F1 Summer League # 4 Wrap up Report

You would have thought by taking two weeks off from league action that the camaraderie level would be at it's highest but no just the opposite turned out to be true.Twenty six racers showed up to do this and we probably had no less than twenty six points of contact spread throut the nite of racing.Heck, a kart race was on the schedule and a kart pushing and shoving match showed up! Quoting the famous Wendy's commercial where the elderly ladies are standing around a large open hamburger bun with a miniscule hamburger patty and one of them (Clara Peller) exclaims, "Where's the Beef"! Last nites racing had me exclaiming into my helmet, ""Where's the Black Flag? The overall feel for the nite was one of take no prisoners and good clean nose to tail racing be damned! I include myself in this but also became the recipient of a push pass at the entrance to the pit I thought that maybe I missed a mandatory pit stop requirement mentioned during the non existent driver meeting. This coming Tuesday we WILL have a driver meeting and discuss the ins and outs of driver actions on and off the track.

And from what I hear a case of new Black Flags has been ordered and they're not going to be afraid to use them. Time out in the corner, a dunce cap and demerits will be issued to the offenders just like grade school when I would walk 10 miles to school 1 way in a blinding snow storm with cardboard strapped to my feet for shoes and wearing a burlap sack as a jacket You got your mouth washed out with soap if a curse word managed to slip out or you used a derogatory tone to speak to your teacher. Ah, the good ole days. I'll bring the soap.

Qualifying for the most part was uneventful even though top qualifier (Steve Lattanzi) in group one of three ended up no better than 8th when all said and done. Top qualifier (Ronald Jones) in group 2 found himself in 3rd overall. Austin Kipp took down the top spot with a time of 24.393. And when the nite was finally over Kipp would take all the honors once again. Top qualifier, fast time for the week on track 2 c/c/w (23.852) , winner of his heat and overall winner for the nite. Maximum points scored by Kipp Van Winkle and he managed to stay out of the fray. Congratulations Austin Kipp on a clean run to the top. Seems to be a trend with a racer having everything go his way for the league race and walk away with the whole enchilada. Ole"!!!

Heat Group 1 Finish Order: Justin Bayles... Mike Davila...Tony Rolfson...Steve Lattanzi...Chaz Baca Jr...Charles Crowe...Bryan Weaver...Jason Burstein...Ryan Casillas...Jason Aviles...Dana Lanzaro...John Vanderwey...Chris Kautz

Heat Group 2 Finish Order: Austin Kipp...Keith Sears...Eric Dickinson...Ronald Jones...Kyler Repella...Robert Neumann...Josh Lambeth...Kyle Tatman...Ryan Barnicle...Don Angel...Scott Lodding...Kelley...Doug Smith

"A" Main Finish: Austin Kipp...Tony Rolfson...Steve Lattanzi...Justin Bayles...Keith Sears...Mike Davila...Chaz Baca Jr...Robert Neumann...
Bryan Weaver...Eric Dickinson...Kyler Repella...Ronald Jones...Charles Crowe

"B" Main Finish: Josh Lambeth...Don Angel...Jason Burstein...Ryan Barnicle...Kyle Tatman...Ryan Casillas...Scott Lodding...John Vanderwey
Kelley...Jason Aviles...Doug Smith...Chris Kautz...Dana Lanzaro

Let me wrap this up by saying this is supposed to be a fun way to spend a Tuesday nite at F1 Race Factory with people/racers of common interests. Lets get back to that and treat your fellow racers with the same respect on and off the track you would expect. Thank You all for taking the time out of your busy week to do this and see all or most of you next week same place & same time. F1 Race Factory...6/6:30 check in...7pm official start time.
D
on't be late or you get to spectate! The Overall Points will be ready shortly. Put on your patience cap.

Steve "Kandyman" Lattanzi
F1 Race Factory
steve@f1rf.com
602-427-4416

Even though if your late you get to spectate rule applies, including showing up late to try to get into the ever popular F1 Race Factory Summer Leagues, in this case the IKWC consumed much of this writers time and here I am trying to play catch up. So here goes.

