March 5-6, Fontana Nissan Racing entered both cars, the 350Z and the GTR in the new Redline Track Events series Pro Track Challenge. Each round of competition is being filmed for the new TV show Circuit Battles, to air on the VERSUS channel!!
The first episode will air Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 am Pacific Daylight Time. Set your dvr’s and don’t miss it. Episode 1 will be one hour, with the following episodes being 30 minutes in length. VERSUS is channel 603 on Direct TV, check your listings for channel info for your cable or satellite provider.
Both cars were set and ready to race but one thing was terribly wrong. Our driver, Mike Cronin Jr. had hurt his back and was out of commission. What? How could this be? Weighlifting accident was the rumor. Only one thing to do, call in the replacements!
Gary Sheehan was called upon to pilot the 350Z in the new format of the Pro Track Challenge. Heads up elimination rounds, with a green-white-checker format. As they say, a winner every 4 minutes!! Gary had the crew make a few adjustments to suit his style and comfort level in the Z. After several practice sessions on Saturday, Gary was ready to take on the field.
The very well known and experienced sports car racer Cort Wagner got the call to drive the Fontana Nissan GTR. Always the pro, Cort stepped in and had the GTR dialed in and ready to go. Now all that remained was to take on the competition, including his teammate Gary, on Sunday!
The Pro Track Challenge starts with a qualifying session Sunday morning to set the field for the Seeding Race. The results of the Seeding Race determine the makeup of the double elimination rounds of heads-up battles.
Gary Sheehan finished 2nd in the Seeding Race, with Cort Wagner following in 3rd. The Rounds were now set, with Gary to take on Andrei Tsaran in the first round and Cort to battle Lars Wolfe.
Sheehan and Wagner both won their first rounds, putting them up against each other in the winners bracket.
Sheehan won, pitting him against the fast car of Joey Scarallo. Scarallo won, sending Sheehan to the loosers bracket. Meanwhile, Wagner was battling and bested Paul Brown, sending Sheehan and Wagner battling each other again. Once again, Sheehan came out on top. Down to the finals now, Sheehan was pitted against the winner of the winners bracket, Scarallo. Sheehan would have to beat Scarallo twice to win due to the double elimination format. Gary gave it his all but fell just short.
The record crowds attending the race were on their feet! The racing was exciting and constant. One battle would be finishing up while the next was already sent out on the track. Circuit Battles pit reporter Samantha Schacher interviewed each driver multiple times and was a great sport on the podium, taking a champagne shower in front of everyone!
Gary Sheehan took 2nd overall, with Cort taking 3rd!! A great outing for Fontana Nissan Racing and the new Pro Track Challenge Series!
Don’t forget to watch all the action, March 26th at 11 am Pacific time on VERSUS! Fontana Nissan Racing is preparing now for Round 2 at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix AZ April 9-10. If you can, head out to the track and have a great time with us!! Keep updated on www.circuitbattles.com for the latest information, promotions, air times, and all you need to know about Pro Track Challenge and Circuit Battles!
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