The seventh round of the 2016 Spec Iron NASA Southeast regional championships was held the weekend of Sep 3 and 4, 2016 at North Carolina Center for Automotive Research. Due to a last-minute change, this event ended up being a four-race event, with points be awarded for each race.
Four participants registered for Spec Iron. Saturday’s qualifying took place in wet conditions, with the fastest qualifying time going to the current NASA Southeast Spec points leader, Robert Miller, in his 2010 Mustang. The weather eventually cleared and by the time race one started, the track was dry. When the green flag waved for race one, Miller checked out early. But as the race progressed, John Coulter, in his 2005 Mustang, caught Miller and the two swapped first and second places throughout the rest of the race. By the time the checkered flag flew, Miller was out front to take the win. Coulter finished a close second, with GT Meyer, in his 2005 Mustang, rounding out the top three.
Race two on Saturday ended up being a carbon copy of the previous race of the day with the same battle continuing up front between Miller and Coulter. However, once again, Miller ended up being at the right place at the right time when the checkered flew, and he took his second for the day. Coulter again finished in second and Meyer finishing in third.
Miller continued his domination on Sunday as he once again was able to secure the top qualifying position for Sunday’s first race. When the green flag dropped, Miller checked out quickly because of a new set of tires he’d mounted. Unfortunately, Coulter’s tires were beginning to wear and he was unable to mount a significant challenge with Miller. When the checkered flew, Miller would take win number three. Coulter was able to hold on to finish second, and Meyer, yet again, rounded out the top three.
Because of scheduling conflicts, Miller and Coulter had to leave early Sunday and were unable to take the start for race two. This allowed for Meyer and rookie Darren Brady, in his 2010 Mustang, to battle it out during the last race of the day. Meyer was able to hold off Brady to take the win and Brady would finish close behind in second.
