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Jeff Courtney - No. 99
KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance
Dodge Viper Competition Coupe
Shooter: Mark Weber
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GT FINALE IN CALI
Brutal Battle at Laguna
Monterey, California (October 11, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe had the best set-up of the season at this weekend’s SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship finale, clocking one of the fastest times of the race, yet fell prey to a late-race collision from behind. Courtney was dropped from top ten contention while battling for fourth, fifth and sixth, and was forced to settle for an 11th place finish.
“The car had never been better this year, it was the best we’ve unloaded so far,” said Courtney. “Matt [Bejnarowicz] and Rick [Maxwell] worked extremely hard on the set-up and it paid off. We had good practice times and good feedback, it was really an outstanding effort from the whole team.”
Courtney qualified 10th on the grid and had a great standing start, “The good start and Viper torque helped me pick up a couple of positions up the hill,” said Courtney. In lap nine, Courtney set the fastest lap of the race up to that point with 1:30.995. Courtney was optimistic for a good finish on this season-ender, “Things were going great, the car was handling awesome, the conditions were perfect.”
In the last few laps of the race, Courtney was battling with Eric Curran and Brandon Davis for the fourth and fifth positions, the cars were running nose to tail and the action was fast and fierce. “Late in the race, everyone has worn their tires and their cars out, but from where I was at, I felt I had the advantage on corner exit. I thought I could make a possible run on these cars in the last laps,” said Courtney. Unfortunately, on the white flag lap, a Porsche that was a lap down, driven by Dino Crescentini, made an aggressive move at the top of the corkscrew and ran into the back of the No. 99 Viper and shoved Courtney off the track and out of contention. Courtney ended up finishing 11th.
“Obviously, I was very upset with Dino,” said Courtney. “He was a lap down at the time of the hit, and it’s the second time this year he has ran into the back of me. Dino was very apologetic after the race, but for me, it’s hard to take because it just adds to the struggle of my 2009 season.”
Teammate Charlie Putman brought home another top-ten finish, driving the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe to the stripe in eighth. “Charlie did fantastic, I’m really happy for how well he did,” said Courtney.
“Congratulations go to Brandon Davis for winning the GT Championship as well,” said Courtney. “I also want to give a shout out to the RealTime Acura team for again winning the Manufacturers’ Championship for Acura and another Drivers’ Championship for Pierre [Kleinubing]. Congratulations!”
This was a finale like no other, a knock-down-drag-out fight that racing fans cannot afford to miss. Catch the action when it is broadcast on the SPEED channel on Tuesday, November 3, at 2:00 (EDT).
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Jeff Courtney - No. 99
KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance
Dodge Viper Competition Coupe
2009 12th Annual Petit Le Mans Shooter: SCCA
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TRACK HEATS UP AT ROAD ATLANTA
Courtney Fights for 7th Place Finish and Earns Sunoco Hard Charger Award
Braselton, Georgia (September 25, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe earned another top-ten finish this weekend at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship held at Road Atlanta this Friday, along with the Sunoco Hard Charger for advancing five positions during the race.
“We had some fast practice sessions as we adjusted on the chassis set up,” said Courtney regarding early morning track time on Wednesday. “But then it all changed as the track heated up in the afternoon, everyone slowed down some.” For the late afternoon qualifying, temps on the track escalated as speed increased, creating hot, slippery conditions for drivers. Courtney qualified for a 12th place start.
On race day, the hot and humid conditions increased. Courtney got off to a good start and came out on top of a two-lap battle with Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 71 Mercedes-Benz SLR. Courtney was able to make headway and gain positions on several cars, earning himself the Sunoco Hard Charger award.
“It was a hot track, it made for a tough drive,” said Courtney. After charging ahead and gaining positions, Courtney found himself in the difficult position of being alone on the track. With no one bearing down on him, and the leaders just out of reach, Courtney battled with his car as he tried to pull everything he could from his machine. Racing becomes a head game, and coupled with fatigue and extreme heat, it takes a toll on the driver.
