ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (March 2, 2023) – The GT America Powered by AWS season starts this weekend in Florida at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and Flying Lizard Motorsports will ring in the new season with two entries: hometown hero Jason Bell in the No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4, and Andy Wilzoch in the No. 460 Porsche 911 GT3 R. The pair will each complete in the weekend’s two 40-minute races, racing on the temporary street course built for the weekend.
“It is nice to finally get the season started this year,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “I have raced St Peterburg in the past and it is a great layout for a street circuit. It has a good mix of high-speed sections as well as technical slower left and right transitions. We will need to maximize the little track time we have, and qualifying is at a premium. Passing on a street circuit is always tough. This is always a great race weekend with lots of fans so I am looking forward to seeing both our drivers compete and we hope to have great results.”
The sports car racing series will run in support of the NTT IndyCar Series, one of several race series participating in the street festival weekend. Due to the action-packed track schedule, competitors will have less time than normal to become acquainted with the circuit and the ideal car setups. Drivers and engineers will be sure to take advantage of Thursday’s track walk, a one-hour gap where series competitors are able to walk the track on foot to inspect it before running full speed in a field of sports cars. The GT America entries will have only 65 minutes of total practice time on Friday before qualifying that afternoon and conducting race one that evening.
The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the home race for 2021 champion Jason Bell, who will have his own section of supporters this weekend as he aims to defend last year’s win at the temporary street circuit. He’ll race the black, white, and yellow No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4, competing against 20 other entries in the GT4 class.
Andy Wilzoch will be proudly racing the No. 460 Porsche 911 GT3 R, which will wear the traditional Flying Lizard livery from the team’s early years of racing. He’ll compete in the GT3 class with 11 other entries, in what will be his first time at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. In an effort to familiarize himself with the circuit, Wilzoch has been getting in plenty of track time on the simulator in preparation for the event ahead.
Twenty-three entries will compete in the weekend’s doubleheader, season opening event. The single-driver series will showcase eight different manufacturers in a pair of 40-minute races. No driver changes are allowed and no pit stops are required, providing the bronze-rated drivers the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the experience throughout the race.
Schedule | All Times Eastern
Thursday, March 2
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Track Walk
Friday, March 3
8:35 AM – 9:20 AM Practice 1
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM Practice 2
12:30 PM – 12:45 PM Qualifying
5:55 PM – 6:35 PM GT America Race 1 (Live on YouTube.com/GTWorld)
Saturday, March 4
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM GT America Race 2 (Live on YouTube.com/GTWorld)
About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.
The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.
About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.
Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical
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About Apex Motor Club
Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.
To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com
