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Era Motorsport Takes IMSA LMP2 Points Lead with Laguna Seca Podium

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Official Release
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MONTEREY, Calif., (May 2, 2022) – Era Motorsport completed the first sprint race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s LMP2 class this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Indianapolis-based squad drove a masterful race to finish in second place in the No. 18 Oreca, taking the championship points lead with drivers Dwight Merriman and Ryan Dalziel.

The team arrived at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a strong package, placing third and fourth in the two practice sessions. The No. 18 Oreca LMP2 prototype qualified in sixth place, ready to fight to the front in the short two-hour, 40-minute race on Sunday.

Dwight Merriman started from sixth and played his opening stint smart and smooth. While other cars careered off course or into their competitors, Merriman kept the Oreca prototype intact, narrowly avoiding multiple bouts of contact. He took the car’s first pit stop in fifth place, and the team quickly got the No. 18 Oreca serviced and back on track before a full-course caution temporarily paused the race. He rejoined, racing in sixth under clear, sunny skies, and as the race continued on, Merriman’s on-track performance came alive.

His clean and consistent laps allowed him to gain ground on the competition, methodically working his way through slower, lapped traffic while creeping closer to the other LMP2 cars. He made his climb to third place look easy, running behind the No. 52 of Patrick Kelly, who ran 22.3 seconds ahead. As the race clock ticked on, the pair found themselves running in first and second.

Co-driver Ryan Dalziel took over during the mandatory driver change pit stop, with a fresh set of tires, and the Oreca full of fuel. With one hour, 40-minutes remaining, his performance echoed that of Merriman’s, driving a clean stint to stay out of trouble and be there to fight in the end. In the final thirty minutes, he had worked his way up to second place, racing behind the No. 8 of Louis Deletraz, who had created a sizable lead.

After impressive drives by Merriman and Dalziel, and the support of a speedy crew in pit lane, the No. 18 Oreca LMP2 prototype finished second in class, earning Era Motorsport a second podium in three races. The pair and the team now lead the LMP2 driver and team points with four races remaining.

The LMP2 class will next race at Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, racing alongside the DPi, LMP3, and GTD classes in another two-hour, 40-minute sprint race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The Lexus Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio will take place on Sunday, May 15 at 2:10 PM ET, live on the USA Network and streaming on Peacock.

DRIVER QUOTES
Dwight Merriman
It was a good day. Everybody did their job. The crew did a great job which made the result possible. I was happy to pick my pace up from yesterday. I haven’t been here a ton in this car so I’m still learning and it’s coming together a little bit. Good result.

Ryan Dalziel
Today was a really good result. Coming into the event, we had an opportunity to leave here with driver point leads, and we accomplished that. It was a tough race, with only one yellow flag. The car was really good, the crew nailed their pit stops, and Dwight had a brilliant stint, so it was a good points day, and I’m glad it’s a quick turnaround to Mid-Ohio.

About Era Motorsport
Era Motorsport was formed in 2018 with the idea of providing unmatched excellence in historic racing. Just two years later, the team expanded to the world of professional sports car racing, fielding an Oreca 07 in the prolific IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2021, the team went on to win at the iconic Rolex 24 At Daytona, in what was their second attempt competing in the event. Motorsport isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life: a passion that is in the team’s blood. Whether you find us in the IMSA WeatherTech paddock with modern prototypes or chasing down lap records in our fully restored classic sports cars, or even globetrotting to experience historic F1 at some of the world’s most iconic circuits, Era Motorsport has something for everyone. In 2021, the team secured a prestigious victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and also became class champions in the Asian Le Mans Series.

Thwaits and Pickett Duel in the Sun in Exciting Sonoma Showdown

By
Official Release
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Sonoma, CALIFORNIA – May 1, 2022 – Round 5 of the 2022 Trans Am presented by Pirelli Championship season was the second leg of the California doubleheader and as a spectacle, it didn’t disappoint with a nip-and-tuck race that saw Ken Thwaits grab the final National podium spot. His P3 and valuable Championship points haul closes the gap in the Drivers Championship to Amy Ruman, who endured a luckless day and retired when her P6 was assured.

Only two of the TA field in Saturday’s race competed at Sonoma Raceway the last time the National Championship visited the California track in 2004. The legendary Greg Pickett was one of those drivers and he and Franklin Road Apparel Showtime Motorsports Principal Ken Thwaits enjoyed an epic ‘duel in the sun’ with the veteran Pickett.

“We had a lot to prove here after Laguna Seca,” said Ken in the pit lane after the race. “The goal was to run a nice clean race, run as hard as we can and save our tires until the end and boy did we put on a show there!”

The two TA1 drivers were racing very close together as the race entered the second half as Ken pointed out, “The last 25 laps was nip-and-tuck with one of the greatest in Trans Am history so I’m very humbled. I’m not going to be that guy that takes Greg Pickett out! He was faster in some areas and I’d catch him back up.”

Ken continued, “Greg had spun in the carousel. I thought maybe this was my chance but I couldn’t close it at that point. Then I thought maybe he’d run out of tire, and he did, but so did I, so in the end we were just slipping and sliding everywhere but it was fun.”

