Perhaps the most appealing aspect of spec racing is the parity between vehicles – as long as everyone plays by the rules, the determining factor in one’s success largely boils down to driver skill. This video exemplifies that concept beautifully.

Image: Flickr

“No race has ever been won in the first corner, but plenty have been lost there.” It’s a mantra that many new racers learn the hard way. To put it another way: road races are comprised of many laps, so have a little patience while the pack spreads out over the first few corners, lest you want to end up on the tow truck.

But in this case, misfortune befalls our hero as he approaches Turn 1 during the opening lap of this SRF race at Texas World Speedway through no fault of his own, as he finds himself pinched between two cars which results in a 100 mph spin off course.

Thirteen cars in the 33-car field pass him before he’s able to get back on the pavement and up to speed, dropping him back to 25th place in a car with an unknown amount of damage. That could have easily been the end of the interesting part of the story, and just avoiding a DNF would be likely be enough for many. But not this guy.

These second generation Spec Racer Fords are all powered by identical 1.9-liter four cylinder Ford motors. Image: Wikipedia

We’re not sure what “it’s time to make donuts” means exactly, but what ensues is an utterly epic battle back through the pack, one which includes several national champion drivers up front.

So how does it all play out? See for yourself. Also, if you’re a racing fan and a Star Wars fan, you might have just found your new favorite YouTube video.