Super Touring Season Review 1996

The Battle For The
Inaugural Super Touring Title
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By Tom Hnatiw
m
y the time T.C . Kline's racing team arrived
These were the men and machines who would
at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut for the
begin the contest in the Michelin Cup, the
first-ever Super Touring races to be held on
Championship prize for th e manufacturers.
North American soil, th ey'd actua lly had
The Independen ts' Challenge was to be a primarily
possession of their Honda Accords for
under a week. Kline's drivers -affable
journeyma n sedan pilot Randy Pobst and
Peter Hardman, a newcomer to Super
Touring from Britain- were cautiously
optimistic as they eyed the rival PacWest
Touring Car Group's operation across the
paddock.
Th e Dodge boys seemed to be the ones
to beat. Dominic Dobson, lead driver, part
owner and front man for the group, had
tested extensively. Th e Dodge Stratus,
constructed in the Chrysler Design Center
in Detroi t w ith contributions from more than
100 Chrysler employees, looked terrific. It
sounded terrific. The team was knowledgeable and professional. As a last-minute bit
of drama, the PacWest Group announced
the identity of the driver of the second car.
David Donohue, the son of American leg-
Randy Pobst and Honda clinched the Championship after a season long pitched
end M ark Donohue, arrived at Lime Rock
battle with Dodge and the PacWest boys.
all smiles and best wishes. "We'll see how
it goes," said he.
German affair w ith en tries from a trio of BMWs and
While Rod Millen had open ly acknowledged that
his first Super Touring season was to be a " testing
and GT1 gunner, was the entrant in one of the
one," covering about half the sched ule, his race car
BMWs. Petty was deadly serious about going after
and team looked first class. Th e road racing comm u-
the independen ts' crown. "It's why we're here." he
a Mercedes- Benz. Steve Petty, a former Trans-Am
1997 Ticket Information
long Beach , Calif.
Ticket information· ..... 31 0-981-2600
nity open ly speculated about Rod's ability to drive an
sa id. "We want to see how well we run with these
Detroit, Mich .
asphalt car quickly enough to be competitive. Millen
guys; then next year we'll go after the whole
Ticket information: ..... 313-393-9454
joked about his ideal track being half asphalt, half
enchilada."
dirt.
The fourth member of the Super Touring
A Cinderella story of sorts was behind the en try
of another 3 Series BMW in the form of the Hartong
Manu facturers' Council was not represented at the
Motorsports mount for driving instructor Darren Law.
season opener. However, Bob Leitzinger and his dri-
Hartong , a student of Law's at the Bondurant school,
ver, Jeff Andretti, turn ed up to announce their inten-
asked Darren why he didn't have a pro ride.
Portland , Ore .
Ticket information ..... 503-232-3000
Cleveland , Ohio
Ticket information: .... 216-522-1200
tion to ca mpaign the rest of the season. A pair of
" Nobody's offered me one," repli ed Law. So
Toronto , Canada
Fords had been purchased from th e Briti sh Touring
Hartong bought a Super Tou rin g Car from a team in
Ticket information: ... .416-975-8000
Car Championship, and the crew at Leitzinger
Italy, and Law had a ride.
Racing was hard at work.
A dark horse of sorts was the Honda America
Racing Team headed by Forrest Granlund, an engi-
Canadian Ed Delong was the entrant in th e third
lexington , Ohio
ex-Australian Championship Mercedes- Benz for
Ticket information: ... .419-884-4000
neer at the Honda manufacturing plant in Ohio. Thi s
Rodney Butterfield . Both men had their hands full
team had performed outstandingly well in showroom
since their respective cars were late being delivered.
stock racing in the last couple of years, racing what
In the case of Stretton and Butterfield , the car was
they built. Granlund figured Super Touring was the
delivered on a flat bed on Friday evening of the Lime
Rock weekend !
logica l next step. lime would tell if they cou ld cut the
mustard in the big leagues.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course ,
Simmer, wh ile M artin Stretton was set to drive an
Vancouver, Canada
Ticket information: ..... 604-684-4639
laguna Seca , Calif.
