Austin, TX | For the first time this season, the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and USA West series combined for a joint event at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) with a field of nearly 70 entries across five classes and five races. Racing in stifling heat, competitors across the country battled against both familiar and new faces on the 3.4 mile-circuit for their respective championships, which now finds only one round remaining for the North American series and two for USA West.
Zachary Vanier once again continued his dominance in the No. 206 Porsche, sweeping the overall 992 GT3 Cup races with MDK Motorsports. The podium results were mirrored on both Saturday and Sunday with Aidan Kenny and Kayden Kelly finishing second and third, respectively, amongst Pro/Am competitors, with Kelly taking the top honors in the USA West division.
“This one probably feels like one of the best of the season because of how much prep we put in for it,” said Vanier. “We were just trying to prepare for the heat and how the track evolution would change over 35 minutes plus one lap. I’m super happy, the race was great. We developed a very strong platform with testing on Thursday and Friday that was super promising. To see all of our hard work be rewarded is absolutely amazing.”
Madeline Stewart finished third twice in the PSCNA category this weekend, while New Zealander Will Wattanawongkiri and Kenton King – both making tremendous charges through the field – completed the PSCUW podiums on Saturday and Sunday alongside Blake McDonald.
Amongst the 992 GT3 Cup Am class, Peter Ludwig took home both victories in the No. 211 Porsche for Competition Motorsports, representing the PSCUW division and finishing fifth and sixth on the overall charts. Steve Dunn and Mark Kvamme swapped wins in the PSCNA Am class behind Ludwig.
Full 992 GT3 Cup results: Race 1 and Race 2.
In the 991 GT3 Cup class, Ashley Freiberg captured both overall victories, but not without a challenge from PSCUW competitor Casey Dennis. In both instances, Freiberg started second and pressured Dennis in the closing minutes, forcing him to go wide off track as she snuck by to win in the No. 122 Porsche.
With her two victories, and two runner-up finishes by teammate Dan Hanley, MDK Motorsports tallied four trophies this weekend in the 991 GT3 Cup class. Casey Dennis maintained the PSCUW win in both races in his No. 174 RWE Porsche.
Chloe Chambers and Nicholas Maloy traded wins in the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport class, which ran two races in addition to a make-up round this weekend at COTA.
While Maloy took charge in the opening laps to dominate Race 1 on Saturday, he valiantly fought door-to-door with Chambers for the Race 2 victory on Sunday, but finished second by just two tenths.
Chambers went on to win Race 3 as well after expertly making a pass on polesitter Paul Bocuse soon after the green flag. Both Bocuse and Maloy challenged her lead, going three-wide at one point, but Chambers held on for the win in the No. 70 TPC Racing Porsche. Maloy finished second, while third went to Bocuse who also podiumed on Saturday.
Michael Clark and Florian Eyme also collected podium finishes this weekend in the PSCNA Pro/Am class.
Jason Golan scored both Cayman GT4 Am class victories at COTA in the No. 80 Kelly Moss Porsche, even finishing third amongst all Caymans on Sunday.
Full 991 GT3 Cup / Cayman GT4 Clubsport results: Race 1 and Race 2.
Make-up Cayman GT4 Clubsport results: Race 3
Two races remain on the Porsche Sprint Challenge schedule, with USA West next having a standalone event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 8 – 10. A joint finale with both the North American and USA West series concludes the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 4 – 6.
All Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races stream live on FloSports, in addition to the series’ YouTube channel. More information can also be found at www.porschesprint.com and on social media via Facebook, Instagram and X.
Elkhart Lake, WI | Amidst a busy summer of racing at Road America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama took its turn around the freshly repaved 4.048-mile racetrack this weekend for the series’ fifth event of the season.
At Road America, the 991 GT3 Cup class joined the pair of Cayman GT4 Clubsport races rather than typically joining the 992 GT3 Cup field – allowing the 991 competitors their first opportunity for an overall race win. The weekend also featured five races total, with the Cayman GT4 Clubsport category making up a previously postponed round.
Zachary Vanier returned to his winning ways at Road America, sweeping the weekend in the No. 206 MDK Motorsports Porsche. Vanier scored the WeatherTech Pole Position Award to start both races from the lead and subsequently, darted away at the drop of the green flag. With his seventh and eighth wins of 2023, the Canadian expands his lead to 29 points in both the Pro/Am class championship and the Porsche Juniors Championship.
