Summer Sports Notebook / Sam Farmer : Car Troubles Dog Kendall From Start to Finish

After qualifying in record-breaking time and winning the pole position, Tom Kendall had car troubles and finished a disappointing eighth in the International Motor Sports Assn. GTU-class race at at Sears Point in Sonoma, Calif., earlier this month.

Kendall, a resident of La Canada, said his Chevrolet Beretta felt especially sluggish while cornering. In fact, the car, which had a faulty fuel pump switch, was stalling in sharp right turns.

“A few laps in I could feel it,” said Kendall, who was tied for first place in IMSA GTU standings before the race but is now seven points behind leader Amos Johnson. “It got progressively worse.”

And the problem kept Kendall in the pits for a few precious minutes.

With a higher finish, Johnson would have built a bigger points lead but he was nosed out of third place by Kendall’s brother, Bart Kendall.

Tom Kendall said Chevrolet shares in his frustration.

“They’re obviously upset about it, especially when we have a real good chance to win,” he said. “And I’m out there limping around.”

Tennis for Scouting: A doubles tennis tournament for men and women over 21 will be held September 17 at Glendale College.

The event will benefit the Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The entry fee is $50 per player.

Information: (818) 243-6282.