Ticket information .... .408-373-0533
That was th e field for the season opener. But
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASO N REVIEW
A -5
Race two was a more sedate affair with less fender-to-fender clashing. Pobst and the Dodge boys
mixed it up in the first two laps. In the end Dobson
prevailed. "This is the way it's supposed to be," he
said. Donohue finished second, and then it was
Pobst. This foreshadowed a seasonlong battle
between Dodge and Honda and Dobson and Pobst.
At Round 3 in Detroit, Dobson stalled again at the
start. But so did Pobst. Millen took off with the surprisingly quick Darren Law on his tail. Millen led until
something in the rear of his car broke, allowing
Independents' Championship contender Law to jump
into the lead. Law pulled away, while Peter Hardman
and David Donohue hammered on each other, much
to the delight of the fans. Pobst spun twice and finished sixth. Dobson managed a fourth. On the podium it was Law, Donohue and Hardman. The clash
continued in the Michelin Cup.
PacWest teammates Dominic Dobson (left) and David Donohue (right) took
a win apiece in the inaugural Super Touring race at Lime Rock.
there were other important players in the mix.
Long Beach
Welcomes Super Touring
The California city of Long
Beach is enthusiastically looking
forward to hosting the NATCC's
The Dodge Cup was also introduced on the weekend. A trophy accompanied by a very large check
was offered by Dodge to the driver who garnered
the largest number of points in the two Detroit
Michelin with its race-proven Pilot SX 19-inch radial
rounds. Also on hand to play in front on the interest-
had stepped up to the plate with a full slate of engi-
ed Motor City crowd was the Leitzinger Racing Ford
neers , media and publicity people. BBS, the world-
driven by Jeff Andretti. A welcome visitor to the grid
renowned wheel company, had joined up as well, and
was father Mario Andretti , who was seen quietly
their intrepid motorsports manager, John Slagle, had
advising Jeff before each session.
already been assisting several teams before arriving
Round 4 at Detroit finished with Dobson 's Dodge
at Lime Rock. The Robert Bosch Corp., Racetech
on the point and Pobst 's and Hardman's Honda close
Chris Pook, president and CEO of
Communications and Featherlite Trailer Company
behind. Dobson, with a fourth and a first and three
the Grand Prix Association of Long
had also lent their support to the fledgling champi-
bonus points for poles and laps led took the Dodge
Beach.
onship.
Dominic Dobson earned the pole for both rounds
Cup home with him. The relief was palpable from the
1g97 season opener, according to
" There is no doubt in my mind
Dodge camp. Darren Law, so pumped up from the
first race, had an early-race spin and parked his
that Super Touring Racing is set to
at Lime Rock. At the start of race one he stalled,
become a major feature of the
and as cars stacked up behind , the first paint trading
Simmer backwards into the wall. His team owner
of the Championship began between Petty, Law and
was doubtful about the next race weekend.
North American road racing scene,"
Pook said . "In its first year, it has
clearly demonstrated its worldwide
Granlund in the HART Honda Accord. Pobst led in
Randy Pobst swept Rounds 5 and 6 in Portland,
the early going, and then Millen led for a time until, in
Ore., as the Hondas, becoming more and more suit-
competition. We are delighted to
an elbows-high encounter with Law, he suffered a
ed to North American tracks , rudely asserted them-
host the opening two races at Long
massive failure of the right rear wheel, which ended
selves in the horsepower department. On Portland 's
Beach in 1997 as part of a long-
up next to the fence. In the end it was a hard-charg-
long back straight, the Hondas simply blew past the
reputation for close , entertaining
term agreement we have entered
ing David Donohue who took the laurels in the first-
Dodges, which still seemed slightly superior in the
into with the North American
ever Super Touring contest in North America . Pobst,
Dobson , Granlund and Petty were second through
stopping and turning modes. Forrest Granlund
showed well in his Honda America Racing Team
fifth. Law and Millen DNF'd.
Accord. It was obvious he was getting the hang of
Touring Car Championship . "
Any doubt that Peter Cunningham (right) could drive a Super Touring car at the front evaporated when he won both
races at Mid-Ohio.
