This past weekend, the Racers Edge Motorsports team had it’s first race of the 2018 season at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. The Pirelli World Challenge Series has seen significant growth since last season, with a large field of 28 cars and many professional drivers capable of winning the race showing up for the new year. The Racers Edge team brought their red SIN R1 GT4 to the track sporting the sharp signage of new sponsors Protein Water and FRAM/Autolite.
Significant pre-season testing paid off as the team hit the track ready to go. Driver Harry Gottsacker at only 18 years old took his time getting comfortable on the track and methodically worked with his engineer throughout practice to dial in the car’s handling exactly to his liking. When qualifying came, he qualified 18th out of 28 cars, meaning he had his work cut out for him to get a strong finish in race #1.
Race 1: Shortly after the green flag, the SIN was tapped from behind and spun out. Fortunately, there was no damage, so Harry was able to get going again, but now in last place, 30 seconds behind the field. A full course caution came out mid-race, allowing Harry to catch up to the field. On the re-start he put his head down and passed as many cars as he could before the checker, finishing in 17th place.
Race 2: Starting 16th in race 2, Harry moved through the field as fast as he could. His SIN R1 was strong and using the knowledge gained in race #1, it allowed him to set up and complete passes at will. The Pirelli World Challenge Series is ultra-competitive in 2018 and the further forward he made it, the tougher those passes became. Finally up to 6th, the race ended abruptly and short of the scheduled amount of time due to a two-car incident partially blocking the track.
All in all, a great start to the 2018 season for Racers Edge Motorsports, driver Harry Gottsacker and the SIN R1 GT4! Next race will be in two weeks at America’s Formula One track; The Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas.