“I’m super happy with the race,” said Vanier. “It’s a huge credit to MDK Motorsports and my partners back home for putting together such a strong package and allowing me to go out and perform to the best of my abilities, having full confidence in the car and what we’re able to bring to the track.
“There’s some very competitive competition here in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America. We just need to keep working, keep making sure we’re maximizing our programs and bringing the best package we can. We have a couple weeks off until COTA, so we’ll do some review and figure out where we made some really big gains this weekend. All eyes on COTA and finishing off the championship strong.”
Aidan Kenny kept Vanier honest throughout the weekend, finishing runner-up twice in the No. 222 ACI Motorsports Porsche and even within a second of the lead on Saturday. Anthony McIntosh completed the Pro/Am podium in both races for JTR Motorsports Engineering, albeit not without exciting battles particularly in Race 2 with Connor Horstmann and Madeline Stewart.
Mark Kvamme delivered a double victory for MDK Motorsports on Saturday, finishing on top in the 992 GT3 Cup Am class. Kvamme capitalized after Christian Hodneland spun from the lead, and he proceeded to fight off pressure from Steve Dunn to keep the win. Mark Boden rounded out the Race 1 podium. Hodneland went on to recover in Sunday’s race for the second Am class victory of the weekend, starting and finishing second overall amidst the Pro/Am competitors in the No. 232 JDX Racing Porsche. Dunn and Boden mirrored their results from Race 1, while Kvamme finished fourth-in-class.
Full 992 GT3 Cup results: Race 1 and Race 2.
Saturday’s 991 GT3 Cup race was a straightforward, dominant victory for Charlie Peter in the No. 166 Team Phenix Porsche. En route to his fourth victory of the season, Peter started from pole and built a lead of more than seven seconds to runner-up Ashley Freiberg and an additional 10 seconds to third place Daniel Hanley.
On Sunday, both Peter and Freiberg were poised for additional podiums, with latter in hot pursuit of the win that eluded her the day prior. For 20 minutes, she ran close behind Peter and made her move, three- wide, running up the hill towards the front stretch and completing the pass going into Turn 1. The two leaders sped past a slower Cayman in the process, but in a location where another car had spun off track. The move on the Cayman by not only Freiberg, but also Peter, was deemed as a pass under a local yellow and both drivers were penalized.
As a result, Tim Kezman in the No. 114 Fall-Line Motorsports Porsche inherited the lead – his first of the
year – with Scott Zdanis and Daniel Bloom completing the final 991 GT3 Cup podium of the weekend.
In the Cayman GT4 Clubsport Pro/Am class, Chloe Chambers controlled all three races from green to checkered flag, but only took home two victories in the No. 70 TPC Racing Porsche. While she crossed the finish line first in Race 3 as well, multiple time penalties issued for start and restart infractions took her from the podium. Chambers held a gap for the majority of the race that would have negated the penalties, but a late caution erased her lead and handed the Pro/Am win to Mikhail Mihaylov in the No. 7 Regal Motorsports Porsche.
Matthew Paige and Michael Clark completed Sunday’s podium, while championship contenders Paul Bocuse and Nikolas Maloy finished second and third, respectively, in the first two races of the weekend. In the Am class, Kelly Moss swept all three races with Jason Golan securing the first win and William Peluchiwski taking the remaining two – also finishing first overall in Race 3. Tom Kopczynski and Alain Scalzo also claimed podium positions throughout the weekend.
Full 991 GT3 Cup / Cayman GT4 Clubsport results: Race 1 and Race 2.
Make-up Cayman GT4 Clubsport results: Race 3 Road America marked the final standalone event for Porsche Sprint Challenge North America this season, with the remaining two rounds for PSCNA taking place as joint events with its sister USA West series. Both will run later this month at Circuit of The Americas on August 25 – 27, with the finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 6 – 8. The final standalone for PSCUW is scheduled for September 8 – 10 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
All Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races stream live on FloSports, in addition to the series’ YouTube channel. More information can also be found at www.porschesprint.com and on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Lexington, OH | The ever-technical Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course offered some of the best racing Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama has seen yet this season – delivering wins for unexpected victors and challenges for the series’ regulars. While PSCNA typically hosts Porsche GT3 Cup and Cayman GT4 Clubsport on the same weekend, Mid-Ohio featured only the former classes, crossing the season’s halfway point during a weekend also highlighted by the INDYCAR Series.
