Barbacoa Racing

Japan Proves Kind to Barbacoa Bugatti Racing August 1, 2012. Motegi, Japan. Both Japanese racing events of the ISRA Grand Prix Championship season, Suzuka Circuit and Twin Ring Motegi, have provided Barbacoa Bugatti Racing with some much needed points toward both the drivers’ championship and the team championship. Although Jason Pitts was absent from the Suzuka race due to his recovery from the shunt at Spa two weeks ago, Sheldon Goobie represented the team very well by clinching a fourth place finish, making up for the points lost by the team due to only entering one driver at the classic Japanese track. Sheldon did a great job in Suzuka, stepping up when the team needed him most – certainly a job well done. Following Sheldon’s stellar finish at Suzuka, the team arrived in Motegi with high hopes and ready to fight hard for the win. Motegi welcomed the return of Jason Pitts, fully recovered from the incident at Spa and ready to race. Qualifying for the team went well. Sheldon was able to start in 6^th place with a very fast time of 1:28.953. Jason started three grid spots behind his teammate in 9^th position with a time of 1:29.475. As was evident during the racing session, the team opted to try two different setups this week – Sheldon’s # 49 was set up to be faster on the straights, while Jason’s car was setup with higher downforce in the rear to allow for greater grip on turn exit. The start of the race was very clean thanks to the stewards insisting on gridding during practice in order to simulate a race start. This was done twice to get the race-start yips out of the way. This was implemented partially because of Jason’s shunt at Spa and partially because of the high number of first lap incidents in some of the past races this season. Thankfully, it worked and both Barbacoa drivers made a clean start. Jason’s # 11 chassis shot through the pack, gaining 4 spots before turn 3. Sheldon was able to gain 1 spot as well, putting both cars near the front of the pack early in the race. The entire first stint saw both Barbacoa cars racing for position with the Kaiser Racing team. There was some hard racing between the teams as Jason and Sheldon raced with Anthony Muniz and Ryan Cornes. Anthony would gain on Jason near the end of the straights, and Jason would pull away on corner exits. Jason completed the race in a very respectable 5^th position, while Sheldon’s second stint saw him back the car into the wall gently, but enough to cause his rear wing significant damage which took pace off the car for the rest of the race. At this time, the team would like to categorically deny the rumors that have been brewing in the pit lane about Sheldon’s lack of concentration during the race. Although it is an unofficially accepted fact in Formula One that Japan boasts some of the most exuberant female fans of the sport, there is absolutely no truth to the claim that Sheldon was distracted by some fans of the female persuasion which were gathering around turn 5 where his car suffered its damage. Despite the rumors, and the considerable damage to the rear wing, Sheldon was able to nurse the car to the finish line, gaining healthy points for the team and finishing 11^th – very good considering the damage the car sustained. Sheldon Goobie: “This was my first ever race at the Twin Ring. So I was very slow to find my race pace in the practice sessions. I eventually found a comfortable rhythm to allow me to run low 1:30s. During the first stint I was able to stay within a second of Jason and Anthony’s battle. Sometimes closing on Anthony on some parts of the track where I was a little quicker. But I wasn’t quick enough to pass. I eventually got caught out by some slower traffic and dropped off their battle and I was unable to make up the gap from there. I made a mistake coming under the bridge shortly into my second stint and hit the wall. From there I had to run the race with no rear wing and my car was about 2 seconds slower a lap. My second stop I demanded a new rear wing and the crew spent over a minute fiddling with my car but was unable to attach the wing and sent me back out, I was able to finish in 11th. It’s a real shame the car had a lot of potential this weekend.“ Jason Pitts: “Twin Ring Motegi has always been a favorite track of mine and I always do reasonably well here. There is something about the flow of the track that allows me to get into a rhythm unlike many other tracks we race at. I would really like to thank the team for their hard work during my absence and giving me a car which was just great. The car was not the fastest in qualifying, but it provided me with just the right balance of speed and rear grip which is so important at this track. Although some of my competitors were able to catch me at the end of the straights, they were unable to pass due to the extraordinary exit speed the car provided. Thanks again to the team and I look forward to the next race back in the US.”

You may contact the team by sending email to either Jason Pitts (Barbacoa@skykingtech.com) or Sheldon Goobie (SGoobie@gmail.com).

