Rotax Challenge of the Americas 2015 – Sonoma Discussion

[David Cole]

It is the final event for the Rotax Challenge of the Americas 2015 program, as the six class championships will be decided over the March 13-15 weekend at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California. A perfect weekend of weather is in the forecast, along with some exciting and dramatic finishes to really close championship chases. For four drivers who complete the task at hand by earning a title in the Senior, Junior, DD2 and Masters Max categories – a 2015 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals ticket is waiting. Mini and Micro Max champions will earn entry into their respective Rotax Grand Nationals.

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David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Final Practice

1. Diego LaRoque – 57.382
2. Carson Morgan
3. Noah Warren
4. Ashton Torgerson
5. Leland Honeyman
6. Josh Pierson
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Garrette Randolph Jr.
9. Tuesday Calderwood

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Final Practice

1. Scott Falcone – 51.774
2. John Crow
3. Billy Cleavelin
4. Paul Bonilla
5. Ken Maxfield
6. Chad Wallace
7. John Breidinger
8. Roman Alekseenkov
9. Perry Needham
10. Jason Stempler

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Final Practice

1. Jak Crawford – 54.095
2. Payton Durrant
3. Austin Torgerson
4. Hannah Greenemeier
5. Grant Langon
6. Sebastian Alvarez
7. Griffin Dowler
8. Filip Niemkiewicz
9. Marco Kacic
10. Oliver Reed

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Final Practice

1. Sting Ray Robb – 51.264
2. Carter Herrera
3. Annie Breidinger
4. Nick Brueckner
5. Kellen Ritter
6. Michael Michoff
7. Stevie Pugsley Jr.
8. David Ilavia
9. Dante Yu
10. Toni Breidinger

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Final Practice

1. Michael Ilavia – 48.955
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Final Practice

1. Luke Selliken – 50.210
2. Christian Brooks
3. Louie Pagano
4. Jared Higham
5. Mason Marotta
6. Brenden Baker
7. Jake Craig
8. Phillippe Denes
9. Carlee Taylor
10. Bryce Choquer

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Saturday Qualifying

1. Diego LaRoque – 58.304
2. Ashton Torgerson
3. Leland Honeyman
4. Noah Warren
5. Carson Morgan
6. Enzo Scionti
7. Tuesday Calderwood
8. Garrette Randolph Jr.
9. Josh Pierson

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Saturday Qualifying

1. Scott Falcone – 51.754
2. Paul Bonilla
3. Billy Cleavelin
4. Ken Maxfield
5. John Crow
6. John Breidinger
7. Chad Wallace
8. Roman Alekseenkov
9. Perry Needham
10. Jason Stempler

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Saturday Qualifying

1. Jak Crawford – 54.285
2. Grant Langon
3. Sebastian Alvarez
4. Austin Torgerson
5. Griffin Dowler
6. Hannah Greenemeier
7. Filip Niemkiewicz
8. Jonathon Portz
9. Oliver Reed
10. Marco Kacic

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Saturday Qualifying

1. Carter Herrera – 51.264
2. Mason Cohen
3. Sting Ray Robb
4. David Ilavia
5. Michael Michoff
6. Trey Brown
7. Annie Breidinger
8. Dante Yu
9. Stevie Pugsely Jr.
10. Kellen Ritter

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Saturday Qualifying

1. Michael Ilavia – 48.912
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Saturday Qualifying

1. Bryce Choquer – 50.136
2. Luke Selliken
3. Christian Brooks
4. Jared Higham
5. Brenden Baker
6. Louie Pagano
7. Jake Craig
8. Carlee Taylor
9. Walker Hess
10. Stepanova Nekeel

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Saturday Prefinal

1. Diego LaRoque +5.727
2. Josh Pierson
3. Ashton Torgerson
4. Carson Morgan
5. Noah Warren
6. Leland Honeyman
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Garrett Randolph Jr.
9. Tuesday Calderwood

