NASA Southeast Spec E30 drivers barely had time to put away the Christmas decorations and champagne glasses before it was time to go racing again January 10-11 at Roebling Road Raceway near Savannah, Ga. The season’s first event was a great start to what promises to be a long and exciting year of NASA Southeast Spec E30 racing.
NASA Southeast started the season strong with four new rookies graduating from competition school: Justin Dekker, Joey Abraham, Rich Perkins, and Julian Owen. All four had clean, fun races and showed great potential right out of the gate. Rookie Rich Perkins summed it up perfectly after the weekend.
“I’m glad I made it through competition school,” he said. “Now it’s time to climb my way up to the front!”
Saturday Showdown
Saturday felt like a celebration from start to finish. Rookie Kevin Bandy earned his first Spec E30 win after just two events, an impressive accomplishment early in the season. Bandy is well known for his racing commentary and videos on YouTube and Instagram.
“It can’t be overstated how much has to come together for a win,” Bandy said. “Today, the car was right, the conditions were right, my preparation was right, and it happened. It won’t be the last. I’m going to keep fighting for the front!”
Following Bandy in P2 was Charlie Beach, with reigning NASA Southeast Spec E30 Champion Greg Tresan finishing close behind in P3.
Sunday Highlights
Sunday brought cooler air and a steady breeze, perfect conditions for more exciting racing. Sunday morning delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, when Spec German co-director Danny Parkhurst returned to the E30 field and immediately reminded everyone how fast he is.
Driving Jim Pantas’ Team Pikakar convertible on a new set of tires, Parkhurst charged from sixth to second, slicing through the field and putting on a show for seasoned racers and rookies alike. It was an impressive display of race craft and a testament to his experience and talent behind the wheel.
Looking Ahead
The Southeast Spec E30 community is poised to grow even larger this year, with multiple new drivers expected to move through competition school in the coming months. The competition is getting stronger, the field is getting bigger, and excitement is building.
If you’re able to attend an event to watch — or better yet, race — come join us for a weekend of great competition and even better community. Rookie Julian Owen summed things up after Sunday’s racing.
“This weekend was pure magic, filled with learning, laughter, incredible car action, and the best car community a person young and old could ask for,” he said.
Julian, you’re exactly right.
