The Driver

Mark Rushbrook prepares and drives the black #21 ITA Saturn.  Born and raised in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania, Mark learned to drive on country backroads full of twists, turns, and blind apexes.  Driving was never only a means of getting from point A to point B, but was instead a challenge of finding the best line in every corner.

After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Penn State, Mark moved to Michigan to earn his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and to start working full-time in the automotive industry.  Mark applies his 10+ years of chassis and vehicle dynamics experiences on the race track, as well as developing new products for SPS.

Shortly after arriving in Michigan, Mark was introduced to SCCA Solo II Autocross Racing.  He successfully campaigned his 1990 Pontiac Grand Am H.O. Quad 4 (on street tires!) and his 1995 Saturn SC2 for several years, including strong finishes at Nationals in 1995 and 1996.

In 1996, Mark moved from racing against the clock to wheel to wheel competition, running 100cc Controlled Enduro Karts on most of the Midwest road courses for three years.  With decade-old equipment, Mark not only honed his driving skills, but also his mechanical know-how as between session engine changes were all too common.  Mark was able to earn one victory and a handful of top 5’s to finish 4th in the 1998 Mid-States Championship.

After crewing for team scR since its humble beginnings, Mark campaigned the white #34 SSC car in SCCA regional competition in 1999.  In his first year of SCCA club racing competition, Mark won 10 out of 12 regional races.  In 2000, Mark took his 1995 SC2 off the street and converted it into the #21 ITA Saturn.  Most of the summer was spent building the car, but the #21 car finished an impressive 2nd place in its inaugural outing (just behind the #34 ITA Saturn).  The 2001 season had a few high points including a 3rd place finish at Mid-Ohio.  The team is looking forward to getting back on the track and running in the pack for 2002!

The Crew

The Car

Make 1995 Saturn SC2 Weight 2212 lb. (without driver) Body Steel space frame construction Stock polymer body panels Safety scR-spec 8-point roll cage Willans 6-point QR harness NASCAR window netting 11 lb. SPA Halon fire system Interior Recaro fiberglass shell seat All interior seating removed All interior carpeting and trim panels removed All sound deadening and insulation removed Gauges VDO water temp, oil temp VDO oil pressure, voltage Engine 1900cc inline 4 cylinder ITA prepared by Mark Womack 146 HP @ 6200 RPM 133 FT-LB @ 4700 RPM Induction SPS custom intake and air filter Stock throttle body and intake manifold Ignition AC Rapidfire spark plugs Magnecor 8.5mm wires

Exhaust BSM 3" stainless steel, mandrel bent scR-spec collector Borla race muffler Fluids Mobil-1 15W50 race oil Red Line D4 ATF Red Line power steering fluid Transmission Stock 5-speed ratios and final drive Quaife differential Clutchmasters Stage 1 Performance Clutch Wheels Enkei RP01 15x7 Rocketsport 68mm hardened wheel studs Tires Dry: Hoosier 225/45ZR15 DOT radials Wet: Hoosier 205/50ZR15 DOT bias ply Suspension Carrera custom coil-over housings Koni 8611-1256 adjustable inserts Hyperco 2.5" springs Stock 28.6mm front sway bar SPS 17.5 mm adj. rear sway bar R3-spec spherical bearing strut mounts SPS Adjustable Front Strut Tower Brace Brakes SPS Magnum gold front linings Stock NS187 rear linings SPS rear disc brake conversion SPS stainless steel brake hoses AP600 brake fluid

Performance