“I could see the leaders a head of me, and I would try to make some ground on them, but then I would feel the car slipping, I was just pushing it too hard,” said Courtney. When the tires got too hot, Courtney needed to ease off and let things cool for a couple of laps before making another push. “I was trying to reel them in, I felt like I was making progress, but I just needed more time and laps than the race had. I don’t think the Viper could have given me much more,” concluded Courtney.
Teammate Charlie Putman did not fare as well as Courtney, instead he struggled with handling issues with the No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and finished in 15th on race day.
“I’m looking forward to Laguna with Charlie,” said Courtney, “It should be a better situation there for him.” The final race for the SCCA SPEED GT Championship series will be held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 9-11.
Watch the penultimate round of the SCCA SPEED GT race on the SPEED channel on Tuesday, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
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Jeff Courtney in the #99 KENDA Tires
Dodge Viper Competition Coupe
2009 Road America
Shooter: Mark Weber
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GOOD TURNOUT AT ROAD AMERICA
Courtney Disappointed with Finish
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (August 16, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe entertained sponsors and friends at his home track of Road America this weekend at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship. Things didn’t go as planned and Courtney finished 13th after a 12th place start. Kuno Wittmer, driver for the RealTime Acura Touring Car team, also became Courtney’s teammate in the GT race with the No. 13 Viper. He had trouble with a suspension part and was unable to finish the race.
“I really have compassion for the team including Jeff and Kuno,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse. “Jeff worked hard for his sponsors and friends to place a great weekend in front of them. Then to have the race turn out with these results, we all need to shrug it off, say ‘that's racing,’ and move forward.”
“I was off my game this weekend,” said Courtney. After Friday morning’s practice session, Courtney needed to have his clutch replaced in his No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. The team worked hard late Friday night to replace the clutch, missing the final and most important practice session. As the cars lined up on the grid, Courtney prepared for the standing start by pulling the slack from the clutch when the car crept forward few inches prior to the start. He was penalized for that roll forward before the lights went out. During the race he was required to come into the pits for a quick stop-and-go.
“When I heard about the penalty, I was really frustrated,” said Courtney. “I radioed back to the team that I wanted to wait and try to come in under a yellow. I was distracted going into turn 14 and spun the car.” Courtney’s No. 99 Viper spun out on the grass and returned to the track, backwards. Spectators held their breath as Tony Gaples’ Corvette headed right towards him. “Tony had a great last minute maneuver, a big thanks to him for excellent driving around me. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened,” said Courtney. Both cars were unscathed.
After that, there was little Courtney could do. He reported to the pits for the penalty and returned to the track, but the race went green from flag to flag so there was no opportunity to make headway on the leaders.
Wittmer in the No. 13 car was also dealt a poor hand. Making his debut in the SCCA SPEED GT Championships, Wittmer qualified for second on the grid. After a great start and some promising first laps where he was able to pull out the lead, Wittmer was forced back to the pits due to a broken upright, part of the rear suspension. “It’s too bad for Kuno. When he approached me a couple weeks ago about a ride in the No. 13 Viper, I wasn’t very sure we could get it to happen,” said Woodhouse. “That was before Peter Cunningham [RealTime team owner] said, ‘Bob, I really think a lot of this kid and his talent. Let’s see if we can find a way.’” After the fog of the Grey Goose wore off, Woodhouse found himself driving an Acura TSX in the SCCA SPEED Touring Car race on Saturday and Wittmer racing the No. 13 Viper on Sunday for round eight of the SCCA SPEED Championship races.
Watch the race, and the spin that left us all on the edge of our seats, on September 11 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on the SPEED Channel.
