Racing at Laguna: Driver Overcomes Qualifying Setback to Secure Fourth Place
in USTCC Round 2

Following the first race just two weeks later, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca set

the stage for an electrifying second round of the 2025 United States Touring Car

Championship (USTCC). Determination and skill took center stage when Marion

Engelke of Team Cobalt California faced a tough challenge after the qualifying

session with the #65 Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) / Automotive Calibration

Specialists (ACS) BMW E36.

During qualifying, a strategic tire choice meant her time was not counted and she had to

start from the back of the field. Despite the setback, she launched into the race with

unwavering focus. After a late start, she made a daring move before Turn 2—the

legendary Andretti Hairpin—to overtake the #32 GoGo Gear Honda Civic piloted by

Becky Arsham and push forward in pursuit of the Sportsman field.

Throughout the race, Marion clocked her personal best lap times as she worked to

close the gap. By the checkered flag, she secured a fourth-place finish in the group.

Reflecting on the race, Marion said, “I’m proud of my performance and excited for the

upcoming rounds. This weekend offered many learning opportunities, and I’m happy to

see the improvements I throughout the weekend.”

She continued to thank crew chief/spotter and mechanic extraordinaire, Ben Penn

of Penn Kraft Racing for taking special care in preparing the #65 Gary’s Airbag

Service (GAS) / Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS) BMW E36. A special visit

from sponsors Patricia and Gary Trudeau of Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) /

Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS) rounded out a great race weekend

experience. With the season now gaining momentum, all eyes are on the next round as

Marion continues to push toward even greater success.

@Gary’s Air Bag Service

@ACS- Automotive Calibration Specialists

@pennkraftracing

#garysairbagservice

#automotivecalibrationspecialists

#pennkraft65

#garysairbag