By David Lantz
On March 29th and 30th, Summit Point Raceway, located near Charlestown, West Virginia, held opening weekend for the SCCA Marrs championship with two International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Mustang Challenge competitors making a surprise appearance.
Robert Noaker Racings’, Robert Noaker from Duncannon, Pennsylvania, usually driving his No. 13, was instead in the No. 7, that’s usually driven by Sandy Satullo, and Joseph Dederichs from Fort Worth, Texas, driving his No. 63, made their appearances in the West Virginia countryside for the weekend.
“We’re testing some parts for reliability stuff and that was the car [No. 7 Mustang] that was together.” Said Noaker.
Seeing cars and drivers that currently race in IMSA is rare at Summit Point, since the track is out of the way for many and not on the schedule for any major series.
Noaker said, “This was the closest track to us being from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He [Dederichs] can fly up and we can do some lead follow and some race practice.”
This isn’t the first time Noaker has been to Summit Point, as he pointed out the amount of laps he’s turned on the two Mile track. “I’ve always loved this track, this is the track I’ve had the most laps on anywhere, and this car fits this track,” said Noaker.
In addition, Noaker believes that the characteristics of Summit Point helps with driver development. “It’s a good track to learn a car because there’s such a variety of corners,” Noaker added. “It’s kinda an all-in-one package track.”
Joseph Dederichs has only driven his Mustang during the first round of the year in March with barely any track time from issues, along with never seeing Summit Point except in games. So this was a good testing and learning weekend for the Texan.
“Our primary goal was to get the cars checked out,” said Dederichs. “I’ve never been on this track, it’s an interesting track, I really like the track. I loaded it up on my [simulator] and looked at the trees, [and I] haven’t ever thought about a tree since I’ve been on track.”
Drivers will tend to use racing simulators at home to help get familiar with tracks they’re unfamiliar with, along with finding visuals on where they need to start braking during a race.
Both drivers pointed out how their Mustang felt around Summit Point.
Noaker said, “This car fits this track. just good on the long straight and the twisty section of five and six.” In addition, Dederichs added, “I love the long straight and coming into one, having a big bore [large engine] car you can flex your muscles.”
Both drivers’ positive feedback about Summit Point makes one wonder if an IMSA sanctioned series will ever return to West Virginia.
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