Tiger Karts F2000 wins first time out (10/1/2001)

Firebird International Raceway Main track was the coming out stage for the Carl Scott and the Tiger Karts/Van Diem F2000.  Qualifying on the pole">

Tiger Karts F2000 wins first time out (10/1/2001)

Firebird International Raceway Main track was the coming out stage for the Carl Scott and the Tiger Karts/Van Diem F2000.  Qualifying on the pole, Carl outdistanced a field of ten that included 5 Formula 2000, Formula Mazda, Formula Ford 1600 and Spec Racer Fords to win both the qualifying heat and 25 lap man by more than 30 seconds each.

Racing the F2000 for the first time was a grueling adventure as record temperatures of 107 degrees were followed by high winds and dust.  Never the less, the team persevered and after repairing damage incurred in an on-course incident on Saturday, things were flawless on Sunday.

Carl found the RF-96 to his liking and quickly left the field behind, gaining 4 seconds a lap on the second place FC.  The balance was perfect for the heat, but the main brought a loose car as the fuel load burned down, which resulted in a harmless spin at the bridge hairpin.  losing only 1  seconds of a significant lead, Carl kept the engine running and motored off, making his only car to pit radio transmission a commentary on the handling.

The only other incident came on lap 17 or so when he misjudged the speed of one of the SRF resulting in a minor amount of off roading.

The NASA event was a perfect venue for this first race with enough competition to see where we stand and enough room to make mistakes without penalty.  We learned a lot and met a lot of friendly people, including the Jim the Goodyear guy and a great group of fellow F2000 drivers.

Gil Rebelis, our favorite professional photographer, was also on hand to capture the moment in a classic photograph.