Photo Caption. Carl Scott discussing racing and politics with Bill Jeffers, Democratic Candidate for State Representative in District 5. Mr. Jeffers subsequently won his primary election race and Carl won his Proautosports feature race.
More Than Just Racing: Third Annual St John’s Grand Prix Event
In which aspiring pro drivers learn to autograph, be interviewed and entertain VIPs
TEMPE, AZ – September 3, 2002– Tiger Karts Racing’s Carl Scott enjoyed more than just driving experience and beautiful weather at the third annual St John’sGrand Prix. Autographing, interviewing and VIP entertaining provided a pro driving experience outside the cockpit. There was also challenging racing with Carl wheeling the Tiger Karts Van Diemen F2000 to two wins.
Larry Pond, founder of Proautosports, put together a great event in the small White Mountain town of St Johns Arizona. Working with the City officials, he created a temporary track using the runways and taxiways of the airport. Sponsors from throughout the town were lined up, radio and print coverage arranged, exhibits organized and VIP guests scheduled in to visit and be chauffeured around the track in new cars provided by Horne Chevrolet. Larry also hosted racers at evening socials as well as directing the racing fraternity to the sponsoring watering holes for evening bench racing. Larry’s years of professional racing experience was obvious in his mountain top version of CART’s Cleveland Lakeshore race.
An eclectic mix of racers showed up from around the country. Entries included A vintage Formula 1 car, an Indy car and current endurance racers from the IMSA circuit as well as the usual Proautosports competitors. Racing was close in the Formula continental ranks as the top three season point holders towed in to contest the airport circuit. Although extensively repaved, the less used taxiways were quite bumpy for the 1 inch ground clearance formula cars and setup/driving changes were necessary. Sunday featured a close race between Carl Scott and a vintage S2000/Cosworth. The Cosworth power opened several car lengths on the long runway straights, but the winged Van Diemen closed up in the tight corners. Accordion like, this went on for half the race until Carl decided to drop back and save his front tires. The last lap saw the gap suddenly close down and on the flag stand turn, the S2000 pushed wide giving Carl room underneath for a drag race to the flag, which Carl won by an estimated six inches. Points leader Steve Lewandowski unfortunately altered his front right suspension one of Larry’s barrels .
Borrowing some of Carl’s A arms and set up tools got Steve Lewandowski going fast again for Monday’s exciting final race. Steve’s fresh Ivey engine leapt to a turn one advantage and earned Steve a mirror full of Tiger Karts Van Diemen for the next 25 laps. Steve would pull out a few car lengths on the runway straight only to have Carl close the gap to inches in the turn 6-7-8 complex. With 5 laps to go, Carl got alongside Steve in the fast turn six. Under heavy braking and a little RX-7 off roading, he got cleanly past. Steve unfortunately got into the marbles on the outside and had a harmless but costly spin. This proved to be the end of the race as a full course yellow was displayed for a flaming Formula Mazda. Although the yellow was quickly lifted , Steve was unable to close the gap before the final checker. Patiently working his way faster all weekend was fellow formula continental racer, Richard Gray, third in season points. Richard and Carl spent the weekend trading press relations knowledge for car setup and prep assistance. Richard’s experience as a print reporter provided invaluable coaching for Carl’s radio and newspaper interviews.
Photo Caption. Carl Scott discussing racing and politics with Bill Jeffers, Democratic Candidate for State Representative in District 5. Mr. Jeffers subsequently won his primary election race and Carl won his Proautosports feature race.
Photo Caption. Carl Scott, driver of the Tiger Karts Formula 2000, describes his winning pass to Larry Pond, Organizer of the third Annual Proautosports St Johns Grand Prix.
