Jamaican DriverWins Again
Mike Grizzel winnerof the Fifth Annual International Challenge Cup
Sport
Jamaican DriverWins Again
Mike Grizzel winnerof the Fifth Annual International Challenge Cup
Sacha Tibbets leadswith Mike Grizzel trailing
Sunday's International Challenge Cup V atLakeview Raceway was overcast with the threat of rain throughout,but the only droplets of moisture all day flowed from Sacha Tibbett'seyes.
Tibbetts had patiently worked his way throughan attrition-laden race to place himself in prime position tobe the first local driver to win the International Challenge Cup,winning the 20 Lapper by a clear margin.
And as he battled eventual-winner Mike Grizzlenose-to-tail in the featured 30 Lapper for most of that race,the emotion of a 13 cent part turned balmy which was overwhelmingfor Tibbett's and his supporters.
"I think we have a terrific day. Wehad a great crowd and we are thankful that our Jamaican fans cameout and supported their drivers," said Garth Bevan, presidentof the Cayman Motorsports Association.
Mike Grizzle, winner of the fifth annualInternational Challenge Cup said: "I am happy that I wonthe race. I would like to thank my sponsors and all the fans thatsupported me. I will be back next years to defend my title."
For two years running team Car City hadthe strongest showing with Grizzle and Tibbetts collecting a firstand second place finish. Nevertheless, thousands of racing fanswere entertained and thrilled by a breath-taking spill by theMinnesota ice racer Steve Carter in the 25 Reverse Grid comingout of Turn 1.
Tibbetts' qualifying time of 1:00.47, apersonal best for the young speedster, led him to sit on a polefor the 20 and 30 lap races. Grizzle was second with a time of1:00.89, and Frank Williams was third at 1:00.94. Fourth was PeterRae at 1:01.17 and Andy was fifth with a recorded time of 1:01.47.
Quick on the draw Tibbett powered throughTurn 1 off the flying start, placing a comfortable distance betweenhimself and the rest of the competitors. Grizzle was being huntedby Peter Rae who eventually overtook him on the straight-aways.Fans in the stands jumped out waving and showing their delightwith the tight passing action. However, Rae retired early dueto an over heated engine. This allowed Grizzle to push through.In the middle of the pack, David Summerbell was busy picking offthe pack, but because of lack of power, he had to be content towatch as Gary Longenbach and Robbie Cribb zoomed by.
In the handicap race, Grizzle slingshoton the flying start, overtaking the under powered, and jockeyedfor a key position. In fact, Grizzle buzzed by Summerbell foran easy pass. Then Carter flipped in Turn 1, forcing a full courseyellow. Grizzle was still very much in the lead. Tibbetts meanwhilewas working his way up the ranks crossing brothers, Andy and JohnBodden and Williams was catching Grizzle on the last lap of therace. But it was not enough for the win.
The featured race saw Grizzle catapult tothe front while Tibbetts fought for a gear change. Grizzle wasin front, while Rae and Andy and Summerbell were trailing. Tibbettsclosed and crossed for second. He fought for first, riding Grizzlein the straightway and out braking him in the Turns. Then aroundthe 15 lap, Tibbetts closed the deal crossing Grizzle with a nosediveinto Turn 1.
Then Steven Carter stalled in Turn 6, whichcalled for a yellow flag. This packed the action again, allowingGrizzle to catch Tibbetts in Turn 1. Additionally, Tibbetts wasblack flagged for a trailing exhaust, which took him out of contention.
Second place finisher Tibbetts, said: "Noone can say that racing has nothing to do with luck. I drove myheart out and it all came down to a 13 cent part. Congratulationto Mike. He did a wonderful job."
Cayman Motorsports Associations' InternationalChallenge Cup was sponsored by Texaco, Seaboard Marine, Gatorade,Z99, Motor & General and Scotts Marine..