Zachary Vanier celebrated Canada Day on Saturday by claiming the WeatherTech Pole Position Award ahead of Race 1 at Mid-Ohio in the No. 206 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. However, an immediate three-wide race after the green flag saw that position relinquished and not to be regained again.
In his series debut, Jared Thomas sent his No. 296 JTR Motorsports Engineering Porsche past Vanier and second-place starter Aidan Kenny to steal the lead, which he would maintain for the rest of the race. Vanier and Kenny went on to battle amongst themselves – and for points in the season-long Pro/Am championship – swapping spots until Vanier claimed second place. Third place went to Madeline Stewart, who managed a pass on Kenny during the final restart with seven minutes remaining to complete the podium.
In the 992 GT3 Cup Am class, Mark Kvamme jumped from third to first over Christian Hodneland, who controlled most of the race, to win his first round of the year in the No. 243 MDK Motorsports Porsche. Kvamme’s win came after he faced a lengthy battle with David Williams, who wound up third-in-class.
Ashley Freiberg was a patient racer on Saturday, working her way through the 991 GT3 Cup class and past other competitors until the final restart. In the closing laps, she passed Charlie Peter to take her sixth win of the season in the No. 122 MDK Motorsports Porsche, while Peter held on for second-in-class and Robert Tutino finished third.
While Sunday was mostly spoiled by rainy weather conditions, the race got underway for about 15 minutes for competitors to show their skills. Polesitter Aidan Kenny was one of a handful of drivers who fell victim to the wet circuit, spinning and handing over his position to Race 1 winner Jared Thomas. Thomas would go on to sweep the weekend, with Vanier and Anthony McIntosh finishing second and third, respectively, in the Pro/Am race. Vanier’s stability throughout the weekend also allowed him to sustain his lead in the PSCNA Juniors Championship over Kenny, 97 – 88 points, with three races remaining.
“What debut weekend for me and the team, I couldn’t have dreamed it up any better,” said Thomas. “I loved the tight and competitive racing by all my competitors in PSCNA, they really made us earn it! Everyone from Porsche Motorsports, Yokohama, and PSCNA are truly first class and made it very easy for a newcomer to come in and compete, and I thank them for all their hard work all weekend. Also, it was such a cool experience to be able to win on the Fourth of July weekend with my American Flag livery!”
Mark Kvamme matched Thomas’ tactics to sweep the weekend in the 992 GT3 Cup Am class, with Hans Peter and Rob Walker following on the class podium. Kvamme joined the field at Mid-Ohio after last competing at Sebring International Raceway during the season-opener, while Christian Hodneland – who finished second and fourth this weekend at Mid-Ohio – maintains the class championship lead.
After coming just short of the 991 GT3 Cup victory on Saturday, Charlie Peter sealed the deal on Sunday over Ashley Freiberg for this third win of the season. Freiberg finished second to extend her lead in the championship, while John McInnes finished third on the podium.
Official results: Race 1 and Race 2.
Up next, Porsche Sprint Challenge continues its USA West schedule at Utah Motorsports Campus on July 14 – 16. The North American calendar continues at Road America next month, with the GT3 Cup and Cayman GT4 Clubsport classes reuniting for a doubleheader on August 11 – 13.
All Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races stream live on FloSports, in addition to the series’ YouTube channel. More information can also be found at www.porschesprint.com and on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 10, 2023) – MAVTV – the world’s premier media platform for passion-fueled motorsports, powersports and automotive programming – announces the premiere of “In the Machine,” a three-part original docuseries that marks the network’s first dedicated program that focuses on the increasing presence and impact of women in motorsports.
“In the Machine” follows the inspiring story of Ashley Freiberg, a multifaceted personality balancing role as a racer, factory driving instructor, part-time real estate agent, and newlywed, all while chasing her dreams of a championship with the MDK team. This series offers an unprecedented look into Ashley’s tenacious journey, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by women in this dynamic industry.
“In the Machine” is produced by Impakt Partners, a women’s sports production and marketing company with the mission to tell important stories about women in sports and accelerate positive social change.
In tandem with the launch of “In the Machine: Ashley Freiberg,” MAVTV is excited to also present episode highlights from the recent Women with Drive III – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit (WWD III). Partnering with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), these episodes, produced with the support of Gainbridge, will showcase the influential discussions, interviews, and insights from over 450 attendees at the summit. The three 30-minute episodes are set to air on consecutive Thursdays – Jan. 11, Jan. 18 and Jan. 25 at 8:30 pm ET/PT.
