What an absolutely fabulous week at Road America! We had the most gorgeous weather you could ask for, with cool evenings and moderate, sunny skies every day. The fans came out in droves, and they were treated to not only the great weather but also some really great racing during the annual IMSA weekend.
Every time I come to Road America, it always impresses me that there are constant improvements to the facility. It’s apparent that sports car racing is alive and well in the U.S.
I was at the track working with Dean Neuls in his TR3 Racing Lamborghini Super Trofeo entry. The season is at its critical point before it winds down here in the U.S. and heads to Italy for the World Finals.
The event at Road America, just like every other round this season, was Dean’s first time racing at that track. With all the testing and preparation we’d done, though, Dean was feeling ready to go for Road America.
After a solid first day of practice, Dean parlayed his positive momentum into a top-notch qualifying effort. He qualified second for race one and third for race two.
The first race was green flag for all 50 minutes, and Dean came away with another podium result this year, finishing third. However, race two was just about the opposite situation, with many full-course yellows and incidents. Dean masterfully avoided first-lap incidents to stay clean, and there was lots of circulating behind the pace car.
As the minutes wound down and the racing resumed, Dean was in a tight battle with second through fifth place, all in a line and having a great scrap. Dean crossed the finish line in fourth.
This was a really solid rebound event for Dean, after Watkins Glen hadn’t gone the way we’d hoped. Now, after this success, we’re eager to head to the final U.S. round at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month.