ALTON, Va., (July 16, 2024) – Summer break is over for the series under the SRO America umbrella, and Flying Lizard Motorsports has another action-packed weekend ahead at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). As the group heads into the second half of the season, the driver roster remains unchanged but Flying Lizard will expand to seven entries between the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, GT America, and GT4 America efforts.
“We can’t wait to get things going again for the second half of the season,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “It has been a bit of a long break, but it gave us time to go through the primary cars as well as prepare second cars for both Elias Sabo and Damir Hot and get some testing in. VIR is an amazing circuit, it is fast, technical, and takes a lot of commitment in the high-speed sections. We have had success here in the past and hope to break through with some podium finishes this weekend.”
Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
Race Length: 90 minutes
Classes: Overall, Pro-Am, AM
Race Start: 7/20 at 3:10 PM EDT; 7/21 at 2:15 PM EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
Elias Sabo and Andy Lee (No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT3) continue to be the sole Lizard entry in the top series of the SRO America organization. With six rounds complete, the pair remain on their quest to secure their first podium together at the GT3 level. Last year at VIR, the pair earned a pair of top-five finishes, showing strength on the 3.270-mile, 17-turn course.
GT America powered by AWS
Race Length: 40 minutes
Classes: SRO3, GT2, GT4
Race Start: 7/20 at 1:00 PM EDT; 7/21 at 8:45 AM EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
The Lizard GT America program grows by two cars this weekend, bringing the total count to four entries. Elias Sabo (No. 48 Aston Martin Vantage GT3) and Damir Hot (No. 05 Nissan Z GT4) will join Jason Bell (No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4) and Todd Parriott (No. 31 Aston Martin Vantage GT4). The team currently holds four top-five finishes in the championship reserved for bronze-rated drivers. The four-car effort will add a considerable flurry to the team’s garage this weekend but also gives the four drivers a suitable additional amount of track time to continue their racing development.
Pirelli GT 4 America
Race Length: 60 minutes
Classes: Silver, Pro-Am, Am
Race Start: 7/20 at 5:00 PM EDT; 7/21 at 10:55 am EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
After the previous four-hour endurance round at Circuit of the Americas, competitors of the GT4 America Series return to their regular two-race, 60-minute format. Todd Parriott and Tom Dyer (No. 13 Aston Martin Vantage GT4) secured a well-earned fourth-place finish in the endurance event, and will look to build on that momentum this weekend at VIR. Damir Hot and Rodrigo Baptista (No. 5 Nissan Z GT4) showed great pace at the Austin event as they entered their first race weekend as co-drivers, but the Nissan Z was forced to retire early. The new duo anxiously looks forward to this weekend’s activities at VIR, hopeful to see what they can accomplish come weekend’s end.
Event Schedule | All Times EDT
All Races Live on YouTube.com/GTWorld
Friday, July 19
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM GT America Practice 1
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GT World Challenge Practice 1
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM GT4 America Practice 1
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM GT America Practice 2
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM GT World Challenge Practice 2
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM GT 4 America Practice 2
Saturday, July 20
8:05 AM – 8:20 AM GT America Qualifying
9:05 AM – 9:20 AM GT World Challenge Qualifying 1
9:25 AM – 9:40 AM GT World Challenge Qualifying 2
10:25 AM – 10:40 AM GT4 America Qualifying 1
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM GT4 America Qualifying 2
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM GT America Race 1
3:10 PM – 4:40 PM GT World Challenge Race 1
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM GT4 America Race 1
Sunday, July 21
8:45 AM – 9:25 AM GT America Race 2
10:55 AM – 11:55 AM GT4 America Race 2
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM GT World Challenge Race 2
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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5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.
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
