www.montereycountynow.com MAY 1-7, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 SPORTS The last time Trans Am’s National Championship series took on the twisting asphalt of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was in 2022. On that day, Chris Dyson hoisted the TA trophy while Mike Skeen topped the 45-car TA2 field. Both drivers are back as teams from the National series once again join the Western Championship. The 550-horsepower TA2 class runs on Saturday, with the unchained, 850-horsepower beasts of the TA class taking the green flag on Sunday. A Ford vs. Chevy points battle is shaping up in TA. But perhaps the most intriguing storyline is in TA2, where Nitro Motorsports and its stable of talented future stars are making things difficult, even for veteran drivers. “I expect that there will be five to seven cars that will challenge me— including my teammates,” 19-year-old Thomas Annunziata says with a confidence born not of youth, but results. “I think I can win it.” Annunziata, driver of the no. 90 Toyota Camry, won the first two races. Last week a mechanical problem dropped him from contention, but no matter. Brent Crews—only 17 and already a TA2 champion—hopped in the no. 10 Mobil 1 Camry prepared by Nitro and led every lap at rain-soaked Sonoma. Mia Lovell, a high school senior from Phoenix, started last at Road Atlanta thanks to an accident during qualifying. In the backup car, she tore through the field to finish 10th. At Sonoma, Lovell—who is racing in both the National and Western series— scored a podium in the latter driving the no. 40 Camry. Her pace was good enough for eighth on the National board, just behind teammates Julian DaCosta and Sam Corry, both 17. “I’m with an excellent team,” she says. “There’s so much knowledge. We can look at [each other’s] data.” Most have been racing since as early as 4 years old. But Lovell has been a professional driver for just three years. Annunziata says Laguna Seca’s off-camber corners and narrow racing line test any driver. “It’s very easy to miss your marks,” he adds. “If you miss your marks, you’ll lose two-tenths.” As for the famous Corkscrew, “It’s tricky,” Lovell observes. “You are looking at the trees to see where you are going. You have to shut up and go.” Mission Foods Laguna Seca Speed Tour, FridaySunday, May 2-4. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. $15-$35; packages available. 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com. DAVE FARIES Stars Rise For one Trans Am team, packed with young racing talent, the future is also now. By Dave Faries Mike Skeen leads the TA2 field through the Corkscrew in 2022, the last time Trans Am’s national series raced at Laguna Seca. FREE Admission after 3:30 p.m. Over televisions tracks per day Full Bar – Drink & Dinner Specials 40 12 Open from Friday – Sunday 10:00 am – Closing Daily Admission $10.00 2004 Fairgrounds Rd. Enter at Gate 5 Monterey, CA 93940 | (831) 372-0315 www.montereycountyfair.com $75 per person exclusive of tax, 20% service charge $35 per person (children 5-12 years) Free for children 4 and under For Reservations, call us at (831) 375-4800 *Menu items and prices subject to change* 750 Cannery Row, Monterey SALADS & DISPLAYS Seafood Display Oysters, Prawns, Crab Legs Hearts Of Romaine Anchovies, Caesar Dressing, Granna Parmesan Organic Mixed Green Salad Citrus Vinaigrette, Beets, Candied Walnuts, Feta Cheese Grav Lax Style Arctic Char Display Cream Cheese, Mustard, Capers, Shaved Onions & Bagels California Rolls with Wasabi & Pickled Ginger Assorted Quiches Assorted Breakfast Pastries HOT ENTRÉES Mother’s Day chaMpagne brunch sunDay, May 8, 2011 10 a.M. to 3 p.M. OmELET STATION Omelets made to order with Assorted Accompaniments DESSERTS Fruit Tarts Cheese Cakes Seasonal Fruit & Berry Display Upon seating you will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! The C is proud to comply with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program and support local farms, organically-grown ingredients and sustainability Don’t forget that when you join us at the C your parking is free! Executive