote; These NASCAR Mexico drivers are a very relaxed and friendly group.  As they gathered for interviews at the 1923 Club they were all smiles, high-fiving each other, and primarily stayed together as one friendly group.  When asked if they really liked each other, the resounding answer was, "yes, this is our culture.  We are competitive on the track, but off we are all friends."  Well Done!

Viva Mexico.

TAGS: Abraham Calderon,  Alessandros Racing, Alex de Alba, Daniel Suarez, Escuderia Telmex, Grupo Firme,  LA Coliseum, Los Angeles Coliseum, Motor Driven Images, NASCAR, NASCAR Mexico, Regina Sirvent, Ruben Garcia Jr, Salvador de Alba, Santiago Tovar, Team GP-Canel's Racing,  Trackhouse Racing    

 

2016 Monterey Car Week Preview

AFAS member, Barry Rowe, created the poster for the 2016 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex. The Tour poster features the BMW 507 once owned by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Image Credit: 66th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

2016 Monterey Car Week Preview
By Brandon O'Brien
Images by Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified

If you are a car person, the place to be the second week in August is in Monterey California.

From old to new, production to concept, owned and for sale, street or racing, US legal or not, thousands of cars are to be seen and heard around the Monterey Peninsula. With over 50 separate events occurring from August 13th to the 21st there is too much to take in, in the time allotted.

This is one "event" where you have to pick and choose what to see and miss. You will go home missing something you would have liked to see.

2015 Honored Marque at the Rolex Monterey Historic Motorsports Reunion - 1965-66 Shelby G.T. 350.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion:  Taking place over two weekends at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway this event encompasses racing cars of all types from the early 1900's up to the late 1980's.  If you like to see cars in action on the track, this is the place for you. Each year the track honors a manufacturer. In 2014 it was Maserati, 2015 Shelby GT 350's, and in 2016 it will be BMW.

The Quail Motorsports Gathering.  Image Credit: 2015 Rolex / Tom O'Neal www.timezone.com

The Qual, A Motorsports Gathering:  Taking place on Friday this event provides an exclusive experience for motor sports enthusiasts to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party environment. Each year they have featured themes which brings a variety of cars together that allow enthusiasts to view all makes. Admission is $75.00 which includes parking and lunch.

2015 Legends of the Autobahn.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K seen at the Legends of the Autobahn.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Legends of the Autobahn:  Started over 7-years ago this event also takes place on Friday and originally was a Concours for all makes produced in Germany.  Today the primary manufacturers in attendance are Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.  You may see the occasional NSU but if you are looking for Porsche you will need to go to the Werks Reunion. Admission is Free but parking is $20.00.

2015 Werks Reunion.  Image Credit: 2015 SportsCarDigest.com

Werks Reunion: This event is dedicated to Dr. Porsche and his fine machines and is put on by the PCA and is also on Friday.  Once part of the Legends of the Autobahn two years ago they broke off and started their own event. This is the premier Porsche event. Attendees will see a great display of hundreds of classic and new Porsches.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Concorso Italiano: This event is dedicated to exotic and classic Italian automobiles. Breaking the Friday tradition, this event occurs on the second Saturday. Again, hundreds of classic and new Italian automobiles are gathered together.  Think again if you think this only comprises Ferrari and Lamborghini.  You will also be able to see rare Bizzarini, deTomaso, Fiat, Maserati and other less known Italian automobiles.

Peugeot Wagon at the Concours d'Lemons.  Image Credit:  2014 Roman Mica / TFLCar thefastlanecar.com

Concours d'Lemons: This is the event that goes contrary to everything else during Monterey Car Week and honors odd classics.  This is where you can see Gremlins, Pacers, and Pinto's, rust buckets, and other finely maintained cars that are not allowed into any of the other events. Being on Saturday it is possible to see both the worst and finest workmanship in automobiles on the same day.

1911 Pope-Hartford Model W Portola Roadster as seen at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2015 BMW CSL Hommage R on display at the putting green during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

66th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance:  This event needs no introduction. If you can afford the price of admission you will be honored with the sight and sometimes sound of the most beautiful classic cars in Monterey. The Tour d'Elegance is free and occurs on Thursday with the Concours on Sunday. Photographers need to arrive close to opening so they can to get better shots as it gets very crowded quickly.