Ken qualified in P3 in 1:34:343 and of the weekend as a whole he added, “We got the weather to cooperate. This track is a monster. It’ll just bite you everywhere. You’ve got to really have your act together to go fast here so hats off to Chris Dyson and Tomy Drissi.”

Ken added an interesting note with regard to Sunday’s TA2 race where Cameron Lawrence and Carl Rydquist will be flying the flag in the twin Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaros when he added, “We kind of have an opposite strategy in TA2. This weekend, we went out on slicks in the first session. We ran 4th and 5th and Cameron had never been here before and he’s 5th. I think we learned more than the other guys.”

We can confirm that highlights of the TA race will be screened on Saturday May 7 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports Network in a show billed as 2022 Trans Am presented by Franklin Road Apparel. Highlights of Sunday’s TA2 race are on the same channel at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday May 8.

Next up for Ken is a trip to Lime Rock Connecticut when the iconic muscle car series reassembles for more high octane action.

Shop Franklin Road Apparel at: https://www.franklinroad.com/search/trans+am/

Visit the team’s website for Showtime Motorsports showtimemotorsports.net. Learn more about the Showtime Motorsports team partner, Road Apparel, at franklinroad.com and keep up to date with the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli at gotransam.com. #GoTransAm

Check out the Showtime Motorsports Facebook page: facebook.com/showtimemotorsp/ and @ShowtimeMotorsp on Instagram.

About Showtime Motorsports:

The Showtime Motorsports brand includes Ken Thwaits’ racing team and racecars, and an outstanding classic Camaro collection. Showtime Motorsports brings together a dynamic staff who employ diverse talents and share a passion for cars, racing and caring for clients like they are our own family members.

Do You Need To Take Your Car To A Houston Repair Shop?

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SM
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photo by People Creations

If you live in the Houston area or surrounds you may know that mechanic shops in Houston are not all the same. Finding the right one is very important, after all, if you need a mechanic you are going to need one immediately. When it comes to cars, they often are able to tell us, when they need a repair shop. There are signs, sounds, and even symptoms that you could look out for.

Research and statistics have found, that people are keeping their cars longer. Many cars are as old as 12 years of age and even longer. The older cars are the more likelihood they have of landing into problems and needing repairs and services. While you have options for Car repair in Houston TX, J&T Automotive is one of these options.

Top signs that indicate you may need a mechanic shop for your vehicle

1. Is your vehicle leaking oil?

While this may not be a major problem it certainly indicates at least a minor problem. There are a good couple of reasons why your car could be leaking oil and getting it checked out will be beneficial.

2. Does your car struggle to start?

While many cars as they get old, may begin struggling to start especially during colder climates, this does indicate a problem. There are a number of reasons why your car won’t start, and a flat battery could be the problem. However, a failing motor is another option and a mechanic shop in Houston will be able to help.

3. Does your car overheat?

If your car is starting to overheat, then you are going to want to have this seen by an experienced car mechanic. While it may be something simple, there are a couple of things that could be serious. Rather get it checked out immediately.

4. Are there strange sounds coming from the engine?

If you are hearing odd noises from the engine then you should rather be safe than sorry. Something could be losing or something may need tightening. These are the simpler things that may just require a car service. There are other bigger things it could be too.

5. Does it feel like your vehicle is losing power?

If it feels like your car is becoming slow and sluggish then you may have a problem. Over time it may start to feel like your car is losing its power. While this could be a transmission issue or even a fuel problem, it is always best to get the answer immediately from a qualified vehicle mechanic.

6. Does your vehicle stall?

If your car starts to stall this may be a sign that something is wrong. The truth is that it will only get worse over time. This may become tricky at robots and stop streets if your car dies out instead of idles. It may also cause you to put extra pressure on the starter motor, as you may try to continuously restart your car. A fully trained and experienced motor mechanic will be able to identify the problem and sort this out for you. 

How to find a quality Car Repair Service Shop in The Woodlands

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SM
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photo by People Creations

Unfortunately, we are living in times where car repair scams are very common. This means that finding auto maintenance and auto repair shops that are reputable in your area, is more important than ever before. If you stay in the Woodlands area and surrounds, you will want to find a quality repair center that is right for you and your vehicle.

There are on average 315 cases of car fraud per one million residents in the USA. These are not numbers to play with or take a chance with. It is essential to check out every single Auto Repair shop in the Woodlands TX area that you want to use. The good news is that there are many reputable car repair centers in The Woodlands such as Adams Automotive Woodlands.

Questions to ask a repair shop

1. Are your mechanics fully trained?

This may seem like a logical question, but you will be surprised by the answers. If the mechanics are fully trained, not only will they be able to tell you the specific qualifications, but you should be able to see them too. They should be plastered on a wall somewhere or they will be able to provide you with professional certifications and paperwork.

2. Are you an approved dealership?

Approved mechanic shops in the Woodlands will be associated with professional bodies. They will be able to name these bodies and associations very easily. They will also be able to show you affiliations and provide you with evidence. Do not be shy to ask for proof of being an approved dealership.