“MAVTV is committed to bringing to the forefront the stories of incredible women like Ashley Freiberg, who are breaking barriers in motorsports,” said MAVTV President CJ Olivares. “’In the Machine’ and our coverage of the Women with Drive Summit are just
the beginning of our journey to tell these extraordinary women’s stories. We look forward to sharing more such content, especially during Women’s History Month in March.”
“In the Machine” embodies MAVTV and Impakt Partners’ commitment to telling diverse and empowering motorsports stories. Along with the Women with Drive Summit highlights, this series cements MAVTV’s role as a leader in sharing these inspiring narratives worldwide. Don’t miss the January premiere of “In the Machine” and the Summit highlights, and more content on remarkable women in motorsports, especially during Women’s History Month. The second episode of “In the Machine” premieres Jan. 18 at 8 pm ET/PT with a season finale on Jan. 25 at the same time.
Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/IkJi3QHsrGY
MAVTV is the world’s premier media platform where motorsports, powersports and automotive fans dive deeper into the compelling stories behind the athletes, teams and tracks they watch on the weekends. With a diverse mix of live racing, automotive enthusiast programming and documentaries, MAVTV drives passion across two-wheel, four-wheel, pavement, dirt and water – and defines their unique subcultures. With a global reach of more than 467 million, 22 million households in North America (DIRECTV, Spectrum, YouTube TV, FuboTV and more), FAST Channels across 25 countries, 250 million connected devices and a loyal social following, the network is on a rapid growth trajectory. MAVTV’s 2023 relaunch is highlighted by original shows like
“On the Rise” and “The Life” – which give fans access to the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes, from youth to the most elite racing levels.
Impakt Partners (IP) is a premier global women’s sports media, production, marketing, and social impact company. Co-founded by renowned sports media executives Melissa Forman (FOX Sports, MTV, Podium Pictures, Women’s Sports Network) and Allyson J. Davis (FOX Sports, NBC Universal Sports Network, Red Bull. Operating at the intersection of sports, storytelling, distribution, and impact, IP excels in developing, producing, and amplifying compelling, multi-dimensional narratives that foster connection, inspiration, entertainment, education, value creation, and measurable impact.
For more information, visit www.MAVTV.com – and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
Driver Mark Kvamme and the MDK team set to compete in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama doubleheader
LOS ANGELES (29 June 2023) – The Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK Motorsports team heads back into action this weekend with a pair of Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races at the team’s home track, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Friends and family will be out in force this weekend to see local hero Mark Kvamme behind the wheel of the No. 243 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car (type 992) – with the iconic livery honoring those who have suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease (for a $250 donation, the family member’s name and hometown is placed on the car, and their photo can be posted on the R2EndAlz website’s tribute page.) All donations are matched, with 100% of the proceeds going to two nationally-recognized organizations that work both in research for a cure, and for care for patients and families.
Kvamme is coming off both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and two podiums (including his fifth win of the season) in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup weekend at Watkins Glen – but the Mid-Ohio weekend is one that has been circled on his calendar for quite some time. He scored two podium finishes in the Porsche Sprint Challenge event at Mid-Ohio last year and has two podium finishes in both series races he has contested in 2023 (both at VIRginia International Raceway).
“I’m thrilled to be racing at my home track in the USAC series this weekend,” said Kvamme. “It has been a really busy stretch this month, with Le Mans and Watkins Glen, so it will be fantastic to be racing so close to home – which is also home to the MDK Motorsports headquarters. The INDYCAR event is a highlight weekend, and we are going to have many friends and family here, so I’m really looking forward to it. And hopefully, we can continue to bring more awareness for the Racing to End Alzheimer’s program.”
Fans are encouraged to come by the Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK Motorsports transporter this weekend to learn more about the team – and to take home a R2EndAlz bracelet.
Both races will be broadcast live on the series website – Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m., both times Eastern.
About Racing to End Alzheimer’s
In 2013, Phil Frengs’ wife Mimi was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Their experience with the disease led Frengs to a seminal moment: his company, Legistics, had long sponsored a team in IMSA sports car racing and he realized an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the fight against the disease. In 2017, he formed Racing to End Alzheimer’s, giving fans the opportunity to honor loved ones by putting their names on the race car via donation – with Legistics matching each donation. 100% of those donations go to the two organizations the team supports:
The Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center at Houston Methodist Hospital is exploring cutting edge strategies in therapy, care and research to find a cure for these dementias. NNAC was founded by longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and his family in honor of his father, Jim, Jr., who passed away after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program is a nationally-recognized grant-funded program designed to help patients and their families with the complex medical, behavioral and social needs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Sonoma, CA | It was another GREAT weekend for Black Sheep Racing (BSR), this time at the famed Sonoma Raceway in Napa, California. With Laura Ely and Kenton King piloting BSR-prepared machines, it was a podium-filled weekend for both drivers.