Another SELL OUT was announced and 30 racers from near and far came together to try to become the "Champion of League Nite".

One racer by the name of Justin Bayles came all the way from the Middle East to do so and had a great "Welcome Back Justin" kind of nite by taking first in his qualifying group then 1st in his heat and to finish off the nite took the top step on the podium stand by, you guessed it, First in the Main. Congratulations on the win, but don't you have a border to watch or something?

Top 5 Heat Group 1: Justin Bayles...Steve Lattanzi...Charles Crowe...Mike Davila...Eric Dickinson
Top 5 Heat Group 2: Austin Kipp...Tony Rolfson...Chaz Baca Jr...Eric Daw...Ronald Jones

This was also to be the last race for Rafael Serrano as he is now gainfully employed by Volvo and has moved on to Richmond,VA to pursue his career in fixing Swedish cars and I hear learning to cook Swedish Meatballs as a requirement to that employment. He also felt the need to run off to Vegas to get married so we want to wish him the best and he will now have to find an Indoor Kart Club to play in on the east coast. The F1 kart bumpers finally get the rest they need, and his brother Segio is still around to represent the Serrano clan.

The "B" Main saw some great racing and a surprise with "A" Main regular Keith Sears testing the waters of the "B" group. I hear he just wanted to get home earlier since we typically run the "B" group first. Something about getting his beauty rest. You want to look like Brad Pitt you better go to sleep and never wake up. Only in your dreams!

"B" Main Finish: Jason Burstein...Keith Sears...Matthew Lamanilao...Kyle Tatman...Sergio Serrano...Ryan Casillas...Scott Lodding...Don Angel...
John Gilles...John Vanderwey...Dana Lanzano...Chris Wynne...Doug Smith...Chris Kautz

The "A" Main saw some pretty bold moves and the freight train to the front Chaz Baca Jr is proving to have this figured out and insisting on podium finishes weekly. A bit of strategy was the only thing that kept Steve Lattanzi off the podium for the nite but a forth place finish kept him atop the overall points battle for the series. With Tony Rolfson within striking distance and Mike Davila close to him, Lattanzi sent Baca Jr sailing by without a second thought and watched the battle for first,second and third unfold right in front of him. Baca Jr made an errant pass on Bayles for the lead but was forced to give it back and Bayles went home with 45 points added to his bottom line. The "Arsonist was truly on fire this nite. Next race fire extinguishers will be at the ready.

"A" Main Finish: Justin Bayles...Chaz Baca Jr...Austin Kipp...Steve Lattanzi...Tony Rolfson...Mike Davila...Charles Crowe...Eric Dickinson...
Rafael Serrano...Kyler Repella...Bryan Weaver...Eric Daw...Josh Lambeth...Ronald Jones...Robert Neumann

Next League Race which is # 4 is Tuesday August 10th with racing to start by 7pm. Sign up early or you might get to watch from the stands.

Summer League Race 1!!

Summer’s here and that can only mean one thing; the 2010 F1 Race Factory Summer League Series has finally started! Twenty six racers signed up for the first of eight races of fast, fun, indoor kart action held every Tuesday here at F1 Race Factory. This promises to be the best league yet with a wide spectrum of talent driving these beasts, capable of 45 mph.

Tonight’s action saw the dreaded “Black Flag” issued to one, yet to be named, racer. Better luck next time Robert Moorhouse! Nobody escapes the watchful eyes of the track officials; these guys do a bang up job that’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination. I know, I’ve done it and ended up confused even before the racers left the pit lane! Give them the respect they deserve and if that doesn’t work slip five unmarked dollar bills into a plain white envelope and slide it across the table.

Hey! I’m Italian it’s in my blood.

Now for the good stuff.

Qualifying saw twenty six racers vying for the top spot and Group One was headed up by former F1 Race Factory employee Justin “The Arsonist” Bayles with a time of 29.591.
Group two was up next and some guy in a red Santa suit named Steve “Kandyman” Lattanzi led the charge with a 29.504.

