vApex Driver Gets Class Win

Andy Banfield grabbed a Class win in the vApex / Silk Cut Aston Martin in last night's Nim's Sports Car League during the massively multi class race at Virginia International Raceway. Jeff Vogel was the overall winner in his HPD. Andy qualified 8th on grid ahead of 2 Daytona Prototypes, however, they were able to run down the Aston Martin during the 2 hour event. Banfield finished ahead of Wayne Hutchinson after some interesting strategy and ultimately a fuel battle. Wayne ran the entire race, 4 stints, on one set of Michelin rubber. (Where was THAT tire during the 2005 F1 Race Bib???) Banfield changed after the 2nd stint and came out about 7 seconds behind Hutchinson after the 2nd pit stop. Andy was able to run down the other Aston and passed Wayne when he got bottled up at the Oak Tree (still in the game...gone in real life) with one of the HPD's. It appeared to be clear sailing until Banfield's right foot which is clearly made of some element heavier than lead, was using too much fuel and put a splash and go at the end in play. After the last stop, he had a 10 second lead on Hutchinson and managed that increment by coasting in many of the downhill areas at VIR. Wayne did get to about 4.5 seconds behind, but no closer as the race came to an end.

Banfield moved up to 3rd in the Points standings followed by fellow vApex members Jeff Parsons in 4th place and Rick McClure in 6th place. McClure had an overheating problem with his Porsche 911 and did not start the race.