This past weekend was an exciting weekend not just for me but also for the whole TRG team. My season long co-driver, Josemanuel was involved in a crash at Road America while doing some club racing. And although he is doing much better his injuries will keep him out of the car for the rest of the year.
For a week or two I thought that we would not be racing at Salt Lake because of this issue. However, thanks to AXA, First Service, and Cohen Financial we were able to put together a deal with Andy Lally in the #66 TRG Porsche. Andy and I have raced together in the past and have had great success. Coming into the event we both had high expectations and wanted to do well for the sponsors and for the valuable team points.
The first day went well and we made progress both in lap time and in setting up the car. In qualifying I set the fastest TRG time of the weekend, which was good enough for 8th place.
In the race my job was to hand Andy a car that was in good shape and on the lead lap and I did my job. Andy along with the team did a fantastic job not only driving but also with pit stops and strategy. Andy lead much of the race but even one of the best Porsche drivers in the world could not hold off the Mazda’s and Pontiac’s and eventually we slipped as low as 4th.
However, with only a lap to go two of the three cars ahead of us made contact and slowed enough for Andy to sneak by. Andy then held off another competitor to take home a 2nd place.
This was my first podium finish in the Rolex series and I am thrilled. Everyone did a great job and it showed. Once again I have to thank AXA, First Service, Cohen Financial, along with Brent, Josemanuel, and the Bucklers for making this possible.
This good finish moved the #66 AXA TRG Porsche up into 3rd in the team points and 2nd is still within reach.
The Rolex series has one more race left on the 2009 calendar, which is in Miami Florida. We are currently seeking sponsorship to run this event.