After an amazing year chasing the Palomar Racing ST5/E2 Challenge. The first weekend of December brings us to The 25 Hours of Thunderhill, the final event of the 2022 Season and the chance to finish a dream season with an unheard of achievement in NASA. Just as at Nationals, Palomar Racing was no longer unknown, we were again the team to beat in class E2 though we knew our challenge was not only the 25 hours and the predicted rain we would have to endure, but also racing the Moorewood Creative team who had won the race the last 2 years. We had prepped both cars as best we could. Bimmerspeed was brought in to provide mechanical services and support in an event they were very familiar with and we built a team of drivers that was bar none the class of the paddock. In the 24 car, we had Matt and Nik joined by Sonny Watanasirisuk, Lucas Weisenberg and Elliot Skeer. In the 25 car, we had Nik and Matt joined by Ryan Keeley, Ryan Bittner, Andrew Gardner. Both cars are favorites for the top spots of the podium. It cant be missed that our 2 primary drivers were scheduled from the start to be a part of the lineup for both cars.
But first we have to get the cars, spares, tires and team to the track 600 miles north of our shop. A 25 hour race for 2 cars requires a lot of spares and tires. We effectively had a 3rd car in parts from engines and transmissions to suspensions, brakes and everything else possible. Not to mention the more than 40 APEX wheels and 70+ TOYO tires. So our hauler is loaded to the gills and then we load up a second trailer with the tires and bridge, that’s right for Thunderhill you must build a bridge to cross the river between your paddock space and pit lane. This year we were prepared and our roofing crew prebuilt the 12’ wide x 14’ long bridge. Tuesday evening we began the trip north, unfortunately the second trailer had other plans and decided to not make the trip by shedding its wheel studs on one axle, never fear Mike managed to locate a Uhaul box truck at 7pm and we were reloaded and back on the road just after 8. We arrived at the track Wednesday and began the process of setting up our home for the next week. Before dinner we had the bridge built, the canopies erected and cars and tires in place ready for practice Thursday.