After a test day on Thursday, Saturday opened with qualifying that set the grid for race one later that afternoon. Performing well, King was able to secure the third fastest lap in the Pro/Am class while Ely earned the pole position in the Am class and fourth overall. With qualifying in the books, it was time to go racing.
Race one saw tight battles as drivers got their elbows out to fight for positions on track and chase the elusive race wins and podium results. Throughout the 35-minute affair, it was a hard-fought battle up front with King leading Ely on track. Lapped traffic would play a major part in the final outcome as a small bobble and loss of momentum by Kenton allowed Laura Ely to sneak by for the second position overall, but the win in the class. Kenton finished second in class and third overall for a great start to the weekend for Black Sheep Racing.
“We gained a lot of points on Saturday and Laura moved herself up to second in the points after the outstanding pole qualification achievement,” explained Chris Stiffler, BSR Business Manager. “Additionally, our woman car chief, Devin Hoffman got her first win for Laura Ely in Porsche Sprint Challenge. An amazing feat for our program.”
Sunday’s race saw Kenton King start from second on the grid while Laura Ely was on the outside of row three in the sixth position. It was another battle up front and while King ran second the majority of the race, he eventually finished race two in third while Laura Ely stood on the podium in her class as well.
“Laura and Kenton did a great job driving, we achieved our goals, earned a couple of podium finishes, gained on the overall points tally, and neither car suffered any damage. It was a beautiful weekend and now we look forward to preparing the cars for next month’s race at the Utah Motorsports Campus.”
Throughout the weekend, Black Sheep Racing debuted a new partnership with Vezer Family Vineyard, located close by in Fairfield, California.
“We invited the PCA Diablo Chapter, and they showed up in force with several members attending, some for their first-ever race event,” Stiffler added. “Thank You to Randy Hembrey and all the USAC staff for a great event!”
Black Sheep Racing held a special prize giveaway for those who attended the event.
Stiffler continued, “USAC was nice enough to grant us a special giveaway in a surprise to all the Diablo PCA chapter members by giving away a pace car ride.”
Sonoma, CA | In the second Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama event of the season, Robert Todd sailed away for a weekend sweep while the rest of the field fought behind him.
Sonoma Raceway and the iconic wine country backdrop hosted the pair of rounds, one week after wrapping up its annual NASCAR Cup Series weekend, with the first race on Saturday afternoon and the second on a cooler, Sunday morning.
Following his two victories, Todd said, “I am so thankful for this past weekend, and I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to represent such a wonderful team. BR Racing did an amazing job prepping the car and anticipating the conditions of the track after a weekend’s worth of rubber from NASCAR proved to be a challenge for us all. There was nothing better than having my wife and kids there with me during the weekend and having the best Father’s Day I can imagine.
“This really propels us forward for the championship and we are thrilled to be carrying this momentum into the next event at Utah for myself and our customers.”
While Todd secured the both the WeatherTech Pole Position Award and the 992 GT3 Cup Pro/Am win, the battle for the remaining class podium positions was unpredictable. Kayden Kelly held the runner-up spot for the majority of the race, but faced pressure throughout from Kenton King in the No. 274 Porsche.
Turn 9 was a hotbed of action particularly on Saturday, and was where King ultimately executed a move on Kelly to gain second place in the final 10 minutes. In the same turn on the next lap, Kelly’s control of his No. 288 Porsche seemed all but lost as he nearly spun, eventually doing so a few minutes later but managing to come home seventh in class.
Taking third in Pro/Am was James Sofronas, who faced a battle of his own after starting from the rear of the field following a post-qualifying technical infraction. In his first USA West event of the year, Sofronas determinedly moved through the pack in the No. 204 Porsche, gaining six class positions to round out the podium.
Kenton King wasn’t the only driver from Black Sheep Racing to reap rewards in Race 1, as his teammate Laura Ely claimed the 992 GT3 Cup Am class victory. The two enjoyed a battle amongst themselves for second and third overall on Saturday, with Ely outmaneuvering King during a pass on a lapped car on the final lap.