Chef Jerry Regester and Team wish you a Happy mothers Day Adults $44.95 Children (12 & Under) $19.00 Children Under 5 Free For Reservations, please call 831.375.4500 750 Cannery Row . monterey, CA 93940 Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon Chicken Apple Sausage Yukon Gold Potato Gratin Monterey Style Cioppino Spicy Saffron-Dungeness Crab Broth Classic Eggs Benedict Ricotta Stuffed Croissant “French Toast” Grilled Rosemary-Garlic Bread the C restaurant + bar IC_Monterey_Mother'sDay2011_AD.indd 1 4/25/11 11:38:43 AM HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019 · 11am - 3pm BREAKFAST Omelet Action Station Dungeness Crab & Classic Eggs Benedict Applewood Smoked Bacon Chicken & Apple Sausage CARVING STATION Leg of Lamb Honey Roasted Ham BUFFET Assorted Sushi & Nigiri Chilled Seafood Display Smoked Seafood Tuna Nicoise Salad Caesar Salad Swank Farms Heirloom Tomato & Burrata English Pea Soup Alaskan Halibut Duck Confit Spring Vegetables Artisan Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Danish & Pastries Assorted Desserts & Petite Fours BREAKFAST Omelet Action Station Grilled Prawn Benedict Classic Eggs Benedict Applewood Smoked Bacon Chicken~Apple Sausage CARVING STATION Applewood Smoked Prime Rib BUFFET Assorted Sushi & Nigiri Chilled Seafood Display Smoked Seafood Quiche ~ Lorraine & Spinach Roasted Baby Beet & Burrata Berry Yogurt Parfait Ora King Salmon Duck Confit Hash Spring Vegetables Crudite Artisan Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Danish & Pastries Desserts & Petite Fours $125 per person, $45 per person (children 5-12 years) Free for children 4 and under Exclusive of tax, 20% service charge For Reservations, Call us at (831) 375-4800 *Menu Items and Prices Subject to Change* 750 Cannery Row, Monterey $75 per person exclusive of tax, 20% service charge $35 per person (children 5-12 years) Free for children 4 and under For Reservations, call us at (831) 375-4800 *Menu items and prices subject to change* 750 Cannery Row, Monterey SALADS & DISPLAYS Seafood Display Oysters, Prawns, Crab Legs Hearts Of Romaine Anchovies, Caesar Dressing, Granna Parmesan Organic Mixed Green Salad Citrus Vinaigrette, Beets, Candied Walnuts, Feta Cheese Grav Lax Style Arctic Char Display Cream Cheese, Mustard, Capers, Shaved Onions & Bagels California Rolls with Wasabi & Pickled Ginger Assorted Quiches Assorted Breakfast Pastries HOT ENTRÉES Mother’s Day chaMpagne brunch sunDay, May 8, 2011 10 a.M. to 3 p.M. OmELET STATION Omelets made to order with Assorted Accompaniments DESSERTS Fruit Tarts Cheese Cakes Seasonal Fruit & Berry Display Upon seating you will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! The C is proud to comply with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program and support local farms, organically-grown ingredients and sustainability Don’t forget that when you join us at the C your parking is free! Executive Chef Jerry Regester and Team wish you a Happy mothers Day Adults $44.95 Children (12 & Under) $19.00 Children Under 5 Free For Reservations, please call 831.375.4500 750 Cannery Row . monterey, CA 93940 Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon Chicken Apple Sausage Yukon Gold Potato Gratin Monterey Style Cioppino Spicy Saffron-Dungeness Crab Broth Classic Eggs Benedict Ricotta Stuffed Croissant “French Toast” Grilled Rosemary-Garlic Bread the C restaurant + bar IC_Monterey_Mother'sDay2011_AD.indd 1 4/25/11 11:38:43 AM HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019 · 11am - 3pm BREAKFAST Omelet Action Station Dungeness Crab & Classic Eggs Benedict Applewood Smoked Bacon Chicken & Apple Sausage CARVING STATION Leg of Lamb Honey Roasted Ham BUFFET Assorted Sushi & Nigiri Chilled Seafood Display Smoked Seafood Tuna Nicoise Salad Caesar Salad Swank Farms Heirloom Tomato & Burrata English Pea Soup Alaskan Halibut Duck Confit Spring Vegetables Artisan Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Danish & Pastries Assorted Desserts & Petite Fours SUNDAY, MAY 11, 11am – 2pm Complimentary Valet Parking
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