The SCCA Runoffs Could Get Scott Tucker into History

By Jim Tobin


Scott Tucker will attempt to create history this weekend driving of the Porsche in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. If he pulls it, Tucker may be a part of a unique band of motorists who've earned 3 straight national championship titles at the Runoffs, probably the most respected races in the united states.

Tucker has a knack for making history. His rising star must have had a turbo engine itself-since his very first professional race in 2006 at 44 years old, he has asserted himself as an elite, top-flight driver in five distinct series in a matter of just five years. He was the first American to be allowed to drive one of Audi's R10 prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010. He won his class in his debut appearance in the American Le Mans Series, and in early 2011, he recorded his 50th career win, a number that has quickly jumped to 59 since. Most recently, Tucker snagged a pair of back-to-back American Le Mans Series championships after his fourth LMP2 victory last weekend at the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.

Having won two previous national championships at the SCCA Runoffs in a Ferrari 430 Challenge car in the T1 category, Tucker has opted for a Porsche 996 twin-turbo for Friday morning's quick, 13-lap, 40-minute race at Road America. Tucker began preparing for the appearance earlier this year by purchasing the 500-plus horsepower Porsche. Tucker's team, Level 5 Motorsports, joined forces with Kelly Moss Motorsports to transform the Porsche into an SCCA STO class competitor. KMM's Jeff Stone led the project, which included a series of tests runs with Porsche factory driver Patrick Long.

Tucker has completed being approved with the revolutionary brand new Porsche, and it's clear the vehicle is a contender. Tucker's greatest lap was 2:16.462, that clocks in as the quickest all round time among the STO class field, making Tucker the pole position for Friday's competition.

"For me, personally, winning my third consecutive national championship would be an incredible achievement," Tucker said. "I've worked hard for it, but it's extremely difficult. All you can do is prepare the best way you know how and do your best on the track, and then you'll just see where the chips fall at the checkered flag."

Tucker has recently taken part in 4 SCCA activities this season with the 430 Challenge car, at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Just after, he thought we would set about the Porsche challenge. Project Manager Ed Zabinski says the choice has proved to be an intelligent one. "We really tried to bring all of the best guys in the program," Zabinski mentioned. "I'm happy with the way it turned out. It's developed into a reliable car, and I think we're looking pretty good." Zabinski is also an entrant for the Microsoft Office-sponsored car.

A win at the SCCA Runoffs would add to the brilliant season Tucker and his Level 5 team have already experienced. Sandwiched between two important ALMS contests, the SCCA is a different set of wheels, but a victory would add to an already exciting few weeks for the Level 5 team. The Runoffs will crown the Sports Car Club of America's Club Racing National Championships this weekend for the 48th year in a row. Road America's historic 4-mile course provides the backdrop for the race considered the "Olympics" of motorsports.




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