SORTING IT OUT // TEST DAY @ THE PACIFIC GRAND PRIX

In addition to last weekends SCCA Double National at Pacific Raceways, the newly complete Pacific Grand Prix opened its doors for a bit of testing on their new kart circuit. In attendance were a handful of local kart racers, as well as seasoned racer and former Volkswagen TDI Cup driver, David Jurca.

Additionally, Seattle Karting Specialties was able to provide me with a 125cc TAG kart, which allowed me to get a feel for the new track ahead of my first race (now delayed due to our trip to the 24 Hours of Le Mans) Follow the link for a look at the new facility... [read more]

Having raced karts since age eight, David Jurca was able to give plenty of feedback to track officials after each of his lap sessions. Here, David prepares his borrowed Seattle Karting shifter kart before hitting the track.

Showing great speed, there was no question why Jurca ran in the Super Pro class at last years SKUSA Super Nationals.

Having proved he was the fastest guy on track, Jurca came into the pits to sort out a heating issue. A bit of tape and back on track he went, yet again running fast lap after fast lap.

After a handful of hot lap sessions, Jurca decided to call it a day. His skills behind the wheel having become obvious, I can only hope to get a bit of time on track with him ahead of my first race.

While David packed up his things, he handed the keys over (do they have keys?) to Seattle Karting's Jeff Garner. The seasoned kart racer took to the track for a few hot laps of his own, and was able to lay down (unoffically) the fastest lap of the weekend.

While I cannot call myself a true kart racer, I can however note how cool I look in a full race suit and helmet! Don't mind the Converse All-Stars, we're sorting that out...

My first session on track proved to be an eye opener. With fresh pavement, an assortment of chicanes and high speed sweeping turns, a banked exit onto the front straight and an excessive amount of grip, the new Pacific GP is everything you could possibly want in a karting facility. Safe, fast, smooth, loads of room for error and a facility that sits just 15 minutes South of Seattle, the Pacific GP is a premiere racing facility in an area desperate for proper race circuits.

To finish the weekend out, a few of the SCCA's Spec Miata racers took to the track in Pacific GP's 5hp rental karts. Starting at the back, Northwest native and current Volkswagen TDI Cup driver, Joey Atterbury, made his way through traffic finishing the race in second.

With a beautiful Northwest backdrop, exceptional safety precautions, a great track layout and loads of racing on their schedule, the Pacific Grand Prix is an exciting addition to our community. Featuring rental karts from beginner to shifter, stay tuned for coverage following their grand opening on June 20th.

For additional information on the Pacific Grand Prix, click here

Photo: Karissa Wood
Photo/Editorial: Justin Coffey