3. Do you have testimonials?

Not only will proper auto repair shops in the Woodlands have testimonials, but they will also have high ratings. Nearly all service places, products, and services have ratings online. If there are no ratings online then this is a dangerous sign. There should be multiple reviews, ratings, testimonials, and more from happy clients.

4. Do you offer warranties?

A reputable and reliable car dealership will be able to answer this question immediately. They should have decent guarantees on offer, that seem reasonable and fair. Although different places may offer different types of warranties, a reputable dealership will offer something that makes you feel comfortable.

5. What experience do you have working on my particular car make and model?

There are tons of different cars that exist out there. You always want to make sure that the place that you choose to take your car, has expertise with your particular car make and model. Some car shops may only work on certain cars, while others may be broader. If they have experience with your car, then you should feel comfortable.

6. Can you help me with transport?

It is important that any auto repair shop in the Woodlands that you choose, is convenient for you. It should be close to home or they should offer a temporary vehicle if your car is out of order for a few days. They may be able to offer you an added service of dropping you off at home or delivering your car back to you. Again, you should not be afraid to ask as quality repair centers will be willing to go the extra mile for their clients.

Fastest Motorcycles Vs. Fastest Private Jets

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SM
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Photo by revac film's & photography

Why Are Motorcycles So Fast?

Motorcycles are quick because they are both powerful and light. Motorcycles have a higher power-to-weight ratio and superior traction, allowing them to accelerate faster than many cars. Despite the fact that there are some extremely fast motorcycles on the market, they are not as quick as some sports automobiles.

What Is the Maximum Speed of a Motorcycle?

Motorcycles may travel at speeds ranging from 31 mph (50 km/h) to 240 mph (380 km/h), depending on their type and purpose. Sportbikes can easily reach speeds of 200 mph or more, and mopeds can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. With average speeds of up to 150 mph, sport-touring, touring, cruisers, and dirt bikes fall somewhere in the middle.

Why Are Jets So Fast? 

To protect planes from flying too fast, they have two basic control methods. The industry refers to them as thrust and drag. The airplane’s speed is increased by this air pressure, whereas dragging diminishes it. Thrust and drag are the forces that the plane encounters as it travels ahead.

What Is the Maximum Speed of an Engine in a Jet?

At 35,000 feet, the speed of sound is 660 miles per hour; on average, jetliners fly at 575 miles per hour, with the fastest supersonic jet flying today at 660 miles per hour.

The rest linger about Mach 1 at the end of the range of 50,000 feet, roughly 1,400 mph.

When jet engines blow up massive amounts of air, they burn more fuel, which gives them greater power. They can improve fuel economy by heating fuel (approximately 50 parts air to one part air).

Some of the Fastest Motorcycles in the World

Motorcycles are faster than vehicles on average due to their power-to-weight ratio. If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, 25 mph feels like 100. They continue to accelerate even when traveling at 100 mph due to their tiny frame, which provides less wind resistance and a low drag coefficient. Modern motorcycles have become some of the world’s fastest vehicles as a result of developments in design and powertrains.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 249 mph

The H2R looks like an extraterrestrial spacecraft and flies down a track like one, too, without having to comply with any road rules. The supercharged inline-four produces 326 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque, which is powerful enough to hit 250 mph in a straight line.

The H2R is not just insanely fast, but it’s also designed to obliterate race tracks. The H2R has such things as cornering management function, launch control, brake control, etc. The H2R outperforms practically every other motorbike on a track because of its completely adjustable suspension, MotoGP-inspired transmission, and slick Bridgestone tires.

2017 MTT 420RR: 273 mph

The MTT 420RR has a gas turbine engine instead of a classic internal-combustion engine. The MTT 420RR would be as crazy as any of the motorcycles we drew as kids if they ever made it to manufacture. The Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20 Series gas turbine engine has 420 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, which is extremely high for a motorcycle.

The MTT 420RR, “Race Ready”, features lightweight carbon-fiber fairings, light 17-inch carbon-fiber wheels, and an aluminum alloy frame in addition to the gas turbine engine. The MTT 420RR is capable of reaching a top speed of 273 mph.

Ducati Superleggera V4: 200 mph

Ducati may not produce the fastest motorcycles on the market, but it does produce some of the most unusual models. The Ducati Superleggera V4 is the company’s most forceful and technologically advanced motorcycle, according to the company. The 998cc V4 engine has 234 horsepower, which is loads of power for a carbon-fiber heavy body that weighs 335.5 pounds with the race equipment.

This isn’t the first time Ducati has given a motorcycle the Superleggera moniker. The term refers to something that is extremely light, which perfectly defines the V4. The motorcycle has a carbon-fiber subframe, wheels mainframe, and swingarm below the carbon-fiber bodywork. The V4 Superleggera employs titanium bolts because Ducati is concerned about reducing weight.

The Fastest Private Jets in The World

Private planes have grown in popularity in recent years as globalization has resulted in an increase in the number of high-level business executives, celebrities, and world leaders going internationally. Private jet charters are expanding their private jet offerings at a breakneck pace to meet the rising demand for speed, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. 

