Who Will Win in 2007?

[Greg Amy]

In the spirit of last year's "who will win?" threads (so, who was right?):

ITS: http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/...?showtopic=6995
ITA: http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/...?showtopic=6990
ITB: http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/...?showtopic=6991
ITC: http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/...?showtopic=6992


...I'm ready to get thinking about which hot shoe is gonna do it this year. Instead of making four different threads, let's keep it all in the family here...

2007 is going to be one tough season for NARRC competitors. For example, the month of May has THREE double regional weekends back-to-back and it seems this year is going to be more of a decathlon than a sprint. Winners of the 2007 championships will have to show a combined punch of speed, endurance, and motivation (not to mention money!) and the championships will be well-deserved.

The best of luck to each of you.

ITR
A total crapshoot. Who's gonna run; any rumors? Are the ITS E36s coming out of hibernation as ITR cars? The E36 has the upper hand, simply because it's an already-developed and proven car, so if AutoTechnic chooses to dig them out of the dust heap, they'll get the nod for '07. If Dave Maynard chooses to move to ITR, he'll be one to watch as well.

ITS
I confess I was not paying a lot of attention to ITS this year (kinda busy). Kip VanSteenburg won it with a consistently strong run, with Rob Driscoll tieing his score in the E46 Bimmer. Kip won the championship by virtue of a higher number of wins. Dave Maynard ran the ENTIRE season and was knocking on their door at each event. Rookie Jeff Harding, Jeff Henderson, and Mark Gregory were right there, too!

I don't have any rumors as to who is doing what this year. Will Kip get the bugs worked out on that Miata and run it full time? Is this the year of the E46s coming to fruition? Will Dave Maynard get his program matured fully and beat the snot out of everyone? Or, will Maynard choose to run ITR, instead? What about Jeff Harding: what happens when he gets that Flatout car repaired and gets a few more races under his belt? Mark Gregory is commonly overlooked and always fast, and if he can get consistent he'll be a player every race.

Greg's pick: hard to choose against Kip. If he runs a full season he'll be the favorite, but I simply cannot count out the potential of the AutoTechnic E46s or the Harding/Gregory RX-7s. This one'll be a barn-burner.

ITA
Hah, easy one to pick, you may say. WRONGO!!! First off, your humble author is not going to be making a run for the golden (well, pewter) chalice again in '07, choosing instead to focus on marquee high-visibility events and varying venues. Besides, there's a new factor in NARRC this year: lots of races at LRP. That, my friends, will favor the King Mosquito of LRP, Andy Bettencourt. His new LRP track record may not even stand a year before he breaks it again, he's proven he's fast at NHIS (another numerous NARRC venue). If he can dominate all LRP events and win one or two NHIS events then he'll be 75% of the way to the NARRC championship. Andy gets the nod for '07.

But, who else will be right there? ITA is chock-a-block with candidates. I'll be a spoiler at some faster venues like NHIS, WGI, and Pocono, but it won't be wash: had Mr Hunter bothered to attend Pocono and gotten those important 20 participation points he'd have been in the hunt (har-de-har) much sooner (and would have forced me to run the NARRC to win the championship; how would that have played out for the ARRC?). Rick Benazic in the Integra is hungry to get that chalice back, and illustrated that with a win in '06; had he run a full ITA season he would have been a BIG factor. Tim Klavana had a hard year in '06, but expect him to come back swinging; he's certainly got the talent and the right equipment. The Sentra of Joe DiMinno, the Nissan S13s of the Bogarts, The SatURN of Jeff Lawton, and Mr Ray Lee Chee are all going to be RIGHT THERE fighting for those wins, places, and shows. The Phoenix Victor Gangi is not to be overlooked.

This one's gonna be one HELL of a spectacle; don't miss it.

ITB
Tim Mullen did a GREAT job fighting off the twin tornados of Ray and Stephen Blethan, but I bet they're PISSED now. Hell, they may actually do preventive maintenance on their cars to try and win this championship back! If the Blethans can keep those cars running they're the favorites, but their lack of dependabilty is always a key factor. ITB is no longer a wash; watch for Tim to take the tried-and-true tortoise tactic of consistency in the face of fire, and watch for both of the Blethans to take the hare tactic of fire in the face of consistency.

Of course, never count out Paul Curran. As long as he doesn't break or wreck, he's always up front. That's one trick - and fast - pony, but it's unclear if he's willing to commit to a full season of events. If he does: watch out.

