For the second time in as many races, Forgeline-equipped teams Rebel Rock Racing and McCumbee McAleer Racing found themselves on the podium, in IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge GS, with first and third place finishes. The last time was at Road America. This time, it was at Virginia International Raceway for the “Virginia is for Racing Lovers Grand Prix”. As usual, it was an action-packed race with an exciting edge-of-your-seat last lap finish.
The Rebel Rock Camaro started near the back of the GS field in 19th place. But per his job, amateur driver Frank Depew went through his stint cleanly, delivering the car in one piece to pro driver Robin Liddell in the 16th position. After a full course yellow and a stop for fuel, Robin took the green flag in 17th place with a full tank of gas. With only one lap remaining, Robin had piloted the #71 Rebel Rock Racing Chevrolet Camaro on Forgeline one piece forged monoblock GS1R wheels to the top of the field, restarting after another full course yellow in third place behind the no.39 CarBahn/Peregrine Racing Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport and the no.27 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4.
On the last-lap restart, all three cars made contact, and the Mercedes ended up spinning into the grass, leaving the Porsche out front and Robin close behind in the Camaro. With the Porsche critically low on fuel, Robin made a brilliant textbook pass for the lead at Oak Tree Bend. The Porsche tried to keep up, but ran dry just a few corners later. Robin successfully defended his lead, over the final corners, from the now-second place no.96 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4, and scored his second consecutive win for the Rebel Rock team. For the second race in a row, third place went to the no.13 McCumbee McAleer Racing Ford Mustang GT4 on Forgeline one piece forged monoblock GS1R wheels, driven by Joey Hand and Jenson Altzman, who finished just 1.315 seconds back.
Congrats to Frank, Robin, Joey, Jenson, and the entire Rebel Rock Motorsports & McCumbee McAleer Racing teams. And thanks for trusting Forgeline to carry the load!
The entire Michelin Pilot Challenge series returns to action again on Saturday, September 16, with the Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.