Wright Motorsports Porsche Earns Twin Victories in Austin.
Three Porsche 911 GT3 R race cars made their presence known at the SRO GT World Challenge America season-opening round at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas with each earning at least one podium finish. But it was the No. 20 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R of rookie GT3-spec drivers Fred Poordad and Max Root that danced their way to the top step of the Am class podium… twice. The No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R – shared by David Ducote and Alan Metni – finished second to Wright in the Am class on both days. It was California-based GMG Racing that had the best overall result of the GT weekend. James Sofronas and Jeroen Bleekemolen took top-honors in the Pro/Am class with the No. 14 Porsche 911 GT3 R in Saturday’s Race 1 from pole position.
Max Root and Fred Poordad celebrate their AM class victory in the SRO GT World Challenge America - COTA Race 1
Despite damage to the car before qualifying which forced the Ohio-based Wright team to start at the back of the field in both 90-minute races, Poordad/Root took the victories and the top-spot in the Am point standings leaving the 20-turn, 3.426-mile (5.513-km).
The SRO GT World Challenge America will now go on a short hiatus before traveling north of the border to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), May 15 – 17 for Rounds 3 and 4 of the championship.
No. 20 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R racing to AM Class victory in SRO GT World Challenge America Race 1 at COTA
Fred Poordad, Driver, No. 20 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.
“The weekend did not go the way we wanted to start it. I did a little unnecessary impact testing first out-lap of qualifying. So, we were unable to qualify and started last on the grid. We clawed our way back up to seventh-overall and the Am class win. So, not a bad start I think, for the season. Could have been worse, could have been better. At least we know what our potential is for the rest of the season. Looking forward to better performances to come.”
Max Root, Driver, No. 20 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.
“Good way to finish off a pretty troubling day. Unfortunately, we didn't get to qualify but I think we were able to bring it home. I want to thank everyone at Wright Motorsports for getting it all together and getting us out there.”