TOBC RACING TAKES TWO CLASS VICTORIES AT THE WERA NATIONAL ENDURANCE SERIES The first round of the 2013 WERA National Endurance Series took place April 27th at Alabama’s Talladega Gran Prix Raceway as 17 teams lined up for the 4-hour marathon. Young-gun riders Curtis Murray and Nick McFadden pushed hard for four hours to bring home the TOBC Racing GSX-R600 middleweight entry to an outstanding first-place finish in the Middleweight Superbike category. The two riders ran an impressive pace, finishing just behind the Heavyweight entry, also taking a second-place finish overall. An awesome result from two very talented racers.
TOBC Racing also entered a team in the highly-competitive Lightweight Superbike class with veteran rider Brian Kcraget teaming up with 16-year-old Chris Crosslin onboard a well-prepped Suzuki SV650 endurance bike. It was Crosslin’s first WERA Endurance Race and in the words of Kcraget, “We knew that much was going to fall on his shoulders… his lap times would determine whether we would do well or not… so he had to go fast but then also not make a mistake and go down. All of this on him and he is only 16 years old. To be honest, I was blown away by what he did.”
This duo put in a stellar performance, running fast and consistent lap times that allowed them to stretch their lead on the other Lightweight competitors and complete the race in eighth place overall and first in the Lightweight Superbike class.
Preparation is the key to any successful endurance competition and TOBC Racing’s bikes ran perfect, the pit stops were fast and error-free, and the on-board radio communication kept the riders calm and informed. A big thanks to all the hard work put in by Scott Harwell, Tim Anderson and the TOBC Crew.
An overall win is in the crosshairs of the TOBC sights as the team prepares for the next endurance race at Road Atlanta in June. There could be some exciting TOBC news for the Road Atlanta round, so stay tuned…. TOBC Racing is a privately-funded team focused on the support of Amateur Road Racing and the development of younger racers through the National Endurance, Team Challenge, and Sprint Series hosted by CCS, WERA, CMRA, ASRA, and now AMA Pro. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/tobc.racing or on the web at www.tobcracing.com .
More, from a press release issued by Jimmy Merck’s publicist:
JIMMY MERCK ON THE BOX AT A WET TALLADEGA Atlanta, Georgia’s Jimmy Merck competed onboard his Vesrah-sponsored GSX-R600 at Talladega, AL this past weekend with four podium finishes in as many starts in the WERA/Michelin National Challenge series. The weather on Sunday was quite sketchy with both rain and a drying track for WERA’s second National Event of the year! Merck lined up for 600 Superstock qualifying on Friday afternoon after a full day of dry practice. With a qualifying position of fifth, it was back to the drawing board for some subtle changes, understanding the weather to play a strong hand in set-up for Sunday’s National races. Sunday’s National races were up next with 600 Superstock as Jimmy’s first event, starting on full rains with a wet track. After a great launch, Jimmy was battling for the top two. After six laps, Jimmy’s GSXR 600 started feeling loose – Jimmy kept his head down clicking off consistent laps and held off for the win! 750 Supersport was up next, competing against the larger 750cc bikes and a wet yet drying track. After a decent start, the battle was on. Jimmy worked hard to get in the lead and attempted to check out. Unfortunately, getting in the farmhouse a bit hot was enough for second to come around and make the pass, and Jimmy scored second place. Jimmy’s third race of the day, 600 Superbike, was a complete gamble on tires. Running the same rain front from the previous two races and a DOT rear, the race was on. By lap eight the front was tucking consistently and “that thing was sliding everywhere!” exclaimed Merck. Common sense over passion in the race secured a hard-fought second-place finish and third podium of the day for Merck.
For the final race of the day for Merck, 750 Superbike, it was game on. Merck got the hole shot on full rains, established a comfortable lead, and went on for the win in the 12 lap wet race. Four starts for the weekend with two second-place finishes and two wins!
A special thanks to James Stroud this weekend – with Jimmy SR unavailable, James was a tremendous help! “Thank you James for the help – it was awesome having you around since my Dad couldn’t make it” said Jimmy.
Jimmy would like to welcome a new sponsor, Truck System Technologies (TST) who offer top of the line tire pressure monitoring systems. Additionally, Jimmy is proud to work with Mark and Tony with Vesrah, Vesrah Brakes, Nielsens Enterprises, Dunlop and Race Tire Services, Graves Exhaust, Livengood, Traxxion Dynamics, Penske, Maxima Oils, Shoei Helmets, Pilot Leathers, Chris with MPH, DID Chains, Bazzaz, Spiegler Brake Lines, Vortex Sprockets, Pit Bull, Cycle Gear, his father Jimmy SR, and girlfriend Bobby.