Bombardier Challenger 650 (554mph)

The Bombardier Challenger 650 has a top speed of 554 mph and can fly 4,000 nautical miles at 554 mph. Its steep approach certification allows it to access London City Airport as well as difficult airports like Aspen and Lugano. Its widest-in-class cabin accommodates 12 passengers, and its low direct operating expenses make it the preferred aircraft of many corporate flight departments and private jet charter companies. The Challenger 650’s cockpit features next-generation technology, and its cabin management system uses Ka-band technology to provide one of the world’s quickest in-flight internet connections.

Cessna Citation X+ (610mph)

The Cessna Citation X+ is Cessna’s direct response to consumers who desired a faster Citation model – and they delivered; with two dual-channel FADEC-controlled Rolls-Royce AE3007C2 turbofan engines, this amazing aircraft has a maximum operational speed of Mach 0.935. If you want to buy a plane like this, it will set you back roughly $23 million.

Aerion AS2 (1000mph)

This 12-passenger private jet, which is still in development, is intended to break the mold in private air travel. The prototype is expected to fly in early 2019, with hopes to certify the plane in 2021. The Aerion AS2 is planned to reach a top speed of Mach 1.6, which translates to 1,217mph, and a flying time of less than three hours from London to New York. Until FAA restrictions preventing supersonic flight over the United States are amended, the plane will have to cruise at 754 mph once it enters US airspace, but will be free to extend its legs fully overseas.

Easy Steps to File a Claim for Car Theft Motor Insurance

By
SM
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Photo by George Sultan

Imagine you had a very tiring day at work. But after going through all of that stress, you finally make it to the end. While you walk towards the parking lot, picturing a cold can of beer and your favorite show on the telly, you realize that your car is not in the spot where you left it. The first few minutes would be confusing but then the reality settles in; your car has been stolen. This scenario easily qualifies as one of the worst nightmares for many. So what do you do? 

Getting your car stolen is an awful thing to happen, but what’s even worse is if you don’t have insurance to cover it. This is why it is always recommended to get an auto insurance policy that covers theft. More on that later. First, let’s look at the easy steps to file a claim for a car theft motor insurance policy. Before anything, remember to stay calm and composed if you encounter such events.

Contact the Cops

No matter what happens or how stressful the situation gets, the very first step that you need to take is to call 911. But before you call the cops make sure your vehicle is stolen and not towed due to wrong parking. Getting the cops involved is the first step, not only for your safety but for insurance claims as well. No insurance company in the US will accept the claim if an official police report about the theft is not made.

So make the call, let the cops come, and then explain to them whatever happened. If you are lucky, the cops might find your car and you’ll be saved from the hassle. Once the cops are involved, it’s time to move to the next step. 

Contact the Insurance Company 

The next call should go to the insurance company or the insurance agent. Let them know what happened and usually, every insurance company has a 24/7 service for such cases. But before you call the company, make sure that you have a theft protection policy. 

Liability coverage and collision coverage do not cover theft. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy (which usually includes theft protection), only then you’ll be reimbursed for the loss. This policy does not cover anything that was inside the car. 

But what if you don’t have comprehensive coverage? While you won’t be insured against theft, it is still advisable to contact your insurance company just in case the thief damages another car or property. No matter what coverage you have, let the insurance agent know about the theft. From the most expensive insurance to the cheapest car insurance available in the market, there is some sort of help you’ll get in the case of vehicle theft. 

Documents for Claim

After the claim has been filed, you’ll have to submit some documents. This could differ from one company to another, but there are some common documents needed by all companies. For example, you’ll have to get:

  • Vehicle papers
  • Location of all the keys before and after the theft
  • A detailed description of your vehicle
  • Name and address of people who had access to the vehicle. 

Apart from the documents, the insurance agent might ask you a few questions regarding the theft and everything you know about it. Do note that the questions can sound a little accusatory and personal. But do not be offended as the company must get all the information needed to ensure it is an actual theft and not insurance fraud. It is best to answer everything sincerely so that the company can process the claim and you can get the money. 

Filing the Claim

What kind of claim you can file depends on the policy. Since comprehensive insurance offers a total loss claim for theft, you should file for it. Remember that if you don’t have any additional depreciation protection plan, the amount of the claim would be calculated based on the current market value of your vehicle. This will be done after you pay the deductible. You might also have to submit the police report to the company. After the agreement has been made and you are okay with the coverage, the claim can be filed. 

It is also advisable to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle. This makes stealing your vehicle very difficult and even in the case of theft, your vehicle can be recovered easily. The other benefit is many insurance companies offer great discounts if your car has anti-theft features installed. But what happens if your car is found after you have filed for a claim? 

If the car is found, you will not be reimbursed for the market value of the car. But comprehensive insurance will cover all the costs of repairing the damage done by the thief. Any damage to the body, door, or interior will be covered by comprehensive insurance, while if the car hits something, it will be covered by collision insurance. 

So that’s how you can easily file a claim for car theft insurance. It might be very difficult for you to think straight immediately after you have discovered that your car has been stolen. But the key is to stay calm, act quickly and make sure you follow these steps properly. Filing for such claims has become very easy, as it can be done over a call or online. Insurance companies have also made the theft claim process very simple and easy, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just follow the steps and make your claim. 

