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2020 Schedule Changes
MC Racing Kicks-off the Season with a Podium Finish
- June 14, 2020 (Buttonwillow, CA)
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 started the Covid-19 delayed season off right by finishing in third place in Round 1 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Buttonwillow Raceway. With the first two rounds of the 2020 USTCC season cancelled due to Covid-19, MC Racing was excited to be back at the track. “Other than virtual racing, I have not driven in competition since the fall of 2019, so I knew I would be a bit rusty. It was awesome to finally run the RX8 at the limit again!”, stated MC Racing Team driver Michael McColligan. Saturday was all about getting some practice and gradually back to race pace. The team had not been to Buttonwillow in over 3 years so the setup was off a bit initially but the team dialed it in as the weekend progressed. McColligan and the team were able to continue their improvement in qualifying putting the car in P4 on the grid. The green flag dropped very quickly for the race standing start causing a bit of chaos for the field as they headed into the hairpin. McColligan kept his cool but dropped back to P5 at the end of the first lap. He didn’t panic and started clicking off personal best laps as the race progressed working his way up to third at the checkered flag. “It feels great to start the season with such a strong finish. It took us a bit to get back in the groove but awesome to put the RX8 back on the podium”, summed up McColligan. The team is focused on continued improvements as they get ready for Round 2 to be held at Thunderhill in early August.
MC Racing Brings Home the Hardware at the USTCC Awards Banque
February 1, 2020 (San Francisco, CA)
Michael McColligan and the MC Racing Team celebrated a stellar 2019 Season receiving the 3rd Place in the Sportsman Class and Most Improved Awards at the Season- Ending United States Touring Car Championship Awards Banquet.
Team MC Racing had a breakthrough season, finishing on the podium in 5 out of 6 races, finding speed at each track, including the fastest race lap at Laguna Seca, and two front row starts. “The season has been our best to date with the Team working better on all levels. Our preparation has improved, resulting in us being on the pace from the first practice session each weekend and our reliability has been stellar”, mentioned Team Principal Michael McColligan. “Big thanks to the Team and our supporters and partners who have helped us battle at the front this year. We are working hard to be even faster in 2020!”, summed up a smiling McColligan.
MC Racing Finishes 4th at the Flag, but
Moves up to 3rd After the Dust Settles
September 8, 2019 (Sonoma, CA)
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 survived an action-packed race, finishing in third place in Round 6 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Sonoma Raceway.
The MC Racing Team was excited to be back at one of their favorite tracks running the Indy Car Turn 9 configuration. Team driver Michael McColligan was right on the pace in opening practice, setting times near the front of the Sportsman Class. With the tire usage restriction in the USTCC, strategy is critical. Unfortunately, the qualifying set chosen by the team left McColligan struggling for pace, putting them P7 on the grid. “The car setup did not work with the tires we chose and I was really struggling for grip. Fortunately, we have a new set reserved for the race”, stated McColligan. The standing starts are always a bit chaotic and this one was no different with cars in the dirt, lots of aggressive moves, and a bit of contact. McColligan kept his cool after getting shuffled back to P8, working his way to sixth after 2 laps. He continued turning fast laps, moving up to 5th by halfway. An intense battle for fourth went on for the remainder of the race with McColligan coming out on top by the checkered flag. After the stewards reviewed all the on-track action, McColligan was moved up to third for his 5th podium in 6 races. “That was a crazy race with no time to take a breath, but I am very happy with the result. The RX8 is wearing some battle damage but we will get her patched up before the finale”, summed up McColligan. The team is tied for second in the Sportsman Points heading into the double-points finale at the end of October.
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 survived an action-packed race, finishing in third place in Round 6 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Sonoma Raceway.
The MC Racing Team was excited to be back at one of their favorite tracks running the Indy Car Turn 9 configuration. Team driver Michael McColligan was right on the pace in opening practice, setting times near the front of the Sportsman Class. With the tire usage restriction in the USTCC, strategy is critical. Unfortunately, the qualifying set chosen by the team left McColligan struggling for pace, putting them P7 on the grid. “The car setup did not work with the tires we chose and I was really struggling for grip. Fortunately, we have a new set reserved for the race”, stated McColligan. The standing starts are always a bit chaotic and this one was no different with cars in the dirt, lots of aggressive moves, and a bit of contact. McColligan kept his cool after getting shuffled back to P8, working his way to sixth after 2 laps. He continued turning fast laps, moving up to 5th by halfway. An intense battle for fourth went on for the remainder of the race with McColligan coming out on top by the checkered flag. After the stewards reviewed all the on-track action, McColligan was moved up to third for his 5th podium in 6 races. “That was a crazy race with no time to take a breath, but I am very happy with the result. The RX8 is wearing some battle damage but we will get her patched up before the finale”, summed up McColligan. The team is tied for second in the Sportsman Points heading into the double-points finale at the end of October.
