At COBB Tuning, we like to go fast. We like it even more when tuners and race teams use the tools that we create to increase the performance of their racecars in head to head competition! In an effort to showcase AccessPORT tuners and teams who use their AccessPORTs to get around the track faster than everybody else, we bring you the AccessPORT Racer Spotlight!

The last round of the Redline Time Attack at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., saw some fierce competition at all levels. While the big budgets and huge horsepower of the Unlimited Class wow the crowd with their outright speed, the compeition in the Street Class is fierce and close as the cars are closer in specification, and the drivers are ravenous for first place.

Stephen Ruiz in the GMG Racing, Stoptech EVO X GSR, was continually near the top of the podium this year. His 2008 GSR runs in the S-Street AWD Class, which is a sort of “modified” street class. Stephen not only drives this car, but he is also a COBB Tuning ProTuner. After finishing third at the Superlap Battle at WillowSprings and suffering mechanical issues with his clutches and wastegate in his direct bolt on Garrett 3076 turbocharger, the team was eager to get back on track and prove their mettle. “After superlap battle where we finished 3rd in the AWD class, we spent Thursday and Friday putting the car back together,” said Stephen. “ We got done around 11pm and headed for the track. During the the first morning practice session, we were sitting in 1st but got edged out at the last minute by Reese tuning in their EVO 9.”

For the rest of the weekend, the team concentrated on suspension setup and tire pressures and tried to chase down the EVO 9 which was running a bigger turbo and a bit more power, which can be key at California Speedway’s high-speed oval section. “We just did suspension tuning and tire pressures and did a very good 1:49,” said Stephen.”That was good enough for second and we are happy with that. The car ran 25-minute practice sessions without issues. No changes to the tune were needed. We did not touch the motor, just checked datalog info and everything was cool.”

Steve and the team will be back next year to contest both SuperLap Battle and Redline Time Attack. Contact GMG Racing for details on race preparation and tuning for your own track or street car.