A two-day transformation by Sally McNulty in the Radical SR3 XX at Spring Mountain

Social media creator and racecar driver Sally McNulty took on an exhilarating challenge at the prestigious Spring Mountain Motorsport Resort, leaving her comfort zone behind to master the Radical SR3 XX. Her three million followers know her as …

Social media creator and racecar driver Sally McNulty took on an exhilarating challenge at the prestigious Spring Mountain Motorsport Resort, leaving her comfort zone behind to master the Radical SR3 XX.

Her three million followers know her as having extensive experience in production-based race cars like the Mazda MX-5, but McNulty showcased her ability to adapt quickly to the Radical SR3 XX and apply the skills she learned during the two-day driving school.

Sally is no stranger to the track, but the Radical presented an entirely new level of intensity. This high-performance, lightweight machine, devoid of ABS or power steering, demanded mechanical precision and unwavering focus.

The journey began with a pretty steep learning curve. On day one, the Spring Mountain Radical Racing Academy offers the fundamentals, balancing classroom instruction with on-track exercises. The Radical’s mechanical nature, combined with its sensitivity to driver inputs, proved a stark contrast to the production-based racecars Sally is used to driving. Navigating the technical layout of Spring Mountain’s track was further complicated by wet conditions, forcing her to approach her first laps cautiously.

Day two brought breakthroughs. With valuable feedback from instructors and insights from data analysis which we get to see in the video below, Sally unlocked her potential in the Radical. She focused on carrying more speed into corners, trusting the car’s downforce, and refining her throttle control.

You can see that her confidence grew with each session, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. Sally shaved 12s off her lap time, dropping from a 1m47s on day one to a 1m35s by the end of day two. For someone who had never driven a car as demanding as the Radical SR3 XX, this leap in performance was truly impressive.

Beyond the track, Sally also enjoyed the world-class facilities that Spring Mountain has to offer. Staying in a luxurious condo overlooking the racetrack, she could admire the action from her patio. Between sessions, she took advantage of the resort’s clubhouse and amenities, which added to the overall experience. She also learned about Spring Mountain’s membership program, which offers enthusiasts access to up to 16 track days per month and a variety of track configurations. The idea of a membership seemed to be attractive to Sally, who was eager to return and continue honing her skills.

For Sally, the weekend was more than just driving. It was an opportunity to expand her skill set, explore the cutting edge of motorsport, and enjoy the comfort and luxury of a premier racing facility. Watch her full journey below to see how she handled the Radical SR3 XX and full experience at Spring Mountain.

Championship lead changes highlight November edition of the Spring Mountain Race Series

The Charleston Peak 3.23-mile full course, known as Spring Mountain’s most challenging configuration, really put racers to the test during November’s race weekend. Plus, winter in the desert brings cooler ambient temperatures and fluctuating track …

The Charleston Peak 3.23-mile full course, known as Spring Mountain’s most challenging configuration, really put racers to the test during November’s race weekend. Plus, winter in the desert brings cooler ambient temperatures and fluctuating track conditions as the sun gradually warms the asphalt throughout the day. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the growing Radical and Sports Car grids to face a thrilling mix of challenges over the two-race weekends.

Brandon Rambo showed remarkable consistency by winning both of the weekend’s Radical Gold class races, propelling himself to the top of the championship standings. Tanner Harvey made a strong return to the track, claiming second place in an impressive performance, while Mark Rohrwasser completed the podium in third, showcasing his smooth and calculated driving style. The series also welcomed back Alain Derzie and Erik Davis, who brought fierce competition to the fall races, along with Steven Thomas, who showed promise in his Radical Cup debut.

Chris Hinojosa took the spotlight in the silver class by securing his first-ever class win and gaining significant ground on Brian Reynolds in the championship standings. Reynolds, who secured pole position in both races, experienced setbacks that ultimately resulted in a second-place finish.

