Heinricher Racing with Meyer Shank Racing drivers Alvaro Parente and Misha Goikhberg are ready to return to the green hills of Virginia for the Michelin GT Challenge at VIR on Saturday.
Last year’s race saw Alice Powell make her sports car and North American debut in the No. 57 Heinricher Racing with Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3. This year will mark Parente’s first VIR start onboard the No. 57 Acura NSX GT3, where he has a strong past at the 3.27-mile track. With three years of World Challenge competition at VIR, Parente has earned two pole positions and a race win. He also scored a podium finish in 2017.
“VIR is a great racetrack with some very challenging sectors,” said Parente. “I’m excited to drive our NSX GT3 there. I have had some great races over the years there, but never in an NSX so I’m looking forward to having another good weekend with the team and delivering a great result for them.”
Goikhberg also has positive memories attached to VIR, having championship-earning visits to the track in the past as he looks forward to making his first-ever VIR start in a GTD car.
“VIR is a difficult and technical track, making passing very hard but also very rewarding,” said Goikhberg. “I clinched my IMSA Lites championship here in 2014, so I have good memories at VIR. I will do my best to give our team, Honda Performance Development and all our partners a good result.”
“Paul Newman referred to VIR as heaven on earth,” said team owner Jackie Heinricher. “What a beautiful area and race venue we get to enjoy every year. As Alvaro and Misha mentioned, it is a technical track but we’re fortunate to be racing the Acura NSX GT3, which is tailor-made for the driving precision needed at VIR. We expect to compete strongly as we fight forward in the championship standings.”
The Michelin GT Challenge weekend will kick off with practice and qualifying on Friday, August 21st, with the two-hour and 40-minute race scheduled for 2:00pm ET on Saturday, August 22nd.
Source. Sunday Group
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