As the season nears the checkered flag of its own, one cannot help but note that the Vipers have been curiously missing from the podium throughout this 2009 season. In fact, in all of the 24 podium positions of the season, a Viper has only been represented once. An unusual statistic when considering Dodge Vipers tend to make up about one third of the grid. One would expect their statistic to mimic Porsche’s, who have stood on the podium nine times this season, or even Ford, a single car entry that has been on the podium six times this season. When we go back to the 2008 season, the statistics remain stark, Vipers, a main competitor in the SCCA SPEED GT races, were represented on the podium only three times. As race fans all know, this series attempts to level the playing field by adjusting the weight and air intake restriction of each brand. The question looms on about the Vipers; are they getting a fair adjustment? Shouldn’t the competition staff identify the restrictions to the Vipers as unfair? This writer cannot help but notice these discrepancies, and finds it odd that no one else has reported on them. Am I breathing too much exhaust from an idling Viper? Perhaps not.
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Jeff Courtney moved from 15th to 8th
2009 Harrah's Autobahn Grand Prix Pres. By Mazda
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COURTNEY TAKES EIGHTH
Autobahn Gives Thrill Ride for GTs
Joliet, IL (July 26, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe ran at the first-ever professional race held at the Autobahn Country Club, the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Grand Prix. Courtney completes his second top ten finish of the season.
After a few practice runs on the 3.56 mile road course, the Woodhouse Performance Team made some adjustments to the Viper which turned in consistently better practice times. When the team made the switch from the old practice tires to fresh tires for qualifying, it set the team back on lap times. “The car was definitely running different on fresh tires, we miscued a bit on qualifying,” said Courtney.
Courtney qualified for a 15th starting position and quickly moved up the field after the mad rush start. “It was an all-out, brawling Chicago bar-fight out there,” said Courtney. “We had several double-yellow flag laps, we were moving up in the field near the end so a few more green flag laps would have helped us.”
A double-file restart added to the melee; Courtney watched as cars came flying in from the back, crashing into one another. “I was forced to go really wide in the grass to avoid major contact,” said Courtney. “I lost some ground there, I had to fight my way back through the field.”
Later in the race, Courtney took another substantial hit in the right rear-wheel and quarter panel from a late-breaking Porsche and sustained minor damage.
Courtney charged his way back to a respectable 8th place position, which he held to the end of the race.
“All in all, it was an exciting, scrappy race,” said Courtney.
Courtney and the Woodhouse Team had the opportunity to meet the sponsors from Empress Casino. “They were great, it was really nice to meet them, they did a fabulous job and we really appreciate their support,” said Courtney.
The No. 13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition coupe was idle this weekend, but that all changes for the upcoming races of the 2009 season. At the next SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT event at Mid-Ohio, Charlie Putman will join the Woodhouse Performance team as the No. 13 driver. “It’s going to be great to have Charlie on board, we raced together in the Grand Am and Panoz series and I’m looking forward to teaming up with him again.”
Racing action is certainly heating up here in the Midwest and race fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the Mid-Ohio race set for August 7-9, 2009. Watch this weekend’s Autobahn Grand Prix on the SPEED channel on August 18, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
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Jeff Courtney and Bob Woodhouse take 1st and 2nd
2009 June Sprints Presented by the Chicago Region SCCA
ELKHART LAKE - ROAD AMERICA |
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TESTING, TESTING …1, 2
Jeff Courtney and Bob Woodhouse Take First and Second at June Sprints
June 21, 2009 Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – Jeff Courtney, driver of the #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, took first place, and set a new track record, for the STO class at the June Springs, the first round in the SCCA Triple Crown Series.
“As a team, we decided to run the June Sprints in place of the July Watkins Glen race, there was a lot of exposure here, plus it was a great testing venue for our upcoming race here at Road America in August,” said Courtney. The exposure was indeed great, there were large crowds in attendance and more than 500 entries.
The Woodhouse Team used the weekend to get some testing on the #99 KENDA Tires Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. “We learned a few things that we can put into practice at the upcoming races. Not as much as I would have liked because the traffic was pretty heavy, but I’m feeling optimistic for the rest of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge series,” said Courtney.
Courtney skipped the Saturday qualifier, and ran Sunday morning to qualify for the number two position, team owner Bob Woodhouse running in the #13 Woodhouse Performance Dodge Viper Competition Coupe took the pole position.