Get more information about the ISRA Racing League here: http://www.israleague.com/

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Bugatti Racing Put Discouraging Results at Spa Behind Them and Look Forward to Suzuka July 18, 2012. Francorchamps, Belgium. Following good results from both drivers at Silverstone, Barbacoa Racing expected a stellar showing at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The team optimized the new engine package from Bugatti at the last race, and was looking forward to racing the car at Spa where further chassis changes would be implemented. During the week before the race, the team worked tirelessly to refine the car further and developed a new aero package, specially designed for the sweeping turns and rolling hills of Belgium. In the final practice session prior to qualifying, Sheldon Goobie set the team’s best lap time of the session with a 1:50.283. This result, along with 197 mph time through the speed trap, solidified the team’s belief that it had found the magical engine/aero combination needed to make both cars the fastest on the track in a straight line. Sheldon Goobie completed a blistering qualifying lap to start in 8^th position with a 1:50.197 – further improving on his fastest time of the weekend set earlier that day during practice. Jason Pitts struggled with traffic to complete a clean lap early in qualifying, but was able to earn 11^th position with a 1:50.665. The lights went green and there was instant mayhem as cars swerved to avoid a car that was stalled on the grid. Fortunately, both Barbacoa Bugatti Racing drivers were able to avoid the stalled car and race cleanly towards turn 1. Jason’s #11 chassis tore through the pack, making up 4 spots before the first turn. Unfortunately, as Jason entered turn 1, his car was hit hard from behind causing a horrible accident. The car barrel-rolled across the track and into the run-off area – fortunately Jason only suffered minor injuries and was later treated and released by the track medics. It was fortunate that no other drivers were hurt during the incident and that Jason will only have to recuperate for one race and be able to continue the season at Twin Ring Motegi in two weeks’ time. The team was gutted, but made quick work of loading the remains of the chassis into the transport hauler for return to the factory. Sheldon Goobie fared much better on the start and proceeded through the mayhem at turn 1, narrowly missing Jason’s flying car as it crossed over his front wing. Unfortunately, Sheldon’s race ended only 4 laps later, after permanently lodging the car on the wall at the exit of Eau Rouge. Although there has been no conclusive evidence as of yet, it is believed that the nose of Sheldon’s car (which was replaced on lap two) suffered from a manufacturing defect, and consequently failed while under severe compression in Eau Rouge causing the loss of control. All team members have put this race behind them, and are looking forward to giving full attention to Sheldon’s #49 chassis in Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course next week. The team wishes Jason a speedy recovery and looks forward to working on the #11 car upon his return. Sheldon Goobie: Sheldon was unavailable for comment after the race as he avoided the press area and left the track immediately following his retirement from the race. Jason Pitts: “I would be lying if I said this weekend wasn’t a huge disappointment for the team. We had two great cars with new aero packages and we were very fast in a straight line here. I am glad that my accident was not more serious, and I look forward to spending the next couple of weeks recuperating with my wife and family. I want to thank the team for staying strong through this ordeal and focusing on the matter at hand, which is to get Sheldon’s car ready for Suzuka next week. We have a great team here at Barbacoa Bugatti Racing and we hope to get much better results during the next two events in Japan. I would also like to thank the ISRA GPC stewards for initiating an investigation of the race start in Belgium. I have full confidence in the governing body, and am sure that they will take whatever actions are appropriate to ensure the future integrity of our great sport.” Please visit this link to see the results of the race and the pictures of the cars following their incidents on track. View the Cars and Race Results from the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix.

