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Spec Racer: Stillwell retains pole in San Diego

4 November 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Warren Stilwell, of Harteville, Ohio captured the pole for Saturdays Round 11 season-finale Pro Spec Racer race at San Diego, part of the San Diego Grand Prix. Neil Tilbor, of New Smyrna, Fla. and Mark Eaton, of Melbourne, Fla. completed the top-three.

Stilwell, driving the No. 28 Stilwell Racing Spec Racer, retained the pole he held briefly after first qualifying. Stilwell, who had the quickest time in the afternoon session on Friday, had his times removed following a technical infraction. On a quicker track in the final qualifying session on Saturday morning, Stilwell returned to the top of the order, posting a quick lap of 1:22.324 (72.154 mph). The pole is Stilwells fifth of the season and extends his series record to 28. A finish of seventh or better in the race on Saturday afternoon will secure Stilwell his fourth Pro Spec Racer championship.

"I was really concerned going into the session after yesterday," said Stilwell. "After I was notified I had time good enough to be back in the top-five I relaxed and had fun out there. The goal is to go and run up-front in the race and win the championship."

Driving the No. 8 Tilbor Marketing & Development Spec Racer, Tilbor improved on his first qualifying session to capture a front-row starting position. Tilbor, who was fourth quickest in the Friday qualifying session, went out on sticker tires in the second qualifying session. Using the improved grip and better track conditions, Tilbor posted the second fastest time of the session, 1:22.417 (72.072). Tilbor, whos only career win came on a street circuit, will be looking to repeat the feat and secure a top-five finish in the championship.

"Im getting quicker every time out," said Tilbor. "I think Im in good shape for the race. The car is working great and starting up-front is important."

Driving the No. 92 Robinson Motorsports Spec Racer, Eaton captured his first-career

top-three start after an eventful session. Eaton, who had the third quickest time on Friday had his times removed after failing technical inspection. Needing to reestablish a quick time Eaton moved to the front early in the session, posting a time of 1:22.495 (72.004 mph). Hoping to improve on his time late in the session, Eaton locked up his brakes and made contact with another competitor. The incident damaged his car, but it is believed it will be repaired in time for the race Saturday afternoon.

"The session was great until the last few corners," said Eaton. "The goal for the race will be to keep it between the concrete and have as many guys behind me as possible."

Completing the top-five was John Black, of Tahoe City, Calif., who is second in the championship and Keith Scharf, of St. Louis, Mo.

Text Provided By Allan Craighead

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