A -6
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
Dobson fought valiantly to stay in contention on the
horsepower-friendly streets of Toronto. But it was
Pobst in the first race and then Hardman , securing
his first Super Touring win, in the second who
crossed the line first. Dobson claimed a
seco~d
and
a third , while Donohue took a third and fourth. Pobst
was runner-up in the second race. Petty took honors
in both races as the top independent.
Th e results from Toronto intensified the battle for
the drivers' title and the Michelin Cup. Pobst led
Super Touring
Goes On Line
It will be a while yet before it's up
and running, but the North American
louring Car Championship will soon
be on the Internet. Expect the site
to be operational by Jan. 1, 1gg7.
INNVV.Supertouring.com
Dobson by a mere 11 points at this midway point.
Honda led Dodge by a scant five points . Steve Petty
had established a 13-point lead on Darren Law in the
independents ' points chase at midseason.
Three newcomers joined the action for Rounds 9
.1111111111
SUPER TOURING
CHAMPIONSHIP
and 10 at Trois-Rivieres , Quebec . Dave Welch
signed to drive the Fastech/ Rock-lt Cargo Ford
belonging to Berle Smith. Th e first North Americanbuilt Honda, constructed in the shops of its owner
Jeff AndreHi not only had access to
Leitzinger Racing's Ford but his driving
and driver Albert Mirko, made its debut, never hav-
legend father, Mario, as well .
ing turned a wheel on a race track before the weekend. The Honda America Racing Team entry was to
these Super Tourers. New to the grid was the Ford
of Berle Smith 's Fastech Racing Team. In the hands
of rookie Victor Gonzalez, the ex-Rob Gravett ( 1993
BTCC champ) Ford ran stoutly.
Rod Millen was not in attendance. Evidently, the
funding so desperately needed was elusive at this
stage of the game. Darren Law stood on the sidelines as the Hartong Motorsports Group wrenched
on the BMW. Thi s made things easy for Steve Petty,
who shot to the top of the independents ' standings
with first-place points in both races .
On to Toronto, where a newly paved street
course awaited. Millen was back, and the celebrated
newcomer was Nigel Smith, a top-running privateer
from the BTCC . No one knew just how "Smiffy"
would fare. His BTCC reputation was formidable. but
he'd never been to Toronto and never raced on a
North American-style street course.
Steve Petty turned up with a "new " car. The
championship-winning BMW of Paul Morris from
Australia had been delivered the previous week.
Independent challenger Ed Delong turned up with
brand new livery on his BMW belonging to an interesting new Toronto automotive company called
Armadillo.
Jeff Andretti had a large shunt in the first qualifying session. The Leitzinger Racing Team , known for
its ability to thrash, was unable to repair the car in
the paddock and immediately began to prepare to
have the backup car ready for the races at Canada's
Trois-Rivieres.
ABC 's "Wide World of Sports " was set to broadcast the first round of two back-to-back races live
from Toronto, and pole position therefore became an
important prize. In a graphic illustration of how tight
the Dodge/ Honda battle was getting, a little over .02
second separated Dobson and Pobst on the grid.
Millen qualified well again for third.
Showing an increasing propensity for rubbing at
the front of the pack, the Dodges of Donohue and
It's Dodge, BMW and Honda slugging it out for position at the street race
in V a ncouver, Canada.
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
A -7
ILLUSTRATION OF SUPER TOURING HONDA ACCORD
ENGINE
Drive Type
DEVELOPED AND ENGINEERED BY
4 in-line
Mounted
Motor Sport Developments ltd
Transverse/front
Capacity
1998cc
Valves/camshafts
Fuel System
t6/DOHC
Electronic injection
TRANSMISSION
6 speed and reverse
Gearbox
Gearshift pattern
Sequential
...
Suspension ·
Faithful to the design
of the origi nal equip·
ment, but re-engi·
neered with the best
racing components
available. Driver
adjustable sway bars
are augmented by
••••••
adjustable shocks and
spring ra tes making
the Super Touring car
an all ou t racer.
...
Brakes · They're
enormous and often employ
twin ca lipers on the front , with
driver adjustable brake bias. A BS is not
al lowed. When a Super Touring car stops it stops right now.
