After a disappointing end to the Indy Global MX-5 Cup weekend for Racing Analytics drivers Ashton Harrison and Pat Wilmot, they went into last weekend’s races at Road America looking for some redemption.
The first day at Road America, which included practice and qualifying, had on and off rain showers. We had been up there practicing a month before in beautiful dry conditions, but we had to pull out the rain tires like we did at Indy. Both Ashton and Pat did a great job of optimizing their practice time to be competitive for qualifying. They worked together in the session and qualified next to each other inside the top 15.
We traded in the rain for gorgeous weather the rest of the weekend. The race on Friday was an exciting one with a lot of drafting, passing, and changes for the lead every lap—in other words, a typical MX-5 Cup race! Ashton and Pat were able to work together and move their way up through the field, keeping their cars clean.
Ashton got her best finish ever with eighth! Unfortunately, Pat was going to be right there with her to get both cars in the top 10, but he had a mechanical that cost him the opportunity to finish the race.
For race two on the following day, the goal was to be consistent and to keep the results strong. Ashton was able to run just outside the top ten for most of the race, and she finished 15th. I’m sure it’s not the result she really wanted after being in the top ten for the first race, but she was able to learn from the racing situations, and that will make her a stronger racer going forward. In just a couple short weeks, she and Pat are heading to their first-ever street circuit in Toronto, so there will be a lot of studying to do before then!
As for me, this week begins our summer swing of races with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. I’ve been focused on keeping up with training for the high speeds and heat. I’m excited to get back in the No. 70 Castrol Mazda Prototype after our most recent finish, which was a podium result at Detroit Belle Isle. Marino Franchitti will co-drive with Joel Miller and me again, and it will be great to have him back with us.