70 replies to this topic

[Jim Drago]

Not sure we started a thread yet?  

 

 

Predictions.. 

 

MARK DRENNAN

ANDREW CARBONELL

CRAIG BERRY / TODD LAMB 

 

I think Charlie and Joey Jordan will be tough as well. 

 

 

I'm not feeling the love of this Runoffs myself I'm hoping hoping to be close.

 

 

West coast guys pretty lame in bringing the numbers     46 SRF to 42 SM . Not sure why, but I expected a lot more SM at this event. 

 

We are starting our trek out there for the regional, then coming back in a few weeks for the Runoffs.  Doing some gazintas with transport, lodging, tires and all the other expenses and this years Runoffs is VERY ugly and probably postpone retirement another 6 months   I see why many have decided to stay home. Also explains why the west coast guys have stayed home in years past. 

 

Jim

[Bench Racer]

SM 45 SRF 46

99+ 29
1.8 5
1.6 11

[Caveman-kwebb99]

 

 

 

  Doing some gazintas with transport, lodging, tires and all the other expenses and this years Runoffs is VERY ugly and probably postpone retirement another 6 months   I see why many have decided to stay home. Also explains why the west coast guys have stayed home in years past. 

 

Jim

 

This is why i will start the smack talking!!!!  I have already won the 2014 runoffs by staying home!!!!  good luck to all those who are spending thier childrens enhertances to attend! 

 

Drennan dont have no babe, or babies that he knows of supposedly so maybe he is a winner as well!

 

Charlie has rest fo his life to make the money back he will spend at this one.

 

Joey better get that 1.6 jazzed up a bit even at the non hp track.  

 

I am going with the Babbon to win if he ever enters, he will surprise you all!!!!

[Jim Drago]

SM 45 SRF 46

99+ 29
1.8 5
1.6 11

 

Are those SRF chassis numbers?

[Mike Collins]

Now I see why Jim called me this morning to ask me who I thought would win....

 

My list is similar to Jim's...

 

Gotta love Drennan and Carbonell

 

I don't think any of the "draft pack" has a shot at this one...  Your gonna have to drive hard and make ZERO mistakes to win this one.  Local track knowledge is going to be key.

 

I'm spending my kids college fund to come out....told them the Marine Corp was a better option (worked for me).....

[Bench Racer]

 

Are those SRF chassis numbers?

They can be what ever you want them to be.

[Charlie Hayes]

Very happy to not have a draft track for the runoffs. You will be lucky to see 100 mph before slamming on the brakes in most places. Will the VVT cars have a edge, I haven't seen it yet. Will cars in the 2350/2365 bracket have a edge, I think so...

I wish a few others from the southeast and such could make their ways out. It should be a good week, depending on how many can stay out of the kitty litter.

I think Drennan, Ghidinelli, Kaiser, Carbonell, Berry, two time, and the Oregon contingent will have the speed for the top spots! Just have to wait and see how thing shake out!

[Jim Drago]

I don't think any of the "draft pack" has a shot at this one...  Your gonna have to drive hard and make ZERO mistakes to win this one.  

 

 

We must be hard headed.. We keep hearing that.. but keep winning everywhere we go?  Of course unless Cota, Nola, Sebring, Mid Ohio, Hallet, Road Atlanta and at every major attended this year but Watkins don't count    

[Tom Sager]

I think the 2-time champ likes the "something less than the favorite" role. I wouldn't bet against him.  Nobody will have a better car that will get through tech, he wins in places he says he doesn't like (Mid-Ohio) and got up to speed at the Glen in his first weekend.  That and he doesn't make many mistakes in big races and when he does there's usually a teammates bumper there to straighten him out.  

[Kyle Keenan]

I predict a Mazda branded car will win! Hope I'm right......

[Charlie Hayes]

But don't you want a Kia to win?

[Ron Alan]

Laguna rewards consistent driving for sure...very tough for equal cars to make easy passes. Passes are generally made when mistakes are made. That said, certain corner mistakes will lead to a side by side game of chicken in the next corner...which will lead to everyone keeping up and more side by side behind and eventually someone finding themselves 4 off losing 6 positions or stuck in the quick sand!

 

I cant imagine those new to the track that week having any chance. That said...most are getting in seat time in the next month. I still have to give the nod to those with a lot of seat time at Laguna! Knowing what NOT to do here is the key!

 

As always...qual will be HUGE!!! Normally I would say anyone outside the top 5 stands zero chance of getting to the top with a green flag race...but with the deep field and aggressive drivers I predict a minimum of 2 double yellows! This will keep things closer and allow someone who maybe had a horrible qual to inch there way forward one car at a time!

