10/24/2024
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The 2024 championship proved F1000 is the place to race, with three first-time winners pushing the championship battle to the final race of the season at VIR, with multiple scenarios unfolding for who would come out on top. At the conclusion of the 2024 championship, the πππ ππππ π
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Reigning two-time champion Nathan Byrd with seven wins this season, seemed the favorite at the mid-season break. However, NASCAR commitments pulled Byrd from the final two rounds, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at Summit Point and VIR.
Perennial podium finisher Charles Livingston earned his first pro wins with back-to-back victories at Watkins Glen and looked poised for a championship run. Unfortunately, during testing at Summit Point, he suffered a massive crash into the pit wall on the front straight. Forced to use a backup car, he played catch-up throughout the weekend and ultimately settled for P4 points.
Tim Pierce, a runner-up in 2020 and 2021, quietly amassed podium finishes all season. With back-to-back P3 finishes at Summit Point, Tim positioned himself well going into VIR. He needed only to win one race and could secure the championship with a P2 finish in either race. However, his hopes were dashed in Race One at VIR when a first-lap incident left the #81 car without front or rear wings.
At the beginning of the season, rookie Paulie Gatto seemed the least likely contender for the championship. With a couple of P3 finishes by mid-season, he was in a tight race with Austin Holtgraewe for Rookie of the Year honors. However, a breakout performance at the penultimate race thrust Paulie into contention. Claiming his first win at Summit Point in Round 12, he entered VIR needing to secure pole position, fastest lap, and a win in both races to claim the championship by a single point. Rising to the occasion, Paulie became the first driver to earn both Rookie of the Year and the F1000 Championship in the same season.
Throughout the season, F1000 drivers battled fiercely on the track and gathered every Saturday for group social dinners and random awards, thanks to our sponsors:
EPC, Inc Hoosier Racing Tire MPT Industries GoSunoco Hurley Racing Products LLC Race Mirrors Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies Speedcom Communications Jongbloed Racing Inc.
The 2025 season is just around the corner, with over half of the races set to be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube. Drivers are currently discussing next seasonβs schedule, with an announcement coming soon!