Steve McQueens Porsche 930 which was auctioned during week.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Gooding, Mecum, JR, Rick Cole, and RM Auctions:  Whether you are looking to buy or just looking there are a number of auctions taking place during the week, primarily in the evenings, where you can see all types of vehicles and sometimes vessels on the auction block.

This is just a listing of the primary events.  Again, there is too much to see in the time you will have so pick and choose what you like and can afford and then do it.  No mater what you choose, you will have fun and be able to see some interesting machinery.

By the way, bring plenty of sun screen. The famous Monterey fog usually burns off by 11am and it can be hot.




TAGS: Monterey, Monterey Car Week, Gooding Auctions, Mecum Auctions, JR Auctions, Rick Cole Auctions, RM Auctions, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Concours d'Lemons, Legends of the Autobahn, Rolex Monterey Historic Motorsports Reunion, Werks Reunion, The Quail A motorsports Gathering, The Quail, Motor Driven Images, Brandon O'Brien, PRTT, Performance Racing Tech Talk

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Grand Prix Of Long Beach

 Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy Porsche Penske Motorsport drivers after winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Long Beach in the No. 6 Porsche 963. Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Grand Prix Of Long Beach
Words and Images by: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

If you missed the first minute or the final two minutes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Grand Prix you essentially missed the whole race.

This was the third race in the IMSA WeatherTech series showcasing the new Hybrid  electric GTP cars.  They may look similar to the GTP (GT Prototype) cars from the past few seasons but they are completely different and as the drivers will tell you, have characteristics that require different driving techniques.  Also new this season in this class, are four new cars from Germany.  Two BMW M Hybrid V8s and two Porsche 963s.

Racing along with the exotic GTP cars are the GT3 specification GTD (GT Daytona) cars that look very similar to the cars we see or drive on the streets today. There are two classes for this series, GTDPro which is comprised of "professional" drivers and the GTD class which are driven by professional and amateur  drivers.

Pole sitting Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 driven by Ricky Taylor and Felipe Alburquerque entering the fountain curve at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

At the start of the race, the pole sitter was Felipe Albuquerque driving the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 and sitting next to him was Tom Blomqvist in the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06.  Sebastien Bourdais, starting in third with the No. 01 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Series R, was unable to move from the inside of the track and tried to late brake for Turn-1 while still driving in the marbles.  His car rotated around, kissed the wall, and slid backwards into the middle of Turn-1.  This cause all the following cars to scramble to avoid colliding with the now stalled Acura.  Blomqvist spun his Acura avoiding contact with any cars but stalled his Acura.

The new GTP cars, due to their hybrid electric (800 volt) powertrain have the computer set up to kill all power in the event of an accident.  For safety, the only way to restore power is in the pits. Therefore both Acura's required towing back to the pits. You will notice that these cars now have a set of red and green lights on both sides of the windshield.  Green means it is safe to approach and touch the chassis.  Red means all hands off.  When the red light is on, even the driver must remain in the car.

This left Albuquerque in the No. 10 Acura in the lead followed by Nick Tandy in No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 with the two BMWs and the second Porsche in hot pursuit. 

The GTD class of cars stayed relatively consistent throughout the race with GTDPro being mostly led by the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 (Jack Hawksworth / Ben Barnicoat) and GTD with the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 (Bryan Sellers / Madison Snow).  

Unlike typical city street races the race went yellow flag free (after the first few laps) until the last lap. Ricky Taylor in the No. 10 Acura and Matthieu Jaminet in the No. 6 Porsche kept up a good battle with both cars taking turns in the lead by using pit strategy.  With about ten laps remaining the Porsche was in the lead on two-stint tires while the Acura had fresher rubber.  Taylor made a couple of attempts to pass the Porsche but was unable to capitalize on any attempt.  Finally with two laps to go Taylor made an attempt to pass at the end of Shoreline Drive.  Jaminet did not try to block Taylor.  Unfortunately Taylor locked up his brakes and went into the Turn-1 tire barrier ending his bid for the day. 

