Sunday September 15th, 2024 - High Plains Raceway - Deer Trail, Colorado
Written by Turner Schroll
This past weekend, the High Plains Raceway in Colorado echoed with the roar of engines and the cheers of enthusiastic fans for the much-anticipated 24 Hours of Lemons race. Among the hundreds of participants, one team stood out: Hyperion Racing, an esports team embarking on their first-ever in-person racing event. Their weapon of choice? A classic Porsche 944 that would take them through the endurance challenge of speed, strategy, and teamwork.
The Build-Up: Practice Days for the Newcomers
Before diving headfirst into the racing weekend, Hyperion Racing utilized the Thursday and Friday practice days to acclimate to their new ride and to form a strategy for success. With the unique handling of the Porsche 944, this was essential. Drivers Turner Schroll, Floyd Kerr, Alex Caruso, and Greg Conaway took the opportunity to refine their driving styles and get a feel for the track. The picturesque High Plains Raceway provided a perfect backdrop for their introduction to real-world racing, with its long straights and challenging curves.
Tech Day: A Test of Ingenuity
However, the journey wouldn’t be smooth sailing. On Friday, as the team gathered for tech inspection, a looming challenge emerged. The Porsche failed tech due to an illegal roll cage— a crucial safety component that needed immediate attention. Panic might have set in for some, but not for Hyperion Racing. The team composed themselves and set out on a mission to resolve the issue. They scoured the facility, ultimately finding welders on site who worked tirelessly to bring their car up to code, ensuring they were ready for the race ahead. It was a perfect example of how racing is as much about adaptability as it is about speed.
Race Day: The Real Test Begins
Saturday dawned bright and early, bringing with it the excitement of the first race day. The Hyperion Racing team was ready for an eight-and-a-half-hour endurance race filled with strategic pit stops and driver swaps. However, they faced challenges from the start, including communication barriers regarding pit stops and some minor mechanical issues. These hurdles forced the team to come together, lean on each other, and problem-solve in real-time to overcome the day's obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the team finished strong in 30th overall out of the 78 cars that started the race, all while managing to avoid any black flags or spins. It was a significant accomplishment that highlighted their capability to work under pressure and adapt on the fly.
Sunday: A New Day with New Challenges
As Sunday arrived, the excitement was palpable as another full grid readied for the day’s six-hour race. Things began smoothly, but as the race progressed, a clutch issue emerged midday, posing a new challenge for the team. Floyd faced a particularly tough stint, having to shift gears without the clutch until the issue miraculously resolved itself. His determination and skill kept the car competitive during a challenging period.
However, not all stints went without incident. During the race, Greg experienced the only spin of the entire weekend, earning the team their first and only black flag. It was a moment that tested their resolve, but they remained focused and committed to finishing the race.
A Weekend to Remember
For Hyperion Racing, entering the 24 Hours of Lemons was more than just a race; it was a journey of learning, adapting, and experiencing the thrill of motorsports. The weekend was filled with challenges, from communication barriers to mechanical issues, that put their skills, teamwork, and ingenuity to the test. From the hurdles faced during tech inspection to the exhilarating driving moments on the track, every participant contributed to making the event memorable.
While results are often celebrated in racing, for the team, the real win was the experience gained, the friendships forged, and the successful completion of their first race. As they packed up the Porsche 944 and headed home, they left with stories to tell and renewed excitement for future races. Hyperion Racing proved that no matter the challenges, with teamwork and perseverance, you can meet your goals, one lap at a time. Safe travels to the team as they gear up for their next adventure on the racetrack!