A -8
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
5.5" Twin plate carbon
Differential
Laminar and viscous options
CHASSIS
Steering
Rack and pinion power assisted
Front suspension
Double wishbone
Rear suspension
Double wishbone
Wheel rim widths
19" x 8.2"
Tires
Michelin
Front brakes
Racing 2x4 p1ston calipers <water cooled)
Rear brakes
Rear Racing 2 piston calipers
Transmission · Six speed
sequential gearbox wo rks
like a motorcycle. Six up,
six down . Clutch is optiona l
except for the standin g start.
Engine · 2 liters of displacement, 4 , 5 or 6, cylin·
ders. more than 300 horse·
power. moved way down and
back in the chassis. It's state
of the art and born to fly.
2WD 1frontl
Clutch
... ... ...
Bodywork - Except for the front splitter and rear
wing, this is the real thing. W ith computer designed
roll cage, the Super Touring car is more rigid than a
Formu la 1 car. An on board jacking system gets it up
in the air for speedy service.
Cockpit - Dash board must retain the original
layout. Driver's seat is moved inboard for safety
and weight distribution. Full lndyCar style
instrumentation. All business. No frills.
,J
.
:
Electronics - Th e Super Touring
car is wired. Full blown data acquisition systems monitoring everyth in g from water temperature to
throttle pos ition and shock
absorber travel provide vita l information for set up and tuning.
Ultra sophisticated engine management systems are used to get
the most out of two liters.
Tires - Michelin Pilot racing tires are used
exclusively. Nineteen in ches in diameter,
and nine inches in width, these are all out
racing tires produc ing amazing grip, yet also
delivering bullet proof reliability.
Exhaust - The sound level from
the exhaust is restricted, but not by
much. It's loud. it's racey and it's
unmistakable. Special racing catalytic converters are requ ired. It's going
green wh ile going fast.
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
A -9
Awards Dinner
The 1996 Awards Dinner was
held at the Monterey Marriott to
honor the accomplishments and
achievements of all who participated
in the first year of Super Touring
Racing.
While T. C Kline Racing and
Randy "Mr. Excitement" Pobst took
their fair share of the evening's hard·
ware, there were a number of others
who were represented in the awards
presentations. Here is a summary of
who received what:
Spirit Of The NATCC:
Archer/Petty Motorsports
Texaco Long Distance Award :
Randy Pobst
Bosch Cup:
T.C. Kline Racing
Peter Hardman led 19 laps during the season behind the wheel of his T.C . Kline Racing
Honda en route to fourth place overall in points.
BBS Trophy (Manufacturers '):
T.C. Kline Racing
be driven thi s weekend by Peter Cunningham, a vet-
by Peter Hardman and Randy Pobst. In fact Hardman
eran Honda pilot and teammate of Forrest Granlund
was just .3 second behind at the finish . frustrated by
in the showroom stock days . Cunningham
the lack of opportunity to pass on the tight circuit. A
approached the Super Touring car carefully but not
tremendous start from third on the grid allowed
BBS Trophy (Independents '):
Archer/Petty Motorsports
tentatively and qualified well for both races. Granlund
Dobson to take the lead in the first comer and hold
Crew Chief Of The Year:
in the meantime, was at home with his wife and a
it. Donohue spent time in the pits with an electrical
Kurt Baker CH.A.R.T. Car No. 62)
new baby boy.
gremlin.
Team Marketing Award :
The Dodge engine program had been reported to
be ratcheted up a couple of notches . and the historic
T.C. Kline Racing
In the second race, the following moming , Pobst
launched well and never relinquished the lead.
track at Trois-Rivieres is short and tight. Dobson and
Dobson finished 5 seconds back for second place,
Excellence In Presentation:
Dodge could feel the pressure in the Drivers '
followed by Hardman . Once again, Donohue retired
PacWest Touring Car Group
Championship and the Michelin Cup.
Dobson prevailed in the first race, followed closely
early. Steve Petty had his independent BMW working well on the weekend with a pair of wins and a
Independents' Driver Championship:
1st
sixth and fourth overall.
