SPORTS

A Legge up on the competition

Great Britain’s Katherine Legge wins Toyota Atlantic Championship
race at San Jose Grand Prix; several local drivers compete in Atlantic, Trans-Am races

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

England’s Katherine Legge continued her remarkable rookie season by winning the Toyota Atlantic Championship race at the Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San Jose on Sunday.

Toyota Atlantic series driver Katherine Legge was all smiles following her first-place finish on Sunday in San Jose. Legge took advantage of Charles Zwolsman’s mechanical troubles to overtake the Dutchman on the 29th lap to take the lead. Photo by Kymberli Brady

For Legge, the only woman on the Atlantic circuit, the win was her third of the season and second straight, having taken the checkered flag two weeks before in Edmonton.

“This feels great. It has been a very good weekend for us,” Legge said. “We were fast all weekend but for some reason we were not at the top of the charts during practice and qualifying.”

Nevertheless, the weekend in San Jose saw continual improvement out of Legge, who posted fourth in the second qualifying round on Saturday after placing fifth in the first qualifying session on Friday.

Legge (Polestar Racing Group) got out of the gates quickly and moved into third place past Mexico’s David Martinez at the start of the race, trailing leader Tonis Kasemets, whose day ended on lap 9 when his shift lever snapped off, forcing him off the track and out of the race. Toyota Atlantic points leader Charles Zwolsman (Condor Motorsports), who held the pole position at the starting grid before starting lap two in second place, then took the lead, holding off Legge for the next 20 laps.

But Zwolsman began to experience difficulties as well when brake and shifting problems cropped up 18 laps after taking the lead. Zwolsman, a native of the Netherlands, was able to hold off Legge for two laps after the problems with his car surfaced, but on the 29th lap, Legge swung to the outside and passed Zwolsman on turn eight, taking the lead the rest of the way.

“It was difficult because I had to decide when to push hard and damage the gear box even more or lay back and give the car a break a little bit,” Zwolsman said. “So I had to walk a tight line and I’m lucky to finish the race third.”

Great Britain’s Katherine Legge won the Toyota Atlantic Championship series race at the Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix on Sunday, passing leader Charles Zwolsman on the 29th lap on turn eight. For Legge, the win was her third of the season. Photos by Ron Stenn of www.actionphotodesign.com.

With Zwolsman fading back, Martinez took second place on lap 38, pushing Legge until the very end of the race, as evidenced by his 1.084-second lag time. It wasn’t enough to overtake Legge however, who pushed her points standing from fifth to third with the win.

“There was a lot of pressure but you can’t watch your mirrors the whole race, otherwise you don’t get anywhere,” said Legge. “You have to just focus on going forward and look ahead. I honestly don’t know whether I would’ve passed Charles (Zwolsman) if he hadn’t had problems. I saw my opportunity and I went for it.”

California native Justin Sofio placed first in the C2 class and ninth overall in the race. Sofio began his racing career in 2004 after spending more than five years as a mechanic for various racing teams. Sofio came into the race leading C2 class drivers in points with 209. Sofio’s win in San Jose gave him the 2005 C2 class championship.

Among the local drivers who competed in the Toyota Atlantic Championship race in San Jose was Willow Glen resident and Saratoga High School graduate Grant Ryley, who finished seventh overall. Ryley said he was happy with his performance on Sunday, which saw him move up to seventh after starting out in the 11th spot.

Los Gatos native Mark Ishikawa didn’t finish the Toyota Atlantic Championship race in San Jose on Sunday, leaving after 27 laps because of contact that damaged his car. Photos by Ron Stenn of www.actionphotodesign.com

“We’re really happy,” said Ryley. “ … It was an awesome race; I had a lot of fun. That’s the key—I had fun. I got out of the race car happy and when you get out of the race car happy, it’s cool.”

Ryley (Intervision Systems/Condor Motorsports team) said one of the best parts of the weekend was being able to sleep in his own bed and is looking forward to returning to race in his hometown again next year.