Peter Ludwig and Dmitri Novikov in the Nos. 211 and 229 Porsches, respectively, completed the Am class podium.
After a weekend sweep at Spring Mountain in April, Casey Dennis picked up where he left off to score the 991 GT3 Cup class victory over James Li and Jim Walsh.
While Todd’s dominance carried over to Sunday for a Race 2 victory, Sofronas’ fight for redemption continued as well – starting sixth in class and finishing a position higher than Saturday in second. King completed his effort for a double podium by finishing third.
The Am class victory was up for grabs in Race 2, with Novikov starting first ahead of Ludwig and Ely. An early spin dropped Novikov from the lead and behind his two competitors, while Ely had a turnaround of her own in the Carousel. Ludwig stayed consistent to score the victory and Novikov recovered for second, while Ely followed up her Race 1 win with third place, holding off a late surge from Kyle Washington in the No. 234 Porsche.
Casey Dennis completed back-to-back weekend sweeps with a 991 win on Sunday over Li and Walsh. Additionally, Michael Gaulke represented USA West Cayman GT4 Clubsport this weekend, earning points towards his Am class championship campaign with Competition Motorsports in the No. 99 Porsche.
Official results: Race 1 and Race 2.
In less than a month’s time, PSCUW is back on track for its third weekend of 2023 at Utah Motorsports Campus, which is scheduled for July 14 – 16. However, Porsche Sprint Challenge next heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to continue the North American series calendar. Only the 992 GT3 Cup classes will compete at Mid-Ohio on June 30 – July 2, before the GT3 Cup and Cayman GT4 Clubsport classes reunite at Road America in August.
All Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races stream live on FloSports, in addition to the series’ YouTube channel. More information can also be found at www.porschesprint.com and on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
June 9, 2023 – 2022 USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West 991 class Champions, Black Sheep Racing (BSR), and Team Principal and driver Laura Ely are excited to announce a new partnership that has been formed with The Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California. Set to commence at the Sonoma event weekend June 16-18, The Vezer Family Vineyard partnership will continue throughout the 2023 season.
The Vezer Family Vineyard is a Suisun Valley Vineyard, owned and operated by the Vezer family. The vineyard hosts activities year-round including weddings, barrel tours, live music events, and their signature wine club allows guests to explore different styles and flavors of wine each month at a special pricing level.
The partnership will include in-person wine tasting at two 2023 USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West events with Black Sheep Racing. The first will be held June 17 at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, and the second September 7-8 at Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca in conjunction with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in Monterey, California. The winery has won several awards for its brands and was seeking an avenue to showcase their family-made wines.
“The relationship with the Vezer Family goes back several years with Black Sheep,” explained Chris Stiffler, Black Sheep Racings Business Development Manager. “We have always wanted to partner with the vineyard as they are local to our base of operations. With our participation in the Porsche Sprint Challenge series, an opportunity arose that seemed viable at Sonoma and Laguna Seca. I just felt it was a good fit and Pam at Vezer and I put together a fun, exciting event.”
The Vezer Family Vineyard is no stranger to auto racing. Founder, Frank Vezer is a long-time racing enthusiast and competitor in the F4 class. Stiffler, who was last year’s championship winning Car Chief for Ely, in his new role this year as Business Development Manager continued, “We’d like to thank Randy Hambrey and the whole USAC racing staff for their support in this sponsorship arrangement. It’s our first corporate sponsorship and working with a great series like Porsche Sprint Challenge and USAC racing, it is a great learning experience for us. We can use the relationship building skills for our plans in 2024.”
Black Sheep Racing will debut their new partnership when they arrive at Sonoma June 16 for Round 2 of the 2023 USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West Championship at Sonoma next week.
Alton, VA | It was a tale of two races for the leaders in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama, with VIRginia International Raceway hosting the third doubleheader of the season for the Porsche GT3 Cup and Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport classes.
While Saturday’s conditions brought the heat and overnight rain dropped the temperatures on Sunday, all four races featured action with lasting effects.
Porsche GT3 Cup: Zachary Vanier continued his dominance in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Pro/Am class, winning his fifth and sixth consecutive races in the No. 206 and maintaining his undefeated status in 2023. The MDK Motorsports driver scored the WeatherTech Pole Position Award to start first in both races and ran nearly uncontested throughout the weekend.
