An Exciting Start to the Race Season

The United States Touring Car Championship got the green flag on the second weekend in May – and what a start to the race season it was! Round 1 at Sonoma Raceway was held in a format that is quite rare: A 2.5-hour long endurance race. It was Marion Engelke’s second enduro race.

The #65 Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) / Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS) BMW E36, was well prepared by crew chief/spotter and mechanic extraordinaire, Ben Penn of Penn Kraft Racing. Driver Marion Engelke of Team Cobalt California was equally well-prepared, and both held up well throughout the race. The mandatory 5-minute hot pit stop that allowed the crew to refuel the car was meticulously planned and executed at the 1.5-hour mark, and Marion Engelke returned to the track to finish the race without any issues.

Marion Engelke had initially qualified P2 but had to yield that spot to Tom Lepper in the #30 GoGoGear Honda Civic early on in the race and then was fighting for P3 with Michael McColligan in the #36 MC Racing Honda Civic. Michael McColligan won the fight this time in the latter part of the race, and Marion Engelke finished P4 in Sportsman.

“This race weekend was a fantastic start to the season,” commented Marion. “The team’s preparation and expertise paid off, a testament to their dedication and passion for racing. I had a fantastic time on the track and enjoyed every minute of it!”

Marion Engelke adds, “My thanks and appreciation go to the Cobalt California team, specifically Ben Penn and Gary Penn, my sponsors, Patricia and Gary Trudeau of Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) and Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS), and my coach, David Brown, whose expert insights are invaluable. And I also want to thank the race organizers, Ali Arsham and SpeedSF, for their event planning and execution, ensuring a thrilling and safe event for all participants.”

She was also grateful to fans and guests whose encouragement and enthusiasm were a wonderful source of motivation for her and the team this weekend.

@Gary’s Air Bag Service

@ACS- Automotive Calibration Specialists

@pennkraftracing