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Saturday Prefinal

1. Scott Falcone +1.772
2. John Crow
3. Paul Bonilla
4. Billy Cleavelin
5. Chad Wallace
6. John Breidinger
7. Roman Alekseenkov
8. Perry Needham
9. Jason Stempler
10. Ken Maxfield

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Saturday Prefinal

1. Sebastian Alvarez +0.463
2. Grant Langon
3. Filip Niemkiewicz
4. Austin Torgerson
5. Payton Durrant
6. Jak Crawford
7. Hannah Greenemeier
8. Jonathon Portz
9. Oliver Reed
10. Marco Kacic

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Saturday Prefinal

1. Sting Ray Robb +0.069
2. Trey Brown
3. Annie Breidinger
4. Stevie Puglsey Jr.
5. David Ilavia
6. Kellen Ritter
7. Toni Breidinger
8. Mason Cohen
9. Dante Yu
10. Zoey Edenholm

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Saturday Prefinal

1. Michael Ilavia +0.016
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Saturday Prefinal

1. Christian Brooks +
2. Brenden Baker
3. Jake Craig
4. Luke Selliken
5. Bryce Choquer
6. Louie Pagano
7. Phillippe Denes
8. Walker Hess
9. Stepanova Nekeel
10. Carlee Taylor

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Saturday Final

1. Diego LaRoque +5.304
2. Josh Pierson
3. Leland Honeyman
4. Ashton Torgerson
5. Carson Morgan
6. Noah Warren
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Garrette Randolph Jr.
9. Tuesday Calderwood

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Saturday Final

1. Scott Falcone +3.402
2. Paul Bonilla
3. John Crow
4. Ken Maxfield
5. Chad Wallace
6. Roman Alekseenkov
7. John Breidinger
8. Perry Needham
9. Jason Stempler

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Saturday Final

1. Payton Durrant +2.548
2. Austin Torgerson
3. Grant Langon
4. Hannah Greenemeier
5. Sebastian Alvarez
6. Filip Niemkiewicz
7. Jonathon Portz
8. Oliver Reed
9. Griffin Dowler
10. Cooper Becklin

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Saturday Final

1. Sting Ray Robb +0.158
2. Kellen Ritter
3. Trey Brown
4. Annie Breidinger
5. Michael Michoff
6. David Ilavia
7. Carter Herrera
8. Stevie Pugsley Jr.
9. Dante Yu
10. Mason Cohen

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Saturday Final

1. Michael Ilavia +0.573
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Saturday Final

1. Bryce Choquer +0.028
2. Luke Selliken
3. Christian Brooks
4. Brenden Baker
5. Jake Craig
6. Phillippe Denes
7. Louie Pagano
8. Walker Hess
9. Stepanova Nekeel
10. Jared Higham

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Sunday Qualifying

1. Diego LaRoque – 57.595
2. Leland Honeyman
3. Noah Warren
4. Josh Pierson
5. Ashton Torgerson
6. Carson Morgan
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Garrette Randolph Jr.
9. Tuesday Calderwood

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Sunday Qualifying

1. Scott Falcone – 51.662
2. Paul Bonilla
3. Chad Wallace
4. John Crow
5. Billy Cleavelin
6. John Breidinger
7. Ken Maxfield
8. Roman Alekseenkov
9. Perry Needham

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Sunday Qualifying

1. Sebastian Alvarez – 54.365
2. Grant Langon
3. Filip Niemkiewicz
4. Payton Durrant
5. Jak Crawford
6. Hannah Greenemeier
7. Griffin Dowler
8. Austin Torgerson
9. Marco Kacic
10. Jonathon Portz

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Sunday Qualifying

1. Sting Ray Robb – 50.954
2. Nick Brueckner
3. David Ilavia
4. Kellen Ritter
5. Michael Michoff
6. Zoey Edenholm
7. Mason Cohen
8. Trey Brown
9. Spencer Kunz
10. Edward Portz

