TJR MotorSports

As a team we went to Daytona with big expectations, unfortunately we did not get the result that we wanted. Car #81 retired from the race following an accident midway through the third lap. During the entire Runoffs we were dealing with difficult track conditions; overcrowded practice sessions, rain, very limit practice laps, no qualifying, and exhaustive heat. Afterwards it was reported that oil was being put down throughout the race, making for very challenging conditions.

On lap three I lost control and spun the Stohr WF-1 going through the bus stop on the back straight. Unfortunately, the car did not escape unscathed, the car sustained damage at the rear wing assembly and the rear engine cover, retiring from the race on the spot. Unfortunately, these things can happen in motorsports

https://vimeo.com/140923514

I’m still dealing with the disappointment of letting the team down, they put a lot of work into fielding a competitive car this season.  It was my mistake and I’m just so sorry for the team. 

Congratulations to Gianpaolo “JP” Ciancimino of Coral Springs, FL, who showed very impressive performance and deserved his victory. He drove a great race in very challenging conditions, and was the class of the field. Kudos to James Davenport and Miles Jackson, as they joined JP on the podium 

In closing; I’m just going to try and be reflective and share a few thoughts 

What we learned:

1) That in wheel to wheel racing with some of the best prototype racers in the country, as a team-we are very competitive.·
2) When properly set up the Stohr WF-1 can be the class of the field. JP ended up winning the national championship while driving a car that was originally developed by One Motorsports, and was the stablemate to my car. Out lap time of 1:52:2 was the third fastest of the race and our best of the event, I think we can find inspiration in all of the above.
3) It’s my first season back in a race car, and I need to continue to work on my race-craft. In hindsight we should’ve been more patient, and raced our race and let the race come to us.

4) We can’t forget this was Daytona International Speedway, this is an incredible venue!! How many people ever get a chance to race for a National Championship at Daytona, very cool!!

Now we have to look forward to our home race at Auto Club Speedway, which is of course a big highlight in our season. We go to California determined to prepare well and perform strongly at the Pacific Road Racing Championship.