September 26, 2005

Beauchamp 15th in SCCA National Championship Debut

On the road course this weekend, Mike Beauchamp competed in the 40th-annual SCCA National Runoffs at Mid-Ohio Race Course finishing 15th in the Formula Continental division.

Beauchamp and his EMP Stewart Components sponsored Van Diemen racer made the field by qualifying 18th with a time of 1-minute, 26.4-seconds on the twisting Mid-Ohio layout.

Unfortunately, Beauchamp ran into trouble on the first lap of Sunday’s main event dashing any chance of a podium finish.

“I spun in the Keyhole on the opening lap trying to make a pass,” said Beauchamp. “I had to wait for the whole field to pass before I could rejoin in last place (34th). I started picking off cars, at least one per lap and was able to work my way back up to 15th. I could've really used a full-course yellow but it never came. It was a lot of fun passing cars, but I know I had a Top-10 car and it's frustrating that I wasn't able to prove it.”

Despite the less than desired finish, Beauchamp was still happy to compete in his first SCCA National Runoffs.

“The Runoffs were an incredible experience and I'm proud to have earned an invitation,” said the Green Bay, WI driver of the season finale. “ It's very satisfying to have my first National Championship under my belt and look forward to building on this year's success in 2006.”

The 2005 SCCA Runoffs FC race from Mid-Ohio Race Course will be televised on The SPEED Channel on a tape-delayed basis on Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.