“I’m already trying to put together a program for next year,” Ryley said. “ … I’d love to come back and do it again. It’s a great event. The fans were unbelievable.”

Another local driver, Mark Ishikawa of Los Gatos, started out with the 20th spot in the race but didn’t finish, leaving the track after 27 laps because of contact.

California’s Boris Said wins Trans-Am race on Saturday
In the Trans-Am race on Saturday, Boris Said took the checkered flag after taking over the top spot in the race on lap nine.

Coming into the race, Said qualified for the fifth spot despite finishing first in Friday’s qualifying round. Said, a native of Carlsbad, quickly moved into the No. 4 spot on lap three and continued his progress early, moving into the third spot on the following lap.

Carlsbad native Boris Said took first in the Trans-Am race on Saturday, his 14th career win. Said began in the fifth spot but gradually moved up throughout the early stages of the race before taking over first place on lap nine. Photos by Ron Stenn of www.actionphotodesign.com

Said then took the No. 2 spot in the race on lap eight before passing Joey Scarallo on the 9th lap to take the lead. From that point on, Said held off No. 2 finisher Greg Pickett, who won the Trans-Am race two weeks ago in Edmonton.

“It was a riot racing out there,” said Said, who won his 14th career Trans-Am race. “ … It’s one of the best first-time events I’ve ever been to.”

Local San Jose driver Rudy Revak (Symmetry Racing) finished sixth overall but placed first in the GTA class, taking home a trophy. Among the other local drivers, San Jose’s Dave Brown finished 19th overall and 13th in the GTA class.

“We had a great day,” said Revak. “We had a lot of trouble with the brakes all weekend … but the San Jose event has really been outstanding. I’m sure next year will be twice as good.”

In the GT1 class, Canadian Moneca Kolvyn placed first in her class, while placing 21st overall in the race.

Sports Briefs

Central Valley Edge holds youth soccer tryouts
CV Edge, a Class 3/U-17 girls’ soccer team, is offering Monday/Wednesday tryouts to girls born after 7/31/88 for the fall season for all positions. Contact Patty Rashid (408) 267-2740 or Afsari at (650) 771-6213 for more information.

South Valley Lacrosse Chiefs offers free clinic August 20
South Valley Lacrosse Chiefs are offering a free clinic during the summer for kids in grades three through eight on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Williams Elementary School in San Jose. 

The Chiefs are adding a seventh/eighth grade team in spring, 2005. The free summer clinics give newcomers a chance to try the sport before they purchase equipment (loaner sticks available on first-come, first-served basis). So bring a friend and come have some fun with lacrosse. RSVP to joy.bender@prodigy.net.  Our Web site is www.svlax.com.

Almaden Metro holds soccer tryouts
Almaden Metro Class 3, U-17 boys, is holding tryouts for fall season most Sundays. Date of birth after 7/31/88. Contact Jeff Earl at (408) 268-5125 or jesvo11@yahoo.com.

Bret Harte seeks Boys Junior Lacrosse coaches
Bret Harte Middle School in San Jose is looking for boys’ junior lacrosse coaches for the 2005-2006 season. Multiple positions are available for both head coaches and assistants. Previous lacrosse coaching experience strongly recommended; competitive salary. If you are skilled in lacrosse, kid-oriented, and motivated to create a winning team from the ground floor up, we would love to talk with you! This is an exciting, and rapidly growing sport in California, and these Bret Harte boys are ready to go!

For more information, please contact Mike Garcia at 408-590-6949 or emailmgarcia@gmail.com.

BU-12 Select Soccer team is looking for a goalie
 Almaden Valley Storm, a Class 1, U-12 boys’ select soccer team, is looking for a full-time goalkeeper. Last year, the Almaden Storm advanced to the round of 16 in state cup and was knocked out by one of the teams that went to the finals. This year, we hope to win the cup.  If you have a son who wants to play goalie full time and has had some comp or select level playing experience, feel free to come to our Tuesday and Thursday practices. The age group for BU12 is 08/01/93 to 7/31/94 (or younger, if he is good goal-keeper).  Contact Mo Bani-Taba for location and times at (408) 221-5377 or mbanitaba@yahoo.com.

