86 Challenge Round 5 Results
Laguna Seca – June 28, 2024
86 Challenge returned from a 2-month break to the famous Laguna Seca for round 5. With a record-breaking attendance of 28 participants, not only did we see a lot of new names, but also witnessed some veterans stretching their muscles. But were they able to show the young generation how it’s supposed to be done?
In GT Radial Stock Class with a lap time of 1:49.235, the fifth time in a row this season, the 1st place went to Ivan Larionov and his gen.1 BRZ number 86 (which clearly identifies as a Toyota). Only 0.232 of a second behind in 2nd place, Saurabh Kulkarni and his GR86 number 404 pulled a miraculous 1:49.467 lap in the last session. That’s the power of 400+ laps in the simulator! Catching up with a 1:49.615 lap time, Daniel Silvester and his FR-S number 37 claimed 3rd place. Did we tell you he has never been to Laguna Seca before?
In GT Radial Street Class with a lap time of 1:44.935, blasting Eurobeat out of open windows and finishing 1st, Bill Wu and his gen.2 BRZ number 55. Just half a second behind, with a lap time of 1:45.478, Timur Iskhodzhanov and his GR86 number 944 (the best-looking Porsche ever made) claimed 2nd place. And in 3rd place, clocking in at 1:46.040, Jason Jin and his finally-not-so-understeery GR86 number 17.
Touring Class had a fierce battle of sticky tires this round. What’s faster, RE-71RS or CR-S? Ultimately, they were within a second of each other, but then the handicap system changed everything. In 1st place, with an adjusted lap time of 1:46.660, Weize Mao and his GR86 number 17 proved that less is more, and all you need is sticky tires and suspension. Qianli Xing and his GR86 number 42 (the answer) were 2nd with an adjusted time of 1:48.677, but hear me out – an impressive unadjusted 1:40.777 lap time set a new Touring class record in Laguna Seca! In 3rd place, for the first time participating in the 86 Challenge, Ian Feliciano and his GR86 number 408 (another beautiful car model).
In Unlimited class, for the first time since the 2022 season, finishing last, but also first, Neal Wiebmer and his FR-S number 65, with a lap time of 1:41.164.
Thanks to all the participants for making this a great time on track and in the pits. And thanks to the sponsors for their unwavering support:
GT Radial
SpeedSF
Annex Suspension
Round 6 will be on September 1st in Thunderhill with SpeedSF. See you there!
For full results and information on upcoming events, visit the 86 Challenge website: https://86challenge.us/events
Published by Ivan Larionov on July 05, 2024 11:54