Formula D Championship returned to Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA, the oldest track on the circuit that was originally built as a horse racing track back in 1954. Round 5 was another high-intensity event as a capacity crowd—estimated at over 25,000—witnessed a nail-biting event with drivers jockeying for position in a close points chase for the championship. Over the past few events, the typically wet and gloomy Evergreen Speedway track was surprisingly hot and dry, a good combination for lots of smoke and speed around the five-eighth bank, a good thing for both drivers and spectators alike.
With only two rounds left in the chase for the championship, the judges were more critical with focus on the “two tires off rule” as well as a record or lack of offering more than one OMT battle throughout the entire event. The action on the track showcased many close battles and upsets, including a strong run from Seattle’s own hometown favorite Walker Wilkerson in the Garage Autohero/Fatlace S13, who qualified in the Eighth spot. The Final Four was whittled away to a unique group of drivers and cars, which consisted of a V-6 turbo, four-cylinder turbo, Chevy V-8, and Ford V-8.
Ken Gushi in the Greddy Performance Scion FR-S was on his A game as he battled his way into the Final Four to eventually face Hankook teammate Rhys Millen in the RMR Hyundai Genesis coupe in a very close battle. Millen took the victory for Third Place, and his first podium appearance of the season. The Finals pitted Ryan Tuerck in the Retaks Nissan 240SX against Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy Drink ’13 Ford Mustang. After a tightly fought battle Gittin took the win, his second consecutive victory and the lead in the Pro Championship Points Standing and the Tires.com Triple Crown, while Tuerck moved up to Fifth Place overall.
The chase for the championship heats up as Formula D heads into the final two events of the season with only 62 points separating the top five drivers. Next stop: Round 6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information on upcoming dates and event coverage, be sure to check out www.formulad.com.