“I can’t tell you how much fun it was to run with team owner, Bob Woodhouse, ‘The Boss’. I tried to stay glued to his back bumper and harass him in the opening laps,” said Courtney. In turn eight, Woodhouse went wide and into the grass and Courtney made his move to the outside. “When we went into the carousel, we had a little contact and we both simultaneously spun sideways, probably great entertainment for the corner workers!” said Courtney. After that incident, they both got their cars under control and Courtney took the lead and never relinquished it.
Courtney finished in first place, setting a new track record in the STO class of 2:20.443.
“It was a great time, a great race, a great track. I’m really glad we invested our time and energy into this event. After a tough start to the year, maybe this is what we needed to turn things around,” said Courtney. Courtney is looking to return to the podium during the remainder of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship season.
Courtney is preparing to do some testing on the Autobahn Country Club track in Joliet, Illinois, to be ready for the first SCCA race there. “The Autobahn Country Club track is a new addition to the SCCA series this year,” said Courtney.
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Jeff Courtney raced to a top-10 finish
2009 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Shooter: Mark Weber |
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MOVING UP
Courtney Climbs to Top Ten Finish at Long Beach
Long Beach, California (April 19, 2009) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe took to the streets at the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in sunny California. Courtney pushed through the field to a 10th place finish.
“Long Beach is a great event, I had a great time here,” said Courtney. “We struggled with some suspension failures during early practice. This took away from valuable set-up time, especially considering very limited practice time at this event,” said Courtney. Courtney ended up qualifying mid-pack in the 15th position.
“Despite qualifying 15th, I love the challenge of trying to gain positions against such stiff competition,” said Courtney. “I was pushing for better than a tenth place finish but I felt as if I really used up a lot of the car and tires moving forward and advancing through lap traffic.”
The Long Beach track winds through city streets and leaves drivers with little recourse. Drivers need to use extra caution to avoid crashes.
The Long Beach track is the only street course SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT runs in 2009. “I’m always glad to come out of a street course in one piece, as you know, the concrete walls get very narrow,” said Courtney. “I’m glad to have the #99 KENDA Tires Dodge Viper Competition Coupe come out of Long Beach intact.”
Despite a 12th place qualifications and high expectations, teammate Dave Welch suffered some tough luck suffering a brake failure sending him back to 19th position.
Check out the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship race on the historic Long Beach track on the SPEED channel on Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m. EST.
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2009 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring
Shooter: Mark Weber |
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2009 57th Annual Mobil 1
12 Hours of Sebring
Shooter: Mark Weber
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GOOD START TO SEASON LOST AT SEBRING
Courtney Gets Double-Duty at Historic Sebring
Sebring, FL, March 20, 2009 – The 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge racing season opened at the famous Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring this last weekend with veteran driver Jeff Courtney competing in the #99 KENDA Tires Viper Competition Coupe. Even though the Woodhouse Performance Team had spent many hours during the off-season preparing for the 2009 season, they were met with frustration during practice runs and qualifying. The Woodhouse Team struggled to get the chassis set up on the #99 KENDA Tires Viper, battling a strong front-end push. Ultimately, Courtney qualified a dismal 16th place starting position. “After qualifying, we spent hours pouring over the data to find more changes to make before the race to make us competitive,” said Courtney, “The whole team worked very hard to come up with a solution.”
At the green light, Courtney had a great start and picked up a few positions, but early in the race had a quick spin in turn 17. “I was still frustrated with the way the car was handling and tried to force the issue. Very upset with myself after the spin, I knew I needed to clear my head and stay focused the rest of the race,” said Courtney. “I did manage to pick up a few more positions, but I knew we would need a yellow flag to tighten the field.” A late race double yellow set up the field for its first ever double-file restart. “The field started to accordion up, it was crazy,” said Courtney. “I was just looking for a hole and trying to stay out of trouble.” Courtney received a slight nose-hit during the restart shuffle, others suffered more. “I felt fortunate that all we had was a little ding to the nose, for others it was worse,” said Courtney. “The series was searching for more action, and with the double-file restarts, they found it!” Courtney finessed his way through the field and gained a few more positions and remained strong during the last five laps to finish in fifth place overall and received the Sunoco Hard Charger award, a great end to a frustrating few days.
