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Hartanto Continues Win Streak in STL, Qualifies for SCCA Runoffs

Andrie Hartanto and his Acura Integra resumed the campaign to qualify for the SCCA 2016 Runoffs in the Super Touring Lite (STL) Class this past weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. The weekend was filled with activity with two STL races both on Saturday and Sunday, plus a foray into punching well above the Integra’s weight in the STU Class as well.

Hartanto closed out the weekend with two wins, two records and three podiums

Hartanto closed out the weekend with two wins, two records and three podiums

Given the limited testing available this season for Hartanto and his Acura Integra, the team also entered the car in the STU class, a faster class, in order to test a few other variables on the car during race conditions. Hartanto qualified on pole for both STL Class races, but surprisingly also collected an unexpected provisional pole position for his STU Class race as well. The efforts weren’t without casualty, however.

Despite losing the front splitter in the first session of the weekend, Hartanto and company performed incredibly well

Despite losing the front splitter in the first session of the weekend, Hartanto and company performed incredibly well

“We ripped the front splitter on the car after the very first practice session,” Hartanto explained. “The car was loose with the splitter attached, but we didn’t have any time to add wing (angle) before the splitter was already trashed and had to be taken out. We probably sacrificed a half a second to a full second without it.”

Hartanto reviews data and footage in the trailer

Hartanto reviews data and footage in the trailer

Hartanto’s first race on Saturday was in the STU Class where he ultimately started in second position due to aggregate qualifying.

James Tam goes over last minute pre-race preparations while Hartanto is on grid

James Tam goes over last minute pre-race preparations while Hartanto is on grid

After the checkered flag had been flown, Hartanto found himself on a surprise STU podium after finishing second in his diminutively-powered Integra. “We ran STU so that I could keep options open for Runoffs, plus test with the Integra under race conditions, which we can’t do otherwise without the risk of throwing away a race. I didn’t expect to finish in second!” Hartanto exclaimed.

Hartanto found himself as a surprise intruder on the STU Class podium

Hartanto found himself as a surprise intruder on the STU Class podium

In the STL Class, Hartanto continued his winning streak in record-breaking fashion. Not only did he break the STL Class track record in Saturday’s race, but he re-set it again with an even faster lap during Sunday’s race.

Hartanto and Boisdeau discuss while James Tam inspects the Integra's brakes and tires

Hartanto and Boisdeau discuss while James Tam inspects the Integra’s brakes and tires

Hartanto heading into Buttonwillow's Sunset corner

Hartanto heading into Buttonwillow’s Sunset corner

Hartanto takes the checkered flag during the STL Class race

Hartanto takes the checkered flag during the STL Class race

“It’s encouraging that we performed as well as we did, despite the bad luck of being without a splitter. Qualifying for the Runoffs is a huge accomplishment and allows us to focus on making things better and faster. I’m extremely grateful to the team and our partners that we’re in the position to focus on speed and performance as we approach the next races and Runoffs,” Hartanto commented, reflecting on another successful weekend.

Andrie and Prima Racing would like to thank its sponsors for the 2016 season; Supertech Performance,QuickJack Portable Jacks, Rota Wheels, BlackTrax Performance and G-LOC Brakes.

Watch Andrie’s race below!