The FRL FASCAR series arrives in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin for the series first ever race on the Road America East Circuit. The 2.14 mile, four turn circuit looks like an oval but drives like a road track. It certainly caught more than a few drivers unawares as the 45 lap event unfolded.
Eleven drivers take the green flag on the Road America East circuit
The green flag would fly over a somewhat disorganized start, which would open some doors early for some big moves. Preston Liberatore had done his homework and his #54 Ford was ready to go and he quickly ascended the order, placing himself all the way up into second place by the close of the third lap. Ethan Maestri and Ghabe Stouffer would have an early battle in the beginning laps, the #2 Ford & #3 Toyota's would soon be joined by the #18 Toyota driven by Travis Billingsley. The three would train around the course for several laps until Ethan bobbled in Turn's 3 & 4, allowing Ghabe and Travis to sneak by.
Anticipating trouble leads to trouble for the #3 in Turn 4
Further afield Seth Jenson would start near the front, but his ill mannered #06 Ford would prove to be a handful and he would soon find himself sliding back down the order. He would eventually settle and hold the sixth position. Behind him, most of the remaining drivers would encounter multiple issues ranging from collision to poor handling race cars. Paul Maestri, in the #7 Toyota would lose the back end of his Alienware sponsored Camry and shoved his nose into the tire wall just outside the pit entry lane, this would set off a continuing series of unfortunate circumstances for the duration of his race. Despite the setbacks, he would still manage to climb from dead last up to seventh place by the time the race concluded. Similar stories would unfold for Nicholas Hargrove, Tony Tyree, Blake Wild and Brandon Adkins as each struggled to man-handle their racing machines around the undulating and tricky circuit.
The #7 Toyota spins out of Turn 4 and greets the tire wall
At the front though, Andrew Steppat started well, continued well and was finally able to get the FASCAR monkey off his back by scoring his first FASCAR series win. Preston Liberatore owned second place from early on as well. Ghabe Stouffer made a triumphant return to form by eventually distancing himself from a great battle with Travis Billingsley and secured third place.
The series advances to its fourth round to take place at the Indianapolis oval on February 28th.
Results and Points Standings
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