August 10, 2008 - Team Autoxrs Headquarters

Team Autoxrs made their time trial debut recording a class win and setting a new class lap record at the Wilson Circuit Time Trial. Piloting the Honda CRX was team owner Sean Banerjee. The competition in STS2 was fierce, with Scott Salsi who held the previous lap record at hand in his very fast 1986 Toyota MR2. Scott is a long time SM competitor in his Eagle Talon and had recently purchased the MR2 to compete in STS2.

Sean and Scott traded fast lap after fast lap as each lowered the lap record, until Sean's 4th competition run yielded a 1:12:386 time. Scott was not far behind as he lowered his old record down to a 1:13:019.

The time trial would be run using a morning practice session and an afternoon race session. Each driver would get 6 practice laps and 6 timed laps. Despite having over 200 laps on the inner loop with the rental karts, Sean took it easy in the morning session to learn the course and the limits of the car. During the second practice session Sean began pushing the limits of the car as he recorded a 1:13:124 while Scott was 0.4 behind with a 1:13:522. During the lunch interval both drivers traded ideas as it became evident that the battle for STS2 supremacy would go down to the wire.

The morning practice sessions weren't without hassle as Sean encountered a slower car on his run group that forced an aborted lap. A quick word with the officials and it was decided the driver would be moved should there be any further issues. The CRX was also experiencing brake issues, the off the shelf DOT-4 brake fluid and generic rotors were just not up to the demands of the hard brake zones on the 0.82 mile circuit.

The race session began, Sean was once more last car in the pod and immediately had to abort his second hot lap to avoid coming too close to the car ahead. A second discussion with the officials and the slower car was moved to the back of the pack as Sean began the final race heat. It was now or never, Scott was only 0.2 seconds behind and any small mistake by either driver meant the other would walk away with the win. Sean's first hot lap was on the mark as he crossed the line with a 1:12:386 to set a new class record, Scott who was first car on track was on a blinder as well as he lowered his lap to a 1:13:019. "When I saw the 1:13:019 I thought I had you." said Scott after the event.

"It is evident that STS2 will be a hotly contested class next season and I would like to thank Scott for a memorable battle in STS2. It was fun racing with someone in a similarly prepped car who is willing to share ideas." commented team owner Sean after the event.

The team would once again like to thank Mark Connolly and everyone at McB Autosport for their continued support of the team. We'd also like to acknowledge the support provided by Jon Kofod/Team Flatoutracing and Curry's Auto Service. We would also like to thank Howard Houston for providing the photographs for the team to use.