Wright Motorsports Returns Victorious to Podium, Reclaims WeatherTech Points Lead

By
Official Release
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MONTEREY, Calif., (May 1, 2022) – Wright Motorsports closed out a successful race weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday afternoon, returning the No. 16 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R to victory circle for the second time this season. With their California victory, the driving duo of Ryan Hardwick and Jan Heylen reclaimed their championship points lead in the GTD class, creating valuable momentum heading into the next rounds of the championship.

The 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R rolled off the team transporter ready to race, finishing in the top two positions in both of the weekend’s two practice sessions and pre-race warm up. Driver Ryan Hardwick struggled to get the perfect lap together during Saturday’s short qualifying session, putting the Porsche in a tenth place starting position in a GTD-class field of 14 cars.

The field took the green flag in sunny but chilly weather conditions, and Hardwick enjoyed a clean start, staying tucked behind the No. 28 of Michael de Quesada. He settled in, and the No. 28 spun on track shortly into the race, allowing Hardwick to assume the position, and focus forward on the No. 32 of Stevan McAleer running 7.9 seconds ahead. By the first full-course caution 30 minutes into the race, Hardwick ran eighth, with a clean stint behind McAleer. The team pitted Hardwick under caution, putting new tires and full in the Porsche with fuel. The expert stop by the Wright crew launched the Porsche up from eighth place to fifth place.

As the caution continued on, the team strategists in the pit box made an unusual call for Hardwick to pit as soon as his mandatory drive-time was complete, the team called him to come back into pit lane. He pitted from fifth position and Jan Heylen took over, ready to race the Porsche to the end, joining the event in twelfth place.

The race went back to green and Heylen charged forward, picking off the competition one by one. For several laps, the Belgian found himself stuck behind the No. 39 of Jeff Westphal. Keeping a careful eye on the fuel strategy, the team pitted Heylen for a final stop with an hour remaining, again giving the Porsche a new set of tires and a full tank of fuel to run to the end of the race. He rejoined in fourth, eager to get past the Pro class entry of Ross Gunn in the No. 23 car and resume his battle with Gunn. He eventually got by, and the Porsche came alive, charging for that final podium spot currently occupied by the No. 1 of Bryan Sellers, then Westphal. He quickly closed in on the No. 96 of Bill Auberlen, making a sweeping pass in turn five, taking the class lead.

From there, Heylen sailed to the checkered flag, claiming the class win on his 42nd birthday. The win marks Wright’s second win of the season, following the team’s victory in round one at the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team had a mechanical issue in round two at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, racing from the rear to earn a top-ten finish, and then a monumental drive through the field at the Grand Prix of Long Beach secured the points of a top-five result. Sunday’s win brings the team back to the points lead heading into the next swing of the 2022 season.

Next up on the schedule is the Lexus Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, May 13-15 at Lexington, Ohio, Wright’s home track. The team’s Batavia-based shop is located 171 miles southwest of Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, the site of the next round in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The race will take place on Sunday, May 15 at 2:10 PM Eastern, and run for two hours and forty minutes, airing live on the USA Network and Peacock. For more information, visit WrightMotorsports.com.

Ryan Hardwick
What a great race. This race really comes down to our entire team. I was able to take a couple cars in my stint, but the real gains came in the pit stops. I believe we overtook four cars in the pit lane and Jan was able to overtake four more cars during his stint. I really want to thank our entire Wright Motorsports team and Jan Heylen. I think this was a good birthday present to him. This was a great win for our team. We’re now leading the championship and going into a few races that I feel real comfortable at myself. I really like how this season is coming together for us.

Jan Heylen
This is one of the Porsche tracks. I have to say that we were all looking forward to coming here after Long Beach. It was a great team effort. Really understanding the track and the tire degradation is important here. I think that is what gave us the speed at the end, together with some great driving by Ryan and a really good strategy from the team again. I had to constantly tell myself to be patient and keep with the tires. This was the perfect race for us with the yellows. If the yellow comes out in the middle of that stint, I think you see a very different race. But the fact that we were out there the whole stint and able to look after the tires is what made us come out on top.
Porsche Carrera Cup North America Presented by the Cayman Islands
Wright Motorsports Porsche Carrera Cup driver John Goetz had his strongest weekend to date this season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, earning a second-place finish in race one, and following up the strong result with a third-place finish in race two. He currently stands second in the 2022 championship standings for the Am class. Varun Choksey and Hutton McKenna each drove to earn a tenth-place finish, each both moving closer to their first top-five results of the season. Fans of Wright Motorsport can rewatch both races on the IMSA YouTube page. The Porsche Carrera Cup North America Presented by the Cayman Islands next races June 23-26 at Watkins Glen International Raceway in support of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. Both races will stream live on imsa.tv, on Friday, June 24 at 1:25 PM Eastern and Saturday, June 25 at 11:05 PM Eastern, respectively.