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Sunday Qualifying

1. Michael Ilavia – 48.557
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Sunday Qualifying

1. Brenden Baker – 50.054
2. Bryce Choquer
3. Louie Pagano
4. Luke Selliken
5. Jared Higham
6. Christian Brooks
7. Mason Marotta
8. Phillippe Denes
9. Walker Hess
10. Zach Pettinicchi

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Sunday Prefinal

1. Diego LaRoque +5.288
2. Leland Honeyman
3. Ashton Torgerson
4. Josh Pierson
5. Carson Morgan
6. Noah Warren
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Garrette Randolph Jr.
9. Tuesday Calderwood

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Sunday Prefinal

1. Billy Cleavelin +0.477
2. John Crow
3. Chad Wallace
4. Roman Alekseenkov
5. Paul Bonilla
6. Scott Falcone
7. Ken Maxfield
8. John Breidinger
9. Perry Needham

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Sunday Prefinal

1. Grant Langon +0.303
2. Jak Crawford
3. Sebastian Alvarez
4. Austin Torgerson
5. Filip Niemkiewicz
6. Jonathon Portz
7. Griffin Dowler
8. Marco Kacic
9. Oliver Reed
10. Payton Durrant

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Sunday Prefinal

1. Michael Michoff +0.786
2. Annie Breidinger
3. David Ilavia
4. Carter Herrera
5. Nick Brueckner
6. Kellen Ritter
7. Mason Cohen
8. Zoey Edenholm
9. Toni Breidinger
10. Spencer Kunz

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Sunday Prefinal

1. Michael Ilavia +0.071
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Senior Max Sunday Prefinal

1. Brenden Baker +1.214
2. Louie Pagano
3. Mason Marotta
4. Phillippe Denes
5. Luke Selliken
6. Bryce Choquer
7. Stepanova Nekeel
8. Carlee Taylor
9. Walker Hess
10. Zach Pettinicchi

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Micro Max Sunday Final

1. Diego LaRoque +0.454
2. Leland Honeyman
3. Ashton Torgerson
4. Carson Morgan
5. Noah Warren
6. Garrette Randolph Jr.
7. Enzo Scionti
8. Tuesday Calderwood
9. Josh Pierson

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Masters Max Sunday Final

1. Scott Falcone +1.493
2. Paul Bonilla
3. Billy Cleavelin
4. John Crow
5. Ken Maxfield
6. John Breidinger
7. Perry Needham
8. Chad Wallace

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Mini Max Sunday Final

1. Grant Langon +2.062
2. Sebastian Alvarez
3. Jak Crawford
4. Jonathon Portz
5. Griffin Dowler
6. Austin Torgerson
7. Hannah Greenemeier
8. Oliver Reed
9. Bianca Bustamante
10. Cooper Becklin

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

Junior Max Sunday Final

1. Michael Michoff +0.061
2. Nick Brueckner
3. Zoey Edenholm
4. Annie Breidinger
5. David Ilavia
6. Kellen Ritter
7. Dante Yu
8. Max Fedler
9. Toni Breidinger
10. Spencer Kunz

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David Cole]

DD2 Sunday Final

1. Michael Ilavia +0.036
2. Sabre Cook
3. Ben Schermerhorn

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Brock Weiss]

Good job to both

[David Cole]

Senior Max Sunday Final

1. Mason Marotta +0.996
2. Luke Selliken
3. Christian Brooks
4. Bryce Choquer
5. Phillippe Denes
6. Zach Pettinicchi
7. Jard Higham
8. Carlee Taylor
9. Walker Hess
10. Corrie Hiatt

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[David McDowell]

Don’t mess with an F1 drivers girl friend then LOL. Just messing around have no idea what happened over the weekend.