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Bugatti Racing Endure Grueling Silverstone GP July 11, 2012. Towcester, Northamptonshire, UK. Barbacoa Racing showed up with shiny new Bugatti engines for round 3 of the ISRA GPC series at the historic Silverstone track in the UK. Having just freshly inked the engine supply deal only weeks before this round, the team was anxious to test the engines on the track and see what they were capable of. The team worked out a few electronics issues in the early Free Practice session and was able to put together a respectable program for the weekend and show up on race day with two cars ready to take the fight to our competitors for top 10 finishes. Jason Pitts was able to put in a quick lap late in his qualifying session and start the race in 10th position with a time of 1:23:326. Sheldon Goobie was unable to match his earlier best FP time but still put in a very respectable tim about a half second off his teammate and started in 14th position. The race started, and some cars went off track early on the first lap, but both Barbacoa cars made it through the action unharmed and set out on the charge to race hard for a top 10 position. This was accomplished by Jason as he was able to bring home the #11 Barbacoa Bugatti Racing Williams FW31 chassis in 6th place, his best finish of the season thus far. Sheldon Goobie’s #49 Barbacoa Bugatti Racing FW31 chassis was less fortunate, and experienced some off track excursions early on. Then, some contact with Lance Snyder on the last lap (after an epic 10 lap battle trying to secure the 11th position) resulted in having to settle for 14th position. Sheldon Goobie: “Today wasn’t one of my better races. We have been dealing with getting to grips with this new engine all weekend. My guys were able to put together something that was pretty good for the race, but I think I was just out of touch with the car after the summer break. I had some great battles with the mid-pack and the last lap run with Lance was a lot of fun. He was able to maintain the position until the last lap when I made a mistake and luckily I didn't end either of our races! Anyway, we will send the cars to Belgium and begin preparation for the next round. Spa has never been one of my strong tracks so we are hoping to get as many points as possible. Just like to thank the Barbacoa Bugatti squad and I look forward to the next round.” Jason Pitts: “This weekend at Silverstone was a turning point for the team – I am extremely pleased and proud of the Barbacoa Bugatti Racing team. With assistance from our engine partner, Bugatti, and due to a lot of hard work during the off-week, both cars finished the race in the points and showed that the team has what it takes to bring in points from both cars in one race! My sixth place finish was hard fought and very satisfying. I knew the car had what it takes to win, especially with the new Bugatti engine package, but I was not sure how much I could extract from the car on the track. After deciding to go with a more stable, easy-to-drive setup, I quickly fell into a rhythm and let the car work its magic under my fingers. Thanks again to the entire team, and congratulations on bringing both cars home in one piece and in the points.” Please visit this link to see the results of the race and the series standings following the Silverstone race. View the Standings following the Silverstone Grand Prix.

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Racing Announces 1 Year Deal With Bugatti June 30, 2012. California, USA. Barbacoa Racing is pleased to announce a 1 year deal with Bugatti to supply engines for the remaining 6 rounds of the ISRA GP Championship. This announcement is of historical significance since the Bugatti brand has not been present on the Formula One grid since 1956. Bugatti has enjoyed a long standing tradition of outstanding performance in both road and race-going vehicles. Dating back to the early 1900s, Bugatti has strived to create supremely engineered vehicles that excel on both the racetrack, and on the road. We encourage you to visit your local Bugatti dealership for more information. Please enjoy a selection of some Bugatti vehicles, both new and vintage found here: Bugatti Vehicle Gallery. Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, CEO, Bugatti: “We are very pleased to announce this association with Barbacoa Racing. When I was appointed CEO of Bugatti, I made it my mission to one day return the company to the pinnacle of motorsport. Today, we have achieved that goal by having a significant presence on the grid of the ISRA GP Championship F1 series. We are very excited to be the exclusive engine supplier to Barbacoa Racing and look forward to even greater results this season.” Sheldon Goobie: “I am happy to become a part of the Bugatti family. Today marks a huge achievement for Barbacoa Racing and with the technology found at Bugatti it can only improve this FW31 chassis and elevate the performance even further. I am looking forward to the first shipment of engines which are already on their way to our factory in preparation for the next round in Silverstone.” Jason Pitts: “I could not be more excited to partner with Bugatti. When I was a young lad, all my friends were putting Countache and Lamborghini posters on their walls, but I was admiring my Bugatti posters. Bugatti has been a longtime favorite of mine, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them in the ISRA GPC. With the addition of Bugatti engines, I am certain that our future success in the series is assured by making a great car even better.”