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Hardwick | Journey To The Rolex 24 at Daytona

1st Phorm
1st Phorm is a sports nutrition company based in St. Louis, MO. In 2009, CEO Andy Frisella and his business partner Chris Klein started the brand, and since then, it has become the fastest growing supplement company in the world. 1st Phorm has set the standards in the industry for quality and helping people reach their goals. This new racing partnership is not their first time in the exotic car scene either. 1st Phorm has been the title sponsor for the Gold Rush Rally for six years running. With over a million followers across social media, 1st Phorm has amassed a huge cult-like following known as, “The Legion of Boom.” They stand for a movement in the fitness world. To turn it back to what it was meant to be. Helping others improve their lives, to be a good human… and to drop the excuses and do the work. 1st Phorm is a winning brand and they don’t expect anything less when it comes to their race team. For additional info: www.1stphorm.com

Mountain Motorsports
Mountain Motorsports is a group of motorcycle and powersports dealerships with multiple locations in the southeastern United States. The company was founded by lifelong friends Ryan Hardwick and Justin Price when they opened their first location as a single-line Honda dealership in Sevierville, Tennessee in 1999. The company has since grown into one of the largest retailers of motorcycle and powersports vehicles in the nation, spanning nine dealership locations representing eleven of the industry’s most well-known brands. For additional info: www.mountainmotorsports.com

Una Vida Tequila
Una Vida translates to One Life. That is how this brand started. By people who want to live their “One Life” to the absolute fullest and to their highest potential. A group of guys from the Midwest who love great quality tequila, and want their One Life to have meaning and impact others.

One Life, One Tequila is our CORE BELIEF. We’re building the only tequila brand you will ever need to drink. Una Vida is bigger than just tequila we’re also building a culture of people who want to live their life to their utmost potential.

Our story begins and continues to grow bottle by bottle. It’s a life mission for us to create a community of people who all raise a glass knowing they’re living their ONE LIFE! For more information, visit unavidatequila.com

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

Hardpoint Earns Fourth Consecutive Top 10 Finish to Open IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Season

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Official Release
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Hardpoint’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Team Continued to Show Promise While Raising Money For Racing To End Alzheimer’s

MONTEREY, California (May 1, 2022) – Hardpoint leaves WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a tenth-place finish in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and a 19th place finish in Saturday’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race, with positives in both program’s runs. Both teams climbed into the top five positions at various points in their respective races.

The No. 99 GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R of Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge earned their fourth consecutive top-10 finish to open the IMSA season, earning them in a variety of circumstances – endurance races, street circuits and sprint contests.

On Saturday, the No. 22 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and co-drivers Nick Galante and Sean McAlister earned a hard-luck 19th place finish, running from the rear of the field up to fifth in the opening hour before falling back to mid-pack at the checkered flag.

No. 99 GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R Race Notebook

  • The result is the fourth-consecutive top 10 finish for Hardpoint to open the season. Only three other teams in the GT Daytona class can claim that feat.
  • Those finishes have come in a 24-hour classic at Daytona, the grueling 12 hours at Sebring, a temporary street circuit sprint race and, now, a sprint race on a traditional road course at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
  • Ferriol began the race in 12th position but moved into the top 10 on a pit stop under yellow 40 minutes into the race. Those two positions earned by the crew included a four-tire change and full fuel.
  • The team dove to pit lane later during that full-course caution period, just past the 45-minute minimum drive time required for Ferriol. Unfortunately, time spent in pit lane does not count toward the time, meaning Ferriol was just short of the minimum based on the first pit stop. He would finish the final 40-minutes of the race, with Legge taking the middle stint.
  • Off sequence to some of the class competitors during her stint, Legge nonetheless climbed as high as second place on the track before handing the car back to Ferriol.
  • Ferriol’s sequence of laps on fresh tires with 30 minutes remaining made him the quickest car on track for a series of five laps.

No. 22 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport Race Notebook

  • Nick Galante may have provided the drive of the day, moving from 28th and last in the GS class all the way to fifth place. Galante picked up four positions on the opening lap and was running 17th at the full course caution just 20 minutes into the race. When several other cars pitted during that stop, Galante climbed to 8th and was running as high as fifth during his stint.
  • The most impressive part of the run was that Galante was running off sequence of many of the class leaders. While running fifth, he was forced to keep a train of four cars on quicker tires behind him. Though three eventually came through, Galante put notice on the field in the stint.
  • Galante started from the rear of the field despite qualifying with the 10th quickest time in the GS class due to a post-qualifying penalty that disallowed his qualifying times. IMSA rules require each team to turn in a data stick within a designated time frame, with rules stating that failure to comply “may result in qualifying times disallowed.”
  • McAlister exited pit lane in 19th position following the team’s lone pit stop with just about an hour to go in the two-hour race.
  • He also made up a handful of positions and was locked in a battle of his own when he spun exiting the Corkscrew. McAlister quickly rejoined, but ended the race in 19th position.
  • Despite not beginning the season until round two at Sebring, the No. 22 Hardpoint entry sits 24th of 37 point scoring teams in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge GS class team championship. That tally puts them ahead of two full-season efforts and in position to continue to climb the standings beginning in two weeks at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Hardpoint Quote Board

Rob Ferriol, Owner and Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “We made a big step this week in getting a handle on the Michelin tire and how it works with the GT3 R and the tire guidelines we have this year. The car was good in the race. It’s a double edged sword to finish lower than you had the potential to finish because of small errors that have an effect on the race. When you’re to the point where small errors are making a difference, it’s a good place to be. I personally enjoyed finishing the race for once, it was my first opportunity to finish a sprint race. Granted, it was because we were off by about five seconds in drive time but the guys gave me a good car. I was able to hold station and do a little bit of racing and finish in a top 10 spot. I can hold my head high, the team can hold their head high, and we’ll go off to the next one.”