The only drama prior to the qualifier was a weight issue with one of the new and lite as a feather racers. Anthony, you got to eat more of the candy available. Good golly I have a cat that weighs more than that! Anthony ended up sitting on a mountain of extra weights but drove his heart out the entire night. Good job!

I would like to welcome Doug Smith, Scott Lodding, Anthony & Al DeNapoli, John Vanderwey, Chris Kautz, Don Angel, Dana Lanzaro and Matthew Lamanilao to the fold and we hope to see you weekly. What a great way to spend a Tuesday night so on Wednesday you can call in to work and say you are so sore you feel like you were in a car wreck and can’t move your arms so you won’t be in that day. I recommend you do this only once or you may find yourself in the unemployment office meeting lots of new people.

Heat One Results are: Eric “Yellow Helmet” Dickinson, followed by Mike “Pyramid” Davila, Bryan ”New House” Weaver, Chaz “I can drive anything” Baca Jr and Chris “10lbs Lighter” Webb.

Heat Two Results are: Steve “Kandyman” Lattanzi, Austin “Kipp Van Winkle” Kipp, Keith “Don’t hit me“ Sears, Charles “Wideload” Crowe, Matthew ”Here I come” Lamanilao.

“B” Main saw Kyle Tatman all the way from Tucson lead the way into turn one and he managed to stay out front for the majority of the race. This was until hard charger Jason Burstein on a mission to the front, with some contact along the way and Kyle went from fighting for the lead to stuck against the wall and sent back to seventh. Tatman put his nose to the grindstone and by race end took a disappointing 5th place but showed true talent in making his way back up toward the front. A first place finish is in his future so he is one to keep an eye on. Clean racer with lots of heart. Jason Burstein took the win and was as close to a Black Flag recipient as you can get.

Top 5 “B” Main: Jason Burstein…Ryan Barnicle…Don Angel…Robert Neumann…Kyle Tatman

Now for the “A” Main: Starting from pole position and now in total focus mode Steve Lattanzi had something to prove. Proving that winning the Winter League Series Championship was no fluke. The task at hand was to win this first race. Forty seven laps later gave proof that the 54 year old was back on track and taking no prisoners, at least that night. Even though he is afraid of heights the top spot on the podium felt like home.

Austin Kipp kept his distance in second place but the contest for 3rd and 4th was back far enough so that Mike Davila and Eric Dickinson posed no threat for the lead. Getting stuck behind Davila is no picnic as Dickinson can attest to. The big gainer in the field was Justin Bayles who started way back in 11th and by race end was in the last weigh out spot of 5th. Great run thru the pack and we saw no flames, smoke or angry hand signals from any of the passed. Welcome back safe and somewhat sound Justin. We missed you but not your lead foot.

Top 5 “A” Main: Steve Lattanzi…Austin Kipp…Mike Davila…Eric Dickinson…Justin Bayles

We do this again next Tuesday July 13….. 7pm with check in by 6:30.

Remember to Keep the Rubberside Down!

Final League Race!

What an exciting finish to an outstanding 2010 F1 Race Factory Spring League Series. Even though the math would offer up no big surprises to the top two overall finishers Mike Robertson & Austin Kipp, the "Main Race" had all the elements of a suspense movie that would keep you at the edge of your seat. Going into the league final day they was a single point between them. The one point lead was held by Mike "Speedy Gonzales" Robertson over Austin "Kip Van Winkle" Kipp.

The qualifier saw Kipp on the pole for the Heat Race and Robertson starting from fourth. You did not want to be the meat in that sandwich. Ronald Jones & Steve Lattanzi were the meat, and the sandwich went vegetarian very quickly. Kipp took the win in the heat and Robertson finished second.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we now have a tie for points going into the "Final Main Race" of the 2010 F1 Race Factory Spring League Series Championship at F1 Race Factory. If this race was paid per eyes watching they would both be millionaires. Lap after lap they traded the top spot and last season’s "Champion", Steve "Kandyman" Lattanzi had a ringside seat by spending all of his main race running right on their bumpers in third place and watching two indoor kart racers pass clean and with the greatest of skill. Whoever was leading would make the most minute mistake and the second place racer would take over the top spot but it would never last long and they spent the entire race nose to tail or side by side.

