If this lap had occurred during a race, it would have been the new track record for Super Touring 5 at Willow Springs. However, section 21.7 of the NASA CCR states, “Lap records can only be set during sessions designated by the Race Director as a race.”

Longtime NASA SoCal 944 Spec racer Kalem Fletcher double-dipped in ST5 in a winged-and-splittered NA Mazda Miata and put down flyer of a lap during qualifying at Willow Springs in March.

So, this week’s NASA Racing Gear Store Move of the Month is not officially a lap record, but it is officially impressive.

A killer exit from Turn 9 starts out the lap onto the fast front straight at Big Willow. Fletcher nails Turn 1 and carries a ton of speed into 2. He pegs the throttle at the apex of Turn 5 and carries all that speed around turns 8 and 9.

At the end of the lap, the data shows a 1:29.40, which is flying for an ST5 car. Weather at that event was unseasonably warm, so with a quicker 5-6 shift on the front straight and cooler temps, there is probably more in the car and driver. Well, done, Mr. Fletcher.

ST5 NA Mazda Miata #787 with massive front splitter and carbon fiber helmet on the hood, ready for a track day at Willow Springs. Kalem Fletcher (right) in a NASA racing suit and sunglasses, speaking with an older man (left) while holding a NASA Racing Gear Store trophy, outdoors under a clear blue sky.

Do you have a great video clip you would like to see as a Move of the Month? Contest winners receive a $100 gift card to the NASA Racing Gear Store Operated by OG Racing. Click the link below.

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Image courtesy of Kalem Fletcher

4 COMMENTS

  4. Great piece of driving. Nice lines.
    An NA with a six speed?!!!
    That track needs to brought into the 21st century………apex and exit curbs.

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