The Canadian-American Challenge Cup was possibly the most open racing series in history. Enclosed wheels and two seats were about the only requirement. No limit on engines, dimensions, weight , or innovation. The first round of the 1/32 scale 2014 Can-Am Series showed the diversity of the original series. There were GT40s, Ferrari 312s, an ultra low-profile Shadow, an Alfa, a McLaren, the winged Chaparral 2E, and the Panzer Porsche 917-30.
In Heat 1, Marty’s GT40 lined up in Yellow, Jordan’s Alfa was in Blue, and Mark’s Chaparral 2E was in Green. The GT40 jumped out to a big lead, followed by the yellow Alfa. The Chaparral just made the field with a last-minute tire change and had to run without practice laps. Marty cruised to a total of 72 laps; Jordan ran 66 and Mark completed 56.
For Heat 2, Roy brought out the sister GT40 in Yellow, Marty moved to Green and Mark to Blue. Roy and Marty had a fierce battle in the GT40s and after a correction for a missed lap, both had 72 laps, with Roy ahead by a third of a lap. The Chaparral followed with 60 laps.
In Heat 3 Russell brought out the Porsche 917-30 to battle the GT40s and one of the best heats of the race ensued. All three cars remained close throughout and all three were on the same lap: 72. Marty turned the fast lap of the race with a swift 3.919.
David lined up his beautiful, and low, Shadow in the Yellow lane, with the Porsche in Green and Roy’s GT40 in Blue for the fourth heat. Roy set a blistering pace in Blue, totaling a full 74 laps. Russell pushed hard to try an keep up, but a series of mistakes dropped him three laps back. The Shadow ran 60 laps.
Austin’s Ferrari, in Yellow, put in 66 laps in Heat 5. Russell’s Porsche ran a corrected 73 laps in Blue and the Shadow ran 60 laps.
Heat 6 brought out the Rich’s McLaren to battle David’s Shadow and Austin’s Ferrari. Austin took the lead, finally completing 67 laps. David was next with 63 laps and the McLaren came in with 60.
Heat 7 saw “sorella Ferraris” as Steve put his #T3 Ferrari in Yellow with Austin’s #3 Ferrari in Blue. Rich was running the McLaren in Green. Austin kept it close for a while but Steve pulled out to a lead and maintained it for 70 laps. Austin followed with 65 and Rich had 59.
Jordan returned in Heat 8 with the yellow Alfa. He kept close to Steve’s Ferrari for a while but Steve pulled out two laps, 69 to 67, with Rich at 62.
For the final heat Mark returned to Yellow. Steve saved the best for last, running his best heat at 72 laps. The Alfa was second at 63 and Mark was 59.
The Can Am series is off to a rousing start. Be sure to join us next time!
