18.2.12

Scott Tucker and Level 5 Motorsports Attempt to Make History at the SCCA Runoffs

By Jesse Schwarck


Scott Tucker will attempt to create history this weekend behind the wheel of the Porsche in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. If he pulls this, Tucker will be part of a special collection of individuals who've earned 3 straight national championship titles at the Runoffs, the most highly regarded races in america.

Tucker has a talent to create history. His rising star must have had a turbo engine itself-since his original professional race in '06 at Forty four years of age, he has announced himself as an professional, top-flight driver in 5 distinct series in a matter of merely 5 years. He was the earliest American to be allowed to drive one of Audi's R10 prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010. He won his class in his very first appearance in the American Le Mans Series, and in early 2011, he documented his 50th career win, a number that has rather quickly jumped to 59 since. Not too long ago, Tucker snagged a couple back-to-back American Le Mans Series championships following his fourth LMP2 victory last weekend at the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.

After winning two previous national championships at the SCCA Runoffs in a Ferrari 430 Challenge car in the T1 category, Tucker has wanted a Porsche 996 twin-turbo for Friday morning's quick, 13-lap, 40-minute race at Road America. Tucker began getting ready for the appearance earlier this year by purchasing the 500-plus horsepower Porsche. Tucker's team, Level 5 Motorsports, joined up with forces with Kelly Moss Motorsports to change the Porsche into an SCCA STO class competitor. KMM's Jeff Stone led the project, which included quite a few tests runs with Porsche factory motorist Patrick Long.

Tucker has finished being approved with the radical recent Porsche, and it's clear the car would be a contender. Tucker's perfect lap was 2:16.462, which will clocks in as the best all round time among the STO class field, making Tucker the pole position for Friday's race.

"For me, personally, winning my third consecutive national championship would be an incredible achievement," Tucker said. "I've worked hard for it, but it's extremely difficult. All you can do is prepare the best way you know how and do your best on the track, and then you'll just see where the chips fall at the checkered flag."

Tucker has now competed in four SCCA events this season with the 430 Challenge car, at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Right after, he made a decision to embark on the Porsche challenge. Project Manager Ed Zabinski says the choice has shown to be a sensible one. "We really tried to bring all of the best guys in the program," Zabinski pointed out. "I'm happy with the way it turned out. It's developed into a reliable car, and I think we're looking pretty good." Zabinski is also an entrant for the Microsoft Office-sponsored car.

A victory on the SCCA Runoffs would boost impressive season Tucker together with his Level 5 team have already experienced. Sandwiched between 2 important ALMS contests, the SCCA is a distinct set of wheels, but a victory would add to a currently fun weeks for the Level 5 team. The Runoffs will crown the Sports Car Club of America's Club Racing National Championships this weekend for the 48th year in a row. Road America's historic 4-mile course provides the backdrop for the race considered the "Olympics" of motorsports.




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