AUSTIN, TX - Fresh off a successful winning weekend at NCM Motorsports Park in March, Matt Million was ready to roll the momentum into the Lone Star state for the next round of Spec MX-5 Challenge Series Central at Circuit of the America's in Austin, however similar fortune was not to occur. Rain had been in the forecast for the early part of the weekend and became a reality as the dark, dense rain clouds covered the circuit early Friday morning before practice day.
Like at NCM, the rain came and down it poured. However, this rain came with heavy thunderstorms and lightning striking nearby, canceling on-track activity for the morning. Waiting out the lightning, the Spec MX-5 drivers finally got track time in the late afternoon still with light rain showers. Million would finish the rainy test day within the top 2 fastest cars, giving a nice confidence boost entering the race on Saturday.
The rain clouds lifted and made way for the sun Saturday morning, giving drivers their first chance in dry conditions. Million went on to set the fastest time in morning warm-up. Qualifying saw the tides turn from previous sessions, with Million qualifying 4th within the 6 car pack of series drivers. As the race got underway, Million got caught up in battles with those around him as the leaders got out ahead, and he would finish where he started in 4th.
Sunday started off looking like a better day for Million, focusing forward and putting in a qualifying effort of 3rd, within a tenth or two from the front row. The race also started in a much better way, as Million was able to keep on the heels of the leaders for the first half of the race before making a move and slotting into 2nd for the final half. Shortly after, Million began suffering from a left-rear hub failure, causing his Yokohama tire to shred down to the cords and loose massive amounts of grip. He would fall back to 4th and luckily still finish, as a similar failure took another 2 competitors out of the race.
The next round of Spec MX-5 Challenge Series Central will take place from June 8-10 at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Jennings, Oklahoma. Million will enter the weekend 2nd in points and looking for a change in fortune.