> News

2006 Winter Wind-Up (text by Garen Hagobian) (24/01/2006)

By:: Chris Verano

Racing in Vegas is always fun, even if it means being in slightly colder weather than we are used to here in Southern California. This year marked the second running of the Winter Wind Up, held by the 4 Aces at the Silver Bowl. With nearly twice as many entries as last year, the race is starting to shape up as the premier early season race. With reps from Mugen, Kyosho, Delta, and of course Serpent on hand to help locals and privateer racers, this race is an excellent chance for drivers to get the latest info from team drivers and for the elite racers to get first bragging rights of the year.

I met up with Chris Verano and Bryon Nakahara early Friday morning at the track. None of us were able to get out on Thursday for practice, so we had our work cut out for us. Set-up wise we were close as our Crystal Park 960 setups are nearly identical to our Silverbowl setups. The first 3 rounds however, proved to be anything but routine. I had to chase my clutch and 2 speed, as well as deal with electrical issues, while Chris was having engine tuning issue. At the end of the first day Chris was in the top 10 on time but not points, and I was out of the top ten on both points and time. We spent a great deal of time working on the problems that evening and came back the next day for 2 more rounds. Chris put in a solid first run to move up on time and points, while I just missed a good points and time result as I was forced to make a splash and go. The 5th and final round saw Chris hold his A main position, while I needed a miracle to make the main. Based on overall points, I knew I had to finish 2nd or better in the round to make the main. I did what I had to do, by pacing an 18 lap 5:04 run over the first 4:30 of the qualifier, good enough for 2nd in the round, about 4th or 5th overall on time, and about 8th overall on points. Less than 3 corners from the finish the fuel tank went dry and out went my hopes for a direct place in the main event.

Sunday brought on the 40 minute B main, which I dreaded, not because I was worried about my setup, but because I was worried about freak engine flame outs, or accidents with other drivers. The horn went off and I jumped into the lead. I pitted every 4 minutes, and thanks to fast pit stops from Chris, I was able to lead wire to wire and take home a comfortable 3 lap win.

So for the A main, we had 3 960’s in it, and all three of us were confident going in. Since I got to run the B main, I knew the track conditions has changed due to the wind, and so both Chris and Paul made adjustments or were prepared to make adjustments before the race. During warm up my car felt good, as I had gone from front 37’s to 40’s. Some of the other drivers had not made changes and were having a hard time negotiating the rapidly narrowing racing line. The race started and I immediately had to go around several spun out cars. As soon as things settled down I was right behind Paul in about 7th or 8th. Chris had already moved up into the top 5 before the first pit stop. Paul’s engine then went rich and he had to pit several times to tune it back to normal. At about the 10 minute mark I was up to 5th and Chris was up to 3rd. The ambient temperature was dropping quick making driving a bit difficult. At about 15 minutes in, Chris was in 3rd and I was in 4th, and Chris was battling for second position. As luck would have it, Chris ran over a piece of debris left behind from another car and his car went flying into the pit lane board, damaging the front end. This moved me up to 3rd where I stayed for most of the race. At about the 40 minute mark, the second place car of Ron Calangi began developing problems and he dropped off the pace. Over the next 13 minutes I was able to get back the 2+ lap deficit he had built on me. At the 53 minute mark I caught him and over the course of a lap I attempted to pass clean. As we headed to the infield I had the inside line and despite what would have been a clean pass, he shut the door on me and spun me hard into the pipes, breaking the rear right arm.

I have no doubt Chris and I could have both been on the podium, but luck was not with us this weekend. It would have been a great finish for Serpent, and for my new sponsor Byron Fuels. I dropped down to 6th, with Chris and Paul in 7th and 8th respectively. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good! One thing is for sure, next time I won’t be as passive when it comes to allowing faster cars by or when passing slower cars, especially in late stages of main events.

Thanks to all my sponsors- Serpent USA, Byron Fuels, Airtronics, Fioroni Option Team, BuySerpent.Com; and of course thanks to the 4 Aces, Chris and Bryon for the help. I look forward to more races with the 960, it’s a great car.

Garen's 960 waiting for the start of the main.

Chris' 960 before the main.

Garen Hagobian

Paul relaxing before the start of the main.