The Podium is Becoming Familiar to MC Racing in 2019
August 4, 2019 (Willows, CA)
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 continued his strong form, finishing in third place in Round 5 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Thunderhill Raceway..
The MC Racing Team would be tested by the extreme 100+ degree temperatures over the race weekend. Saturday was all about building speed for the late afternoon first qualifying session. Team driver Michael McColligan was able to run some strong laps placing the Mazda RX8 P3 on the provisional grid. “I took it a bit conservative and had to keep a keen eye on the oil temperature “, mentioned McColligan. With the temperatures soaring on Sunday, the Team and McColligan took the strategic gamble to skip Qualifying 2 to keep the car and driver fresh and cool for the feature race. The gamble paid off, as the Saturday time kept the team P3 on the grid. At the drop of the green flag, McColligan got a solid launch and slotted into third by Turn 1. Managing the pace quickly went out the window as McColligan was facing heavy pressure from behind. He kept his focus running clean laps and upped his pace to slowly build a gap and bring the car home in third. “Considering the challenging conditions, I am very happy with the weekend, as we continue to bring home top finishes”, summed up McColligan after the race. The team’s continued strong form has moved them into second place in the season’s Sportsman points. The team will be pushing hard at the final two races at Sonoma Raceway.
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 continued his strong form, finishing in third place in Round 5 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Thunderhill Raceway..
The MC Racing Team would be tested by the extreme 100+ degree temperatures over the race weekend. Saturday was all about building speed for the late afternoon first qualifying session. Team driver Michael McColligan was able to run some strong laps placing the Mazda RX8 P3 on the provisional grid. “I took it a bit conservative and had to keep a keen eye on the oil temperature “, mentioned McColligan. With the temperatures soaring on Sunday, the Team and McColligan took the strategic gamble to skip Qualifying 2 to keep the car and driver fresh and cool for the feature race. The gamble paid off, as the Saturday time kept the team P3 on the grid. At the drop of the green flag, McColligan got a solid launch and slotted into third by Turn 1. Managing the pace quickly went out the window as McColligan was facing heavy pressure from behind. He kept his focus running clean laps and upped his pace to slowly build a gap and bring the car home in third. “Considering the challenging conditions, I am very happy with the weekend, as we continue to bring home top finishes”, summed up McColligan after the race. The team’s continued strong form has moved them into second place in the season’s Sportsman points. The team will be pushing hard at the final two races at Sonoma Raceway.
MC Racing Storms Back on the Podium
June 30, 2019 (Monterey, CA)
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 ran the fastest lap in the race on his way to third place in Round 4 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Laguna Seca Raceway..
The MC Racing Team used the multiple Saturday practice sessions to fine tune their setup and gradually build speed. They carried this pace into Sunday qualifying with team driver Michael McColligan putting the RX8 onto provisional pole until just getting pipped at the very end of the session. The standing start for the feature race was a bit chaotic, as usual, with McColligan fighting cars side by side to come out in P4 at the end of the first lap. The race pace was intense, with McColligan continuing to run lap after lap at close to qualifying pace. The pace began to pay dividends as he capitalized on a mistake by the BMW to move into third and begin to put pressure on the front two. This pressure continued until the checkered flag with McColligan finishing a strong third right on the tail of the front two while running the fastest lap. Summed up McColligan, “The race was an absolute blast as I was on the limit the entire time. Racing at the front gives us motivation to keep working hard!”
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 ran the fastest lap in the race on his way to third place in Round 4 of the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship at Laguna Seca Raceway..
The MC Racing Team used the multiple Saturday practice sessions to fine tune their setup and gradually build speed. They carried this pace into Sunday qualifying with team driver Michael McColligan putting the RX8 onto provisional pole until just getting pipped at the very end of the session. The standing start for the feature race was a bit chaotic, as usual, with McColligan fighting cars side by side to come out in P4 at the end of the first lap. The race pace was intense, with McColligan continuing to run lap after lap at close to qualifying pace. The pace began to pay dividends as he capitalized on a mistake by the BMW to move into third and begin to put pressure on the front two. This pressure continued until the checkered flag with McColligan finishing a strong third right on the tail of the front two while running the fastest lap. Summed up McColligan, “The race was an absolute blast as I was on the limit the entire time. Racing at the front gives us motivation to keep working hard!”
