Scott Tucker Drives in the SCCA Runoffs and Could Break History
Scott Tucker will attempt to generate history this weekend in the driver’s seat of a Porsche in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. If he pulls this, Tucker will be part of a unique category of motorists who’ve gained about three straight national championship titles at the Runoffs, one of the recognized races in the United States.
Tucker has a talent when making history. His rising star must have had a turbo engine itself-since his 1st professional race in 2006 at 44 years old, he has declared him self as being an top, top-flight driver in five distinctive series in a matter of just 5yrs. He was the 1st American to be able to drive one of Audi’s R10 prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010. He won his class in his debut appearance in the American Le Mans Series, and in early 2011, he captured his 50th career win, a number that has shortly leaped to 59 since. Lately, Tucker snagged some back-to-back American Le Mans Series championships immediately following his fourth LMP2 triumph last weekend at the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.
After winning two previous national championships at the SCCA Runoffs in a Ferrari 430 Challenge car in the T1 category, Tucker has opted for a Porsche 996 twin-turbo for Friday morning’s quick, 13-lap, 40-minute race at Road America. Tucker began preparing for the appearance a few months ago by purchasing the 500-plus horsepower Porsche. Tucker’s team, Level 5 Motorsports, joined up with forces with Kelly Moss Motorsports to transform the Porsche into an SCCA STO class competitor. KMM’s Jeff Stone led the project, including quite a few tests runs with Porsche factory motorist Patrick Long.
Tucker has recently completed qualifying with the radical cutting edge Porsche, and it’s clear the vehicle will likely be a contender. Tucker’s top lap was 2:16.462, which clocks in as the best total time among the STO class field, making Tucker the pole position for Friday’s race.
“For me, personally, winning my third consecutive national championship would be an incredible achievement,” Tucker said. “I’ve worked hard for it, but it’s extremely difficult. All you can do is prepare the best way you know how and do your best on the track, and then you’ll just see where the chips fall at the checkered flag.”
Tucker has taken part in four SCCA activities this year with the 430 Challenge car, at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. After, he made a decision to engage in the Porsche challenge. Project Manager Ed Zabinski says the choice has proved to be an intelligent one. “We really tried to bring all of the best guys in the program,” Zabinski proclaimed. “I’m happy with the way it turned out. It’s developed into a reliable car, and I think we’re looking pretty good.” Zabinski is also an entrant for the Microsoft Office-sponsored car.
Victory on the SCCA Runoffs would boost exceptional year Tucker with his fantastic Level 5 team have already experienced. Sandwiched in between a couple of very important ALMS contests, the SCCA is a distinct set of wheels, but a victory would enhance a currently fantastic couple weeks for the Level 5 team. The Runoffs will crown the Sports Car Club of America’s Club Racing National Championships this weekend for the 48th year back to back. Road America’s historic 4-mile course provides the backdrop for the race considered the “Olympics” of motorsports.
Scott Tucker’s Level 5 Motorsports are 2011 ALMS Champions Scott Tucker
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