Winning No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 in the Fountain Curve at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

 Jaminet cruised to the finish for his first IMSA victory of the season winning by 0.903 seconds. This was the first victory for the new Porsche. Nick Tandy, Jaminets' teammate said, "to get a result and get some trophies is amazing and a testament to the hard work across the globe.  We wanted to do something different and we made some great decisions because they paid off".  

The No. 25 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 driven by Conner de Phillippe barely missed the crashed Acura and secured 2nd Place. Nick Yelloly, Conner's teammate said, "to come here and get a podium place feels quite nice.  I have to say, Conner in the last bit gave everything." 

2nd Place BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 in the Fountain Curve was co-driven by Conner de Phillippi and Nick Yelloly. Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Felipe Nasr and Matt Campbell were third giving Porsche two Top-3 finishers.

3rd Place finishing Porsche 963 was co-driven by Matt Campbell and Felipe Nasr at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 headed the GTDPro class and the No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 headed the GTD class.

The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 driven to the GTDPro victory by Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The No. 1 GTD winning Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 driven by Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The next IMSA race will be held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on the weekend of May 12-14. Please contact WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for ticket and camping information.

ENDS

Tags: Acura, Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, BMW, Brandon O'Brien, IMSA, IMSA Weathertech Sprotscar Championship, International Motorsports Association, Lexus, Long Beach, Motor Driven Images, Porsche  

 

  

FORMULA 1 HIT THE STREETS OF LONG BEACH AFTER 40 YEARS

Vintage F1 cars on the track at Longs Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

FORMULA 1 HIT THE STREETS OF LONG BEACH AFTER 40 YEARS
Words and Images by: Brandon O'Brien

After an absence of 40 years, Formula 1 cars took to the streets of Long Beach. Not to be confused with the current generation of F1 cars (you need to go to Las Vegas for those) these were some of the very same cars that competed in Long Beach from 1978 - 1983. Twenty-one entries were signed up to participate in the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) F1 Challenge.

I was there for the very first two "US Grand Prix (West)" races and my memory of those F1 cars was their noise and quickness. This weekend I can add I am surprised at how small they are and how much the driver was / is exposed.

On Thursday Patrick Long, the long-term factory Porsche driver, drove the 1983 Williams FW08C, once driven by Keke Rosberg, around the track for a media event. Not wanting to stress an extremely expensive and exotic race car he kept the pace down to what he though was a respectable level. Later that day he was approached by the owner who told him that the car did not like to be idled around the track. The car was in it's realm when the tach read 11.3.

Patrick Long driving the 1983 Williams FW08C through the Fountain Curve at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Unfortunately during the first day of practice the 1982 Lotus 91/8 was unable to make the turn around the fountain and planted its nose into the tire barrier.  The damage was severe enough to eliminate the car from the rest of the weekend activities.  Hopefully it will be repaired in time to be raced at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in May.

1982 Lotus 91/8 comes to grief in the tire barrier at the Fountain Curve during practice on Friday at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

After winning the first challenge race on Saturday, Patrick came down to the Motor Press Guild table in the Media Center to say "hi" to Edmund Jenks.  While there we asked what it was like to drive an F1 car. He stated that it was thrilling and required a lot of work and concentration.

During the Q and A session after winning Sunday's race he mentioned that his lap times in Porsche GTLM / GTD cars that he drove here were quicker than in the F1 car and the effort to do those lap times was much easier.  As expected, those 40 years in race car development have resulted in safer, better handling cars.  

If you missed these iconic cars at Long Beach you will have another opportunity to see and hear them on May 12-14 at the IMSA / Motul Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

1971 Tyrrell 004 going through the hairpin during the HMSA F1 Challenge at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1976 Lotus 77 exiting the hairpin during the HMSA  F1 Challenge at Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1979 Shadow DN9 in the hairpin during the HMSA F1 Challenge at Long Beach.  Image Credit:  2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1976 March 761 exiting the hairpin during the HMSA F1 Challenge at Long Beach.  Image Credit 2023 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

ENDS

Tags: Brandon O'Brien, F1, Formula 1, HMSA, Historic Motor Sports Association,  Lotus,  March,  Motor Driven Images,  Shadow, Tyrrell, Vintage, Williams.