The 2008 Terminal Velocity Racing Pacific F2000 Chapionship presented by Hankook has just come to a close with another dominant performance from Series leader Jeff Westphal. The Series finale took place October 18th and 19th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with Jeff only needing a mere 7 points total to clinch the title (with a maximum of 30 availiable each day.)
Saturday’s qualifying had Westphal on the inside of the second row. “It’s not pole like we’d hoped, but all we really need to do is finish, so we have to consider the big picture in this race.” When the checkered flag dropped Saturday evening, it was Formula Atlantic driver Dane Cameron with the win, Robert Podlesni in second and Jeff Westphal in a conservative third, though solidifying himself in Pacific F2000 history. “We missed a little bit on the set up, and from there i knew it wasn’t going to be my race. Since we have to use these tires tomorrow as well, there was no point in burning them down or taking any big risks. Tomorrow is a new day, and a weight will have been lifted with the Championship out of the way, so it will be just for fun.” noted the 22 year old San Carlos, California native.
And Sunday was definately a new day, with the TNT, Molecule Labs, Pioneer Millwork, J.F. Ohlund #39 car of Westphal on the pole position for the final round of the F2000 season. The first attempt at the start of the race was aborted, and the field was brought into the pits under a red flag to clear two cars that had wheel to wheel contact in turn 2. But Westphal kept a level head and waited for a second chance to win the race into turn 1. As the field lined up for a single file restart, the #39 Van Diemen got a stellar start again, only this time not to be challenged for the remainder of the race, ultimately pulling out a 25.6 second lead over second place team mate Max Hyatt who was ultimately DQ’ed for a rules infraction under the red flag.
The race today was awesome, the car was fantastic, what a perfect way to end a great year!”
Over the course of the 2008 season, Westphal has not only broken the previous win record for most wins in one season with 9 total to his name, but also scored 8 pole positions, and 8 fast laps. With a total 11 out of 12 podiums all season. “it’s a shame we had the mechanical in the season opener, but that’s racing, i’m just happy that we only had only one! Hats off to my team PR1 Motorsports for an excellent job this year, the engineering staff was great, as was my mechanic Michael Rey. As well as all my supporters who believed in me, allowing me the shot at this 2008 Championship.”
Jeff Westphal will now be looking to move on in his racing career, with options in the Star Mazda Series, Firestone Indy Lights Championship, or the Rolex Grand Am GT series.
