When K-PAX Racing announced that it was teaming up with Lamborghini Squadra Corse in 2021, it was not without some sort of confidence behind how strong of a partnership it would be. Fast-forward to about the half-way mark to the 2022 season: The team has created what its Team Owner, Jim Haughey, has long considered as a perfect equation for a formidable team. Behind a strong crew, drivers and manufacturer, the team has since established itself at the top of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS rankings, and arguably, has the credentials of a dynasty alongside the Italian marque.
K-PAX Racing sets its sights to the Northeast July 22-24, where Watkins Glen International can play host to the extension of a myriad of streaks and successes – some crucial to this year’s points standings and title defenses. So far this season, the team has swept the first three events (Sonoma Raceway, NOLA Motorsports Park, VIRginia International Raceway), which is historically the best start to the season the team has seen. The start even exceeds its 2021 start, where the team won five-straight to open its debut season with the Huracán GT3 EVO.
“We have had a great season so far and now at the midway point, we are in a great position, but we can’t back off,” K-PAX Racing Program Manager Darren Law said. “Watkins Glen has traditionally been a great track for us, so we feel good about the upcoming race. We just have to stay focused and execute because knowing this Championship is a real possibility is a strong motivator.”
While the team’s current success is magnified by its importance in retaining the title, it has not casted a shadow over its two-year handle on a series, which is comprised of some of the most competitive GT3 competition stateside. K-PAX Racing has won 10 straight races under the series’ 90-minute race format, dating back to last year’s June installment at Road America. Tack on a series class victory of the Indianapolis 8 Hours, and that makes it 11. K-PAX Racing has swept seven of the nine multi-race events held since 2021 — Watkins Glen being one of them.
“This team is truly amazing and has so many people that contribute to keep us at the top-level year after year,” Law said. “The majority of crew has been together for multiple championships, from the mechanics to the engineering staff to everyone back at the shop for over seven years now, and that is a big factor as to why we work so well and can deliver the successful results we have. Add in the close relationship and support Lamborghini Squadra Corse provides, and you can see why we have had so much success over the years.”
“The Glen” has been home to multiple event sweeps in team history (Single race: 2007, 2008; Multi-race: 2018, 2021). Three of the four resulted in a Drivers’ Championship that year, and two helped K-PAX Racing to a Team Championship. Last season, Andrea Caldarelli and Jordan Pepper — still on the team roster — completed their third sweep of 2021. It was also the fourth time the two K-PAX Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVOs finished one-two.
Caldarelli can join team-legend Randy Pobst for sweeping consecutive seasons at The Glen, though Pobst won both years (2007-2008) in a single-race format. Pobst went on win back-to-back championships in the team’s first two seasons. Rodrigo Baptista also swept the event during his 2018 campaign.
DRIVER QUOTES
Andrea Caldarelli – No. 1 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO – “Watkins Glen was very positive for us last year. We came off a very difficult weekend at Road America, where we struggled with car setup. We came back here and found our feeling again. So hopefully we will be starting from there again. The high grip level of this track should fit our car. But our competitors showed a strong performance in the last two rounds, so I will not be surprised if they are here. Normally our car suits high-speed corners, so we will work to keep it strong there. I am looking forward to this race as it will be before our 24 Hours of Spa race, and it will be good to race at such an iconic track before a very iconic race.”
Michele Beretta – No. 1 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO – “I’m looking forward to the Watkins Glen International race week. I have been there before – in 2017 with (Lamborghini) Super Trofeo, and I have great memories. This is probably my favorite circuits of the championship. I could not test previous the race weekend at this track, but I am very confident that I can get up to speed straight from the first free practice. The goal is to keep going with the same effort and results of the previous weekends.”
Jordan Pepper – No. 3 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO – “Last year was a great race with the double-win. We were in a crucial part of the championship, and coming off a tough event at Road America, we turned it around. This is where the momentum swung, and it is the start of K-PAX Racing’s undefeated streak into now. It was a great event for us, and the track definitely suits the car. It allows for change in direction and strong braking. It’s high-grip and enjoyable to drive. I really enjoy it as one of my favorite tracks. This year will be quite different, so it’ll be interesting to see how we get on through the week. Misha [Goikhberg] and I came off a great two-day test, and we feel quite confident. Hopefully, we can get our first win together as a driver pairing.”
Misha Goikhberg – No. 3 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO – “This is a very fun track, with lots of high-speed corners, high commitment, but it still produces good racing, with some good passing spots. It’s one of favorite tracks for many drivers, myself included. This place is special to me, because this is essentially my home race this year as our championship doesn’t go to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It’s still a short drive away from Toronto. Winning here in 2018 was sweet but winning here in 2022 would be even sweeter. We had a positive test here with Jordan [Pepper], so we are aiming to have a smooth weekend, and execute to our potential.”
Source. K-Pax Racing
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