The 2010 F1 Race Factory Spring League Series was won by Mike "Speedy Gonzales" Robertson, by the slimmest of all points...ONE! CONGRATULATIONS! Mike from all of us. Austin Kipp took second step and the third place overall was taken by Steve Lattanzi. WOW, that was the closest race to the Top of the Podium ever in the history of leagues at F1 Race Factory. Glad to be a part of what makes this league racing so great. The competition, the karts, the track guys, new and old friends that meet every Tuesday to do something that is fast and fun and doesn't empty your wallet or purse. Thanks to Race Director, John Ahrens and Scott Sanders for all their time and efforts to bring this back and for making this the "BEST" weekly league racing found anywhere at the "BEST Indoor Karting Facility in the Country!"

Spring League Racing 3

Race #6: Wrap Up

With so much on the line and the 2010 F1 Race Factory Spring League Championship only three races away from crowning a champion, the gloves are starting to come off, as they say, and the race to win intensity has become even more focused. Even though there can be only one winner of the 2010 Spring League, all that race in it want to finish as high up in the standings as possible and use that as a baseline for the next league series.

Some racers use this series as a way to stay sharp for the other racing action provided by F1 Race Factory.

• Monthly AZIKC Enduros,
• The World competition, IKWC, July 25th thru 31st,
• The 10 hour Enduro, June 18/19 www.f1racefactory.com/enduro.html
• The USIKC which will be held Nov. 5/6/7th.
• There is also a 7 hour Enduro on Oct. 3rd.

With all this great racing action on the schedule there is no excuse to go anywhere else. The "Best"& Most" racing in the "Best" facility.
What a combo and you won't find it on the menu board of McDonald's.

Qualifiers:
Group 1: Top 5...Steve Lattanzi, Mike Davila, Keith Sears, Eric Dickinson, Chaz Baca Jr.
Group 2: Top 5...Mike Robertson, Josh Lambeth ,Austin Kipp, Kevin Parker, Jason Burstein.

Heats :
Group 1: Top 5...Austin Kipp, Mike Davila, Steve Lattanzi, Charles Crowe, Jason Burstein.
Group 2: Top 5... Mike Robertson, Keith Sears, Eric Dickinson, Kevin Parker, Robert Moorhouse.

"A" Main:... # 1: Mike Robertson...2: Austin Kipp...3: Steve Lattanzi...4: Keith Sears...5: Mike Davila...6:Charles Crowe...7: Kevin Parker…8: Eric Dickinson...9: Tim Worth...10: Jason Burstein...11: Robert Moorhouse...12: John Gilles

"B" Main:.... 13: Chaz Baca Jr...14:Brandon Lax...15:Alex Moorhouse...16:Ryan Barnicle...17:Josh Lambeth...18: Ryan Casillas…19: Craig Moore...20: Kyle Tatman...21: Rory Lessor...22: Michael Knodl

Taking over the Lead in Overall Points w/o the one race drop is last leagues winner Steve Lattanzi with 244.

For a more in depth race wrap up go to www.indoorkartingnews.com

Thank you all for reading my race musings and for doing this thing we do and have fun with together, Indoor Kart Racing at F1 Race Factory.

Tell a friend, bring a friend and don't forget I will be throwing a Pizza Party including Soft Drinks for all League Racers on Sat. June 5th post League Final. Guess what's for dessert? You got it ....Your Favorite CANDY!

Steve "Kandyman2010"

New Beginnings

Where but anywhere else would anybody want to be on a Tuesday night but at F1 Race Factory for some close competitive kart league racing?

Twenty Two out of Thirty spots were accounted for and for one participant it was to be the eve of his employment by F1 Race Factory.