[Brad Johnson]

“About eight laps in, Ilavia made contact with Cook’s bumper and she missed the left turn section of tic-tac-toe. This gave Ilavia a bit of an advantage, which was cut down to nothing. The two began jostling for position again as they entered the final circuit. Cook led as they took the flag, with Ilavia making a diving move into turn five after tic-tac-toe. Ilavia defending into turn nine, and Cook took advantage and was leading out of turn 10. Into the final corner, Ilavia came from three kart lengths back to out-brake Cook into the final corner.”

Was there contact in the final corner, the “diving move into turn five” or was the protest based on the contact “about 8 laps in”?

[David Cole]

Just edited that section, please re-read.

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Brad Johnson]

So that cleared up my question. Even though the lead was recovered by the protesting driver during the course of the race the officials ruled in their favor? Can’t say that I would have ruled it that way but I’m not a Rotax official.

[Patrick Roth]

And this is why the drop down bumper idea came to fruition… It’s an attempt to take the subjectivity out of officiating yet they are damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If the drop down front bumper system were used than there would be no question whether or not the “contact” was significant or not. (BTW, I’m not a supporter of the current drop down bumper system but I do RESPECT the current officiating system with it’s flaws, regardless of whether or not I agree with their calls)

I respectfully disagree with Brock’s analysis and even more so taking it to a public forum with such pointed accusations. Rather than taking the stance of publicly chastising the decisions made by the officials, maybe consider helping in finding ways to improve the officiating or designing changes to the drop down bumper that will make it safer to use?

[Stacey Cook]

I would like to clarify a few things. On Saturday when she got into his rear bumper in the exact same location it is ok for Ilavia to try and protest her even though she did not gain a position? However on Sunday when he does the exact same thing and takes over the lead dropping her back 2 seconds that is not ok? The rules clearly state that if contact is made and the driver gains a position there will be a penalty which he did. I guarantee if the roles were reversed and she punted him and won they would have protested instantly by their actions Saturday especially when it was only for one point not the championship.  the officials made the right call and defended the rule book it has nothing to do with who the drivers are or what chassis they are on. When the official came over on Saturday they made it clear that if she would have made contact and gained a position she would have penalized.

[Eddie Ilavia]

This championship was tight and hard fought by all since back in January and continued in February and on into March. While it boiled down to 2 drivers I want to congratulate all that raced as it may have been small in quantity but rest assured the quality was second to none. I was more nervous and on edge when watching DD2 than I was watching my youngest David battle it out with 20+ other Juniors at the front of that talented field. Throughout January and February we definitely had opportunities and thought about effecting the outcomes due to some questionable on track tactics but really thought best to leave it in the judgement of the officials and the drivers on track. After all, like I stated earlier the racing was tremendous whether Michael or some other competitor came out on top. This was Michael’s wish and edict as he stated he wanted to settle it out on track even after situations negatively impacted him previously in Tucson and Phoenix. I commend him for that and respect him immensely for wanting it that way. So making guarantees for others actions may be normal operating procedures for others but not in the Ilavia Family Manual. CONGRATULATIONS on the ticket appreciate your stance on the matter but please speak for only yourself on what you would or would not do as your actions have shown. I am so proud of how Michael handled himself all series long, he taught me and many others a thing or two and I can’t tell you how proud I am of my two Boys ON and OFF THE TRACK!”

[Eddie Ilavia]

MIDI appreciates all the support and words of encouragement we have received through out the karting community and beyond. We arrived in Sonoma to what was an insurmountable task and due to the tireless efforts of Michael Ilavia, David Ilavia, David Dodson and Justin TM Stefani an amazing effort was put forward. Again congrats to all the competitors in all classes especially those in Junior and DD2. It was intense and fun to be part of the 2015 ROTAX Challenge of the Americas and again thanks for everyone’s support and encouragement! And finally would like to again thank J3 COMPETITION and COMPKART as there are quite a few teams that can improve your racing skills but very very few that can build the necessary fabric of a racer in a person, I would say we were roll’in wouldn’t you!

[Author]

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