The Audi Customer Racing supported group is headed into Road America with its signature black and green machines; the No. 39 Audi R8 GT3 LMS and the No. 93 Audi R8 GT4 LMS. The 14 turn, 4.048-mile course features sweeping turn sequences and long straights that typically are uncomplimentary to the R8 platform. However, the CarBahn with Peregrine Racing group has been focusing on pit performance and driver race craft to maximize the strengths of its program and overcome any on-track lack it may have.
Driver Jeff Westphal accepts the challenge ahead this weekend and is ready to fight in conjunction with co-driver Richard Heistand until the end for a podium finish in the No. 39.
“We’re halfway through this sprint championship and I’m surprised how fast the time has flown,” Westphal said. “With that, the growth and development of this program has been swift as well, and I think the team is poised to start clicking off podiums. We have had a few glimmering moments in our first few races but also some errors that cost us points. However, as far as learning goes, I think we’re off to a rocket start.”
“The pace of the car relative to our competitors has been improving each event and we’ve been able to close the gap to the group. Lime Rock was a track that suited our Audi R8 GT3 and although the National Park of Speed (Road America) is a favorite of mine I expect the big top speed cars to be tough to fight around the 4-mile road course.”
Driver Mark Siegel is back in the car on the hunt for redemption after his and the No. 93’s race ended early during its 2020 outing.
“I’m feeling very good about the weekend,” Siegel said. “I had good pace last year but an incident in my stint caused us to retire early. This year I am looking to qualify well and keep the car clean in a good position for Tom to take over. Road America is not the best track for the Audi, but we should still be competitive. We should be able to achieve a good result is we run a smart and clean race.”
Teammate and No. 93 veteran Tom Dyer has seen the team advance over the years and hopes to keep pushing it further starting with this weekend.
“This season has seen the No. 93 on track more than ever before,” Dyer said. “This has allowed the team to improve and evolve continuously. With the team expanding into GTD this year we aim to carry forward the past success and momentum of the GT4 program. We’ve added some new personnel to the team and promoted others. Great teams that operate at multiple levels always have a built-in network of team talent and personnel ready to step into new roles when needed. Every weekend our crew does amazing work and continues to refine, grow, and improve as they embrace new roles and responsibilities. It’s very cool to be part of the constant evolution of the No. 93 team and there is not a better group of people I could get an opportunity to work with.”
“Heading into Road America it’s great to have Mark back behind the wheel. He’s made a lot of strides forward in the past year and I look forward to seeing that trend continue in Wisconsin. This track hasn’t been the best to him in the past and I know he is looking forward to getting after it and making it a track where he experiences success. I really enjoy driving and competing at Road America which is one of the best circuits we have in North America. It’s onward and upward for the No. 93 team this weekend.”
Source. CarBahn Motorsports with Peregrine Racing
Comments