... Steve Petty
Dobson had closed the gap in the Drivers '
2nd
................ .Darren Law
3rd ................................ Ed Delong
Championship by just a sing le point, but Dodge had
moved to within six points in the Michelin Cup after
Manufacturers ' Championship
(Michelin Cup):
the weekend. Petty gathered a sizable lead in the
independents' chase with 86 points over Darren
Law 's 49.
Honda.
. ...... 298
Dodge ................ ................ 271
Ford ..................................... 136
Toyota ..................................... 86
The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is fami liar terri to·
ry to Peter Cunningham and the home track of the
Honda America Racing Team. Any doubt that
Super Touring Champion :
Cunningham could drive a Super Touring car at the
Randy Pobst
In accepting the Champion's ring
and 1st place trophy, Randy was his
usual entertaining self. providing the
audience with a highly amusing, if
thoroughly implausible explanation
of his challenging childhood and
how this led to the eloquent, outgo·
front evaporated when he grabbed the provisional
pole for both races to be held back to back on
Saturday afternoon. However, his pole for the second
race was disallowed when the Accord's ride height
was found to be too low after the second session.
In the first race Cunningham simply drove away
from the field after a brief skirm ish with Pobst , who
ing personable style for which he is
now renowned and from which "Mr.
retired on lap seven with a sick-sounding motor. A
dogfight for second emerged between teammates
Excitement" has evolved.
Donohue and Dobson , with Donohue able to just
hold Dobson off at the end .
.1111111/111111
SUPER TOURING
CHAMPIONSHIP
A - 10
Starting from the rear in the second race,
Cunningham had his work cut out for him. Driving
The high point in BMW driver Darren
brilliantly he carefully picked off cars one by one until
Law's season was a win in the Motor City.
arriving in the top four with a recovered Pobst,
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
Peter Cunningham
was the benefactor of
the carnage and drove
under yellow to his
third win ir\! the
Championship, followed by David
Donohue and Steve
Petty.
In the first race,
perhaps the most
entertaining of the
season in "traditional"
Super Touring terms
(with mirrors and
bumper covers flying
all over the place),
Rod Millen opens the door for a glimpse inside his high-tech Super
Dobson edged Pobst
Touring Toyota.
by 2 seconds to take
the win, with Peter
Dobson and Peter Hardman. Just past half way,
Cunningham close at hand in third . Darren Law had a
Cunningham worked his way to the point and hung
differential problem in the first race causing retire-
on for his second Super Touring victory in less than
ment from both rounds.
an hour. Dobson finished fourth behind Hardman and
Pobst. Donohue running "sans nose" from a seventh-lap rubbing match with independent Darren Law
came home in sixth behind his rival. Law's fourth and
again to go after all the marbles in 1997.
dozen points off of Petty's lead in the category.
Only seven points separated Pobst and Dobson
A new Ford entry had appeared for the last two
rounds. Team Contour, owned and operated by Chris
Reinke of Ohio debuted its newly engineered Ford
after the Mid-Ohio rounds. The plot was thickening
Contour at Vancouver, where they suffered an
indeed.
engine failure. Undaunted, they loaded up to hurry
Some said it was inevitable. Racing as close as
what was going on in Super Touring to this point was
off to California, where they would repair the problem and try their luck there.
bound to produce a big wreck sooner or later. It hap-
Because of Dobson 's crash at Vancouver, the
pened in the second lap of the second race in
Vancouver, Canada. In a drag race with Randy Pobst
Championship was more Pobst's to lose than
Dobson's to win at Laguna. Pobst would have to
down the pit straight and through the flat -out first
DNF both events and Dobson would nearly need to
turn , Dobson got caught out off-line. His huge crash
win both to pull it off. To rise to the occasion the
gathered up the Honda of Peter Hardman and the
PacWest team built Dobson an entirely new car in
Ford of the hapless Jeff Andretti . The Dodge and the
three days, starting with a shell from a show car.
Honda were ruined.
Texaco Long Distance Award:
Having led the chase for this coveted trophy and $5,000 cash award
for most of the racing miles of the
year, Dominic Dobson faltered at
the last to open the door for none
other than "Mr. Excitement" again.