MC Racing Maintains Third in Season Points
June 16, 2019 (Sonoma, CA)
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 worked hard
to finish fifth at Sonoma Raceway maintaining third in the season’s Sportsman class points.
The MC Racing Team was looking to keep their strong season rolling as they visited Sonoma Raceway for the first time this year. Qualifying was combined with several additional mixed classes enhancing the difficulty of finding space for a clean lap. “My crew chief worked hard to find me some space and I was able to get a decent lap in qualifying 1”, mentioned Team Driver Michael McColligan. Qualifying 2 was very chaotic with McColligan having to rely on his Q1 time to start P6 for the feature race. The team elected to run new tires for the race to unleash maximum pace to attack. Unfortunately McColligan was bit slow at the standing start and lost a few spots. “I have been a bit too conservative at the last few race starts and it has cost us track position and made our job difficult”, mentioned McColligan. McColligan did not give up and made some strong moves and was able to bring the car home in fifth to maintain third place in the season points. “It was a bit of a recovery drive but I am happy that we still finished strong. We will need to clean up our starts for the upcoming races”, summed up McColligan.
McColligan and the MC Racing Team hope to get back to the podium as they prepare for Laguna Seca in June.
Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 worked hard
to finish fifth at Sonoma Raceway maintaining third in the season’s Sportsman class points.
The MC Racing Team was looking to keep their strong season rolling as they visited Sonoma Raceway for the first time this year. Qualifying was combined with several additional mixed classes enhancing the difficulty of finding space for a clean lap. “My crew chief worked hard to find me some space and I was able to get a decent lap in qualifying 1”, mentioned Team Driver Michael McColligan. Qualifying 2 was very chaotic with McColligan having to rely on his Q1 time to start P6 for the feature race. The team elected to run new tires for the race to unleash maximum pace to attack. Unfortunately McColligan was bit slow at the standing start and lost a few spots. “I have been a bit too conservative at the last few race starts and it has cost us track position and made our job difficult”, mentioned McColligan. McColligan did not give up and made some strong moves and was able to bring the car home in fifth to maintain third place in the season points. “It was a bit of a recovery drive but I am happy that we still finished strong. We will need to clean up our starts for the upcoming races”, summed up McColligan.
McColligan and the MC Racing Team hope to get back to the podium as they prepare for Laguna Seca in June.
MC Racing Goes 2 for 2 to Start the Season Strong - May 26, 2019
May 26, 2019 (Fontana, CA) – Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 finished on the podium for the second consecutive race at California Speedway.
The MC Racing Team was stoked to be racing close to their home base and the strong spectator participation for the Bimmerfest weekend added to the excitement. Team driver Michael McColligan was right on the pace from the opening session and continued his strong form in qualifying putting the RX8 in P3, only a tenth of a second out of P2. “The car felt great and I was able to easily run flat out all the way around the banking”, stated McColligan just after turning his fastest ever lap at the Speedway. The weather drastically changed overnight with the forecast calling for rain right around race time. The team went back and forth between a wet and dry setup as the weather evolved. “We went with a dry setup and just I was strapping in the car it started to rain so I thought we were in trouble”, mentioned McColligan. Fortunately the team guessed correctly with only a few sprinkles during the race. At the drop of the green flag McColligan spun the rear tires falling back to fifth but made some strong moves to work his way up to third after a few laps. McColligan battled over second for most of the race and spun trying to make a move falling back to fifth. With some strong driving McColligan worked his way back towards the front taking the checkered flag in third. “I am super happy with our strong result as we continue to run faster lap times and challenge at the front. Having the support of our friends made the weekend extra special”, summed up McColligan.
McColligan and the MC Racing Team are keeping their eyes on the podium as they prepare for races in Sonoma and Laguna Seca in June.
The MC Racing Team was stoked to be racing close to their home base and the strong spectator participation for the Bimmerfest weekend added to the excitement. Team driver Michael McColligan was right on the pace from the opening session and continued his strong form in qualifying putting the RX8 in P3, only a tenth of a second out of P2. “The car felt great and I was able to easily run flat out all the way around the banking”, stated McColligan just after turning his fastest ever lap at the Speedway. The weather drastically changed overnight with the forecast calling for rain right around race time. The team went back and forth between a wet and dry setup as the weather evolved. “We went with a dry setup and just I was strapping in the car it started to rain so I thought we were in trouble”, mentioned McColligan. Fortunately the team guessed correctly with only a few sprinkles during the race. At the drop of the green flag McColligan spun the rear tires falling back to fifth but made some strong moves to work his way up to third after a few laps. McColligan battled over second for most of the race and spun trying to make a move falling back to fifth. With some strong driving McColligan worked his way back towards the front taking the checkered flag in third. “I am super happy with our strong result as we continue to run faster lap times and challenge at the front. Having the support of our friends made the weekend extra special”, summed up McColligan.