And, what about dark horse Dave Gran? I happen to have it on good faith he's getting top-prep horsepower this year, and he tells me the new chassis actually has more "steel" than "rust"...be afraid, be very afraid...

Work on those cars, guys.

ITC
This one, at first glance, seems an easy pick: Eric Parham. Eric finished up front, or damn near it, in almost every race he chose to attend. There were flashes of brilliance from others such as Brian Megliola (1 win), Ed Funk (2 wins), and Fred White (1 win) but Eric is the only one to run enough races to make a consistent show at it. Even then, he still missed a handfull of races, which could have turned the tide towards someone else.

As in all the others, the winner of ITC will be someone that puts in very good consistent showings and finishes. As long as he's willing to commit to the full season, Eric has the ability to pull it off. But, should he choose to pass on several events, then any of the others could go for the brass ring.

[hunter164]

I will definitely be running my 300zx in as many races as possible next season in ITR. We'll see who else wants to play come the start of the season! And you better believe the #16 BBR 240sx will be right there from the word go in ITA.

[Doc Bro]

This season will be an interesting one to watch. I do believe ITA will be far and away the best competition.

I think ITS will see an Rx or Miata do it. The e36/e46 crowd may or may not be a factor. They may all go ITR, they may double dip, they may stay ITS. I think that my good friend Dave Maynard wil be a factor in whichever class they're in. They're also dedicated enough to be a factor in both classes. Don't forget their win at the NARRC.

ITB/ITC the usual players fighting it out with the exception of Dave Gran, who needs a car that matches his talent. (I think he's got that this year! Look out!!)

ITA......We'll see. I don't believe a word Greg said. He may do the first 3 events and have 3 wins and put together a full season. I think anyone who has a shot at it should safe-guard against that (read: Hunter). Bettencourt...the only question to answer is will he win ALL the events at LRP or just 100% of them. He's fast as hell at NHIS too. Tim could have been a factor this season if it weren't for the NHIS maylay. Lawton, Gangi, Benazic the Bogarts ( if they're consistent enough to have no DNF's). I think DiMinno is not a reality because he causes too many wrecks!!! (Joe, that's for that other comment on another thread before Xmas, that I never commented on...you know the men and the rear thing...jerk!!) And, let's not forget Ben Phillips and his new effort, he's a talented drive and isn't afraid to throw a full on effort together. Sheppard??


HOPEFULLY, extraneous factors like another big wreck won't change the landscape of the season.


I guaran-damn-tee no Z3 will be a factor!!

R



on edit:

If you read Greg's post on another page he's selling the MR2 project....Greg you cagey ba$taahd!!!
A 2-peat??

[Jeremy Billiel]

I think ITS will see an Rx or Miata do it. The e36/e46 crowd may or may not be a factor. They may all go ITR, they may double dip, they may stay ITS. I think that my good friend Dave Maynard wil be a factor in whichever class they're in. They're also dedicated enough to be a factor in both classes. Don't forget their win at the NARRC.

[/b]

Heck I may have to do more NER events. If there is no one left in ITS than maybe I can "become good" really quick! LOL :P

[BobsAuto]

As for ITB, based on another thread and I haven't really talked to the boys (Blethens) about it yet, but I think they are doing selected races this year and may not be a contention this year. However, if I can pull enough sponsorship out of the hat for them (something I AM working on), they may definately prove to be a factor. Yes, I agree, Tim has a championship to defend and will definately be one to watch as well as Paul Curran. But, as I have seen in the past, it ain't over til it's over and with May being such a car killer with the 3 back to back doubles, that month will definately show who will have the $$$, fire power, endurance, and time to repair to make the 2007 work for them. That many races back to back lend a definate factor to the equation. I haven't seen a schedule like that since the late 80's and early 90's.

Good luck to all this year. Remember, the most important factor in the equation is to have fun and be safe.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Ahhh, this is my favorite stuff to do!

