Three Classes of Mazda Powered Racers Battle it Out at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Wet and Dry Conditions

With four races complete, points leaders are Keyes in PFM, Conwright in FS2.0, and Parsons in FM

April 29th, 2014

The FCC Mazda powered open wheel racers visited Thunderhill Raceway Park this weekend for the first of two double headers that will take place here during the 2014 season.

The weather was temperamental, making setup and tire decisions a little trickier than if the track had been dry every session. Many of the drivers took advantage of the extra test day on Friday, and were looking forward to the challenge the weather was providing.

Saturday Pole Positions

Pro FM - Alex Keyes

FS2.0 - Jaden Conwright

FM - Stew Tabak

Right from the drop of the green flag TJ Fischer and Parker Nicklin were putting pressure on pole winner Alex Keyes. Keyes spun cresting turn five and Nicklin took the lead. Fischer then passed Nicklin going into turn seven. For the next eight laps Nicklin and Fischer battled for position. Suddenly, Fischer had an engine issue and was sidelined for the weekend. Keyes worked hard to reel Nicklin in, and for awhile was gaining some ground. Once Keyes was getting close, Nicklin really started putting in some fast laps, and pulled away for the overall and Pro FM win.

In FS2.0 VMB Scholarship winner Jaden Conwright got a strong lead, and held off hard-charging new comer Jake Pipal for the win. In Formula Mazda Stew Tabak had a flag-to-flag victory, and his first race win of the season.

Saturday Pro FM Podium

1st - Parker Nicklin

2nd - Alex Keyes

3rd - Stan Kohls 

Saturday FormulaSPEED2.0 Podium

1st - Jaden Conwright

2nd - Jake Pipal

3rd - Mark Richard

Saturday Formula Mazda Podium

1st - Stew Tabak

2nd - Cameron Parsons

3rd - Tazio Ottis

Pole positions on Sunday in PFM and FS2.0 were once again secured by Keyes, Tabak, and Conwright.

Sunday Pole Positions

Pro FM - Alex Keyes

FS2.0 - Jaden Conwright

FM - Stew Tabak

In Pro FM Alex Keyes lost the lead to Parker Nicklin in turn one. Nicklin, who was the 2013 FCC FS2.0 West Coast Champion, kept the lead for six laps. Keyes got a run on him coming out of turn 14, and took back the lead. Keyes went on to win overall and in the Pro FM class.

In FS2.0, rookie Pipal got off to a great start and took the lead from Conwright on the first lap. Conwright was right on his tail until a bobble in turn nine cost him six seconds. Conwright charged back running fastest laps in class, and the two drivers fought hard for the final three laps with Pipal holding on for the win. Tabak completed a perfect weekend with another win in Formula Mazda on Sunday.

Sunday Pro FM Podium

1st - Alex Keyes

2nd - Parker Nicklin

3rd - Stan Kohls

Sunday FormulaSPEED2.0 Podium

1st - Jake Pipal

2nd - Mark Richard

3rd - Jaden Conwright

Sunday Formula Mazda Podium

1st - Stew Tabak

2nd - Cameron Parsons

Next up for the West Coast Region is the second of two double headers at Thunderhill Raceway on May 24th - 25th with the National Auto Sport Association. This season, both the series opener, and the finale are being held at Sonoma Raceway. The finale is also scored as the FCC National Championship Event, and will be held during the FIA WTCC US race weekend in September.

More information:

Registration for May 24th -25th at Thunderhill is open

Photos from the event

Updated FCC Championship points

Event results (warmup, qualifying, and race - Group F)