McColligan and the MC Racing Team are keeping their eyes on the podium as they prepare for races in Sonoma and Laguna Seca in June.
MC Racing Strikes it Rich in Las Vegas - April 21, 2019
April 21, 2019 (Las Vegas, NV) – Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 finished on the podium in the 2019 USTCC Season Opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The MC Racing Team had high hopes as they rolled their RX8 out of the trailer featuring their new striking green livery. With the one-day race format, the team needed to be strong from the first session and that proved to be the case. “I really like these technical tracks and the car balance was superb from the first lap”, stated McColligan, after the first practice. The team bolted on a fresh set of slicks for qualifying, with McColligan placing the RX8 in P4 in the tightly packed field. At the drop of the green flag for the feature race, McColligan got a strong standing start and started to split the front row filled with front-wheel drive cars, but had to lift to make it through turn 1 as dirt was flying, settling into fourth. The pack was tight and McColligan made a strong move under braking to move into third. The pace and racing was intense as the race unfolded. “I let the pressure get to me a bit and made a few mistakes that got me shuffled back to 5th, stated McColligan. ‘With some good coaching from my crew chief, I regrouped and got back on the attack”. The intense racing continued with McColligan working his way back to 4th as the race neared its end. McColligan stayed on the attack as the white flag was waived. “I was behind the Mustang and saw that he was struggling with his tires especially, in the tight turns. My car was still strong and I was able to get up the inside at the hairpin and kept my foot in it through the high-speed sweeper and hold the line in the brake zone” stated McColligan, as he moved into third with a daring final lap pass!
McColligan and the MC Racing Team are looking for continued success as they prepare for the high banks of California Speedway Memorial Day Weekend.
The MC Racing Team had high hopes as they rolled their RX8 out of the trailer featuring their new striking green livery. With the one-day race format, the team needed to be strong from the first session and that proved to be the case. “I really like these technical tracks and the car balance was superb from the first lap”, stated McColligan, after the first practice. The team bolted on a fresh set of slicks for qualifying, with McColligan placing the RX8 in P4 in the tightly packed field. At the drop of the green flag for the feature race, McColligan got a strong standing start and started to split the front row filled with front-wheel drive cars, but had to lift to make it through turn 1 as dirt was flying, settling into fourth. The pack was tight and McColligan made a strong move under braking to move into third. The pace and racing was intense as the race unfolded. “I let the pressure get to me a bit and made a few mistakes that got me shuffled back to 5th, stated McColligan. ‘With some good coaching from my crew chief, I regrouped and got back on the attack”. The intense racing continued with McColligan working his way back to 4th as the race neared its end. McColligan stayed on the attack as the white flag was waived. “I was behind the Mustang and saw that he was struggling with his tires especially, in the tight turns. My car was still strong and I was able to get up the inside at the hairpin and kept my foot in it through the high-speed sweeper and hold the line in the brake zone” stated McColligan, as he moved into third with a daring final lap pass!
McColligan and the MC Racing Team are looking for continued success as they prepare for the high banks of California Speedway Memorial Day Weekend.
Raybestos to Help MC Racing Attack the Brake Zones in 2019
February 3, 2019 (Simi Valley, CA) – “MC Racing will be using Raybestos® brake products exclusively to enhance the stellar braking of the Mazda RX8 as they chase the USTCC Sportsman Class Championship in 2019,” stated MC Racing Team Principal Michael McColligan.
“We are very proud to partner with Raybestos this season. We have been a big fan of their race compounds for a while and will be counting on their products to allow us to attack the brake zones with confidence. They are now making their compounds more accessible to amateur and professional racers by offering a variety of race compounds in pad shapes to fit many of the popular cars raced In the USTCC and other series,” said McColligan.