In the Rookie class, Bruce Semler transitioned from his Porsche to a Radical for his inaugural Radical Cup race, where he finished third. It was a great battle for first and second place between Jason Horwitz and Sohaib Kureshi that had onlookers enthralled throughout. Horwitz not only captured both pole positions but also recorded the fastest laps, ultimately achieving his first victory. Kureshi took second place this round but is keen for a chance in the December race weekend.

Similar to the Radical Cup Challenge races, the Sports Car Series, presented by Safe Life Defense, provided excitement and competitive racing in its pair of races. Brian Schmidt made an impressive debut in the GT4 class, securing first place overall and giving experienced driver Teddy Landau serious competition. Landau took second place, with Len Krick finishing third.

In the fiercely competitive GTL class, Steve Hardie finished in third place, while Chad Lancaster secured second, demonstrating impressive improvements during the season. Blake Olsen took first place in a stunning performance, consistently surpassing his own qualifying times with every lap. The rivalry between Olsen and Lancaster is intensifying and will be closely watched next season round.

In the GTU class, Kha Phan made an exciting return with his freshly customized KTM, battling strongly against Mark Ramsey. Ramsey displayed remarkable defensive tactics, effectively preventing Phan from passing him and securing the top spot. Phan claimed a worthy second place, while Iron Man Brian Reynolds took third, demonstrating endurance and flexibility throughout the weekend.

Championship Standings

Repeat and first-time winners at round two of the Spring Mountain Race Series

While the temps are cooling in the desert, the championships are already starting to heat up for the 2024-2025 season of the Spring Mountain Race Series. Round two at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club featured a pair of races for …

While the temps are cooling in the desert, the championships are already starting to heat up for the 2024-2025 season of the Spring Mountain Race Series. Round two at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club featured a pair of races for Sports Car Series and Radical Cup Challenge racers on the dynamic 2.76-mile Charleson Peak North Course track.

The Sports Car Series presented by Safe Life Defense once again delivered thrilling battles in the October races. Bruce Semler joined the GT4 class for the first time this season, delivering a solid performance but narrowly missing out on a podium finish. Teddy Landau secured third place with incredibly close lap times to Paul Chamberlain, who finished P2 in his inaugural Spring Mountain race. Henry Marshall, returning after a hiatus, secured first place and celebrated with his wife, who was there to cheer him on for the first time in 10 years.

In the GTL class, Gabriel Giannatassio dominated the weekend, taking first place in both races and topping the championship standings. Chad Lancaster put up a fierce chase, finishing in second place by just one point, while Blake Olsen overcame a tough weekend to secure third place.

In the GTU class, Mark Ramsey delivered yet another flawless performance, securing first place. Close behind, Michael Reynolds took second, while Brian Reynolds completed the podium in third before hopping into his Radical for the next race.

After the track went cold Friday, Club members enjoyed a cornhole tournament with food and cocktails. Two-time champ Teddy Landau was dethroned by Jason Horwitz and Blake Olsen, who now have all the bragging rights.

In the Radical Cup Challenge presented by Dakine and Vertra, the racing action was once again exceptional throughout the classes. Brandon Rambo claimed first overall in Gold Class after back-to-back wins in both races. Doug Ramirez took second place with some remarkable overtakes in Race 2, showcasing his racing expertise to his special guests—his son and daughter. Gregg Gorski secured third, delivering a solid performance and providing a perfect warm-up before heading to the Radical World Finals in Abu Dhabi next month.

The Silver Class drivers showcased exceptional skill, posing a formidable challenge even to the Gold Class competitors. Brian Reynolds secured third place, maintaining his reputation for consistent results. After a difficult start in Race 1, Jim Mason made a remarkable comeback in Race 2, engaging in fierce competition with Gold Class drivers and ultimately finishing second overall for the weekend. A standout performance came from Chris Souliotis, a Canadian driver making his return to racing. Competing for the first time on Charleston Peak, Souliotis demonstrated his prowess by clinching first place and holding his own against his fellow racers.

In the Rookie class, Sohaib Kureshi and Jason Horwitz finished one-two, showcasing significant progress as they adjust to the elevated competition among veteran members.

