TOPEKA, Kan. (May. 26, 2006) - Following a review of in-car footage provided by other competitors, SCCA Pro Racing series officials confirmed that Freddy Baker advanced the position of his No. 18 STaSIS/Fred Baker Audi Audi A4 prior to the standing start during Sunday's Round Three SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship race, and have levied a 17-second penalty, moving him from fifth to 12th in the final race standings.
Freddy Baker at Mid-Ohio, shortly after contact with Espenlaub (background). Espenlaub would have to pit due to a flat tire. (Mark Weber Image)
All drivers who crossed the finish line sixth through 12th move up one position in the final results. The 17-second penalty was determined to be the time lost for a stop-and-go penalty during the event. Generally, a car seen advancing prior to the start would serve a stop-and-go during the race.
"During the race, we did not have a visual confirmation of the movement,” SCCA Pro Racing Senior Director of Technical Services and Race Operations Harry Turner said. “However, after reviewing all the information provided, it was clear that the 18 car advanced prior to the start.”
The shuffling of positions allowed Randy Pobst to move up one spot to fifth, thus earning one additional point to tie Pierre Kleinubing atop the Drivers" Championship standings, with 90 points after three rounds.
Additionally, Baker was penalized 10 drivers’ points and Audi one manufacturers’ point for contact with the Mazda of Charles Espenlaub during the race.
Reply With Quote