Yes, the rumors were true and this resident blogger for F1 Race Factory has been granted an all access pass to all that's great at F1 Race Factory and to the behind the scenes action that keeps the doors open and people from all walks of life flowing through the two double doors of the "Best Indoor Karting Facility in the Country"
The good people working to keep F1 Race Factory a premier facility are for the most part an invisible entity but are an integral part of the operation and a large part of the ongoing success of F1 Race Factory. As I get to know them, with their permission, you will get to know them and how they accomplish this lofty goal of keeping F1 Race Factory up and running. The management team, the sales team (which I am now part of), the kitchen crew, the on track staff, and many more; it takes a myriad of hard working folks to have F1 Race Factory maintain its status as "The Best Indoor Karting Facility in the Country"

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making me feel welcome, first as a customer many years ago to now being a top level indoor kart racer/enthusiast and fellow employee. I will make every effort to maintain the high standard level at which you work and I would like to become part of "Team Success" at F1 Race Factory. I am here to help with whatever is needed beyond the scope of my job title.

Find a Job You Love and You'll Never Work Another Day in Your Life!...Quote From Harvey MacKay....... I have found that job.

Spring League Racing 2

Next F-1 Spring League Race is Tuesday May 25th...Check in between 6 & 6:30 with qualifying to start at 7pm.

This is the best league racing anywhere in the State of Arizona and we are lucky to have F-1 Race Factory within driving distance from all locals.

Currently we even have a great young driver that races ASA Trucks in our midst. His name is Kyle Tatman and he and his dad travel all the way from Tucson to do this with us every Tuesday. That's a two hour ride each way. Now that's committment to indoor karting. Thank you Kyle.

F-1 Race Factory has not only stepped up their indoor kart racing leagues but also has a once a month 1 hour Enduro called the AZIKC. Held monthly on the last Saturday of the month.The next AZIKC race is Sat.May 29th at 9am. Cost is a reasonable $70.00 and can be split between two racers.

It is a weighted to 200# race series and is in the 4th race of the 10 race series. They have also put together 2 other Team Enduro's, one Sunset to Sunrise 10 Hour Enduro which will be held Friday/Saturday June 18th/19th. Start time is 9pm Friday and ends ...10 hours later at 7am Sat. Check in between 8/8:30 pm Friday. Two Driver minimum. Cost is $650.00 and a five member team will pony up $130.00 each. Also going to be a weighted event. Rules and other important info to be released soon. Prize Package is $1000.00 to win,$750.00 for second and Free 2011 Entry for placing third. Team Titanium will be there. Put your team together and stock up on those 5 Hour Energy drinks. You're going to need them.

Race # 5 Wrap Up:

Race # 5 Tuesday May 18th saw a guest appearance by Truman (Brad) Godfrey and a no show by League points leader Austin Kipp. Rumor is once Kipp heard Godfrey was in the building and ready to race he ran from the building like a kitten being chased by a hungry pit bull. The usual cast of hot shoes showed up to compete and to add to their bottom line points totals. The racers that were able to add the most were Mike Robertson by taking down wins in his heat and main and scoring a max points total of 45 and Chaz Baca Jr with 42 points added to his bottom line and thus taking over top spot from Austin Kipp who has held onto the top spot since the checkered flag fell on week one. Even so when you factor the one race drop in Kipp and Robertson move back up into the lead but not by much. One off week or another miss by either will ruin their chances of declaring themselves "Winners" of the 2010 F1 Race Factory Spring League Series Championship. The podium finishers for the nite included Mike Robertson, (Numero Uno), Truman Godfrey, second, and one of the youngest in the league series, Chaz Baca Jr standing tall on the third place podium slot. Currently top 3 in points are seperated by a whopping 4 points. Baca with 205, Lattanzi with 203 and Davila with 201. It's going to be a race out to the very end and we have 2 more races left on track 1 or 2 and the final which will decide the winner on the full 1/2 mile GP track on Sat. June 5th at 9am. Anyone in the top 10 that want to show up later than that. OK by me! See most of you for the next excitng round of league racing Tuesday May 25th at 7pm. Be there or be square!