However, the post-race technical inspection of the #99 KENDA Viper Competition Coupe found that the front axle was six pounds under weight, disqualifying Courtney’s position and awards.
Earlier in the day, Courtney had an opportunity to race in the Touring Car competition thanks to Peter Cunningham and the RealTime Acura Racing Team. Courtney drove the #45 Acura TSX Acura/RealTime/Red Line Oil finishing 10th overall. “I want to thank Peter Cunningham for the opportunity to drive one of his cars, I had a great time and I really enjoyed the experience,” said Courtney.
A half-hour before the TC qualifying, Cunningham approached Courtney about racing the #45 car. “I had almost zero experience in a front-wheel drive touring car and I was a little hesitant,” said Courtney. “But then I realized that if I was ever going to drive one, the best case scenario would be one of RealTime’s cars.” Cunningham, in the #1 Acura TSX Acura/RealTime/Red Line Oil finished 9th, just ahead of Courtney. “Yeah, I did the politically correct thing and finished behind the eight-time champion/boss,” joked Courtney.
“We had a new co-driver with Jeff (Courtney) on the team named David Welch who drove for Numerix, a new sponsor to our series. This was Dave’s first race professionally in about four years so we were proud of how well he jumped back on the horse with a 7th place finish.” Said Bob Woodhouse owner of Woodhouse Performance. Welch drove the number #13 car for Woodhouse Performance.
If excitement is what you want, find it in the SPEED World Challenge series. Go to www.world-challenge.com to get race times for SPEED TV and www.goracetv.com for other video options. Sign up for World Challenge Fantasy Racing. Next is the famous Long Beach Grand Prix in the streets of Long Beach , California April 16-19, 2009.
If excitement is what you are looking for, you will find it at the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge series. Check out the race on the SPEED channel, date and time TBA. The series travels next to Long Beach, California April 16-19, 2009.
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Jeff Courtney of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper.
Photo by Michael Wong |
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JEFF COURTNEY RECAPS 2008 SEASON
Milwaukee, Wisc. (October 24, 2008) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, along with the entire Woodhouse Performance Team, is decompressing and re-grouping after a tumultuous season in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series. “It was intense, we suffered our share of bad luck, but a lot of great things happened,” said Courtney. For the second year in a row, Courtney finished in the top ten in Championship points.
Although Courtney was unable to climb the podium, he was awarded the Sunoco Hard Charger Award and the Racing Electronics Holeshot award a couple times this season. “We had a lot of twists and turns this season, but for a relatively small operation, Woodhouse Performance has done amazingly well. The only thing that would have made it better was if I would have gotten a win, not just for me, but for the entire team,” said Courtney. “I know that Erik (Messley) and Eddie (Martin) wanted a win as badly as I did.”
In between action at the track, Rick Maxwell and Ashley Wick worked hard to keep both the No. 99 and the No. 13 cars ready for upcoming races across the country. Countless hours were spent going over the cars and making adjustments to obtain peak performance on race day. “Everyone worked really hard this year, and it really showed in the results. I’m very proud of my team,” said team owner Bob Woodhouse.
Woodhouse Performance did collect three checkered flags this season from driver Tommy Archer in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper.
“There are so many behind-the-scenes people to thank too,” said Courtney. “Susan Dunklau, Andrew Richmond and Louise Woodhouse, they all helped so much from making travel arrangements to washing race suits between events.”
Another key component was John Mills, whose engineering experience was pivotal and helped the team earn honors this year.
“In addition to the crew and the team, I have to thank all of my sponsors. Without their support, I would not be able to participate in this great series,” said Courtney. Courtney’s sponsors include Kenda Tires, TJM Integrated Wealth Management, Coins of America, Badger Components, Karavan Trailers, JG Wheels, Eibach Springs, and Foerster Signs. I would also like to thank the following sponsors who sponsored special single events this year, such as Accurate Metal Products, Kapco Inc., and Foametix.