Here's a run down of the final stats
after the last event at Laguna Seca:
Driver ...... .. ...... .. ... No. Race Miles
Randy Pobst ....................... 576.8
David Donohue
.... 555.0
Dominic Dobson
....... 543.7
Peter Hardman
...... .457.0
Steve Petty ....
.. ... .442.5
Jeff Andretti.. . . .............. 371.6
.... 356.4
Peter Cunningham
Darren Law ......................... 336. 7
Forrest Granlund..
.. ..... 243.3
Rod Millen .......................... 240.6
Ed Delong .................. ......... 170.4
Albert Mirko ......................... 99.4
Nigel Smith .
.. ................ 85.5
This allowed Steve Petty to clinch the Independents'
Championship with two rounds to go the following
weekend at Laguna Seca, Calif. A jubilant Petty vowed
fifth overall positions allowed him to knock a half-
Awards Dinner (conu
Rod Millen was back, reporting his shop had near-
1996 Race Records:
Laps Led :
Randy Pobst . . .. .. .. .... . ........ 99
......... 68
Dominic Dobson
......... 33
Peter Cunningham
Peter Hardman .
.. ...... 19
David Donohue ......... .... .. ........ 16
Darren Law .
........ 14
Pole Positions:
Dominic Dobson ........ .. .. .. .......... 7
Randy Pobst ............................. 5
2
Peter ~ningham
David Donohue
........... 1
Darren Law .................... . .......... 1
Race Wins:
Randy Pobst ................... .. ..... 5
Peter Cunningham ..
.. ...... .4
Dominic Dobson
....... .4
David Donohue
......... 1
Darren Law ............................. 1
Peter Hardman .
. ............ 1
ABC Wide World of Sports:
The introduction of Super
Touring Racing to network television was an unqualified success,
with positive comments and feedback from all quarters and an outstanding commentary job done by
Paul Page and Danny Sullivan.
The ratings results vindicated
ABC's support of Super Touring
Racing in its first year:
Rating
Share
Toronto .................. 1.6 ............. 5
Mid-Ohio ............. 1.4 ............... 5
~
David Donohue thrills the crowd with a daring maneuve r on the outside of a corner on
SUPER TOURING
CHAMPIONSHIP
the tight, twisting track at Vancouver.
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
A-11
APair of Champions
Randy Pobst
"I like the spotlight." he began.
Randy Pobst was accepting his
Drivers· Championship Award at the
season-ending banquet in Monterey.
Calif. The audience, delighted with his
knack for measured understatement,
laughed with him. For Randy, it was a
typical. witty initial remark. reserved
for when he had an audience.
" It all goes back to when I was just
a little kid. walking' along kickin' this
rock .... " The story was absolutely
charming. From the moment Randy
began. he had the attention of everyone in the room. You got the idea he
had become accustomed to the effect
he had on people.
Pobst would be the first to admit
he has been leading a charmed life.
Essentially, Randy eams his living driving. teaching driving. talking about dri-
Paul Charsley's Ford goes for some big air off a berm at the Mid-Ohio Sports C ar Cour se.
ving and/ or cars of one type or another. A devoted husband to Linda. also
an accomplished racing driver, and a
ly finished work on a brand new 1997 Toyota Camry
ular Toyota thi s weekend. Debuting his freshly built
Dodge and the PacWest boys. The second race of
thoughtful father to daughter Kelly,
Randy Pobst. 19g5 Super Touring
champion. is at the pinnacle of the
sport of racing small bore sedans. His
Pontiac Sunfire was Dave Jolly, a long-time IMSA
the ahernoon was indicative of Pobst 's relief as
Super Touring show car. He wou ld campaign his reg-
So it was done. Pobst and Honda had clinched the
Championship aher a season long pitched battle with
competitor wi th an excellent reputation. The entry
Pobst leh the racing surface in three separate inci-
did not show Peter Hardman's name, but Peter him-
dents while still running strong enough to finish sec-
endearing demeanor will serve him
well as reigning champion .
self was on hand to cheer his teammate and Honda
ond to an inspired Peter Cunningham. Dave Welch, in
to their respective Championships.
another inspired drive, finished third before the cur-
Steve Petty
Independents' Champion Steve
Petty is also a charming, easy going
fellow with a quick wit and a ready
in the first of two back-to-back races on Sunday
Pobst had the ability to wrap things up with a win
tain dropped for the last time in 1996.