Katherine Legge, Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “The car was good and we could have done a lot more with it. We made some unfortunate errors during the race, but we had good pace. Rob showed some good pace after the errors to finish the race. But everybody on the team keeps improving, so as long as we don’t make the same mistakes again we can learn and move on, and I know we will.”

Sean McAlister, Driver, No. 22 Porsche Cayman: “Nick handed off the car and did a hell of a job from where we started. It was hectic on the first restart with cars bombing into the brake zones, so I just tried to keep it clean and I think we ended up about the same spot at the end as when I got in. We each had a really good run, I got past a couple of cars and a late mistake cost us a couple of positions. But I was able to keep it off the wall and was working my way back but just needed some more time”

Nick Galante, Driver, No. 22 Porsche Cayman: “When you have that extra boost of friends and family at your hometown race, it helps. On paper maybe it shouldn’t, but it really does provide a home field advantage. And I was so happy to see the car filling up with all the names for Racing To End Alzheimer’s. Having that support helps, too, because I know we’re racing for something bigger. The car was great, I was so happy to see Hardpoint give me a perfect car. Sean McAlister did a great job powering through a stout field, and we’re on the verge of a great result very soon. I can’t wait to get to Mid-Ohio.”

About Hardpoint:
Hardpoint was founded by Rob Ferriol in 2018 with the vision of combining his experience as a successful entrepreneur with his passion for racing. Headquartered at VIRginia International Raceway, the team captured the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup North America Pro-Am championship in its inaugural season and competes full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in the No. 99 GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R with co-drivers Ferriol and Katherine Legge, joined by Stefan Wilson for Michelin Endurance Cup races. In 2022, Hardpoint has added the No. 22 Racing To End Alzheimer’s Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport driven by Nick Galante and Sean McAllister in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Grand Sport (GS). More information on Hardpoint can be found at www.hardpoint.com or through its strong social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 Return to the Top Step of the Podium in Style

By
Official Release
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Monterey, Calif. (May 1, 2022) — The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team achieved a well-deserved victory at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday afternoon, leading the second Acura one-two finish of the season. The win is the team’s first of the year, and crucial in their quest for the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship title. The team is now tied for the lead in the overall standings with their sister Acura, the No. 60 MSR Acura team, with 1,325 points apiece.

For the driver pairing of Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor, the triumph marks their second Laguna Seca victory in a row for the team. Individually, it’s Ricky Taylor’s third consecutive victory at the Northern California road course.

“A great day for Acura, first of all,” said Ricky Taylor. “It’s their second one-two finish of the season and their fourth straight win at Laguna Seca. We knew it would be a strong one for us and we knew that having Acura finish one-two and maximize the points was the goal. It’s nice that we had the Konica Minolta Acura leading the charge. I can’t say enough about the team executing. All we needed to do this weekend was execute and do what we knew the car was capable of. To come away with maximum points and really close the gap in the championship was good.”

Taylor looked unimpeachable from the off, widening the gap to five seconds before an early caution bunched the field and he handed the controls to Filipe Albuquerque under yellow.

Albuquerque ran the bulk of the race, constantly under pressure from the sister Acura from behind. He fell to second place after a pit stop with an hour and fifteen minutes remaining, but wasted no time retaking the lead. In the end, the two Acuras were separated by a second—a dominant performance for the brand and a statement victory for WTR.

“I’m happy and relieved at the same time,” said Filipe Albuquerque. “We came to Laguna with a sense of duty. This is our best race track and it suits our car the best. We needed maximum points. It’s always easy to say, but knowing that we have that responsibility, doing it is a different thing. There was a weight of a lot of pressure on top of us. I was just happy that Ricky did an amazing job in qualifying, securing pole by eight one-hundredths of a second. Taking off, it seemed like we were in control, but whenever I was pulling away, traffic was pushing me back. I was frustrated for a good portion of the race. When I was P2, I was really mad. I couldn’t believe it. I’m happy that I found a little gap to put the car through and get the position back. Again, I was managing the race with the following car in my mirrors, but he never had a move to make on me. I’m glad those laps are over, but the car was great and the team did an amazing job.”

“I’m so proud of this team,” said team owner Wayne Taylor “These two drivers are incredible. The strategists are incredible. The mechanics, the support from HPD and Acura, our partners at Konica Minolta and Harrison Contracting—they make this happen. There’s no one person that makes this happen. It’s the whole group and we’re now tied with the No. 60 Acura ARX-05 for the lead of the championship.”

