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Inaugural Challenge Brings Out Best in Area Drivers

Thu, 04/22/2010 - 20:24 — brian

by Pauline Calkins

The race season started early for several area drivers as the first “So You Think You Can Race” challenge kicked off on January 30, 2010, owner Jeff Agenbroad graciously opened the doors of Fast Lane Kart Racing for the event.

Organizer, Ron Hayes, President of Racing for Smiles of the Northwest, saw this as an opportunity to benefit area youth honored by Racing for Smiles, as well as bringing race drivers together with novice wanna be’s.

Nine teams, four members each, arrived at Fast Lane to try their luck in the 80 minute endurance race. All participants gathered for a pre-race meeting with flagger Austin Hager to learn the race rules. Each driver had 20 minutes to try and race to the front of the pack before the red and black flags waved signaling the end of the session and the change of drivers. The first drivers were called to their karts as Ron Hayes prepared to drop the green flag on the inaugural event.

Announcer Mike Minegar called the race.

Teams consisted of:

OF Racing – Jeff Goade, Glen Young, Rob Powers, and Lester Alter

Boise Spring Works – Chet Ward, Scotty Ward, Bud West, and Rick Ward

JC Powersports – Dennis Brodigan, Jim Wickey, Lee Weil, and Tyler Cendrnesa

Quality Time – Joe Ransom, Jamie Ransom, Willie Ransom, and Eric Ransom

Champions – Dave Minegar, Chris Ratteree, Rus Ward, and John Nesmith

Three Wide Racing/Steve Rechenwacher – Chris Rechenmacher, Richard Urrutia, Chad

Bess, and Dylan Brodigan

GNS Sports – Strafford Smith, Kent Smith, Kevin Guyan, and Bernard Nussbaumer

Western Aircraft – Cameron Madsen, Doug Kneur, Mike McCleary, and Less McClusky

Woodja Racing – Neal Latham, Kyle Latham, Casey Tilman, and Jeremiah Stemen

Team GNS had a ringer all the way from Switzerland. (He currently resides in Dallas TX) Bernard Nussbaumer heard about the event from local friends and flew into town to try his luck. Although his team didn’t win he says “he is anxious for next year. Team GNS also had the youngest driver with the fastest time. 11 year old Strafford Smith drove a 21.341 lap giving him quick time. But it was Team Quality Time with driver Joe Ransom that jumped out to an early lead in the first session and the team never relinquished that lead. They drove home with the traveling trophy sponsored by Racing For Smiles.

Special Thanks to A -1 Heating and Cooling, Printcraft, AA Logos, Boise Spring Works, Lamb Race Engines, Raceway Bids.com, and FAstlane, Indoor Kart Racing.