No one wou ld have been brave enough to predict
afternoon. He establi shed his intention to do so
immediately when he led into the first comer and
an inaugural Super Touring season this closely con-
smile. The primary difference between
him and Randy Pobst is that Petty
bangs mirrors and trades paint in the
never looked back. D riving smoothly and well within
has not been close at the front, for the most part,
somewhere in the field, the characteristic wheel-to-
Super Touring Championship as a
form of relaxation. A former national
late-race encounter with Dobson in which he was
champion in a GT1 car. Trans-Am
rookie of the year and Rising Star
award winner in 1991 . Petty has been
knocked off the track momentarily. Cunningham ran
Super Touring so popular around the world has been
the order of the day. The fans loved it. The ESPN2
in second place th roughout the race, and Dobson
and ABC audiences supported it in increasing num -
fini shed third in front of Millen. Donohue and a very
bers. The promoters want it back.
building a business in aviation.
Driven and successful in his professional life, his attitude towards racing
in Super Touring is anything but cavalier. In fact. in and around the race car,
Steve can get rather intense.
However. there's a playful side to
Petty that is often hilarious. His lovely
himself. he made it look easy.
Millen, with a tremendous start. ran in third until a
tested. The racing has been extraordinary. When it
wheel, no-holds-barred competition which has made
quick Dave Welch back in the Fastech Ford for the
North American Super Touring is a reality. It's
first time since Trois- Rivieres. Just behind was Law
about time. Come back next year when it'll be big-
as top independent.
ger. And badder.
•
wife, Debbie. and each of his four
daughters would be the first to agree.
"It's why I keep him around." jokes
Debbie.
"Chez Petty" has become a second home to his competitors at the
track. He makes sure there is always
lots to eat and drink. The sound of
laughter attracts passers-by, and once
swept up by the special brand of his
charm. they're reluctant to leave.
Steve and Debbie. along with the
immensely popular "Chef Rick." have
become important icons of the Super
Touring Championship.
Both champions have committed to
defending their respective titles. Super
Touring will be the better for it.
Steve Petty manhandles his BMW in an effort to stave off an a ttack from a pa ir of determined competitors.
A-12
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOURING SEASON REVIEW
AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS, INC.
3300 Corte Malpaso • Camarillo, CA 93012
805.388.71 71 tel • 805.388.0030 fax • [email protected]
WWW.NEUSPEED.COM
1996 Driver Championship Points
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lime Rock
Driver
Race 1 Race 2
Detroit
Race 1 Race 2
Portland
Toronto
Race 1 Race 2
Race 1 Race 2
I Trois-Rivieres
Race 1 Race 2
Mid-Ohio
Vancouver
Laguna Seca
Race 1 Race 2
Race 1 Race 2
Race 1 Race 2
R. Pobst
18
15
12
18
23
22
21
18
15
23
7
18
19
13
23
D. Dobson
16
23
13
22
13
13
20
16
22
17
15
13
22
1
15
D . Donohue
22
17
17
13
17
13
15
13
11
17
11
13
17
12
13
22 1
10
15
15
12
17
12
22
17
23
145
P. Hardman
P. Cunningham
S . Petty*
12
11
J . Andretti
D . Law*
F Granlund
R. Millen
9
13
13
1
12
12
11
22
1
1
9
9
11
11
15
15
12
11
8
9
10
12
13
11
D . Welch
E. Delong*
15
12
17
12
11
23
21
15
22
11
13
9
10
10
15
12
11
7
11
13
12
10
8
10
10
V Gonzalez
10
P. Charsley
A Mirko*
176
9
139*
8
12
106
10
11
95*
78
10
11
63
15
8
8
10
9
23*
10
20
19
7
10
11
D. Jolly*
48
47*
9
7
282
241
13
12
N. Smith*
M . Stretton*
10
17
13
17
Total
17*
11*
6
6*
• lndependnet's C hallenge
ON TRACK I 1996 SUPER TOUR ING SEASO N REVI EW
A - 13