SCCA Runoffs notebook: Track record falls

Two Formula Atlantic drivers have broken the SCCA track record at Mid-Ohio, about 24 hours apart. Keith Grant of Germantown, Tennessee, broke the existing record of 1m16.600s set in 2005 by Graham Rahal in an Atlantic. Grant turned a 1m16.581s in Tuesday's qualifying.

Then on Wednesday, 18-year-old Ryan Norman of Aurora, Ohio, drove his No. 48 K-Hill Motorsports/Hoosier/Mazda Swift 016a to a new record of 1m16.174s.

We spoke to Norman before Thursday's final qualifying session:

"I ran here a couple months ago in the Pro Atlantic series, so I knew I could run a 1:17," Norman said. "But the track was super fast this week so we made some adjustments to the car. We were able to get a 1:15.7 in practice, so we knew we had the speed, and there's definitely some more left."

A short time later, Norman found out what he had left as he broke his own record, setting a blazing 1m14.920s in Thursday's qualifying session. Norman was officially certified for the Tire Rack pole position in Formula Atlantic, which includes the Tire Rack Pole Award of $500 in Tire Rack products.

Norman hopes to take the FA championship on Sunday morning. But whatever happens this weekend, the new record-holder plans to step up his racing career.

"I'm talking to some people about Indy Lights next year," Norman said. "My ultimate goal is to race IndyCars."

The SCCA Formula Atlantic national championship race will take place at 8:30 AM EDT on Sunday, September 25. All Runoffs races will be broadcast live online at www.scca.com.

Runoffs in the Family

For many drivers, coming to the Runoffs is a family activity. The number of second and even third-generation SCCA racers coming to the Runoffs increases every year. Lansing Stout of Corvallis, Oregon, is making his first appearance at the Runoffs, competing in Touring 3 driving his No. 54 Nissan/Nismo/Hoosier Nissan 350Z. Stout is doing very well in his first attempt, qualifying on the outside front row for his race.

"I'm in it to win it," Lansing said, "We're going to go for it!"

But if there's one person in the paddock even happier than Lansing, it's his father, Lans Stout, who's competing in GT-Lite.

"I've been racing in SCCA since 1986," Lans explained. "I've been to Mid-Ohio six or seven times before. The fact that we're here together is beyond cool. The only thing that would be better is if we both win."

Even with his intense focus on winning, Lansing is mindful of the special opportunity to compete alongside his father.

"It's pretty special to be able to share this," Lansing said, "and a lot of people don't have something that runs so deep to share like that. I'm happy and excited to have this experience together."

"For the record, hearing that makes me feel warm and fuzzy," Lans responded.

Lansing will race in Touring 3 at 8:15 a.m. Saturday morning, and Lans will race at 1:40 p.m. Saturday in GT-Lite.

Runoffs Race Schedule

The SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB will be broadcast live on www.scca.com from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of this week.

Friday's race groups begin with Formula Enterprises at 8:05 a.m., followed by American Sedan, Prototype 1, Touring 2, and Formula Vee before lunch. In the afternoon, classes include E Production, Formula 500, Super Touring Under, GT-2, and Touring 4, ending about 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Touring 3 leads off the day at 8:15, followed by Spec Racer Ford, Formula Mazda, and Spec Miata before lunch. In the afternoon, Super Touring Light, GT-Lite, Formula 1000, H Production, and B-Spec will race, concluding about 5:00 p.m.

The SCCA Runoffs 5K and Checkered Flag Dash foot races will take place starting at 5:00 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, the Runoffs will wind up with Formula Atlantic at 8:30 a.m., followed by GT-3, Formula Continental, and F Production before lunch. The afternoon will finish the Runoffs with Formula F, Spec Racer Ford 3, Touring 1, Prototype 2, and GT-1. Racing should conclude by 5:30 p.m.

All race times are shown as Eastern Daylight Time.