ITS
Kip VanSteenburg may have tied in points, but he did so with only 7 finishes (all wins) and a DNF at the NARRC Runoffs. He has to be considered the guy to beat. What car will he drive? When he finishes, he wins. Driscoll and Henderson will be in ITS IMHO. They have way to much blood, sweat, and tears into those E46's. They both will be RIGHT there. The 3D team with Maynard at the wheel will be a factor. they have the SIR figured out and have actually developed the suspension! The Runoffs win was the best race of the weekend. I think he would have gone 1:01's if he didn't have to do so much door to door racing! Wildcards: Mark Gregory lays down some killer lap times and Jeff Harding's second full year will show he is a serious factor at NHIS. Russ Jones had a win and multiple podiums - but both Harding and Jones have to move up on grid at LRP to be a factor for year end. I think ITS is gonna rock. My pick: VanSteenburg

ITA
Rick Benazic rededicating himself to ITA will prove costly for all of us. He ran only 4 races last year and STILL came in 7th. A win and 3 seconds...a trip to Pocono to unleash the Serra power on us will have him an early season points leader. Hunter will also be one to watch. He could probably be the fasted NHIS car in the field and is always a threat at LRP. If he gets to Pocono, he will also be exiting May in the top 3 in points. Timmy K. will get that Teg sorted and he will be in the exact same spot as these other Teg guys. Joe DiMinno has shown huge speed. He is amped up and ready to take on the NARRC. He will shine at Pocono and will place well at LRP - and if he gets any type of track time at NHIS, he will also be right there. Jeff Lawton just needs to pony up for some tires and he is there. I mean THERE. Watch for him to be a car to beat at LRP in 2007. He has the car reliable, has some seat time and it has shown it can really pound the pavement. Wildcards: Brandon Bogart can run with anyone at NHIS if his car is well, running. They have just finished an engine development program that have them putting out huge power numbers. A full assault on the NARRC schedule will be great. Nobody has seen him in the ITA car at LRP in recent history but he has PLENTY of laps there. Victor Gangi will be back in another InTEGra. He was missed last year after the crash but we all know he can win races at either track. ***Now I have never been a big fan of winning anything when the Big Dog leaves the class so I will put this out there to poke him a little: Last year was the lull before the storm in ITA. Some fast cars at the beginninng of their development, fast drivers in new cars, and a multi-time champ out of the picture. I think Greg Amy needs to come back and try and defend. He holds both track records at NHIS and is the fastest car on track at Pocono, but can he place high enough at LRP to secure a 2nd Brass Ring? He has said he didn't have much fun last year...so maybe he is content to sit out and watch the sparks fly. With his MR2 project gone, I think he will be back but it's no guarantee he can repeat with this level of competition and the schedule...The Mosquito will be the car to beat at LRP, will be dead at Pocono and will have to fight for every inch at NHIS, but will be in the mix at the end. "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best" My pick: PICK 'EM

ITB
The Blethens will always be a factor. They run hard but last year had effectively 7 DNF's between them if you count limping around the track just trying to cross the S/F line. Seeing their schedule, it looks like they may not be at enough events to compete. If they do, and they can finish consistantly, I see a Championship in their future. Tim Mullen had one win and 6 podiums last year. He epitomizes speed and consistancy. Tough to beat that combination. Paul Curren ran a limited schedule last year but had a win and 2 podiums. That red Volvo is getting faster every event. Wild cards: Scott Carlson, Dave Gran and Derek Lugar. Each has shown that when they show up, they can win. Just depends on the entries. Will Dave decide he wants to run for the roses by showing up at more than LRP? Will Lugar show up at anything other than NHIS? Will Carlson show up at all? My pick: Mullen

ITC
Eric Parham pretty much dominated last year although he did run 2 more events than anyone in the class. Horton is selling his Rabbit so that leaves Brian Megliola, Ed Funk and Stephanie Funk. Brian is quick and the Funks have some off-season car repair to do. I think Ed can make a serious run at it if he does more than 6 events but...My pick: Parham

[JLawton]

Yup, don't believe a word Greg says. A year ago he was spouting about only wanting to win one (ARRC) and everything he did was prep for that. Blah, blah, blah. Then, the season started and he went ape shit!!! Either way, he's gonna mess with anyone who has visions of wining the NARRC.

He stepped away from the crack after the ARRC but once he gets a taste of it in 07, my prediction is he'll be kickin' everyone's ass.......again!!

The only other class I think you are all wrong in is ITB. Dave "Book Boy" Gran is going to clean up. A new car, reliable engine........He will be the one to beat!!

My other prediction: ITA is going to be a lot of fun!! (OK, so that's a given!!)

[lateapex911]

Book boys issue isn't one of capability, it's (I think) one f desire. I think he hates NHIS, and might pay to not have to go to Pocono.

