19 Mazda Powered Racers Take to Infineon Raceway for the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear Season Opener Chaves, Weaver, and Whelden have perfect weekends, and are leading the points in their classes

SonomaRaceway19 competitors took to the the demanding Infineon Raceway IndyCar Grand Prix configuration this weekend for the first Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear double header. The weather was beautiful all weekend with temperatures in the mid-60s, and mostly sunny skies.

Gabby Chaves who competed in GP3 last year and won the 2009 FBMW championship took overall pole, and led the pack to the green flag on Saturday. Chaves went on to claim the win and score the fast lap. After losing a position on the start, Stan Kohls claimed second over Andre Eriksen who took home a hard fought podium. In the FM class Bill Weaver remained in front to take home the victory over Derry O’Donovan. After a late race pass, Stew Tabak claimed the final spot on the podium. Michael Whelden finished in the top position in the FS2.0 class followed by Kenny Rodrigues.

Pole Positions for Race 1 -Saturday March 10th, 2012

  • FM: Bill Weaver
  • FS2.0: Michael Whelden
  • PFM: Gabby Chaves

Race Winners Race 1 -Saturday March 10th, 2012

  • FM: Bill Weaver
  • FS2.0: Michael Whelden
  • PFM: Gabby Chaves

Sunday’s grid was again led by Chaves who secured the Pro FM pole position in qualifying. Andre Eriksen was off pole, followed by Kyle Kaiser and Andy Brown. Chaves took off to a commanding lead while Eriksen and Kaiser battle for second. Kaiser passed Eriksen early in the race, and started after Chaves. Eriksen battled Andy Brown, and Stan Kohls for third place. In the end the Pro FM podium was Chaves, Kaiser, and Kohls. In FM Weaver won once again followed by Peter Workum, and Stew Tabak. Michael Whelden won in FS2.0, followed by Kenny Rodrigues.

Pole Positions for Race 1 -Sunday March 11th, 2012

  • FM: Bill Weaver
  • FS2.0: Michael Whelden
  • PFM: Gabby Chaves

Race Winners Race 2 -Sunday March 11th, 2012

  • FM: Bill Weaver
  • FS2.0: Michael Whelden
  • PFM: Gabby Chaves

“It was important for the drivers to get some track time on the Indy Grand Prix layout,” noted Series Official Ben Hettema. “They will be competing on this track again in August as a support race for the IZOD Indy Car Series in a field of 35 cars. Getting them acclimated to it now will help them be more competitive at our showcase event, and also make for a great show for the fans.”

The post weekend points tally shows Bill Weaver currently leading the FM championship, Gabby Chaves leading in the Pro FM championship, and Michael Whelden leading the FormulaSPEED2.0 championship. Races three and four of the West Coast Region Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear will take place at Thunderhill Raceway Park April 14th & 15th.