Hippi Racing and Scott Rettich reflect on Successful First Season in FE
Hippi Racing entered the formula car ranks for the first time this season, building a new Formula Enterprises chassis in preparation for newly signed driver Scott Rettich. He had just finished a solid season in the Star Mazda series, in which he won the Most Improved Driver award and racked up numerous top-10 finishes.
The duo decided that their first race would be the June Sprints which featured the biggest field of the season. Rettich sat on the pole and won the race, setting a new track record in the process. Rettich and Hippi Racing continued their success throughout the rest of the season, making eight starts, which resulted in eight pole positions, eight track records, six wins, two seconds, a divisional championship, and a few overall wins despite being grouped with much faster cars such as Formula Atlantics and Sports Racers.
In September, the team traveled to the famed Road America circuit to compete in the SCCA National Championships and attempt to win the prestigious Triple Crown. Rettich won the pole by over a second and finished second after encountering a part failure in the shift linkage during the race.
“We had a very successful season,” stated Rettich. “Our main objective was to develop the car and gain experience for 2010. Hippi Racing gave me a very fast and reliable car all season, which is even more impressive given that this was the team’s first season in Formula Enterprises. The team worked very hard to give me a competitive car so I could compete successfully against some of the more experienced teams and drivers who have multiple cars and seasons of experience. In addition to my team, I would like to thank my parents and my sponsors PDI Communications Systems and Springboro Car Wash.”
“This has been a very exciting season for the team,” stated Team Owner/Manager J.D. Pfetzing. ” Scott has been a great addition to Hippi Racing. Along with his talent as a driver, Scott brings a great knowledge of racing and vehicle set-ups. It really helped our team’s crew chief, Suren Tchobanian, give Scott a fast and reliable car every time out.”
The Hippi Racing team was formed in 2000, and has competed in both SCCA Regional and National racing, as well as endurance racing, highlighted by class wins in the “12 hours of Nelson” and “The Longest Day” 24 hour race at Nelson Ledges and numerous class and overall wins in SCCA Improved Touring, Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises. Through driver coaching and comprehensive race prep, Hippi racing drivers have enjoyed competitive racing and consistently improving results.
For 2010 Hippi Racing plans to compete in the newly formed SCCA Pro Formula Enterprises and SCCA Pro Spec Racer Ford series, in addition to competing in SCCA National and Regional races in various classes.
For more information visit the team’s website at http://www.hippiracing.com