The NASA Texas region Spec E46 field brought close racing, nose to tail battles, and a memorable first-time victory for John Major at MSR Houston during the third round of the regional championship on April 12-13, 2025. Running the challenging track in its clockwise configuration under warmer-than-usual April skies, the growing Spec E46 contingent showcased the tight competition that has defined their season.
Traditionally run in cooler January weather, this April event presented unique challenges, including adapting to the heat and, for most, dialing in the new Hoosier RCES spec tires. With five cars entered for the weekend, including rookie Robert Love making his debut after competition school, the stage was set for an exciting four race weekend.
Qualifying
Saturday morning’s qualifying session saw Pat Welch narrowly secure pole position with a blistering 1:47.299 lap. David Finkelstein was second, clocking a 1:48.358 to lock out the front row. The session marked the first competitive outing on the new Hoosier RCES tires for most of the field, replacing the previous Toyo RR spec tire.
Drivers reported varying experiences getting up to speed. Finkelstein noted his fastest lap came early.”I think it was either the first or second lap out that I hit the fastest time,” Finkelstein said.
Conversely, Jason Rikke was impressed with the immediate grip. “I was thoroughly impressed with the grip and the confidence that gave me,” Rikke commented. “It was game on the first turn… I think the RCES provided great race starts with no issues about who’s going to slide.” Robert Love, still running Toyos for the weekend, found his tires fell off quickly in the heat. Despite the learning curve, the close qualifying times promised tight racing ahead.
Saturday Race Coverage: Exciting Start and a Breakthrough Win
Race 1 on Saturday afternoon kicked off with unexpected excitement even before the green flag waved. As Welch and Finkelstein brought the field up to speed side-by-side, pre-start contact occurred. “Pat was coming over and he just kind of nudged Dave over a little bit and Dave’s like, ‘No, I’m gonna hold my ground,'” Rikke recounted from his third-place starting spot. “Little puff of smoke and they got a little contact and I was like, ‘Oh, wow. We’re racing.”
The incident resulted in a 5-second penalty for Finkelstein for jumping the start. Although Finkelstein crossed the line first after 30 minutes of close racing, the penalty relegated him to second place. This promoted John Major, who had driven a clean race, to the top step for his first-ever Spec E46 victory. Welch finished third, rounding out the podium.
Starting Race 2 from pole by virtue of his Race 1 win, Major seized the opportunity. Selecting the outside line for the run into Turn 1, he felt it gave him a better entry into the crucial carousel complex. “I felt like that was going to give me a better run into the carousel and it did,” Major explained. “So I was able to maintain first all the way through the first lap and hold it for the rest of the race.”
Major drove a flawless race, holding off intense pressure from Finkelstein for the entire duration. “He earned the win for sure,” Finkelstein stated. “He drove the perfect race the whole time.” Behind them, a late-race incident between Welch and Rikke while battling for position took both drivers out of contention for the podium. “He dove in at the bus stop…it was just a racing incident,” Rikke said. “We tapped and you know, it is what it is.” This allowed rookie Robert Love, who kept his nose clean, to inherit a surprise third-place finish in only his second race start.
Sunday: 40 min Finale
Sunday featured two more races: a non-points Super Sprint and the final 40-minute points race. The Super Sprint offered fun, mixed-class racing based on Saturday’s fastest laps, serving as a valuable shakedown for drivers like Rikke chasing technical gremlins.
The weekend culminated in Race 4, a demanding 40-minute contest that tested driver stamina and tire management. Finkelstein emerged victorious, but Major kept him honest, finishing just 1.6 seconds behind after the long battle. Welch completed the podium with a solid third-place finish. “Longer races, like the 40-minute format, have taught us valuable lessons in tire management and pacing,” said Finkelstein. “Unlike shorter 25- or 30-minute sprints where you can push all-out, these races require more strategy and control. You have to plan ahead and keep yourself in check, which better prepares us for championship-level competition.” Rikke added, “A 40-minute race is really a test of skill and endurance. It’s about who makes the right moves and who avoids mistakes. It’s not just a quick sprint anymore. This format pushes you to be a better driver and our group is really enjoying it.”
From the Paddock
The Spec E46 group is renowned for its camaraderie off the track, often camping together, trading setup tips, sharing laughs over race footage (and friendly roasts), and enjoying whiskey tastings. Social gatherings like the Saturday night crawfish boil, where SE46 drivers even took over the grill for those skipping the crawfish, highlight the group’s community spirit. They even managed to launch a surprise confetti bomb to celebrate Major’s first race win. That same welcoming energy extends to newcomers like Love. “They’re an awesome group,” he said. “John hooked me up with a set of Toyos to get through the weekend, and Jason helped dial in the car setup. My first weekend couldn’t have been more welcoming.” Thanks to the leadership of Series Director Jason Rikke and the inclusive atmosphere fostered by the drivers, the NASA Texas region could see 8 to 10 active Spec E46 racers by season’s end.
Next Up
MSR Houston shuffled the deck, celebrating Major’s breakthrough win and Love’s impressive rookie podium. Finkelstein maintains the championship lead, but Welch and Major remain close contenders. The NASA Texas region heads next to NOLA Motorsports ParK for a crossover event with the NASA Gulf South region May 2-4, where nearly the entire Texas Spec E46 field plans to compete, promising further growth and exciting battles in this increasingly popular class.
