It all comes down to this. The tenth and final round of not only the season, but the ST class in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. The MINI JCW Team heads to Road Atlanta in prime position to secure the manufacturer's championship for MINI. Four years of hard work and dedication all comes down to this final two-hour race, the Fox Factory 120.
After breaking through for a historic victory at Daytona last season. The team has continued to show that they are a force to be reckoned with. Building on that win and anther at Watkins Glen, the team came into this season very optimistic that they could win a championship in the final season of the ST class. After struggling in the opening event of this season, the team quickly rebounded to earn a victory at Sebring.
From that point on it's basically been back and forth, splitting victories with the 81 Bimmerworld BMW. Both MINI and BMW have earned four victories a piece. As they enter the final race of the season the two manufacturers are separated by only two points. The formula for securing the championship is simple, the highest finishing car out of BMW and MINI at Road Atlanta will take home the trophy.
Hoping to secure the championship is the familiar driver's you've seen all season long, as well as one new driver, but not a new face. Team owner Luis Perocarpi will join Mark Pombo behind the wheel of the 52 for the finale. Rookie sensation Colin Mullan will miss the final race after winning the prestigious Team USA Scholarship and is headed to Europe.
It’s an incredible feeling to have the opportunity to drive one of the MINI JCW race cars that I built and represent the brand in the last ST race, the last race for MINI with IMSA and the last race with Continental Tires. I could not be happier for Colin and his future in racing. He brought amazing talent to this team. I have big shoes to fill but anyone who knows me knows that I’m always up for a challenge. - Luis Perocarpi
Mat Pombo and former series champion Mike LaMarra will be looking to earn their third victory of the season. The pair have been strong all season, winning at Mid-Ohio and Lime Rock. That strength combined with Mat's great run at Road Atlanta last season has to be confidence inspiring.
Derek Jones and Nate Norenberg will be in the 37. The pair have consistently improved as the season has progressed. They would love nothing more than to break through to victory lane in the finale, winning the championship for MINI.
The Fox Factory 120 takes place on Friday, October 12th at 1:15 PM EST. You can watch the race live on IMSA.tv, or on the IMSA mobile app. Qualifying will be on IMSA radio and you can keep track of timing and scoring for all events at scoring.imsa.com.
About the MINI JCW Team
The MINI JCW Team, operated by LAP Motorsports (@lapmotorsports), drives MINI’s most powerful Hardtop ever in the two-door John Cooper Works. The team competes in the fiercely competitive IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. For additional information please visit minijcwteam.com or email luis@minijcwteam.com