U-15 comp girls’ soccer team needs a goalie
Almaden Phoenix, a Class 3, comp U-15 girls soccer team needs a full-time goalie. We have an extremely good team put together for the fall season—two goalie coaches. Must be born after 8/1/90. Please contact Scott Hoyt at 408-323-7803 or shoyt@cinnabarhills.com.

From boy to man in three seconds

Life flashes by during ride in historic stock car on streets of San Jose

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

It all started with an innocuous phone call late at night, just four days before the start of the Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San Jose

DRIVING MR. ABELOOS. Times sports writer Diego Abeloos (left) poses for a photo with Bruce Swanson of Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, owner of the No. 7 Exide Batteries Ford Thunderbird stock car. The car’s previous owners included NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, who drove the car on the NASCAR circuit during the 1990s. Photo by Kymberli Brady

“Are you ready for this?” said the voice on the other end of the line. “You’d better bring a change of boxer shorts.”

That voice on the line was my colleague, Times staff writer Kymberli Brady. She informed me that she arranged for both of us to go for a ride through the streets of San Jose as passengers in a pair of historic NASCAR stock cars on Thursday, July 28. The ride, which would take us from Stockton Avenue (near the HP Pavilion) to the McEnery Convention Center, was to be accomplished under full police escort in a controlled environment. In other words, there would be no high-speed drag racing along the way.

OK, now let’s hit the pause button.

Before I go any further, let’s make something crystal clear.

Prior to the grand prix, I had no knowledge of racing whatsoever. The only thing I knew about NASCAR was through highlights on ESPN, showing fiery crashes and other unpleasant sights no human being should have to endure—and then I nearly swallowed my tongue, realizing I would be riding in one of those cars.

Granted, going 40 miles per hour down San Jose streets is nothing new to me, as we would be in the NASCAR stock cars, but the thought of being hopelessly strapped into one of these powerful vehicles like a crash test dummy was rather unsettling.

PIPE DREAMS OR NIGHTMARE? Times sports writer Diego Abeloos behind the wheel of Bruce Swanson’s Ford Thunderbird. Don’t be fooled by the smile— he’s more nervous than an expectant father. Photo by Kymberli Brady

As July 28 approached, thoughts of my demise were running through my head like a video reel played on an endless loop. The only comfort I had was knowing that if something did happen, there was sure to be someone among the numerous drivers who would pull my smoldering carcass from the car.

My wife Vanessa, usually the consoling type, had only a couple of choice words of advice for me before I left for my ride: “Don’t die,” she said in a sarcastic tone.

When I arrived at the storage yard on Stockton Avenue—the place where the stock cars were located—I found my driver, Bruce Swanson of Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, and his No. 7 Exide Batteries Ford Thunderbird stock car, which was previously driven in the NASCAR circuit by Geoff Bodine in the mid-1990s.

One look at Bruce and a single thought popped into my head—this is the guy who’s going to determine whether I walk away unscathed or, in the worst case, will have to order a colorful wreath for my funeral out of sheer guilt.

When “go-time” finally came, Bruce looked at me and simply said, “Get in.”

Once I pulled my “Dukes of Hazzard” maneuver and climbed into his car, my mind went blank. I couldn’t even figure out how to buckle my belts—and so, in a sheepish tone—I asked Bruce for help.

Boy, did I feel like a man.

CLIMBING IN. Times staff writer Kymberli Brady poses for a shot following a ride in the No. 68 Country Time Lemonade Ford Thunderbird owned by Russ Romer. Photo by Diego Abeloos

The engine then rumbled to life and sounded like a dozen Harley-Davidson motorcycles under one hood. Earplugs in and my white-knuckled grip firmly around a random roll-cage bar, we took off with a police escort at our side, speeding down the road in a way most men only wish they could do in their Toyota Corollas.

