The National Auto Sport Association Utah region kicked off its 2025 season with a challenging mix of wet and dry conditions that tested Spec Miata competitors at Burt Brothers Motorpark West Course March 29-30. Eleven drivers braved the elements, showcasing strong car control in the wet and blistering pace in the dry over two distinct race days.
The weekend marked the first competitive outing for the group since October 2024, providing plenty of time for offseason prep and anticipation. Friday’s practice day offered valuable track time before the weather turned, setting the stage for dramatic qualifying sessions and races on Saturday and Sunday.
Qualifying
Saturday morning greeted drivers with a wet track for qualifying. Teen Mazda Challenge standout Lincoln Larson, despite admitting limited rain experience, immediately made his mark. Trading fastest laps with Josh Fine throughout the session, Larson ultimately secured pole position for Race 1 by a mere 0.310 seconds over Fine. Jason Bleak qualified third, with Tyler Dahl lining up fourth.
“Saturday’s qualifying was wet. I actually have like barely any rain experience, so it was pretty new to me,” Larson said. He credited his teammate Jack from Riot Motorsports for radio support as he and Fine battled. “At the end I just put in my best lap. It was really great to see that I was able to kind of figure it out.”
Race 1: Josh Fine masters the wet
As the green flag flew for Saturday’s race, the rain had intensified from qualifying. Fine got the jump on Larson into Turn 1, taking a lead he would not relinquish. Behind him, a thrilling battle for the remaining podium spots unfolded between Larson, Dahl, and Devin Musser.
Dahl, who started fourth, navigated the tricky conditions and traffic effectively. “Had some ST4 traffic that helped me get past Devin Musser,” Dahl explained. “And then I was able to go forward and chase down Lincoln.”
With just two laps remaining, Dahl made his move, slipping past Larson to secure second place. Larson held on for third, completing the podium behind the dominant Fine. Despite the challenging wet conditions, the Spec Miata field remarkably completed the race without any incidents, a testament to driver skill and respect within the group. Mid-pack driver John Kiblinger noted avoiding a spinning car on the opening lap, but otherwise, it was clean racing.
Race 2: Larson responds with record pace
Sunday’s conditions improved dramatically, allowing drivers to unleash full speed on a drying track. Larson returned strong, claiming pole again and translating it into a decisive victory in Race 2. Larson led early from pole position and set a new Spec Miata track record at Burt Brothers Motorpark West Course with a 1:45.900 lap, beating Bleak’s previous record of 1:45.952 by just hundredths of a second.
Tyler Dahl started in fifth place, but he leveraged fresh tires to move up through traffic and battle Bleak for third place, ultimately securing the position. While the front-runners were the focus, mid-pack battles between veteran racers Jason Bleak and John Kiblinger provided excitement. Bleak finished fourth despite power issues, acknowledging the superior driving skills of Larson, Fine and Dahl. Bob LeMon lightheartedly attributed his last-place finish to his “thousand-year-old tires,” but commended the camaraderie and clean racing. Larson maintained his pace and tires, winning the race, followed by Fine in second and Dahl in third.
From the Paddock
Off-track, NASA Utah maintained its vibrant community atmosphere with a well-attended taco dinner in the garage Saturday night, reinforcing the family spirit that defines the regional series.
Jason Bleak was praised by fellow drivers like John Kiblinger for his mentorship and efforts in growing the field, sharing data and helping newcomers get up to speed. “I give a lot of credit to Jason for bringing this whole group together. He’s brought several like-minded folks together and really grown the Spec Miata field here,” Kiblinger said.
The emergence of young talents like Larson, who transitioned successfully from karting starting at age 13, highlights the ladder system that NASA offers. Larson emphasized the appeal of the Teen Mazda Challenge program in attracting younger competitors as they transition from karts to cars.
Next up
After the first round, the championship points are tight: Fine leads with 190, followed closely by Larson (185), Dahl (175), and Bleak (160). The battle is set to continue April 25-27, when the NASA Utah region tackles the more technical East configuration of the track. Patience and clean racing will be paramount as the Spec Miata championship fight heats up.
