With a good turnout of drivers and supporters at the October Buttonwillow event, the racing was as fine as the Buttonwillow dust. Saturday’s race saw four different classes on track at the same time, which made for some lively racing.
2012 944 Spec National Champion Tyler Palmer qualified on pole for Saturday’s race, but within a few laps his car developed an electrical problem and he was forced to wait for a tow. The field bunched up under a double yellow and the restart saw more exciting action through the track’s many turns. Taking the checkered flag was Charlie Buzzetti in first, Everett DeLano in second, and Jim Richmond in third.
Later Saturday afternoon was the start of the last Western Endurance Series race for the season. Only one 944 Spec car was entered this time, driven by Tom Atteberry and Everett DeLano. Everett started the race on new tires, but almost immediately developed a flat. After more tire problems, requiring four pit stops in all, the car was mired back in the pack. Nevertheless, when the race resumed Sunday morning, Tom drove admirably and the team ended up with a respectable fifth place finish in class.
Sunday’s sprint race was yet another exhilarating event for the class. Starting not far behind the Spec Miatas, at the drop of the green flag, Jim Richmond got off to a poor start. Meanwhile, Everett DeLano, having qualified in third place, spun off track after going over Phil Hill, struggling from there to catch the rest of the field. But the battles were intense, and ultimately, as the race wore on, Jim wore down the competition. At the checkered flag, it was Tyler Palmer in first, Charlie Buzzetti in second, and Jim Richmond in third.
All in all, the weekend was an outstanding example of the fun and camaraderie experienced by the 944 Spec class, on and off the track.