Championship Standings

Spring Mountain Race Series kicks off 24-25 season with new and familiar faces

Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club waved the green flag on its first race of the 2024-2025 season last month on September 13 th and 14 th. Races one and two of the race season featured Radical Cup Challenge and Sports Car Series drivers …

Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club waved the green flag on its first race of the 2024-2025 season last month on September 13th and 14th.  Races one and two of the race season featured Radical Cup Challenge and Sports Car Series drivers competing on the 3.23-mile full-track configuration of the Charleson Peak circuit.

IndyCar veteran and Toyota Atlantic Champion Richie Hearn is back by popular demand for race director duties.  A lead driving instructor at Spring Mountain, Hearn’s racer perspective is embraced by the series participants as they relish hearing him remind folks to “just drive better!”

After a day of practice on Thursday, members were ready to start the season with the first race on Friday and first up was the Radical Cup Challenge presented by Dakine and Vertra. Fifteen racers from three classes set the tone for the season.

The competition was elevated in the Gold Class, with familiar faces returning to the track. Miguel Grillo and Mel Johnson, who hadn’t raced in a while, made impressive comebacks in the middle of the pack. Joining them was last year’s Silver Class Champion, Sean Mason, moving up to the Gold Class for the first time.

But it was Mark Rohrwasser who came out on top, securing first place for the weekend. Doug Ramirez and Gregg Gorski had a spirited battle, ending in a tie for second place. According to the tie-break rule, Ramirez settled for third, as Gorski’s finishing position in the second race edged him out.

In the Silver Class, Rahul Patel made a strong return after having raced only one weekend last year, claiming P1. Hot on his heels was the returning Iron Man, Brian Reynolds, followed by newly graduated rookie, Chris Hinojosa.

A special shoutout goes to Hinojosa, whose lap times are quickly improving. His pace was approaching that of seasoned veteran Brian Reynolds, setting the stage for exciting competition ahead.

Two new drivers made their debuts in the rookie class this weekend, with Sohaib Kureshi finishing ahead of Jason Horwitz.

Thirteen drivers took part in the opening round of the Sports Car Series presented by Safe Life Defense.

In the GTU class, it was nothing but clean and fast racing. Mark Ramsey found himself on the top of the box, setting a new track record for the GTU class in the process. Right behind him Michael Reynolds and Brian Reynolds rounded out the podium, showcasing their consistent pace.

In the GT4 class, Teddy Landau took first place, while Roc Capobianco followed closely in second. Both drivers delivered exceptional performances, but Capobianco’s standout moment came as he raced even faster than his qualifying pace in both races!

In the packed GTL class, it was quite a family affair with three Wonnenbergs on the track. Karen Wonnenberg took the lead among them, finishing third in her new Miata. Ahead of her was Gabriel Giannatassio, also in a new Miata, who finished second. But it was Blake Olsen who stole the show, charging from the back of the pack in both races to claim first place—an impressive performance from the reigning class champion.

Championship Standings

Radical Cup Challenge
Gold PTS.
1 Mark Rohrwasser 55
2 Doug Ramirez 54
3 Gregg Gorski 54
4 Mel Johnson 38
5 Brandon Rambo 36
6 Sean Mason 35
7 Nick Groat 31
8 Jon Hirshberg 27
9 Miguel Grillo 19
Silver PTS.
1 Rahul Patel 74
2 Brian Reynolds 62
3 Chris Hinojosa 54
Rookie PTS.
1 Sohaib Kureshi 73
2 Jason Horwitz 63

 

Sports Car Series
GTU PTS.
1 Mark Ramsey 74
2 Michael Reynolds 62
3 Brian Reynolds 54
GTL PTS.
1 Blake Olsen 72
2 Gabriel Giannatassio 55
3 Karen Wonnenberg 42
4 Chad Lancaster 40
5 John Saroyan 38
6 Michael Wonnenberg 33
7 Randy Wonnenberg 32
8 Mark Soroyan 27
9 Tony Grillo 17
GT4 PTS.
1 Teddy Landau 74
2 Roc Capobianco 62