These past couple of weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind! After wrapping up a super successful MX-5 Cup test with Flis Performance at Carolina Motorsports Park, I headed to a very warm Virginia International Raceway for the next round of the Sprint Challenge championship.
The Mazda MX-5 Cup test was a big success!
I had a great time working with longtime friend Rob Trollinger. I also had the pleasure of coaching Jim Jonsin, who is new to the series this year. Both drivers are competing in the new Clubsport GT4 RS, which is an absolute thrill to drive with its upgraded 500hp engine.
The Sprint Challenge competition was stout, with over 25 entries in the class both Rob and Jim are in. And since the cars are identically prepared, it really made for some fantastic racing. I enjoyed getting to help dial the cars in during the test days, so these two drivers had great cars to go to work with over the course of the race weekend.
Rob Trollinger had a solid weekend, including turning a personal best lap time in qualifying!
Jim came away with a near podium finish, and he got the Hard Charger Award, which was a really satisfying result. But, of course, it also keeps us hungry for more as the series heads to Watkins Glen in a few short weeks!
It was fun seeing Jim grab the Apex award for the most cars passed, finishing just one spot off the podium. Next race!
Speaking of Watkins Glen, it’s time for the annual IMSA event there, including the iconic Sahlen’s 6 Hours at The Glen. I’m excited not only to be continuing my work with Elias De La Torre in Carrera Cup, but also to be back in the driver’s seat with Brandon Kidd in the Automatic Racing Aston Martin GT4.
It will be great to reunite with both Brandon and the team! Brandon and I last co-drove together in 2022, and that race was also at Watkins Glen. I raced with Automatic Racing during this year’s season opener at Daytona, and we had a successful run, so I’m looking forward to more success.
I’m excited to get the weekend started! Watkins Glen is absolutely one of my favorite tracks on the calendar. The weather looks like it’s going to be warm, which will keep things plenty interesting. Be sure to tune in via Peacock for live coverage of the Michelin Pilot Challenge race on Saturday, June 22, at 12:50pm ET.