Skip Barber Racing claimed numerous accolades at Sonoma Raceway in the opening weekend of the TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School and Toyota GR Cup North America seasons. Throughout the weekend, Skip Barber Racing managed five entries in two different series including a newly expanded effort in GR Cup and a top-class program in TC America which allowed the team to fight for overall wins.
TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School
In the team’s first race with the Acura Integra Type S, Celso Neto scored a podium finish and was the best-placed Acura competitor in the field. Up against teams with more experience in their cars, Neto and Skip Barber Racing were just 0.049 seconds off of pole position, leaving the team in good spirits and optimistic for the rest of the season. “Overall, it was a good weekend, with limited practice we showed we had great pace, being the fastest Acura and qualifying off the pole by less than a tenth,” Neto said. “It was a good points haul with 3rd and 4th place, respectively. I’m excited to be back in Sebring at my home race and show what our Acura can do on the bumps!” Cooper Broll continued to put on impressive displays. Entering his second season of professional racing, the California native had an excellent start to his TC America campaign with a top-five finish in Race 1. Broll will head to Sebring in the top half of the TCX standings. Toyota GR Cup North America
With nearly 30 drivers in the Toyota GR Cup North America field, it can be difficult to stand out, but Alex Garcia had no issues doing just that in Race 1, as the 23-year-old climbed six spots to earn the Hard Charger Award. “With the first race of the season done, I am beyond excited and grateful for all the effort and commitment that was shown over this weekend,” Garcia said. “The environment the team sets makes it feel like home. The guys worked really hard to fine-tune my setup, especially with the new pavement on Sonoma. “While it was tricky and we had almost no practice time, the guys found a sweet setup that earned us an 11th-place finish with the Hard Charger Award. I’m extremely excited for what’s in store this season and ready to chase down a top 10 in Sebring,” Garcia added. Alongside Garcia in GR Cup this season are James Klimas and Will Lambros. For Lambros, this weekend at Sonoma was his first taste of the Toyota GR Cup car; the longtime Skip Barber Racing driver put in a stellar effort, keeping the car clean while coming to grips with the Toyota GR86. Like Lambros, Klimas is also entering his first full season in the series and spent the weekend successfully acclimating himself to the car. “Being the second race I’ve ever participated in, I’m happy with the lap times I eventually started turning halfway through the first race,” Klimas said. “I just need some more seat time with the fantastic instructors from the Skip Barber Racing School, and I’ll be sure to be in the mid-pack soon, that is my goal for the next few races. The view at the top of the hill by turn two was breathtaking. My wife and son especially loved the landscaping crew, also known as the sheep next to the track.” About the Skip Barber Racing School With international racing experience, celebrated skill, and the firm belief that competitive race car driving was teachable, Skip Barber founded his legendary racing school in 1975. Since that first class, over 400,000 students have become racers and champions. Today, we are the world’s largest automotive education and entertainment company offering driving, off-road, corporate and group events, and racing schools at the finest venues in America. Our Skip Barber Race Series serves as the ultimate training ground for the next generation of racers. Skip Barber Racing fields entries in TC America, Toyota GR Cup North America, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA Mustang Challenge and USF Pro Championships. Our innovative OEM programs elevate the finest automotive marques, and our bespoke corporate programs build teamwork and recognize outstanding achievement. No experience rivals the Skip Barber Racing School. For more information on our programs, call us at 866-932-1949, visit us online at skipbarber.com and follow us on social media at #skipbarberracingschool/@skipbarber.