The closest competition Vanier faced was from fellow Porsche Junior driver, Aidan Kenny. In Race 1, Kenny was overtaken by Madeline Stewart for the runner-up position, but he later pressured the New Zealander into a mistake to reclaim second place. In Race 2, Kenny valiantly fought door-to-door with Vanier at the start, but eventually gave way to the Canadian’s pace.
“Thirty-five minutes plus one lap doesn’t seem like much, but it can add up very quickly,” said Vanier, who extended his lead in both the Pro/Am and Porsche Junior championships. “I’m making sure to put in all the prep required to maximize each and every weekend and give everybody who’s helping me the results they deserve. A huge credit to the MDK Motorsports team and all their efforts – our program this weekend was absolutely phenomenal. Testing on Thursday was very beneficial for us to find out where we made gains and carrying it through the weekend.”
Connor Horstmann in the No. 214 Porsche finished third in both races to complete the Pro/Am podium. In the Am class, Christian Hodneland was poised for a weekend sweep in the No. 232 Porsche. However, after claiming the Race 1 win and seemingly in control of Race 2, Hodneland found himself off course during the final minute, elevating Steve Dunn to first place after a runner-up finish the day prior. David Williams, who finished third in Race 1, moved into second, with Jody Miller completing Sunday’s podium.
In the 991 GT3 Cup class, Ashley Freiberg mimicked co-driver Vanier’s success with a weekend sweep of her own in MDK Motorsports’ No. 122 Porsche. Tim Kezman and Scott Zdanis finished second and third, respectively, in both races.
Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport:
On the first turn of the first lap, Saturday’s Cayman GT4 Clubsport race saw a move that could have ramifications for the rest of the season. Nicholas Maloy started second behind Chloe Chambers and at the start, boldly dove to the inside of the polesitter. However, late braking by Maloy sent his No. 4 Porsche hard into the side of Chambers, running both cars off track and seeing the rest of the field pass by.
While Chambers was able to return to the race – ultimately finishing seventh in class – Maloy was forced to retire his Porsche for the remainder of the weekend. Maloy’s championship efforts, both in the Cayman Pro/Am class and in Porsche Junior competition, faltered as a result and is now fifth and third, respectively, in both programs. Before Race 2, Chambers’ team worked to repair her No. 70 Porsche, which paid dividends as she soared from the drop of the green flag to rebound for the victory on Sunday.
“I knew I was quick off the start,” said Chambers, who was recently announced as part of the Porsche Deluxe Female Driver Development Program. “I knew that from (the last event at) Barber, so I was just trying to get a gap from the start. Through the middle of the race, I was just listening to what they were saying on the radio, saying what the gap is, and then managing how quick I’m going from there.”
Making a guest appearance at his home track this weekend was Florian Eyme, who found himself in the right place at the right time on Saturday to steal the victory after the leaders’ incident. He took home an additional podium on Sunday in the No. 11 Porsche by finishing third.
Walking away with a solid points weekend and double runner-up finish at VIR was Paul Bocuse. The Zotz Racing driver now leads both the Pro/Am championship by 24 points over Michael Clark as well as the Porsche Junior championship by 29 points over Riley Pegram.
In the Cayman GT4 Clubsport Am class, Alain Scalzo breezed to a Race 1 victory on Saturday and was prepared to do the same on Sunday before a solo, off-track excursion in his No. 26 Porsche led to a late retirement. Jason Golan – leader of the Am class championship – inherited the top spot and eventual win, with Tom Kerr completing the class podium in both races.
The next Porsche Sprint Challenge North America event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will feature just the GT3 Cup class as part of the INDYCAR Series weekend on June 30 – July 2. However, the series’ USA West division picks up for its second doubleheader of 2023 two weeks prior at Sonoma Raceway on June 16 – 18.
All Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama races stream live on FloSports, in addition to the series’ YouTube channel. More information can also be found at www.porschesprint.com and on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Speedway, IN – Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) and Deluxe Corporation have expanded the Porsche Deluxe Female Driver Development Program with two more drivers, Chloe Chambers and Madeline Stewart. Chambers represents the Cayman class, which uses the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, while Stewart will carry the banner for the class utilizing the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 race car. Chambers and Stewart join Sabré Cook as the 2023 recipients of the Porsche Deluxe Female Driver Development Program scholarship.
