Flying Lizard Arrives in Texas for Penultimate Race of GTS Season
After a long and difficult week for the state of Texas, the Pirelli World Challenge journeys to Austin for the penultimate round of the GTS championship. While Hurricane Harvey continues to displace many, Circuit of the Americas has opened its facility to families and RVs escaping the disaster’s aftermath. Hurricane escapees and race fans in Austin will be able to enjoy a weekend at the race track, with the series hosting seven races over the event’s three days.
“Even though we are looking forward to this race we are saddened by the events from Hurricane Harvey,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “This really hits home for me, as my sister and her family live in Houston. Luckily, she is doing fine and her home hasn’t flooded, but it’s been tough on them this whole week. We wish the best to everyone, our thoughts and prayers are with them. As always we feel good about our chances and look forward to the race this weekend.”
Although the season may be winding down, Flying Lizard Motorsports is gearing up for another strong race weekend with its two Porsche Cayman Clubsport MRs. Earlier this month, the team celebrated its seventh and eighth podiums of the season with drivers Rodrigo Baptista and Nate Stacy.
For Brazilan driver Baptistsa, this will again be his first time to the track. As with the rest of the tracks on the 2017 calendar, Baptista has spent hours on the simulator, learning every aspect of the track to aid his learning curve this weekend.
“I am really excited to race at The Circuit of the Americas,” said Baptista. “It is another new challenge for me, and I hope to get a good result in Texas. I will do my best to show off all the potential from our Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR and score more points as possible. I am sorry to hear about the hard time the state is having, and we hope to put on a good show for the people of Texas.”
American driver Nate Stacy has success on the 3.4, 20 turn world class facility, earning a second place finish in 2016.
“We are ready for the second to last race of the season, driving my Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR at COTA,” said Stacy. “We aren’t far off in the driver points, currently sitting fourth. We have strong podium chances, which will benefit us in the final point standings.”
Round 15 will take place 1:45PM CT on Saturday, September 2, and Round 16 at 10:50AM CT on Sunday, September 3. Both races will stream live on world-challenge.com. All fans, drivers, and series participants are encouraged to support victims of Hurricane Harvey by donating to the American Red Cross, which is currently providing shelter, supplies, and additional aid. Please visit redcross.org to make a donation.
About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Since its inception in 2004, Flying Lizard Motorsports has become an iconic team in the world of sports car racing. The California based team has celebrated seven driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times. The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated with a 1-2 finish in 2016. For more information, visit lizardms.com. For additional photos and all behind-the-scenes updates, check us out on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.