I had to admit, I was enjoying this ride and I even managed to crack a nervous smile—that is, until Bruce decided to let the stock cars in front of him ride on, clearing a 50-60 yard stretch of road down Montgomery Street. With a slightly devilish grin on his face, Bruce kicked the car into high gear, an obvious show of the car’s true power to the on-looking San Jose residents lining the street.

My head snapped back as if I just caught a bullet with my teeth. I looked to my right and saw the spectators on the street become streaks of muddled colors. And just as quickly, we slowed down, having caught up with the rest of the pack as we neared our final destination.

Suddenly, my senses returned to my body, having been left behind, along with all my major organs, somewhere on the corner of Montgomery Street and Santa Clara Street.

Once we pulled inside the McEnery Convention Center, I happily hopped out of the car, having finally figured out how to unbuckle the seatbelt, and helped Bruce push the car to its resting place.

CHECK YOUR SIX. Times staff writer Kymberli Brady, riding in the No. 68 Country Time Lemonade Ford Thunderbird owned by Russ Romer, snapped this shot of a view from behind as the procession of stock cars roll toward the McEnery Convention Center. Photo by Kymberli Brady

The one thing I took away from the experience—aside from a sweat-soaked shirt—was an appreciation for guys like Bruce Swanson who own historic NASCAR stock cars.

They simply do it for the love of driving.

Money is certainly not a motivating factor, since the drivers and owners pay expenses. such as $700 per tire, out of their own pockets. If you think gas prices are high in the Bay Area, then try filling up a stock car at $6 per gallon.

It’s about speed, the likes of which my boxy little Scion Xb will never get to experience. In fact, these cars make my Scion look like a turtle with a limp.

But while guys like Bruce Swanson pay a hefty price for a hobby like racing historic stock cars, I’ve paid a small price too, finding out just how awesomely powerful these machines truly are.

Here’s a rundown:

The cost of a pair of earplugs: $2.

The cost of a new pair of boxer shorts: $7 (I prefer cotton to silk).

The cost of riding in a historic stock car: priceless—and worth the experience. But I’ll stick with my sputtering Scion Xb.

The good, the bad, and the ugly—all for a good cause

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

When San Jose Grand Prix Vice President and General Manager Bob Singleton promised more than a race, rather a weeklong festival of activities that would generate significant revenue for the local community, he wasn’t kidding.

Mayor Ron Gonzales and his wife Giselle enjoy the entertainment provided by a very active live auction that offered everything from a ride in Champ car to a bicycle getaway on a private jet with Lance Armstrong and Robin Williams. Photo by Kymberli Brady

Whether hard-core race fans, hungry downtown business owners, or those simply looking for something exciting to do, the San Jose Grand Prix put the city on the map during the first open-wheel street race ever held in Northern California.

In fact, it made for a high-octane weekend of fast cars, slow pedestrian bridges, record-breaking bar business, disappointing restaurant sales [unless you own nearby Peggy Sue’s]; double the usual light rail capacity, and 30-50,000 more people than anticipated.

And then there’s the big number that has everyone intimately involved holding their collective breath over, as the inaugural race through the streets of downtown San Jose is being called a huge success, with preliminary revenue estimates hovering around the $20 million mark. Things could have been much worse. They could have been better too. All in all, it wasn’t bad for the first time around the track.

The Good.
Hotels were sold out, nearby bars beat all prior revenue records. The Grill, dubbed “Race Central” normally rakes in about $16,000 on a good Friday night. Last Friday, they recounted the $30,000 take again just to be sure of the number that not only broke their own record, but a franchise record as well.

Light rail usage nearly doubled from an average of 26,000 passengers to 51,000 on race day, much to the delight of VTA officials. Those who opted to spend the weekend downtown saw the city in a completely different light while traversing the local streets—revealing a downtown in the midst of a silent growth spurt, with luxury apartments and homes reminiscent of the well-manicured Brownstones of New York City—an impossible perspective from within the confines of a vehicle [hybrid or otherwise], unless you can put the top down.

