[Franky]

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12) -- David Baca concluded a constructive 2006 campaign with an emotional race day at Pomona, losing in the first round to reigning series champion Tony Schumacher, who won his fourth series title Sunday. The Mach 1 Air Services team knew they needed a big pass to beat Schumacher, who set the national record later in the day, and ended up overpowering the racetrack.

Baca, of Brentwood, Calif., dedicated his weekend to the Morgellons Research Foundation. One of several charities he's championed in 2006, Morgellons is a disease that has struck the sister-in-law of Mach 1 Racing's car cheif Kevin Poynter. Many representatives of the MRF were on hand and expressed gratitude to Baca for his efforts to raise awareness for their cause. They said nothing they had done in the past could match the media attention they received this weekend.