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Racing has impressive 6th place showing at Watkins Glen June 27, 2012. WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL – Watkins Glen, New York, USA. The Barbacoa Racing banner was again present on the grid at round 2 of the ISRA GPC series, this time taking place at the Watkins Glen circuit. The Team showed great promise after a complete transmission overhaul late in the first practice session. The new transmissions were to give the cars better performance off the line for the start and up the long hill into the fastest part of the circuit. After some data analysis it was determined that the setup previously used by the team was in fact not geared correctly and thus the team was losing valuable time on one of the most important sections of the track. With the Setup changes the team was able to put the cars on the grid in 12th and 15th positions. The #11 car of Jason Pitts qualified with a time of 1:19.599 and the #49 of Sheldon Goobie with a time of 1:19.793 - both drivers got the maximum out of the team’s FW31 chassis. The race saw both drivers launch off the grid very well and make up positions immediately in the opening laps with Jason Pitts working his way up to 4th position by the end of the first stint and Sheldon Goobie able to move his car into 11th position in the first stint. After the first round of stops Jason encountered what is suspected to be a left rear tire failure on the car causing him to hit the pit wall barrier on lap 17 ending the #11s chances at a potential podium result. Sheldon was able to maintain the charge, and with the plan A fuel strategy, able to maintain a pace that would see the car gradually move through the field over the next two stints bringing the Barbacoa Racing #49 car home in 6th place. Sheldon Goobie: “Today we had a great race, it was just good to finally get a result with the Barbacoa Racing FW31 chassis and show the team that we are working in the right direction. We had a change of plan half way through FP1 and was able to really make the car comfortable to drive over the race distance and I think it showed today with the 6th place result. I had some great battles through the early stint staying in touch with Mike and Luc early on showed me that this car had potential today. Then on the first pit stop I was able to jump them and from there I had to maintain the pace. Big thanks to all the team today and we look to bring this momentum to Silverstone and get a good result there!” Jason Pitts: “This was a very disappointing result for me today. After gaining 5 positions by the end of lap 1, I knew that the team had given me a top 5 car. Unfortunately, tire failure struck shortly after my first pit stop ending my race. However, my poor showing today is overshadowed by the outstanding results of my team mate Sheldon Goobie. I would like to congratulate Sheldon on his 6^th place finish and for representing the team well, and showing what the car is capable of. In two weeks, I hope to join Sheldon for the after-race celebrations at the London Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant - the closest location to our next venue, Silverstone.” View the team’s gallery of Watkins Glen event photos here: Barbacoa Racing Watkins Glen Race Gallery

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Racing head down under for the ISRA GPC inaugural race June 20, 2012. PHILLIP ISLAND CIRCUIT – Victoria, Australia. Barbacoa Racing were one of the many teams in attendance for the GPC inaugural race at the Sunny Phillip Island GP circuit. Both Barbacoa Racing drivers had taken part in the annual “Keg Fest” the night before the race and were said to have represented the team quite well. However, the race itself brought out a lack of discipline among the team as both drivers encountered early race incidents that would either end or cripple the chances at great results overall. Sheldon Goobie’s #49 car made contact in turn 2 on lap 1 and sent him into a somersaulting flip into the kitty litter damaging his splitter, rear wing and bending the chassis. Although the team was eager to put the car back on track, the safety marshals had to call it and end the #49’s race. Jason Pitts’ #11 car showed more potential by starting from 13th position and by having some good battles during the race. Unfortunately, the #11 car also made contact in turn 2 and had to pit earlier than expected due to massive understeer from a badly damaged front wing. Jason would drop to 23rd position early in the race, but due to sheer persistence, showed the potential of the Barbacoa Racing chassis by working his way up to 10th position late in the race. The #11 car had to settle for 11th place following a last lap mistake. Sheldon Goobie: “I really had high hopes going into the race. I had made the trip out here last month for an early pre-season test shortly after the announcement of the GPC. On race day we clearly saw that our car was missing the needed pace to fight for the top positions but we really wanted to perform well for our guys! I really got the most out of the car in Qualifying and ran a personal best for the weekend to put the car on the grid in 17th. My race did not last long as I had some miscommunication with my spotter and made contact with the #3 car in turn 2 sending me into a full flip and ending my chances for a good result.” Jason Pitts: “As team principal, I am disappointed with our showing in Australia. I know the cars and drivers are capable of much better results and as a team, we did not capitalize on that capability. Consequently I intend to seriously review the team’s conduct during the race weekend. In addition, a Code of Conduct will be established for each race weekend in order to avoid the now-famous “Keg Fest” debacle from ever occurring again. That said, as a driver I am extremely proud of the team for coming together on race day (despite our issues the day prior to the race) and dealing well with difficult circumstances during the race. I was able to get one quick lap in during qualifying and at least start the car mid pack in 13th position. We had both cars on a two stop strategy and we believe this would have placed the cars in the top 10 if we didn't have problems early in the race. Throughout the race it was a close battle and I was able to maintain good pace and make up some positions to bring the car home in 11th place. I would like to thank the ISRA for hosting the race and for developing what is sure to be a brilliant GPC inaugural season.” View the team’s gallery of Phillip Island event photos here: Barbacoa Racing Phillip Island Race Gallery

