Scott Tucker will attempt to make history this weekend behind the wheel of a Porsche in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. If he pulls this, Tucker could be part of a selective band of drivers that have acquired 3 consecutive national championship titles at the Runoffs, perhaps the most reputable races in the united states.
Tucker has a knack to help with making history. His rising star must have had a turbo engine itself-since his first professional race in '06 at 44 yrs old, he has announced himself as being an best, top-flight driver in five distinctive series in just simply 5yrs. He was the 1st American to be allowed to drive one of Audi's R10 prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010. He won his class in his debut appearance in the American Le Mans Series, and in early 2011, he recorded his 50th career win, a number that has promptly hopped to 59 since. Recently, Tucker snagged some back-to-back American Le Mans Series championships subsequently after his fourth LMP2 victory last weekend at the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.
After winning two previous national championships at the SCCA Runoffs in a Ferrari 430 Challenge car in the T1 category, Tucker has opted for a Porsche 996 twin-turbo for Friday morning's quick, 13-lap, 40-minute race at Road America. Tucker began preparing for the appearance earlier this year by getting the 500-plus horsepower Porsche. Tucker's team, Level 5 Motorsports, joined up with forces with Kelly Moss Motorsports to change the Porsche into an SCCA STO class competitor. KMM's Jeff Stone led the project, including a few tests runs with Porsche factory motorist Patrick Long.
Tucker has recently finished qualifying with the extreme modern Porsche, and it's clear the vehicle is a contender. Tucker's very best lap was 2:16.462, which clocks in as the fastest all around time among the STO class field, getting Tucker the pole position for Friday's competition.
"For me, personally, winning my third consecutive national championship would be an incredible achievement," Tucker said. "I've worked hard for it, but it's extremely difficult. All you can do is prepare the best way you know how and do your best on the track, and then you'll just see where the chips fall at the checkered flag."
Tucker has competed in four SCCA functions this season with the 430 Challenge car, at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Right after, he thought to engage in the Porsche challenge. Project Manager Ed Zabinski says the choice has proven to be a wise one. "We really tried to bring all of the best guys in the program," Zabinski expressed. "I'm happy with the way it turned out. It's developed into a reliable car, and I think we're looking pretty good." Zabinski is also an entrant for the Microsoft Office-sponsored car.
Victory at the SCCA Runoffs would enhance the good year Tucker along with his Level 5 team have already experienced. Sandwiched between a couple of essential ALMS contests, the SCCA is a distinct set of wheels, but a victory would enhance a currently impressive couple of weeks for the Level 5 team. The Runoffs will crown the Sports Car Club of America's Club Racing National Championships this weekend for the 48th year in a row. Road America's historic 4-mile course provides the backdrop for the race considered the "Olympics" of motorsports.
Tucker has a knack to help with making history. His rising star must have had a turbo engine itself-since his first professional race in '06 at 44 yrs old, he has announced himself as being an best, top-flight driver in five distinctive series in just simply 5yrs. He was the 1st American to be allowed to drive one of Audi's R10 prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010. He won his class in his debut appearance in the American Le Mans Series, and in early 2011, he recorded his 50th career win, a number that has promptly hopped to 59 since. Recently, Tucker snagged some back-to-back American Le Mans Series championships subsequently after his fourth LMP2 victory last weekend at the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.
After winning two previous national championships at the SCCA Runoffs in a Ferrari 430 Challenge car in the T1 category, Tucker has opted for a Porsche 996 twin-turbo for Friday morning's quick, 13-lap, 40-minute race at Road America. Tucker began preparing for the appearance earlier this year by getting the 500-plus horsepower Porsche. Tucker's team, Level 5 Motorsports, joined up with forces with Kelly Moss Motorsports to change the Porsche into an SCCA STO class competitor. KMM's Jeff Stone led the project, including a few tests runs with Porsche factory motorist Patrick Long.
Tucker has recently finished qualifying with the extreme modern Porsche, and it's clear the vehicle is a contender. Tucker's very best lap was 2:16.462, which clocks in as the fastest all around time among the STO class field, getting Tucker the pole position for Friday's competition.
"For me, personally, winning my third consecutive national championship would be an incredible achievement," Tucker said. "I've worked hard for it, but it's extremely difficult. All you can do is prepare the best way you know how and do your best on the track, and then you'll just see where the chips fall at the checkered flag."
Tucker has competed in four SCCA functions this season with the 430 Challenge car, at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Right after, he thought to engage in the Porsche challenge. Project Manager Ed Zabinski says the choice has proven to be a wise one. "We really tried to bring all of the best guys in the program," Zabinski expressed. "I'm happy with the way it turned out. It's developed into a reliable car, and I think we're looking pretty good." Zabinski is also an entrant for the Microsoft Office-sponsored car.
Victory at the SCCA Runoffs would enhance the good year Tucker along with his Level 5 team have already experienced. Sandwiched between a couple of essential ALMS contests, the SCCA is a distinct set of wheels, but a victory would enhance a currently impressive couple of weeks for the Level 5 team. The Runoffs will crown the Sports Car Club of America's Club Racing National Championships this weekend for the 48th year in a row. Road America's historic 4-mile course provides the backdrop for the race considered the "Olympics" of motorsports.
