Toyota’s Wagner and Gonzalez Clinch Victory at Lone Star Enduro
In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Gresham Wagner and Tyler Gonzalez of RAFA Racing Team claimed victory in the Pirelli GT4 America’s prestigious Lone Star Enduro at Circuit of the Americas. Overcoming a challenging start from 22nd position, the duo clinched the overall win and secured 50 points in the Silver class championship.
Wagner took an early lead on the opening lap, overtaking pole-sitter Anthony McIntosh in the #69 JTR Motorsports Engineering Toyota. The race was significantly influenced by early Full Course Yellows due to incidents involving Michael Garcia’s Aston Martin and Alex Vogel’s McLaren, both requiring extended safety interventions.
After a strategic pit stop that cost them track position, Gonzalez executed a stellar performance, moving the #68 Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 to seventh place by the end of his stint. Wagner reclaimed third position after a second round of stops, ten seconds behind Colin Garrett in the #52 Auto Technic Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
Wagner later successfully overtook Garrett, who was hampered by a right-front tyre issue, with just under an hour remaining. Gonzalez maintained the lead until a third Full Course Yellow due to a breakdown from Nate Cicero’s BMW, which nullified his 5.6-second advantage.
In the race’s concluding minutes, Gonzalez showcased his prowess, while chaotic battles for second place ensued behind him. Tyler McQuarrie and James Walker Jr. of BimmerWorld Racing seized second place, marking their second consecutive Pro-Am win.
The overall podium concluded with Adrian Comstock and Thomas Merrill finishing third in the #15 Archangel Motorsports Aston Martin Vantage GT4 EVO, despite earlier setbacks including a slow pit stop.
Notable performances included Tony Gaples and Michael Cooper’s #33 Blackdog Racing McLaren, overcoming a drive-through penalty to secure fourth. McIntosh and Thompson’s #69 Toyota rounded out the top five, with the #7 ACI Motorsports Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport finishing closely behind.
The race was particularly competitive, highlighting the ongoing duels across classes, including a strong showing from BimmerWorld Racing in the Am class, capturing an 11th overall finish.
As the teams take a brief pause, they will regroup ahead of the next event at Sebring International Raceway in May, promising more excitement in the GT4 America series.