Barbacoa Racing

Barbacoa Racing make valiant effort in Watkins Pre-Season Test Race June 13, 2012. WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL – Watkins Glen, New York, USA. Barbacoa Racing was in attendance for the 2nd ISRA GP Pre-season test race at the beautiful sunny Watkins Glen running the Historic Boot configuration. Both cars showed respectable pace in qualifying and placed within the top 10 positions. Team Principal and driver Jason Pitts was able to muster up a very quick 1:19:373, securing the 7th grid position to start the race. Driver Sheldon Goobie wasn’t able to match his teammate’s pace in qualifying and found himself starting 10th with a 1:20:159. Both cars had great starts and ran competitively for the first stint of the race however shortly before Sheldon’s first stop, disaster struck and he lost control on the last turn sending him into the wall and to the pits for repairs. Jason would suffer the same fate on turn one near the end of his first stint and would also need repairs sending both cars a couple laps down. Overall the cars finished well with Jason coming across the line in 5^th, 2 laps down on the race winner and Sheldon in 8^th, position 4 laps down. Jason Pitts: “Today we just couldn't get a handle on the car. The track was very difficult and required an optimal setup that we chased after for both practice sessions but were never able to really catch. At the end of the day we had another solid finish and I would like to thank the Chipotle Barbacoa Racing guys for really going the extra mile to make the car comfortable for me. We gathered valuable feedback and will take the car to the season opener to start fresh for the season.” Sheldon Goobie: “I gotta hand it to my guys today. I was really struggling for my race pace in my practice simulation runs, but today the guys pulled off some magic in the final practice session and were able to give me a car that I could compete with. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to show the car's true potential after my mistake that caused me to pit for repairs. I am glad to be in the points paying positions again in this test race and hope this success will continue throughout the season. I would like to thank everyone at the Barbacoa Racing organization and we look forward to the start of the season.”

Barbacoa Racing

Successful Pre-Season Testing at SILVERSTONE June 6, 2012. SILVERSTONE - Towcester, Northamptonshire, UK. Barbacoa Racing was pleased to participate in a pre-season test race at Silverstone Circuit today along with a number of other teams in the ISRA GP Championship.  The test race allowed the team to gather valuable information about the cars' performance and driving characteristics during a full race stint (such as fuel consumption, tire wear, etc.).  The testing also proved invaluable in the area of race strategy - the team tested multiple race strategies for consideration in future races this season. This race was more about learning than about winning.  Nevertheless, the team made a respectable showing by qualifying the cars in 7th and 9th positions with Sheldon Goobie leading the team charge at the start.  Both cars successfully finished the race taking  the 4th and 6th positions - both cars finishing better than they started. Barbacoa Racing thanks the ISRA for officially sanctioning the event and looks forward to participating in future test races prior to the season opener at Phillip Island (Victoria, Australia) on June 20, 2012. View the team’s gallery of Silverstone event photos here: Barbacoa Racing Silverstone Pre-Season Race Gallery

Barbacoa Racing

Announces entry into the 2012 ISRA GP Championship June 5, 2012. California, USA. Barbacoa Racing is pleased to announce two full time entries into the 2012 ISRA GP Championship. The Team looks forward to taking its Chipotle Mexican Grill Cars through a successful campaign in the Williams FW31 chassis. The car provides the latest in open wheel technology available to the online simulation world of competitive sim racing. The Team will be represented by Season 3 STC champion Jason “Sand Bagger” Pitts and fellow driver Sheldon “T-Bone” Goobie. Both Drivers having recently competed in various STC series in Mustangs, MX-5s , Spec Ford’s and Late Model V8 cars. Barbacoa Racing has been a competitive online racing team across various online simulation racing series and looks to continue with the ISRA as a top ranked team that strives for professionalism and great results. Jason Pitts : “Today we begin a new era for Barbacoa Racing. When I formed Barbacoa Racing I could only dream of getting the chance to reach the ISRA GP championship. Today marks the beginning of a great challenge for our team. It hasn’t been easy but with a lot of work we have been able to bring this team to the ISRA and look forward to representing the Chipotle Mexican Grill folks under the Barbacoa Racing banner in the upcoming season” Sheldon Goobie : “This has been an amazing day the cars are really great looking we were able to do some testing with this new FW31 chassis over the weekend and establish a good base setting to work from, the cars are simply unbelievable to drive. We have a great team this season and really want to do well. The calendar looks really interesting and I am really looking forward to seeing what this car is able to do over a full race distance.” Follow the team’s progress in the standings this season here: http://www.israleague.com/standings View the team’s gallery of photos here: Barbacoa Racing Gallery

You may contact the team by sending email to either Jason Pitts (Barbacoa@skykingtech.com) or Sheldon Goobie (SGoobie@gmail.com).

Get more information about the ISRA Racing League here: http://www.israleague.com/