February 1, 2004-
California Speedway, Fontana, Ca
Colin Cross
& Marge Lundberg Both on The Podium In Fontana....
Instinct Racing's Colin Cross & Marge Lundberg both stood atop the podium at California Speedway this past weekend. This was the teams first trip to the speedway, and the 3rd race of the 2004 SCCA Sopac Divisional championship.
An early morning start on Friday, saw the team unloading the trailer prior to sunrise, in order to make the first of 4 test session that started at 8:30. Colin and Marge spent time during the first sessions learning the track and tuning their cars. After trouble free testing, the team had several hours to go through their cars to perform the required maintenance before the first official practice started. "It has been a very rushed test. With only 2 test groups, we only had 40 min. to get back, make changes and rest before the next session. The track requires a lot of attention, as we are on the oval for a long period of time. There are several faster classes running with us, and they are traveling at a much greater speed than us. It keeps you busy." Colin explained.
In the first official practice session of the event, Cross and Lundberg were able to continue learning the track, setting the 1rst and 4th fastest times respectfully.
Qualifying was Sunday morning at 9:30. Colin and Marge continued their strategy of starting in the back of the pack, working through traffic and using other cars to get a draft. On lap 4 Colin was able to post a time of 2:01.5 to grab the pole and set a new track record. Realizing that the time was good, Colin pulled into the pits to save the car for the race. Marge's session came to a abrupt stop on lap 4, when a malfunctioning right front spindle sidelined her for the rest of the session. Marge's time of 2:04.5 was enough for 4th on the grid.
At 2:30 the green flag dropped for group 4 consisting of Formula Continentals, Fords, 500's and Vee's. Colin got and early jump on second fast qualifier Mark Edwards of Los Angeles, and started to break away about a second per lap. Marge settled into to a race long battle with Charlie Turner, Stan Townes and Dick Gordon. Half way through the race, Marge's motor started to loose power on the top end. She was not able to pull out, and draft by for position, so she decided to complete all of her passes in the infield under braking. At the finish it was Cross with the win, 15 seconds ahead of Edwards, and Lundberg brining home 3rd. " I was in a bad position. I couldn't pop them, so I had to fight for the corners. I got Charlie in the last complex and held him off past the flag for 3rd. It was all I could do, but don't get me wrong, It was still fun." Marge said.
This was Colin's 3rd win this season and Marge's first trip to the podium. Round 4 is February 20-21 at Willow Springs in Lancaster, Ca.
Photo Credits- Jen George
