Dave Porter holds off Jo Morabito for the win at the Pike

Friday, June 25th - Pikes Peak International Speedway It was a race that's a welcomed 'scratched' from the n4nites racing schedule for all of eternity.

Pole sitter John Boneske just barely beat out Rick Porter (rookie) in the #18 for first position.  A "one-two" punch for the speedproteam racing if is wasn't for points leader Dave Porter (#24) who surprisingly took a provisional entry in the back of the field.

As the race got underway, John started his lead but was overtaken briefly by Rick who later gave way to Ben Simmons.  These were just a few of the many drivers who were seen leading.  A total of 10 drivers took the field with 70% of those drivers leading the race at one point or another.

Many cautions came about the race making this track a record recorded caution race for N4Nites.

The 140 lap race concluded with none other than "Houdini" (Dave Porter) #24 mysteriously finding his way to the checkers from the rear and putting a 'Pikes Peak' feather in his cap.

In the Victory Lane interview with Dave Porter, Dave thanked his team mates, "...John has shown quite a bit of recovery in setup knowledge.  Last month, John's motorshop had an electrical failure that deleted all his setup files.  We've been helping their shop get back up to speed.  The last couple, ...several races, both John and Rick have been contributing to the 24 team's success and look, here we are again.  So, this team effort has really been just that.  A team effort".

Dave was asked about the ups and downs of the race.  Dave commented, "we had a lot of cautions this race.  I think more than we have ever had.  I wouldnt surprised if NASCAR Officials review the possibility of not running here in the future.  It was pretty bad.  A very difficult course to drive, possibly one of the hardest.  Tire wear for the cars was a major issue - the course was slick in the turns, passing difficult, pit stalls were small.  The laundry list of downs certainly overshadows the ups.

My best up point I think (besides winning) was running door to door with Bob Moore in the #60, I can really trust him to hold his line so racing next to him is always a challenge and a pleasure... and the last laps of the race were also gripping for 'me' because we were slowing and I thought there might get caught at the end with 'me' on really bad tires.  I didn't think we would make it to the finish until I actually saw the flagman waiving the checkers."
"Oh yea.  Jo Morabito - hearing him say how much fun he had racing despite the cautions at this race.  It was refreshing to hear that and the race was fun... Despite the accidents (laughing)."

An interview with Jeff Prutzman.

Jeff- you've been pretty consistent but not a top finalist during these last several races.  What do you contribute that to?

Answer:   "We've been getting our cars beat up pretty bad the past couple of weeks.  Today's race damage total for us was $8,226.00... Last week wasn't so bad but still cost us $1,500.00 in body work... Two weeks ago in Kentucky we lost a motor and had some minor body damage for total of $5,143.00.  You can't win races tearing up racecars.  Right now the only thing that we are consistent at is not winning."

I noticed cars were having problems with tires.  Was that your case too?

Answer:   "No, we sacrificed a little speed with a fairly conservative setup... Just didn't get any long green flag runs, (at least while our car was on the track), to take advantage of our tires."

Were there any other hurdles to overcome?

Answer:   "Yes, avoiding getting caught up in the spins and wrecks... We didn't survive that hurdle."

With this season well crossing the half way point, what is the strategy or plan for the Energizer teams next upcoming races?

Answer:   "Well, our strategy is the same as it always has been and that's to improve on every aspect of this competition as possible... It may go unnoticed by the other teams, but we have improved on our pit stop times and pitstop efficiency... That's going to get us closer to the front in the closing laps when if we put everything else together all in one race and stay out of trouble.

Is there anything else you would like to add before we conclude our interview?

Answer:   "Sure, first of all I'd like to welcome new drivers Rick Porter and Jo Morabito to the league... I've raced with Jo in another league and I know he is going to fit in well here... He's a very likeable guy and he races very cleanly... Rick is a very likeable guy too... He is new to this sim, but he drives real racecars and I'm sure that he going to find a connection between the two someday and when he does, look out!

Let us not forget... He's driving for his brother Dave Porter - Houdini."