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ASA: Herzog teams do well in initial Pikes Peak run

14 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Ricky Johnson and Layne Schranz Pilot Machines Up 12.42-mile Gravel Course

PENDLETON, Ind.--Layne Schranz and Ricky Johnson became the first two drivers to ever pilot ASA ACDelco Series up a mountain when they took part in the ASA Exibition Class at the 78th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The Holden Commodore-bodied cars were utilizing the same Vortec ASA 5700 engines used in ASA competition.

In qualifying for the event, the veteran hill climber Schranz took his car up the mountain in 5:44.80. Johnson, making his first attempt at the event, was just a few minutes behind Schranz, coming home in 5:47.24. Qualifying consists of a partial run up the mountain. Both Herzog Motor Sports prepared cars were equipped with BFGoodrich Tires.

The event, held annually on the Fourth of July weekend, saw Schranz once again take the top spot in the class, completing the entire mountain course in a 12:49.03. The 28-year-old Schranz has several years of experience on the mountain, competing in various classes throughout the years.

Johnson, who currently sits ninth in ASA ACDelco Series point standings after winning the rookie title in 1999, completed the 12-plus mile course in 13:42.4. He also drives for the Herzog Motor Sports team in ASA.

Larry Ragland took the Herzog-owned 2000 GMC Envoy up the hill the fastest time for the weekend at 11:17.66.

Text provided by Jeremy Troiano

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