Motorsports Report: Key Results and Developments
Turner BMW Demoted Post-Race
The #29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 has been penalized to 11th in Race 1 of the GT World Challenge America after receiving a five-second time penalty post-race. This penalty was related to driver Justin Rothberg’s "success ballast," required due to his designation as a derogated Bronze driver. Despite favorable weather conditions leading to the waiving of the pit stop requirement by the stewards, the penalty was still enforced.
McLaren Trophy Race 1 Abandoned
Race 1 of the McLaren Trophy America was halted after just seven laps due to severe weather, including lightning threats. Following a red flag at 12:21 PM, racing resumed at 1:25 PM. The #919 Skip Barber Racing Team, led by Tommy Pintos and Cooper Broll, was declared the winner. The top three finishers also included the #74 RWE Motorsports and the Pro-Am #24 Forte Racing entries, each receiving half-points. Notably, James Sofronas, despite racing with a fractured ankle sustained in an earlier event, finished fourth.
Gidley Secures Second GT America Win
In the GT America Race 1, Memo Gidley capitalized on pole position in his #56 SKI Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, leading to victory. The race was interrupted by weather, with minimal green flag laps before championship leader Justin Rothberg crashed after losing control in standing water. Ross Chouest and Kyle Washington completed the podium in second and third, respectively.
Kohlbecker Claims First GR Cup Victory
Spike Kohlbecker clinched his first win of the Toyota GR Cup North America season in an action-packed Race 1. Despite starting under a Safety Car and then a drying track, Kohlbecker seized the lead on the final lap. Jaxon Bell and championship leader Westin Workman rounded out the top three. Jeremy Fletcher had a notable race, managing a spin while in the lead, resulting in a penalty that ultimately affected his final position.
TKO Motorsports Joins Ford Mustang GT3 Family
In a significant announcement, TKO Motorsports confirmed the acquisition of a Ford Mustang GT3 for future competition. Following their victorious 2023 GT America season, team principal Dave Traitel expressed pride in aligning with Ford’s storied racing history. Ford Performance’s Alex Allmandinger highlighted the strength of their customer racing program, emphasizing the partnership’s potential for success.
This report collates critical insights into recent developments across various motorsport series, ensuring a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape and strategic moves within the industry.
