Wickens Winning Ways in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
Wickens Winning Ways in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
The production-based classes of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and WeatherTech SportsCar Championship are set to come down to the wire, and the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park on July 15-16 will likely play a major role in determining the champions.
The biggest story in the Michelin Pilot Challenge for cars built to international GT4 and TCR specifications is Robert Wickens’ two-race winning streak. Paralyzed in a 2018 IndyCar crash, Wickens joined fellow Canadian Mark Wilkins in the No. 33 Bryan Herta Autosport w/Curb-Agajanian Hyundai Elantra N TCR equipped with special hand controls.
Wickens made his IMSA debut with a run to the podium in Daytona, and scored a breakthrough victory with Wilkins at Watkins Glen. It kicked off a busy week, as Wickens missed all practice and qualifying for Canadian Tire Motorsport Park to witness the birth of his son before returning to the track on race day morning.
Starting at the back of the field with no time at the wheel, Wickens passed three cars on the first lap and needed only 30 minutes to move from last to third.
Following back-to-back victories and a season-opening podium at Daytona, Wickens is third in the TCR standings, only 90 points behind leaders and four-time runners-up Michael Lewis and Taylor Hagler in Herta’s No. 1 Elantra. Daytona winners Roy Block and Tim Lewis are 40 points behind in the No. 5 KMW Motorsports with TMR Engineering Alfa Romeo Giuletta Veloce TCR.
In the lead GS category, Alan Brynjolfsson and Trent Hindman have forged a 90-point lead with a victory in the No. 7 Volt Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT4. Eric Foss is second in the No. 56 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4, while Murillo Racing teammates Christian Szymczak and Kenny Murillo are third following back-to-back podiums in the No. 72 Mercedes. The Manufacturer battle is also coming down to the wire. Aston Martin holds a 50-point margin over Mercedes-AMG, with Porsche 30 points behind.
Thirty-five cars are on the pre-event entry list for the Lime Rock 120– 23 in GS and 12 in TCR.
Read about the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship here
Tickets
Fans are encouraged to reserve tickets and camping spots ahead of the weekend. Advanced general admission tickets start at $70, with full weekend passes, VIP Fan Hospitality Tent and Semi-Private Cabana upgrades available.
Veterans and Active Military receive free General Admission to all major racing events, including the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix with a valid military id. Youth 12 and under are also free.
Race weekend will kick off with a free community event in Millerton, New York. See the IMSA cars up close and meet the IMSA stars for autographs at Millerton Inn on Thursday, July 16 from 6-8pm.
For more information visit: Northeast Grand Prix – Lime Rock Park
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