The 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season continues for the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 in two week’s time with another sprint race, the Lexus Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Practice 1 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on May 13th. Green flag for the two-hour and 40-minute sprint waves at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 15th. Full coverage, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, can be streamed on Peacock or viewed on USA Network.
ABOUT KONICA MINOLTA

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the Workplace of the Future. The company guides and supports its clients’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), intelligent information management, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been included on CRN’s MSP 500 list nine times and The World Technology Awards recently named the company a finalist in the IT Software category. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fourteen consecutive years, and received Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Award for its bizhub i-Series. Konica Minolta, Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent four years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Konica Minolta partners with its clients to give shape to ideas and works to bring value to our society. For more information, please visit us online and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 effort and Wayne Taylor Racing is supported by an outstanding lineup of partners including Harrison Contracting, Acura Motorsports, Hammer Nutrition and CIT.

Cadillac secures third place at Laguna Seca

By
Official Release
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No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R finishes third for the fourth year in a row

MONTERREY, Calif. (May 1, 2022) – Pipo Derani is in a rut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The reigning IMSA DPi champion has finished third, co-driving the No 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R, in the race on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn natural-terrain road course for four years in a row. But, for accruing championship points anyway, he’ll take it and move on.

Derani, splitting seat time with first-year teammate Tristan Nunez in the 2-hour, 40-minute race slowed by one full-course caution for 18 minutes, led the Cadillac DPi contingent in the fourth round of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

“I’m really happy to come out of this race with the best Cadillac,” said Derani, who also co-drove to third place in the 12-hour race at Sebring International Raceway in March.

”I think we did the best we could. It’s a good points day for the team. We had to work hard on the Whelen Engineering car during the weekend. But come race day, it was very good. I’m really happy. To keep the No. 31 car on the podium here for the fourth year in a row is quite positive.”

The No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R, co-driven by Tristan Vautier and Richard Westbrook, finished fourth overall after earning podium spots in each of the first three races. The No. 02 Cadillac Accessories Cadillac DPi-V.R, with Alex Lynn and Earl Bamber sharing duty behind the wheel, finished fifth.

The No. 01 V-Performance Academy Cadillac DPi-V.R co-driven by Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van de Zande, which came into the race weekend off a victory on the streets of Long Beach last month, developed a power supply issue early in the race that affected major systems. The crew spent considerable time attempting to address the problem but eventually the car was retired.
Felipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor co-drove the winning Acura.

Another 2-hour, 40-inute race is next up for Cadillac teams and drivers on May 13-15 on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R has finished second the past two years at the natural-terrain road course in Lexington.

USA Network will telecast the race live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, May 15, with streaming on Peacock. IMSA Radio will broadcast the race at IMSA.com along with XM 207.
Cadillac Racing results and quotes

No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R
Pipo Derani, Tristan Nunez
Finish: Third Start: Sixth
Pipo Derani: “After we had the yellow flag and I was stuck behind the No. 5, the team pulled me in early (for a pit stop). Then, I had a really good out lap. Eventually, that helped us get ahead, and from there, we could do our own race. I’m really happy to come out of this race with the best Cadillac. I think we did the best we could. It’s a good points day for the team. We had to work hard on the Whelen Engineering car during the weekend. But come race day, it was very good. I’m really happy. To keep the No. 31 car on the podium here for the fourth year in a row is quite positive.”

Tristan Nunez: “The start was definitely difficult. I just tried to keep the rears underneath me. We had a good pit stop and we made some adjustments. We’ll take it. It feels like a win to us. We started in the back, and with a little bit of strategy and a major out lap by Pipo, we got into this position. To bring the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac to the podium is a good day.”

No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R
Tristan Vautier, Richard Westbrook
Finish: Fourth Start: Fifth
Tristan Vautier: “We made the most of the opportunity. It was a rough weekend for us. We kind of struggled finding our way but hit it in the race, so we’re happy about that. Some things didn’t play out for us strategy-wise, but if somebody would have told us this morning that we would finish fourth, it would have been fine. A massive job from the team getting us to that point because last year we finished a lap down. We struggled on pace, but this year I think we were the strongest Cadillac over the last stints of the race.”

Richard Westbrook: “I think we absolutely maximized what we have. We had a really tough Saturday and a really tough warmup. We scraped it together and had a competitive car. We probably had a fourth-place car and we got fourth. I was surprised by how close all the Cadillacs were and all in all I’m really happy. We’re in a good spot.”

No. 02 Cadillac Accessories Cadillac DPi-V.R
Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn
Finish: Fifth Start: Third
Earl Bamber: “I think we had a good car today and think we had a car for the podium. But, we didn’t execute well and we got some damage on the nose. So, we just had to bring it to the end to grab some points. It’s a shame to see those ones go away, but that’s motor racing. We will rebuild as a team and come back stronger for the next one in Ohio.”

Alex Lynn: “Not the day we dreamed of today. I thought we had a very strong car, but we didn’t make it happen. We will move on to the next one in Mid-Ohio.”

No. 01 V-Performance Academy Cadillac DPi-V.R
Renger van der Zande, Sebastien Bourdais
Finish: Sixth in class (32nd overall) Start: Fourth
Steve Eriksen (team manager): “During the race, we had an intermittent power issue which causes the whole electrical system to shut down, including the power steering. We took it back to the garage, switched out a couple of components to see if that would make a difference. We were able to get the car started again and it had the same problem, so the more time we spent on it the more we realized we just need to take it back and diagnose the problem.”

About Cadillac
A leading luxury auto brand since 1902, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio that features distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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