Toyo Pro 4-Cylinder
The unibody front-wheel-drive class saw archrivals Kenny Tran and Lisa Kubo lining up for the deciding final round. Both cars have found more performance of late, and this was going to be a spectacular matchup. Kubo set new, personal best times on her way to the final. The Nitto Civic was charging as Kubo posted an 8.89 at 163.16 mph in the first round against Joe Demaree, who ran a 9.44 at 156 mph. The second round saw Kubo increase the pace again with an 8.80 at 163.87 mph against the super-fast Lance Holung, who ran an incredible 8.70, but fouled out with a red-light start.
Tran, in his Jotech Civic, had already posted a record-pace 8.59 at 170.58 mph during qualifying, and was looking to back that run up to clinch the record. Tran wisely saved his car and cruised to a solo win in the first round, having received a bye. The second round saw him facing Len Ayala. Ayala obviously ran into problems and ran a 12.83, leaving Tran to move on to a final round appearance against Kubo.
Tran and Kubo were more than happy to be facing each other for the honors.
"I've been having a pretty tough year so far," said Kubo. "It's great to be back on the pace again. Gary has been working hard to get the car running at its best again, and I love racing against Kenny, so this should be fun."
Tran was also looking forward to facing Kubo. "I know Lisa is always a tough competitor, but we're great friends away from the track and whatever happens this will be a good race," he said. "Norwood has made a couple of changes to the car lately, and we are seeing some progress. I hope we can back up the 9.59 to grab the record. That would be awesome."