He's been a fan of cool tracks and cool events, and spreads his budget accordingly. I bet you'll see him do LRP events, the NASA Hyperfest, maybe some cool events like MO, and the ARRC.

But I bet he'll be fast after the work he's done, and rumour has it that he might have some "special sauce" in the engine from a engine builder whos done pretty well of late.

[Doc Bro]

I'm gonna get that special sauce too....I even know where to find it. We'll see how good it tastes on German food, it might not just be for sushi!!

R

[Greg Amy]

Sushi rules, dude; ain't nothing better 'n WASAAAAABE!!

AAAAHHHH!!!

AAaahhhh!

[dazzlesa]

for ITA i think Andy has what it takes. Rich needs to go to pocono to have a shot. I think it would be a hell of a fight if Greg and i run for the championship and rich makes pocono. Maybe a bloody fight.
it willl take money, time, and a hell of a commitment to pull it off. i know for sure if the 24 beats me at pocono i will be asking to look over something in that car.
I need someone to convince me that i like nhis and i need the added stress of counting points.
good luck to us all!

[lateapex911]

i know for sure if the 24 beats me at pocono i will be asking to look over something in that car.
[/b]

Hmmmmm! Now it's getting interesting!

(and this from a guy who WISHES somebody would even notice, much less want to take a look at his stuff, LOL)

[16v]

Most qualifying and race laps watched: Koza by a mile!

[Greg Amy]

i know for sure if the 24 beats me at pocono i will be asking to look over something in that car.[/b]

I am planning to do something about it BEFORE any further wins. We are all tired of it, and I plan to take a leadership role. I'll be looking to my peers for support.

[gran racing]

ITA

This will be interesting! I think a lot of it will depend upon who wants it most and makes a run for it. Since I think Greg will focus on other events, he'll be in the hunt but won't do it this year. With Rick's NHIS comments, that would make it a bit tough for him. Crazy Joe looks like he's getting stronger and I've heard he's in the process of testing some newly formulated Bondo that I loaned him to further improve his aero and explosion effects. Tim K should be someone else to watch. I'm also waiting for Jeff Lawton to step up and realize the potential he has. No more "maybe top 5 attitude". In the end though, I think Andy B. is the guy to beat.

ITB

I am very excited about next year! There are a lot of things happening with my car and in other areas of my racing program. New engine (which will be expensive to run if it really does run on Monster drinks), a final drive is being installed, custom header from Justin Poole, and a few other goodies. It will be interesting to see what aving Matt Kessler do a set-up then goto a test & tune session will produce. Alright, so I need to learn a bit more about car set-up and no more "ah, the tires have air in them so they're good to go". All that said, Jake was right and Davey will not be in the hunt for the series championship. LRP, Summit Point, Mid-O, the Glen, and RA. Should be fun.

So, who will be going for it? Sounds like Ray & Stephen will not be scheduling their events around the series, therefore they're out (or are they?). Curren is always a contender. I'll be keeping an eye on Dave Zaslow in his Golf, he could make things interesting. Here's a new one to watch out for - Grant McStay is coming to ITB land with a Golf. Will he buy one or build one?

The car that Richie ran at the NARRC, who will be driving that AND is it legal? Will Rick sell his ITB car to someone interested in making a run for it? When all is said and done, I think Tim Mullen has proven the needed consistency to be there in the end. He's my pick.

[hunter164]

The BBR#16 seems to be an after thought for a lot you in ITA. Can't wait to see those surprised faces...

[JimLill]

and who will be the new emerging hotshoes?....

[Andy Bettencourt]

The BBR#16 seems to be an after thought for a lot you in ITA. Can't wait to see those surprised faces... [/b]

Most people are looking at last year...and it wasn't Brandon's best! You know to check my list for the real deal. :P Even if Greg does a full season, it's still a pick 'em. Trust me.

[hunter164]

Last year was definitely a long one for us, but the good news is we are already very excited this coming one. Hopefully everyone has the chance to run a strong season and it just comes down to those final tweaks and the drivers. I wouldn't wish a year of bad luck like the one we had last year on anyone. It's far more fun to have everyone out there competing and take all the "what ifs" off the table.

Look for a season kick off party in a few months... details to come.

[lateapex911]

I am planning to do something about it BEFORE any further wins. We are all tired of it, and I plan to take a leadership role. I'll be looking to my peers for support.
[/b]

Well, you know where I stand on such matters, LOL.

Trouble is the 24 seems to be a real moving target. It might be easy shooting, might not.