2003 Rock Island Grand Prix

TAGUSA Class Report from Kartweb

Qualifying Results

In the first year of the TAG concept the class has seen significant growth even in these leaner economic days.  Part of the enchantment comes from the new breed of power from Europe, a 125cc water cooled electric start 2 stroke, or the 250cc twin 4 strokes.  Through the year some new motors have been introduced with interest and concern among the community over which motors may provide a slight edge.  So far none really seem to offer any real advantage on the track, and driver skill still takes any motor to the front.  The first three qualifying spots were occupied by the three different motors, all in the hands of top drivers.

Pos. No. Name Best Laptime In Lap 2nd Best Remarks:
1 13 Greg Den Herder 34.633 8 35.013  
2 12 Matt Champagne 34.651 10 34.721  
3 30 Dean Boyd 35.025 10 35.126  
4 22 Michael Johnson 35.077 7 35.142  
5 1 Jim Cassi 35.099 6 35.528  
6 88 Sam Walls 35.155 7 35.493  
7 90 Scott Barnes 35.165 8 35.199  
8 69 Jason "Skuzzie" North 35.304 6 35.460  
9 14 Chris Jennings 35.371 7 35.519  
10 16 Jeff Siewert 35.416 10 35.454  
11 18 Sara Hyslop 35.748 6 35.790  
12 8 Kevin Owen 35.959 3 37.048  
13 23 Dennis Garwood 35.967 7 36.084  
14 79 Mike Combs 36.031 6 36.237  
15 9 Brian Stitle 36.170 4 37.239  
16 2 Chris Thode 36.338 4 36.364  
17 3 Clay Maddox 36.692 5 36.743  
18 31 Brian Gallagher 36.962 5 36.987  
19 2 Eric Chapell 37.489 5 37.564  
20 91 Robin Bank 37.630 4 38.054  
21 21 John Grounds 37.807 7 37.842  
22 06 Jonathan Koch 38.387 1 38.408  
23 44 Gary Kannegiesser 38.471 5 39.047  
DNQ 33 Brian Bryniarski --:--:--.--- - --:--:--.--- DNQ
DNQ 54 Ben Romero --:--:--.--- - --:--:--.--- DNQ

 

 

 

Race Results

Two of the drivers that really stood out in the rain also in the front of the pack.  Sam Walls driving the Factory Biland ride has a unique style in turn 6, literally throwing the car into the turn with seemingly reckless abandoned.  Despite the appearance, it was definitely the fast way through for 39 of the 40 laps he drove it in both the TAGUSA and TAG Masters classes.  This chassis is also the one which won the first TAG festival, although at that race it was not the car that turned the fastest laps.

Matt Champaign simply decimated the field.  Matt's father Andre owner of Hurricane Racing had the chassis set up to provide excellent turn-in and cornering capability.  Matt put on a silky smooth drive that demonstrated his well-honed driving abilities.

Greg DenHerder turned the fastest times of the race yet lost several positions on a spin, only managing a 6th place finish.

Six drivers chose not to start lacking the wet setup equipment and ambition.

Dean Boyd the only driver to contest in both TAG USA festival events becomes the points leader with Matt Champaign and Derek Denman as the two series winners to date.

 

I

  • Matt Champaign

  • 2003  TAGUSA Winner
   

 

Pos. No. Name Laps Total Diff. Time Best Lap In Lap Remarks:
1 12 Matt Champagne 20 18:32.9   43.423 8  PTK/Biland/Bridgestone/
2 88 Sam Walls 20 18:46.9 14.023 44.155 18  Fittipaldi/Biland/Bridgestone
3 6 Jonathan Koch 20 18:59.8 26.873 44 20  
4 30 Dean Boyd 20 19:04.1 31.249 44.547 17  Trackmagic/Leopard/Bridgestone
5 23 Dennis Garwood 20 19:04.3 31.433 44.342 17  
6 13 Greg Den Herder 20 19:07.3 34.433 43.199 18  DFM/Rotax/Bridgestone
7 69 Jason "Skuzzie" North 20 19:13.0 40.16 43.753 18  FirstKart/?/Bridgestone
8 31 Brian Gallagher 20 19:16.6 43.67 44.646 15  
9 79 Mike Combs 19 18:24.6 -- 1 lap -- 43.929 17  Tonykart/Leopard/MG
10 2 Chris Thode 14 14:40.6 -- 6 laps -- 44.761