About Raybestos Brakes
Raybestos® has been known as the best in brakes for over 100 years. With a demonstrated commitment to research, development and testing, Raybestos is widely recognized for quality brake components, including friction, rotors, drums, calipers and hydraulic products. The brand was the first to introduce Enhanced Hybrid Technology (EHT®) with its Element3® brake pads, delivering the best attributes of ceramic and semi-metallic for optimal performance, improved pad wear and durability, and increased stopping power during aggressive braking. Raybestos is the flagship brand of Brake Parts Inc, a global supplier to major auto parts organizations. To learn more, visit www.Raybestos.com
“We are very proud to partner with Raybestos this season. We have been a big fan of their race compounds for a while and will be counting on their products to allow us to attack the brake zones with confidence. They are now making their compounds more accessible to amateur and professional racers by offering a variety of race compounds in pad shapes to fit many of the popular cars raced In the USTCC and other series,” said McColligan.
About Raybestos Brakes
Raybestos® has been known as the best in brakes for over 100 years. With a demonstrated commitment to research, development and testing, Raybestos is widely recognized for quality brake components, including friction, rotors, drums, calipers and hydraulic products. The brand was the first to introduce Enhanced Hybrid Technology (EHT®) with its Element3® brake pads, delivering the best attributes of ceramic and semi-metallic for optimal performance, improved pad wear and durability, and increased stopping power during aggressive braking. Raybestos is the flagship brand of Brake Parts Inc, a global supplier to major auto parts organizations. To learn more, visit www.Raybestos.com
MC Racing and Idemitsu Collaborate for 2019
January 21,2019 (Simi Valley, CA) – MC Racing will be using Idemitsu lubricants exclusively to provide the ultimate performance and protection to the drive-train of the Mazda RX8 as they chase the Sportsman Class Championship in 2019.
Stated MC Racing Team Principal Michael McColligan, “The team is super excited to use and promote Idemitsu products. We are counting on their superior quality and technical excellence to keep us running at the front. In addition, their specialized knowledge of rotary engines could be our secret weapon this year as we develop a unique power-train layout. ”
About Idemitsu Lubricants America
Idemitsu began supplying lubricants in the United States in the late 1970s and built the state-of-the-art blending facility in Jeffersonville, IN in 1992 to meet increased production demands. Idemitsu Lubricants America (ILA) has sales offices in Detroit and Los Angeles, and has continued to expand its business in the United States and worldwide. It is the eighth largest lubricant manufacturer globally with over a century of unsurpassed quality, innovation and superior product development. www.idemitsulubricants.com
MC Racing and Napier Outdoors Collaborate for 2019
December 06, 2018 (Simi Valley, CA) – MC Racing and Napier Outdoors announce partnership to display and utilize the Sportz Truck Tent at all United States Touring Car Championship events in 2019. Stated MC Racing Team Principal Michael McColligan, “The team is super excited to use and promote this awesome product. Napier invented the Truck Tent category and their Sportz Tent is by far the market leader. It is super easy to setup and take down, full of really innovate features, and provides a ton of comfort at a reasonable price. The driver and crew are looking forward to putting it to good use in 2019!”
Napier is the world’s largest developer and distributor of Vehicle Camping Tents. Since 1990, Napier has been changing the way people view camping, by reshaping and merging the automotive and outdoor industries together. Napier was the first to revolutionize the camping industry with innovative and exciting Vehicle Camping Tents. Napier distributes Vehicle Camping Tents to automotive manufacturers and retailers across North America, Europe, and Australia. Napier Vehicle Tents are the number one selling Truck and SUV Tents in the World!
www.napieroutdoors.com
www.napieroutdoors.com
Career Best Finish for Michael McColligan and MC Racing
September 9, 2018 (Sonoma, CA) – Michael McColligan, driving the #36 MC Racing Mazda RX8 finished a career best second place in the Sportsman Class at Round 5 of the 2018 United States Touring Car Championship at Sonoma Raceway.
Read the full Story here
Read the full Story here
MC Racing Facebook Page now Open for Business
Social Media Fans, now you can check out and follow MC Racing on FACEBOOK to keep up to date on the latest information, and get live updates during events. Check us out at www.facebook.com/MCSpeedRacer
Social Media Fans, now you can check out and follow MC Racing on FACEBOOK to keep up to date on the latest information, and get live updates during events. Check us out at www.facebook.com/MCSpeedRacer
About MC Racing
MC Racing competes in the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship aboard a Mazda RX8 with support from Idemitsu, Mazda USA, Mazdatrix, Racing Beat, Konig Wheels, Orafol, Eibach Springs, and Napier Outdoors.
MC Racing competes in the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship aboard a Mazda RX8 with support from Idemitsu, Mazda USA, Mazdatrix, Racing Beat, Konig Wheels, Orafol, Eibach Springs, and Napier Outdoors.