OSH President and CEO Rob Lynch, center, believes in supporting events that give back to the community. Shown with James Lo [left] and employee Faruk Abdulah. Photo by Kymberli Brady

Those willing [or able] to shell out $500 a ticket for a seat at the Canary Fund Cabana Night, dined under Cabanas on lit tables, got a better look at some of the drivers, who modeled the latest Tommy Bahamas fashions hosted by NBC11 anchors Diane Dwyer and Raj Mathai, participated in a frenzied live auction, with a little prodding by premier auctioneer, Jay Fisk that captured $15,000 for a ride in the custom two-seater Canary Champ car and $30,000 for a bike ride with Lance Armstrong and his pal Robin Williams (destination TBD). The lucky bidder will be notified by phone, picked up in a private jet and whisked off to [France perhaps?] for the adventure. When the auctioneer offered the second high bidder the same opportunity, he happily raised his bid.

The highlight of the evening was an exclusive performance by the B-52s, who still had it after all those years, as was evident by the overflowing dance floor where 90 percent of the ballroom had migrated until hotel management pulled the plug.

The auction raised over $150,000 in less than a half hour, while the event total came in at a cool half million.

On Saturday, $7,500 could have guaranteed you a seat in a go-cart and a chance to race the legendary Paul Newman at the miniature track located next to the whole pig roasting on a barbecue spit.

Actor, philanthropist, and race car owner Paul Newman, 80, climbed into a go cart and readied himself for the competition: a dozen or so corporate CEOs and 101FM radio personality Don Bleu, all in the name of charity, friendly competition, and bragging rights.

“The Canary Fund and the whole camp here are involved in cancer,” Newman said. “They’re involved in the cure of it and the healing of it. It’s a joint venture, and a very good one at that.”

The B-52s hit all the right notes and inherited a full row of background wannabe race car drivers-turned singers/dancers following a clam bake-style dinner, fashion show and live auction that raised a cool half million dollars for the Canary Fund. Photo by Charles Sullivan

“Even though it’s the first year, everybody seemed to be having a good time,” said 101 FM’s Don Bleu. As soon as the cars go by at 140 mph, everybody goes, oh wow, this is great! That’s why we’re happy to be a part of this. It’s really good for San Jose and it’s great for the Bay Area.”

With a chuckle, Bleu stressed the importance of knowing his machine, especially the gas tank wedged between his legs, which were wedged into a machine not very accommodating to his six-foot four stature.

"Once you get out there, you’re just a bunch of little boys … or girls," he said. "We’re just having fun but it will probably be competitive. I’m sure the Silicon Valley will have something to defend and who ever wins will be brought back to task next year.

Aside from the thrill of the ride, Rob Lynch, Almaden resident and CEO of OSH Hardware said it was worth every penny, for two reasons.

“It was a great event, really well done and for a great cause," he said. “One of our core values is giving back to the community and stopping and doing things like this for other people. It’s not just about making a buck. When I heard about this, it was a no brainier. It was successful and that’s what it’s all about.

The Bad.
$3 bottles of water … and the pedestrian bridges, or lack thereof, which created enough chaos on their own that everything else probably originated there.

Mayor Ron Gonzales summed the dilemma up rather eloquently and promised to rectify the problem next year.

“When you plan a party in your living room for 100,000 people and 150,000 show up, some things will suffer, but they are all issues that can be remedied.”

Race organizers echoed the sentiment in a full-page ad which promised “more fun, more speed, and more bridges!”

The Ugly.
The tracks, the tracks, the tracks—specifically those used to keep the city's lightrail on course, but instead provided fans with unique glimpses of cars catching serious airtime. They were indeed the token scapegoat for every bolt, push rod, and carburetor that ended up on the track, forcing nearly half of the cars into the pits before the end of the race, one that will surely improve over the years, because racing looks like it’s here to stay. The drivers want to come back, attendance signified a powerful show of support, and downtown San Jose is sexier because of it.

The Canary Fund, a public nonprofit organization has joined forces with The American Cancer Society, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and others dedicated to the research and development of a Biomarker Discovery Platform [BDO] that will make early detection screening less evasive, while raising much-needed funding for ongoing research and awareness. For more information, visit www.canaryfund.org.

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