The 2026 Pocono Time Attack event was held April 11-12, 2026 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. This SCCA sanctioned event was hosted by the Giants Despair Hillclimb Association, and was the first event in the 2026 PHA Championship Series.
This was the first time for the PHA on the North Course at Pocono, at least in recent memory (we ran there back in the 1970’s). Thank you to everyone for their patience as Giants Despair Association figured out how to run events on this track configuration!
It was a cold one! The temperatures went down into the 30’s at night, and it was a bit uncomfortable for those of us who camped. We did manage to have quite a bit of fun in the evenings despite the cold weather, even if we couldn’t build our usual campfire.
The good news is that on both days, it was in the upper 50’s (although very windy), and the track remained dry. There was plenty of grip despite the cold weather, and many fast times were run.
Justin Peachy took FTD in his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that he runs in Outlaw (O). His fast time was 50.961, which was a little over 3 seconds faster than the next place driver.
Bill Feist came in second place overall, running a 54.034 in his 2008 Stohr F1000 in Formula S (FS).
In third place overall was Michael Robinson, who ran a 54.827 in his 1999 Chevrolet Camaro that he runs in Outlaw (O).
Rounding out the top 5 overall, Theodore Klaus was forth, running a 55.213 in his 1978 Wheeler FSV that is classed in Formula S (FS). Fifth overall was Bryan McCrea, running a 56.661 in his 2013 Scion FRS that is classed in Modified (M).
The class competition in Sport Max (SX) was the closest, with Thomas Daggett running a 62.392, only 0.089 seconds faster than James Apgar. Thomas runs a 1995 Honda Civic and James is in a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta.
My favorite class to follow was Sport Lite (ST), as it was where all the other Sciroccos ran. Dillon Axarlis came in first with a 67.949 in his 1987 Scirocco 16V. Mike Axarlis was second with a 68.164 in his 1979 Scirocco, only .214 seconds behind Dillon. Jessica Fessler was only 1.351 seconds behind Mike, running a 69.514 in the 1979 Scirocco.
I’ve heard that this family, which has 2 other racing members (Dustin and Melinda), hoards Sciroccos. This is a great thing in my opinion! It is great to see these cars kept alive and in such good condition. They are also a lot of fun to be around, and I’m not just saying that because they have been know to help me with my car. 🙂
Well, as for how I did, I did not come in last and I managed to take all runs offered. I also had a lot of fun. So my main goal was achieved. But my times were not great.
I decided to move to the Modified class this year as I’m tired of having no competition in GT3. Of course that was before I realized that Brian McCrea is also in Modified. Yes, that Bryan, who placed 5th overall in his 2013 Scion FRS, running a 56.661.
I can’t compete with Bryan, and that’s OK — if it was really that important to me, I’d build or buy a car that is competitive for the class it falls into. However, I should have been able to keep up with the other Sciroccos. As usual, I was about 5 seconds slower than them. Oddly enough, I think the problem is in the straights, not the turns, so at least I have something to work on. Regardless of my poor times, I really had a lot of fun, and that is what counts in my book.
I haven’t done this lately, and need to start doing it again. I want to thank all of the photographers at this event that have given the PHA permission to use their photos. View the rest of their photos, and maybe even buy a shot or two!
Daniel Hammonds — https://www.instagram.com/dhpsphoto
Eric Santiago — https://ericsantiago.smugmug.com/Pocono-Shootout-2026