While the K-PAX Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVOs have been exceedingly challenged into the later stages of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS Championship, the team has continued to produce results that strengthen its hold around the three major titles up for grabs. The No. 3 of Jordan Pepper and Andrea Caldarelli swept Rounds 9 & 10 of the championship from pole position at Watkins Glen International.
“Today was really a great day from K-PAX Racing,” K-PAX Racing Program Manager Darren Law said. “Both cars finishing one-two on the podium today, bringing really valuable points home for us. We’re hoping we can carry that momentum to Sebring, to try and close-out this Championship.”
The first half of the race was one of narrow margins from the drop of the green flag. The No. 3 Huracán GT3 EVO, piloted by Caldarelli, led the field into a clean start. The No. 6, with Giovanni Venturini, started seventh on the grid and was able to pick up one overall spot in his stint. Both K-PAX Racing driven cars maintained their positions throughout the first-half of the race, however with margins less than two-seconds, two full-course yellows ensued – one which was because of body debris from the No. 6 by left-rear contact from a competitor into the mandatory driver change. Venturini was one of the first to pit at the opening of the window, making the change to Corey Lewis. The No. 3, building about a three-second lead before the full-course yellow and change, resettled into the lead with Pepper behind the wheel.
Lewis was able to pick-off one of his competitors early in his stint before making his surge to the podium. With about 20 minutes remaining, Lewis made his way into the runner-up position, climbing five spots. Pepper and the No. 3, in that time, were able to enjoy more than a 30-second cushion between the field by way of sheer speed and a competitor penalty, and Pepper continued to manage the car to the final lap. Lewis, with nearly an eight-second gap from third – and gaining – comfortably finished in second by nearly a 13-second margin. The No. 3 completed its sweep, winning by a 1.941-second margin.
“We had some handling issues that we dealt with for the No. 6 in the first race, but with a lot of hard work and effort last night, we were able to get that situated, and it had a great final run,” Law said.
The two K-PAX Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVOs finished one-two for the fourth time this season (Rounds 1, 2, 4). The Glen is the third GT World Challenge event where the team has swept this year (Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of The Americas). The No. 3 car has won flag-to-flag from pole seven times – each of its total wins coming from the top-spot on the grid. The team has compiled 16 podiums and eight victories in 10 rounds of series action this season.
K-PAX Racing will have a quick turnaround for Rounds 11 & 12 October 1-3 at Sebring International Raceway.
DRIVER QUOTES
Andrea Caldarelli – No. 3 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO (Race 1 – 1st, Race 2 – 1st) – “I’m very happy that we were able to take a little step forward with the car. The pace was good and it was really enjoyable to drive the car in my stint. After Road America and even yesterday, it was another step forward. We are headed in the right direction. It was a bit scary in the end but one-two. It’s really rewarding for everyone.”
Jordan Pepper – No. 3 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO (Race 1 – 1st, Race 2 – 1st) – “I tried to manage the gap, but the car was strong and gave us the possibility to open up that large gap. In the end, I decided to take zero risks and try to just get the car to the end. I managed the gap perfectly and the boys in the pits were awesome in giving me the gaps. We brought it home one-two — almost a clean sweep but we missed Fastest Lap. Double pole, double win and we extended our points lead, which is great.”
Giovanni Venturini – No. 6 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO (Race 1 – 4th, Race 2 – 2nd) – “Finally, we are back. The team did a very fantastic job from yesterday. The car was really nice to drive — finally — and now we’re looking forward to Sebring to keep this momentum going.”
Corey Lewis – No. 6 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO (Race 1 – 4th, Race 2 – 2nd) – “It was a strong run to the front — we were one lap short. This finish is great for K-PAX Racing to be one-two again. If we could have managed traffic a little better, I think we could have been more in the hunt to make a pass for the win. Overall though, you look at the whole weekend, and it’s a massive improvement for our No. 6 car from where we started. Thank you to the whole K-PAX Racing team. They’ve been busting their tails.”
Source. K-PAX Racing
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