The 2022 NASA Championships produced a lot of great racing — especially on the white flag lap — and this week’s Yokohama Move of the Month is a perfect example.
In this video, NASA SoCal’s Steve Stepanian and Peter Oneppo, were dicing away in Spec E46, each trying to get the better of the other. When Stepanian makes a move to the inside of Turn 11 — the last turn — he gets through cleanly onto the front straight. Undaunted, Oneppo gets back onto the gas and takes advantage of his wider line to carry more speed, and get back around Stepanian on the inside to take the checkered flag first.
Images courtesy of Peter Oneppo, CaliPhotography, Herb Lopez and caliphotography.com
Textbook execution of a move I have pulled on Peter before. I had a feeling this was going to happen when I saw his brake lights as I took the inside line but could not slow down fast enough to execute a counter measure move. He played it perfect and that is why I love racing with Peter; he is very competitive and races smart. Hey, sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.
In an odd way, it does put a smile on my face when a former student from my Competition License class beats me at my own game. I was the first to walk over and congratulate him after the race and the type of smile he had on his face that day is one I hope every racer gets to wear.
Bravo young man! Enjoy the moment because that will NOT be happening again!
Classic up and under. Baited him into carrying too much speed through the apex. Got on the power earlier and out dragged him. Nice race craft!!!!