 

Top 5 in no particular order...

 

Mark Drennan...no one is better prepped! Like not picking Rory McElroy in the next PGA event!

Ken Sutherland...for pure experience and racecraft! If his car is up to snuff a no brainer pick!

Charlie Hayes...not given the credit he deserves. Super patient!

Will Schrader...my buddy pick! Skills no question. If the car shows up watch out~

Jim Drago...despite his attempt for some to discount him, I dont buy it He loves to turn left!!!

 

Notables and guys that may blow up my first list!

 

Andrew Carbonnell...reputation!

Todd Lamb...reputation and past accomplishments!

Joey Jordan...his new 01 out qualified Drennan a few weeks ago! No problem staying on Marks bumper in the race!

Brian Ghidinelli...Local knowledge and the new 01 is fast and should be sorted!

Matt Reynolds...showed he had the speed earlier this year.

Kyle Kaiser...If he keeps it clean and doesnt take himself and/or others out...he is fast! Craziest car color award!!

 

Now...a little call out to those who are not on the entry list that should be!!!!!!

 

Elliot Skeer, Alex Bolanos, Tyler Vance, Clement Lee, Danny Steyn(lame excuse  )and a whole slew of local guys that arent going to win but sh$t...this is once in a lifetime!!

[Caveman-kwebb99]

prediction, if Lamb races he will be on the podium, never seen anyone other then Lamb and 2 time that can show up just anywhere and go fast.  I am biased but East Street will be right there fighting for the title, Lamb, 2 time, Berry, even Stearns as long as 2 time does the setup on his car.  

 

Drenanan will be a big time threat for the title, I think Charlie could do it if he had more car, but maybe that has improved since Mid Ohio?  Joey in a 01 will be tough also.

 

I just hope the race is clean and we have no stupid drama this year.

[Todd Lamb]

I love Laguna (ahem sorry, Mazda Raceway)! Gonna be some exciting racing with lots of contenders for the top spot. Ted has too many work commitments and can't make it, so we'll see if I can find a fast car to borrow to make the show.

 

Some of my fav moments at 3m16s:

[Kyle Keenan]

Of course I want a Kia to win Charlie, but they won't let me race SM with it!

[Johnny D]

Any new predictions after seeing the reg. ??

 

Not really everyone still sand bagging

J~

[Bench Racer]

As Larry Mac would say, pull them belts down one more time. Those Easterners are quick studys. Last year Drennan was one of my picks to do really well his first time at Road America (and he did), at home he'll be really tough. Wait, he's tough no matter where he races, kind of like the Gang from East Street. 

 

Must be the Left coasters are smarter than some, still 5 sets of free Hoosiers.

[Joe (dad) Jordan]

 

West coast guys pretty lame in bringing the numbers     46 SRF to 42 SM . Not sure why, but I expected a lot more SM at this event. 

 

 

Jim

It is a bit frustrating they will get more spec miatas for a regional then they will for the SCCA premier event, also very small turnout from SOCAL Everyone down here is under the impression that you must spend 50K to run the runoffs.  I thought we proved last year that you didn't...

 

Anyway don't forget that last year was the 50th anniversary of the runoffs so pretty special and the year before they only had 24 spec miatas (2012) at the runoffs.  So 45 is really not that bad.

 

Thanks to everyone picking Joey.  We are squarely focused on winning the Teen Mazda Challenge (west) hope we can hold on and win it so the Runoffs will be very relaxing!  LOL

 

I think 10 cars will have a shot at winning.  My top 5 in no order

 

2 Time

Drennan

Hayes

Carbonell

Lamb

 

Many others with a chance

[Caveman-kwebb99]

seriously doubt you will see Todd Lamb there this year, so maybe just pick a name out of the hat for the other top 5...  Erik Stearns would be my pick.

 

As of today Drennan for the Win

Carbonell and Hayes  and Drago fight it out for p2 just my opinion

[Johnny D]

seriously doubt you will see Todd Lamb there this year, so maybe just pick a name out of the hat for the other top 5...  Erik Stearns would be my pick.

 

As of today Drennan for the Win

Carbonell and Hayes  and Drago fight it out for p2 just my opinion

 

I agree with Drennan. But the top 4 in the 45's without Carb or Hayes not there ??

http://www.race-moni...Session/5149820

 

Not sure what happened to the Oregan gang, they're usually on podium, that's why I said sand bagging.

I believe Sutherland's the SCCA West Coast Champ this year.

J~