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POMONA, Calif. - David Baca concluded a constructive 2006 campaign with an emotional race day at Pomona, losing in the first round to reigning series champion Tony Schumacher, who won his fourth series title Sunday. The Mach 1 Air Services team knew they needed a big pass to beat Schumacher, who set the national record later in the day, and ended up overpowering the racetrack.
"You have to take chances against that team," Baca said. "We're just not at their level yet. The good news is we're a lot closer to them right now then we were at the start of the season and that's something that has us all very excited.
"This has been a building year. Many of the tracks we went to were mysteries to us because we had never arced their before under the current rules and the new tires. It was a learning experience but I think the guys did a great job every race. There was certainly no lack of effort with this group."
Baca, of Brentwood, Calif., dedicated his weekend to the Morgellons Research Foundation. One of several charities he's championed in 2006, Morgellons is a disease that has struck the sister-in-law of Mach 1 Racing's car cheif Kevin Poynter. Many representatives of the MRF were on hand and expressed gratitude to Baca for his efforts to raise awareness for their cause. They said nothing they had done in the past could match the media attention they received this weekend.
"That makes this weekend a winner right there," Baca said. "Together with Mike Entzminger, the CEO of Mach 1, we've been able to help a lot of worthy causes this year and I want to thank the NHRA fans for getting on board with us each weekend.
"I also want to thank Mike Entzminger for the support of Mach 1 Air Services. It's been an honor to carry your colors this year and it's awesome that you've let us race and still do the right thing in the community with these various charities. The entire Mach 1 family has become a part of this team and we love 'em."
Baca finished the year 12th in the POWERade championship points standings.
The race will air on ESPN2 from 7-10 p.m. ET.
Baca Concludes 2006 Season with Emotional Race in Pomona
POMONA, Calif. - David Baca concluded a constructive 2006 campaign with an emotional race day at Pomona, losing in the first round to reigning series champion Tony Schumacher, who won his fourth series title Sunday. The Mach 1 Air Services team knew they needed a big pass to beat Schumacher, who set the national record later in the day, and ended up overpowering the racetrack.
"You have to take chances against that team," Baca said. "We're just not at their level yet. The good news is we're a lot closer to them right now then we were at the start of the season and that's something that has us all very excited.
"This has been a building year. Many of the tracks we went to were mysteries to us because we had never arced their before under the current rules and the new tires. It was a learning experience but I think the guys did a great job every race. There was certainly no lack of effort with this group."
Baca, of Brentwood, Calif., dedicated his weekend to the Morgellons Research Foundation. One of several charities he's championed in 2006, Morgellons is a disease that has struck the sister-in-law of Mach 1 Racing's car cheif Kevin Poynter. Many representatives of the MRF were on hand and expressed gratitude to Baca for his efforts to raise awareness for their cause. They said nothing they had done in the past could match the media attention they received this weekend.
"That makes this weekend a winner right there," Baca said. "Together with Mike Entzminger, the CEO of Mach 1, we've been able to help a lot of worthy causes this year and I want to thank the NHRA fans for getting on board with us each weekend.
"I also want to thank Mike Entzminger for the support of Mach 1 Air Services. It's been an honor to carry your colors this year and it's awesome that you've let us race and still do the right thing in the community with these various charities. The entire Mach 1 family has become a part of this team and we love 'em."
Baca finished the year 12th in the POWERade championship points standings.
The race will air on ESPN2 from 7-10 p.m. ET.