“MPI has done a great job of promoting me this year, a special thank you to LesleyAnn Neulrich, Dave Wied and Emily Golden for their promotional and marketing efforts,” said Courtney.
“I want to leave everyone with my appreciation,” said Courtney. “Thanks to all who have supported me, whether on television, at the race, or in the pits, all of my family and friends, it took all of you to make this work. See you again next year.”
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Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper.
Photo by Irina Bouzenkova/www.irinaphoto.com |
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END OF THE ROAD
Up and Down Season Ends at Road Atlanta
Atlanta, GA (October 3, 2008) – The Woodhouse Performance Team descended on Road Atlanta unified with a strong desire to finish on the podium. For Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper, it was the last chance this season for a checkered flag. The SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT finale was sponsored by FOAMETIX, a state-of-the-art foam building insulation supplier owned by teammate Claudio Burton, driver of the No. 13 FOAMETIX Dodge Viper, who with a large crowd of supporters also planned a good finish. When hopes are so high, anything less is disappointing, and the Woodhouse team felt the piercing disappointment of two cars in the DNF category at the end of the race.
On Tuesday after only three laps into the first practice session, Courtney’s No. 99 car lost the motor. The team scrambled to install the back-up motor, which was found to be a bit down in power. “In the last practice session Tuesday, I ran it three laps to shake it out, but it was still a little slow in the straight-aways,” said Courtney.
During the second practice session, Burton had an unfortunate crash in the No. 13 car and the Team struggled to determine whether to attempt to fix the No. 13 in time for the race, or to try and find an alternate car to run. As Foametix was sponsoring the finale, pressure to see the branding in the race was acute.
The race day, it was decided that Courtney would carry the FOAMETIX branding on his No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT finale. Along with the additional logos, Courtney’s car would be equipped with the SPEED Channel camera, giving the No. 99 car increased visibility. “I was proud to carry the branding for [Burton],” said Courtney. “I really wanted to make a good run for both [Burton] and FOAMETIX, it was just an unfortunate weekend for both of us.”
After a very limited number of practice laps, the No. 99 car made a great start on race day, earning Courtney the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award as he advanced three positions in the opening lap of the race. “I had a great start,” said Courtney. “I would gain a lot of ground in the technical sections of the track, only to lose it on the straight-aways. I still feel we could have finished in the top ten.” A top ten finish would have kept Courtney in the sixth place position in the 2008 Drivers Championship Points race, but he had to settle for eighth after being slammed from the rear and taken out of the race.
During lap 8, Jason Foster’s Dodge Viper came into turn 10 carrying excessive speed and used Courtney as a brake, crashing into the left rear portion of Courtney’s car, knocking the wind out of him. A full course caution allowed the other cars to circulate while the two wrecked cars were flat-bedded back to the pits, marking the end of the race for Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team.
“It wasn’t how we wanted to go out, I had great hopes for this race,” said Courtney. “But as I’ve said before, that’s racing. I can’t stress enough how much work the whole team was forced into this weekend and how much I appreciate all they did. No matter what happened, they kept their chins up and worked hard.”
“Although disappointing, the results from Road Atlanta were not a measure of the Woodhouse Racing Team’s ability to perform during this amazing 2008 season,” said Courtney. “The entire team accomplished fantastic results during the season, and that is what should be remembered.” Watch the race on the SPEED Channel on Wednesday, October 15 at 1 pm (EDT).
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Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper.
Photo by Irina Bouzenkova/www.irinaphoto.com |
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WET AND WILD
Thunderbolt Millville Starts Soggy, Finishes Dry
Millville, NJ (Sept. 27, 2008) – The thunder came to the newly opened Thunderbolt Millville track and it brought the rain. The wet weekend dampened speeds, but it did not dampen spirits as the Woodhouse Racing Team finished in the top ten again, with Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper finishing the race in 6th place. Teammate Brian Simo, in the No. 13 Foametix Dodge Viper, finished 5th.
