SCCA Mid-States Conference Kicks Off

A dual-conference Hoosier Super Tour SCCA race weekend kicks off at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit this weekend

The SCCA Mid-States Conference gets its season underway with a Hoosier Super Tour at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit this weekend. The 1.8-mile, 10-turn circuit west of Tulsa, Okla., is a challenge and a favorite of drivers. The Green Country Grand Prix is a joint event with the Southern Conference, which already has two races under its belt at MSR Cresson and the Hoosier Super Tour at COTA.

One Mazda defending SCCA national champion hails from the Midwest Division and another has pretty strong ties to it; of course they are favorites to not only win this weekend, but for a conference title as well. Bryce Cornet is starting the season after his first national championship in Formula Mazda. He holds the track record at Hallett, and is not only defending his national championship, but he’s also looking to back up his Hoosier Super Tour points win as well. The Formula Mazda field for Hallett is one of the largest seen in any Hoosier Super Tour so far this year, with 11 entries. 

Matthew Reynolds took his third E Production win at the Runoffs last October, and will continue competing with his Miata in the class in 2019, hoping to break his odd-year bad luck at the Runoffs. Although Reynolds now calls Texas and the Southern Conference home, Hallett is his first home track, so he’s likely to get a good start on the conference points.

Another big class is Super Touring Lite, and nine of the 11 entries are some form of MX-5. Hallett is close to home for Tulsa resident Brian Laughlin, and he’ll be there with his 1990 Miata. Laughlin won a couple of STL Majors races in 2018, as did Jake Anton, who also races a 1990 Miata. They’ll be joined by several Texas drivers, including James Goughary Jr. and Will Snyder. 

In addition to E Production, Reynolds continues to race in Spec Miata, and is the favorite to win this weekend. But Jim Drago will be coming from Tennessee to mount a challenge. Tyler Quance, doing double duty in SM and Touring 4, may be someone to watch out for as well.

In addition to E Production, the Group 4 field has several notable Mazda drivers in other classes to keep an eye on. Jonathan Goodale will be looking to get an early start on the defense of his conference title in GT-Lite in his 2009 MX-5. Larry Svaton will be making the tow from Texas with his Miata to challenge. Eric Prill, who largely relaxed during the 2018 season after winning the F Production championship in 2017, starts his season at Hallett. He was a double winner at the circuit last year and is a strong contender to do it again. Bill Hingston took the FP conference championship last year, but the Colorado racer sticks to races closer to home. 

Hoosier Super Tour events offer an elevated experience for racers and fans alike, with features such as segmented timing and live static video feeds accompanied by announcers following the action. Those not attending can follow along at scca.com.