Hippi Racing’s Rettich Enters NJMP as Championship Leader
Hippi Racing recently traveled to the famed Road Atlanta circuit for the first two rounds of the inaugural SCCA Pro Formula Enterprises Series. Scott Rettich, the team’s lead Formula Enterprises driver, was ready to do battle in both the Formula Enterprises car and another class, the only Formula Enterprises driver to compete in another class as well. Although Rettich had never run the Formula Enterprises car at Road Atlanta, he did compete in the Petit Le Mans Star Mazda event in 2008, finishing fifth.
The first race day started poorly, as Rettich was involved in a major shunt in his other class car in turn one. Luckily, although sore from the incident, he was uninjured and still able to compete. Qualifying for Round One witnessed Rettich qualify in third place, four tenths off the pole time.
Race one saw Rettich battle with Matthew Mair for second place the majority of the race, but in the end he had to settle for third.
“Scott did great today, after jumping out of one car and straight into the FE car for the second race of the day we weren’t sure if he would be able to keep pace after his wreck this morning,” stated Hippi Racing Formula Enterprises Crew Chief Al Hostettler. “We are very happy to finish on the podium.”
The team made some major setup changes to Rettich’s car for Round Two. The changes paid off, as he was able to qualify second and was closing the gap to the pole until his session ended early due to a clutch issue. The Hippi Racing crew was able to quickly fix the clutch issue during the short time before the race.
Starting from second, Rettich settled into third on the start before regaining second place going into Turn 10 on the first lap. Mair and Rettich battled for the first half of the race, before Rettich was able to open up a gap at half way. He ran consistently fast laps and never put a wheel wrong. With a few laps to go, Rettich inherited the lead and never looked back, winning by over 36 seconds!
“We are very proud of our team and Scott,” stated Team Manager Suren Tchobanian. “This is Hippi Racing’s first professional race and to end the weekend with a podium and a win is just amazing.”
“This weekend had a lot of ups and down, but winning my first professional race this weekend made it all worthwhile. I would like to thank my team, my parents, and my sponsors PDI Communications Systems and Springboro Car Wash,” added Rettich.
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, as well as 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.
Rettich and Hippi Racing travel to New Jersey Motorsports Park later this week, as the SCCA Pro Formula Enterprises championship leader.