The rain did bring a reprieve from the much talked about dirt and dust along the track where grass has not yet been established.
It was a wild qualifying session, starting off wet, finishing dry, with a crash ending the session early. During qualifying, lap times were dropping dramatically each lap as the track dried. “Qualifying was pretty exciting, you could be in the top five on one lap and in the next you could be 15th” said Courtney. On Courtney’s last qualifying lap, he almost aborted the lap because of a crash ahead of him. Instead, Courtney held the course and clipped off over a second and a half on his time to get the 7th place on the grid.
“It turned out to be a good weekend for us,” said Courtney. “It was pretty wet in the beginning, we only had one good dry practice session.” The wet conditions and forecast for a rain race kept the team’s focus on rain set-up. “We anticipated a wet race, that was what we were prepared for,” said Courtney. “I was nervous about a dry race, we didn’t really have enough dry track time to get the car properly set up for a dry race.”
“I got a great jump at the start,” said Courtney. “I was able to move up and battle with teammate Brian Simo for position.” Mid-race, Courtney was turning in competitive lap times with the leaders, despite struggling with a front-end push. During a late-race re-start, Courtney got another great start and an opportunity to pick off a few more positions. Courtney battled with Simo and Jason Daskalos in the No. 5 Coastal Pet Products Dodge Viper. Courtney and Daskalos bumped going into turn one, forcing Courtney off the raceline into the dirty part of the track, allowing Simo to get up alongside at the exit of turn two. Courtney could not hold the line and slid back again, losing his position. “I was having fun racing Brian and Jason hard,” said Courtney. “But I was also aware that I was racing for points and Brian was not.”
“Big thanks to the entire Woodhouse Team for once again doing a great job through adverse conditions,” said Courtney “Three days of rain creates all kinds of difficulties for the team and crew, they did a great job, as usual.
The checkered flag went to James Sofronos, a huge win after 99 previous attempts. “I would like to congratulate James on his first World Challenge victory, great race,” said Courtney. “I love my car number 99, but I don’t want to wait through 99 starts for my first victory!”
There is no rest for the weary, the Woodhouse Team heads directly to Road Atlanta for this week’s final SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge GT race.
“I'm looking forward to Road Atlanta, it is one of my favorite tracks and events. It will be a great place to end the season,” said Courtney.
As Courtney heads to Road Atlanta, he moves up to 6th place in the SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge Championship points race.
Watch the Thunderbolt Millville race on the SPEED channel on Wednesday, October 15, at noon, EDT.
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Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper. Road America. Shooter: Michael Wong |
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BELLE ISLE:
Great Atmosphere, Tough Track
Detroit, Michigan (August 31, 2008) – Motor City lived up to its name this weekend as thousands of racing fans and enthusiasts poured in to attend the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. In conjunction with the race was a nearly weeklong 10th Annual Vipers Owners Invitational. Approximately one thousand owners came to the city for the Dodge sponsored festivities, bringing with them more than 400 of their beloved street cars from all over North America. Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper welcomed the opportunity to meet the fans and enjoyed signing autographs, “It was a lot of fun,” Courtney said, “The place was packed. I couldn’t believe how enthusiastic everyone was. It was great.”
Dodge had a plethora of events and entertainment planned; including factory tours and chances to check out the Chelsea Proving Grounds and watch the Viper owners tear up the track.
The highlight of the weekend’s events was the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT race held on Sunday afternoon. This was the first time in years the series has been on the Belle Isle track and it proved to be daunting. “The track is narrow with high concrete barriers making it difficult to pass on. If you do not qualify well, it is tough to finish well,” said Courtney.
