A Whole Race Season in One Long Weekend

The United States Touring Car Championship Round 4 at Sonoma Raceway started with high hopes and meticulous preparations for the #65 Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) / Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS) BMW E36, but little did the members of Team Cobalt California know that they were about to experience the full spectrum of a racing season in just a few days.

Day 1: The Motor Swap
The weekend began with a major setback. During one of the testing sessions on Friday, the race car suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The motor needed to be exchanged, a task that typically takes hours of precise work. Crew chief/spotter and mechanic extraordinaire, Ben Penn of Penn Kraft Racing, undeterred by the challenge, worked tirelessly through the night. His expertise and determination paid off, and by dawn, the car was ready for the track again.

Day 2: The Collision and Miracle Work
With the new motor roaring, Marion Engelke was optimistic as she lined up for the warmup round on Saturday morning. However, disaster struck again. A collision during the out lap caused considerable damage to the car. The front right got hit first; the impact caused an unintended veer to the left, into the passenger door of a fellow racer. While the bodywork was minimal, the damage under the hood was significant: one motor mount was broken, as was one motor bracket and the intake, the radiator was pushed in and severely damaged, and the steering rod was bent. It seemed impossible to get the car back on track in time for the race.

But Ben Penn refused to give up. Together with crew members, Spencer Rowlands and Gary Penn, he rolled up his sleeves once again and got to work, displaying an incredible blend of skill, speed, and ingenuity. He sourced all needed parts and meticulously pieced the car back together. The whole Team Cobalt California pit buzzed with activity as each team member played their part in what is best described as “miracle work.”
Against all odds, the car was repaired before nightfall.

Day 3: The Race
With last adjustments completed early in the morning, the car was ready. The driver, Marion Engelke, fueled by the team’s unwavering spirit, was now up to deliver her part. She navigated the track with precision and determination, overcoming a bad start and making her way through the field. Pushing past Al Gambetti in the #22 Cobalt California Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Marion gave chase and managed to overtake Becky Arsham in the #32 GoGo Gear Honda Civic.

Marion Engelke maintained a strong position throughout the race, but Michael McColligan in the #36 MC Racing Honda Civic caught up to her by the final lap. In a thrilling finish, Marion Engelke crossed the finish line in first place, securing a well-deserved victory for the team and with a sense of triumph that transcended the podium.

The final day of the weekend brought the ultimate reward.
“This race weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges, encapsulating the highs and lows of an entire season,” commented Marion. “The team’s resilience, expertise, and camaraderie turned what could have been a disastrous weekend into a testament to their dedication and passion for racing. As my coach, David Brown, said, it was truly a whole race season in one long weekend, and I’m so glad that I could top it off with my first first-place finish and personal best time on this track.” She went on to thank her sponsors, Patricia and Gary Trudeau of Gary’s Airbag Service (GAS) and Automotive Calibration Specialists (ACS). “Without their support, none of this would have been possible!”