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I'm also an idiot. I have gopro facing front and back and forgot to press the record on the remote attached to my steering wheel. I'm still kicking myself, so don't pile on.

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The Prima Racing Honda S2000 stole the show at the USTCC race weekend at Laguna Seca, as Andrie Hartanto dominated the top of the time sheets in nearly every session despite driving the least powerful car. On paper, the Honda S2000 is a serious underdog, but Hartanto was able to wheel it for the win.



Saturday – Qualifying
Hartanto was able to secure pole for race qualifying in his debut at USTCC GT class. Hartanto is no stranger to the series, as he was 2009 Champion in the Touring car category.

Saturday – Qualifying Race
USTCC has a unique format where the top 5 for the main race is determined by qualifying race. Starting from pole, Hartanto’s lack of power in the S2000 was evident as he was vaulted by the Performance Technic BMW and slotted into second as they approached Turn 2. Hartanto again proved his grit when he was able to wheel the car to win the qualifying race, establishing his position as the pole man for the main race on Sunday.

Sunday – Race
The grid of the main race is determined by the finishing order of the Qualifying race with Hartanto on pole. The second place is a monster Camaro driven by Karl Chicca. Behind them is a pair of E46 BMW M3.
Even though Hartanto got a good start, he was quickly passed by the Camaro and the BMW into turn 2. However, Hartanto was able to brake late and squeeze down the inside and emerged from Turn 2 as the leader. Performance Technic BMW followed in second and Replay XD BMW in third. Chicca’s Camaro dropped to fourth.



The order never changed and no other passes were made. However, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t an intense battle. It was clear that the battle’s balance rested completely on the drivers’ level of consistency. “This was a tight one where you can see that if one guy makes a even a minor mistake, they will loose a position. I drove every lap like qualifying,” Hartanto said. “It was really intense! I knew I had to go through traffic really fast without losing my momentum. With the least HP on the field, I can’t afford to lose momentum or the guys will pounce. It was tough racing in GT with TC power to weight!”


Championship points
Hartanto missed the first 2 rounds and unless there are some miraculous developments, he won’t be fighting for the championship. Hartanto contended that the team’s focus is not on points, but rather, race wins.

Next Up
Next round for the USTCC is not until September 6-8 at Sonoma Raceway. To fill the long layoff, Prima Racing will compete in MotoIQ tuner under at Auto Club speedway on August 3–4.

Sponsors
Prima Racing 2013 season is brought to you by CT Engineering, Supertech Performance, Wicked Tuning, Rota Wheels, Carbotech brakes, Hondata, Stitch Tech Designs, Detail Addict, Drastikk Industry, Ignited Soul Apparel, City Tech Autobody, Berk Technology, Blacktrax performance, Exedy clutch and Twincam Motorsports.

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Sounds like some intense and amazing driving Andrie. A job well done. Congrats!! Wish I could have been there to see it. Keep us posted on your events.

 

Great job!

 

Just goes to show the S2000 is a track monster!

 

Congrats, very impressive vs the big dogs! Laguna is my favorite track. makes me wish i kept my track car and had more time to get back out there.

 

Didn't you also set a class record lap time there?

 

Yes I did!

 

Congrats!

 

Thanks! It was an awesome weekend!