Stewart, a native of New Zealand, is racing in the 992 Pro/Am class of the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama. Stewart drives the No. 282 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car for JDX Racing and has graduated from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia championship. Chambers, who lives in Indiana, debuted in the Porsche Sprint Challenge this year driving the No. 70 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport for TPC Racing. She grew to fame when she drove a Porsche 718 Spyder to a Guinness World RecordsTM achievement for the Fastest Vehicle Slalom. She still holds the record three years later. In addition to her role in the Porsche Female Driver Development Program, Chambers is also a Porsche Junior Program North America participant in the Cayman class.
Included in the scholarship, both drivers will receive a full season entry in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama. Additionally, they each receive one set of Yokohama race tires each event weekend as well as direct access to PMNA competition advisor and Porsche Junior Program North America driving coach Patrick Long.
Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO, Porsche Motorsport North America. “Being able to add the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama to our Female Driver Development Program has been an objective since we conceived the idea. It is natural to add this to each level of our Motorsport Pyramid. Through our partnership with Deluxe, Yokohama and USAC, we have been able to do it even sooner than we thought would be possible. Madeline and Chloe are a perfect addition to the program. They are both excellent drivers and very well received in the paddock. With Madeline, Chloe and Sabré together, I cannot think of three better drivers to represent the program.”
Chloe Chambers, driver, No. 70 TPC Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. “Being part of the Female Driver Development Program is special. Having all of the support from Porsche and Porsche Motorsport is great. It is something that I am very appreciative of and I will try and represent the brand well. I have worked with Porsche Cars North America in the past with a Guinness World Record title achievement, but it is super cool now to be involved on the Motorsport side. I want to race in Le Mans. I would love to be doing it with Porsche. I grew up watching Porsches race and that is how I got into racing. It would be a goal to close out my career as a Porsche factory driver.”
Madeline Stewart, driver, No. 282 JDX Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. “I feel very privileged to be part of the Porsche Female Driver Development Program. Coming over to race in the USA this year was a huge step, but I am grateful for the support I have already received. Programs like this really help to further my career in motorsport and it is fantastic to see Porsche Motorsport North America, Yokohama and USAC working so hard to
Motorsport News Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama May 24, 2023 support females climbing through the Porsche Pyramid. We have had a great first two rounds of the Championship, so I am looking forward to continuing on this year before making the step to Carrera Cup next year.”
Tracey Engelhardt, President, Check Solutions and Chief of Operations at Deluxe “At Deluxe, we are honored to sponsor the Porsche Deluxe Female Driver Development Program and support the advancement of women in motorsports. We believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial in every industry, and motorsports is no exception. By providing opportunities for female drivers like Madeline Stewart, Chloe Chambers and Sabré Cook, we hope to help level the playing field and create a more equitable future for all aspiring racers. We are excited to continue our partnership with Porsche and be part of this important initiative.”
Randy Hembrey, Director of Road Racing, United States Auto Club. “Porsche Sprint Challenge North America is often the first step for a driver to compete in a semi- professional program. This championship is intentionally positioned on the Porsche one-make ladder as a development platform. The Porsche Female Driver Development Program is just one of the tools made available to us by Porsche to further identify talent and support the career growth of these talented women. We’re excited to have both Madeline and Chloe as a part of our championship and have been immediately impressed by their on-track skills and determination to succeed. We look forward to watching them continue to progress in this program and through their driving careers in the future.”
Porsche and Deluxe Corporation expand Female Driver Development Program in 2023
Porsche Motorsport North America and Deluxe Corporation have expanded the Female Driver Development Program within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid North America. The announcement of Chloe Chambers and Madeline Stewart brings the support package into the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama, the one-make championship which prepares talent for a move up to the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America.
| Round | event | date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Sebring Int Raceway | March 1-3, 2024 |
| Round 2 | Barber Motorsports Park | APRIL 26-28, 2024 |
| Round 3 | Circuit of the Americas | MAY 24-26, 2024 |
| Round 4 | Virginia International Raceway | JUNE 14-16, 2024 |
| Round 5 | Watkins Glen International | JULY 5-7, 2024 |
| Round 6 | Road America | AUGUST 9-11, 2024 |
| Round 7 | Sonoma Raceway | SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2024 |
| Round | event | date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Spring Mountain | MARCH 29-31, 2024 |
| Round 2 | Utah Motorsports Campus | MAY 10-12, 2024 |
| Round 3 | Circuit of the Americas | MAY 24-26, 2024 |
| Round 4 | Weathertech Raceway | JUNE 21-23, 2024 |
| Round 5 | Road America | AUGUST 9-11, 2024 |
| Round 6 | Sonoma Raceway | SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2024 |