“I can’t ever remember our cars being so far off the pace this season,” said Courtney. The Vipers were running around 2 and a half seconds back of the leaders. Knowing how important a good qualifying spot would be, Courtney pushed the car hard and went just a tick over its limits coming into Turn One, but kept the slide off the wall for more than 100 yards before the bottom of the car caught on the raised concrete and twisted the car into the wall, damaging the suspension and brake lines. “I got lucky there, it could have been much worse. Along with a close call in Saturday’s practice, when the steering wheel came off in another spin, I really got a couple of breaks by not further damaging the car, or myself,” said Courtney. The team was forced to use the first lap time, putting the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper 14th on the grid.
With only three hours between qualifying and the start of the race, the Woodhouse Team did an unbelievable job putting the car back together. “I really need to thank the whole Team, Erik Messley, Eddie Martin, Ashley Wick, Rick Maxwell and Bob Woodhouse for getting my car ready for the race,” said Courtney. “I do not like putting our team and crew in that position.”
“Detroit was tough for me; passing was a challenge, almost impossible with the intake restriction we have now. I was fighting a soft brake pedal due to the damage from my qualifying spin,” said Courtney. “That, and the fact that the Vipers were just not as competitive at this venue, it was nearly impossible to move through the field.” Courtney finished the race in a frustrated 11th position, but maintained his 8th place standing in the Championship Points race.
Brian Simo, new to the Woodhouse Racing Team, stretched his racing muscles in his first SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT race this weekend. “I think Brian did well for his first time in a Viper,” said Courtney. Simo finished 10th.
The Woodhouse Team is readying the cars for the New Jersey Motorsports Park near Millville. “It is another new track for me and a chance to make things right. I look forward to the challenge,” said Courtney.
You can watch the Detroit Belle Isle race on the SPEED Channel September 12 at noon, (EDT).
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Jeff Courtney in the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper. Shooter: Michael Wong |
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BORDER CROSSING:
Mosport Track near Toronto, Canada Produces 7th Place Finish for Courtney
Toronto, Canada (August 23,2008) – Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 Kenda/TJM IWM/Coins of America Dodge Viper took to Mosport International Raceway near Toronto, Canada this weekend in the 7th race of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series. An additional 10% air intake restriction and a limited qualifying time did not keep Courtney from attacking the field and walking away with a 7th place finish overall.
During practices, the Woodhouse Racing Team had gotten the car to a reasonable point, Car Chief Erik Messley and Viper Tech Eddie Martin had planned on making a few more adjustments during the qualifying laps, but they were cut short due to a crash. “We had some ideas on what it was going to take to improve the handling, but we did not get the chance to test them in the qualifying session. We still had a good car considering our restrictions,” said Courtney who qualified the car 11th on the grid.
Courtney aced the standing start and jumped ahead of a couple cars. During the first lap of the race, Courtney saw an opportunity to make a move and gain three more positions. “Down in turn five, the field kind of bunched up. I expected three cars to push wide and so I took a gamble and went down into second gear,” Courtney said. “Instead, I got pinched off and went up on the curb and missed my shift. Instead of making up three spots, I lost three spots. That move may have been a little greedy on the first lap, but hey, that’s racing.”
Courtney battled with James Sofronas in the No. 14 Porsche 911 GT3. “Sofronas defended well, I kept harassing him, hoping he would make a mistake, but he never did anything I could capitalize on,” said Courtney.
Late in the race, the Corvette of Brian Kubinski lost the motor, blowing oil all through turn nine, in front of the Aston Martin driven by Tommy Milner Junior, the Porsche of Sofronas and the Viper of Courtney. Sofronas and Milner spun out, but fortunately Courtney made it through unscathed. “We got lucky to get through that, some didn’t,” Courtney said. “That was a wild ride, I just hung on in the car, completely sideways; I just got lucky and saved it, inches from the pavement edge.”
The yellow flag stayed out while the checkered flag flew for Eric Curran in the No. 30 Whelen Engineering Corvette.
“It was a good race, for what we were given to work with weight, restrictor and all, we did a good job,” said Courtney.
The Woodhouse Team barely has time to catch their breath before they head over to the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, August 29-31.
Catch this weekend’s race on the SPEED channel on Wednesday, August 27, at 1 pm (EDT).
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