I’m coming off an awesome event at Sebring International Raceway with the JDX racing team, who had a very successful Sprint Challenge race weekend. We had wonderful weather, and I was working with a good friend, Dan Bloom, who was competing in his first-ever 992 GT3 Cup race.
Dan and I tested a couple of weeks before the opening round at one of his Apex Driving Events, which allowed us to be prepared going into the race weekend. We were able to accomplish Dan’s goals, with some incredible results. Dan made continued progress throughout the week and into qualifying, where he qualified inside the top 10 for race one and fifth for race two. With a field of more than 35 cars, it was quite the accomplishment, and the race results that followed made it even sweeter.
Dan had a fantastic race one, pushing through the field and making some decisive passes to finish sixth. And during race two on Sunday, rather than being the hunter, it was Dan’s turn to be chased! He started fifth and had to push for the full length of the race to hold position, with lots of pressure from behind.
I also had the opportunity to drive the unrestricted Cayman GT4 RS for the first time during the event, which I did to help a client get their brand-new car dialed in. Traditionally, this car has to fit within a BOP metric, which restricts it. But with its GT3 Cup Car engine squeezed into the Cayman platform—and zero restrictions—it was absolutely thrilling to lap Sebring with times that were clipping the heels of its big brother, the 992 GT3 Cup.
It was extremely rewarding to set out goals for Dan, and then to see him not only accomplish but exceed them. And I got to drive a really fun car along with my coaching, so it was an exciting and rewarding event all around!