RACE: National Runoffs: Patrick Gallagher event summary

Patrick Gallagher claims first SCCA Runoffs Title

-Elkhart Lake, WI.- 17 year-old Thornville, OH. racer Patrick Gallagher scored his first SCCA National Championship win Saturday September 25th, in Formula 500. Gallagher piloted his #00 Invader QC1 to a .164 victory over Michael Mueller. One word comes to mind when thinking about Gallagher's week at the 47th SCCA Runoffs Presented by Subway at Road America, validation.

Gallagher, was set with the task of tackling two of the most competitive formula car classes in the SCCA. (Formula 500 and Formula Enterprises) On top of that pressure, Gallagher was involved in a testing accident early in the week doing significant damages to his FE machine.

In qualifications, Gallagher rebounded, securing second position in F500 and third in a repaired FE steed.

At the drop of the green in F500, Gallagher set in to an exciting race long battle with Michael Mueller. The duo would exchange the lead several times though-out each of the 13 circuits. On the last lap, Gallagher was in defense mode. Mueller made a pass for the lead in turn 12, only to be re-passed by Gallagher in 13, Gallagher would hold for a .164 victory.

"[Winning a National Championship] this means everything to me. Since I've been alive, I think I've only missed one or two Runoffs. It is absolutely incredible," Gallagher said after the race.

At the drop of the green in FE, Gallagher would drop back early on in the running, battling an ill-handling race car. In the waning laps however, Gallagher found his stride turning up the wick to pick up his third SCCA National Championship podium with a 3rd place effort.

"The car was really bad on the start. It didn't want to handle and then, in the middle of the race, I really picked it up," Gallagher said. "I didn't really know where I passed everyone, I just knew I needed to brake deeper to get the job done and get up front. I have to thank my Dad and family, CTL Engineering and ProMotion Driver Development," commented an elated Gallagher after the weekend.

-source: patrickgallagherracing.com via ProMotion Driver Development