The 2017-18 SBMRL season is finally upon us! The memories of Launch Bornado’s rise to win last year’s driver championship after consecutive victories are now just that, memories. With a new season comes new opportunities for each driver to make a name for themself. We’ll kick things off in the United States by racing Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon.
Portland
Portland International Raceway, or PIR, was built over the city streets of Vanport, OR, which was destroyed by a flood in the late 1940’s. While racing occurred prior to it, the track wasn’t properly established until the 1970’s. Its most recent renovation occurring in 2007, with an opening ceremony held in February 2008.
The SBMRL will race with the pit straight chicane in play as the first corner. The chicane breaks up an otherwise extremely long straight, helping to keep speed in check. Turn 2 is a slow right hander that is trickier than it looks.
The second sector of the track, featuring three consecutive quick corners is the key to a fast lap time. Getting the rhythm right in this section is required in order to build up the momentum needed for the long back straight that opens the third sector.
The back straight is where cars will be able to fully air it out. Expect a lot of brake dust and a grinding of gears towards the end of it, where the lap closes with a long, winding corner. Drivers will want to maximize their speed out of it heading onto the pit straight, and those who need to make a stop will be at a bit of a disadvantage to those who don’t.
This is the first SBMRL race at PIR, so it’s anybody’s guess as to who will be able to take advantage of the ciruit’s long straights. However, it is Captain Slow’s home race, so he’ll be at a slight advantage to the rest of the field.
STARTING GRID
With no season standings to go off of, the starting grid will be determined prior to the start of the race.
Season Outlook
There are a number of notable changes in the paddock for 2017-18. Perhaps most notably, the dominant pairing of Jaap Snellrijder and Launch Bornado at Regency Motors has broken up. While Jaap will continue to race for Regency Motors, Launch’s success and apparent dissatisfaction at being regarded as the team’s Number 2 driver has led to a departure. Instead, Launch will race for a new team this season and have an entirely new teammate. The open position at Regency Motors will now be filled by Australian Sheila Dinkum.
Among other teams returning, Scandinavian Blitz returns for a third season with their pairing of The Stig and Captain Slow still intact. Both drivers struggled last year and will be looking to bounce back.