{"id":208,"date":"2020-10-15T15:55:50","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T15:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/?page_id=208"},"modified":"2020-10-22T13:04:05","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T13:04:05","slug":"press-releases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/press-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Releases"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_33fe73d0 height_medium width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_33fe73d0\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_ecf7e874 number align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Asset-10objects-1.svg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row us_custom_f71d89c0 via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_f9dc0060\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Press Releases&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22text-align%22%3A%22center%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%2C%22font-weight%22%3A%22900%22%2C%22font-style%22%3A%22italic%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%226.25rem%22%7D%2C%22tablets%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22text-align%22%3A%22left%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%2C%22font-weight%22%3A%22900%22%2C%22font-style%22%3A%22italic%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%223.25rem%22%7D%2C%22mobiles%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22text-align%22%3A%22left%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%2C%22font-weight%22%3A%22900%22%2C%22font-style%22%3A%22italic%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%223.25rem%22%7D%7D&#8221;]<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_d18e2198 zdex height_medium width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row us_custom_7430ea11 via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-grid us_custom_a6ceb248 type_grid layout_gallery_with_titles_over cols_3 overflow_hidden\" id=\"us_grid_1\" style=\"--gap:1.5rem;\" data-filterable=\"true\"><style>@media (max-width:1024px){#us_grid_1 .w-grid-item{width:50%}}@media (max-width:600px){#us_grid_1 .w-grid-list{margin:0}#us_grid_1 .w-grid-item{width:100%;padding:0;margin-bottom:var(--gap,0px)}}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .w-grid-item-h{}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .usg_vwrapper_1{position:absolute!important;right:0!important;bottom:0!important;left:0!important;background:linear-gradient(transparent,rgba(30,30,30,0.8))!important;padding:15% 7% 6% 7%!important}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .usg_post_title_1{color:#fff!important;font-size:0.8rem!important;line-height:1.6!important;margin-bottom:0!important}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .usg_post_custom_field_1{color:#fff!important;font-size:0.8rem!important;line-height:1.6!important;margin-bottom:0!important}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .usg_post_content_1{color:#fff!important;font-size:0.8rem!important;line-height:1.6!important;margin-bottom:0!important}.layout_gallery_with_titles_over .usg_post_content_2{color:rgba(255,255,255,0.5)!important;font-size:0.8rem!important;line-height:1.6!important;margin-top:0.2rem!important;margin-bottom:0.2rem!important}<\/style><div class=\"w-grid-list\">\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1511 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1511\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/greenlight-sports-official-dealers-of-arai-and-bell-helmets\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Greenlight Sports, Official Dealers of Arai and Bell Helmets\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Greenlight Sports, Official Dealers of Arai and Bell Helmets<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Helmets.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greenlight Sports Management are proud to be an official dealer of all Arai and Bell helmets and products in the United Kingdom and Ireland*<\/p>\n<p>Both helmet brands have been at the forefront of motorsport safety technology for many years and have protected world champions in many disciplines including F1. As proud dealers, Greenlight Sports Management are pleased to offer the full range of Arai and Bell helmets, from karting through to the latest F1 specification. For more information head to the helmet section on our website or drop us an email at helmets@greenlightsports.com.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1499 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1499\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/jess-edgar-claims-maiden-f1-academy-victory-from-pole-position-at-circuit-of-the-americas\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Jess Edgar claims maiden F1 Academy victory from pole position at Circuit of the Americas\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Jess Edgar claims maiden F1 Academy victory from pole position at Circuit of the Americas<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jess.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jess Edgar ended her F1 Academy campaign in style, qualifying on pole position for the final race of the season and pulling away from the pack to score her maiden series victory in Texas.<\/p>\n<p>With the series joining Formula 1 for the first time at the United States Grand Prix, the 18-year-old delivered an excellent performance at Circuit of the Americas, digging deep with her final lap in Qualifying 2 to take pole away from champion Marta Garcia.<\/p>\n<p>Lining up fifth for the opening contest, Jess showed strong pace in the early stages, moving into fourth position. Battling with then title hopeful Lena B\u00fchler, she fell back to fifth, before a slight error at turn 12 cost another place, crossing the line sixth.<\/p>\n<p>She was on the move at the start of race two, gaining third as Bianca Bustamante stalled off the line. Coming out of turn one however, B\u00fchler managed to get a run and past the Brit. Jess refused to give up and one lap later eased her way past Chloe Chong to regain a third position she would hold to the line, scoring her third podium of the year.<\/p>\n<p>It went even better for her in the final contest, as she had a clean start from pole position, held the lead, and opened a two second gap to the field, comfortably earning her first F1 Academy victory on the biggest stage of the season.<\/p>\n<p>After competing in front of a weekend audience of some 432,000 fans, Jess will now enjoy some time off with her family, before making a decision on her 2024 racing plans, with announcements to follow in due course.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented,<\/strong><\/em>&#8220;I am super proud of what we\u2019ve achieved, and it was definitely the weekend to do it! F1 Academy has given me an amazing opportunity this year and to win in the last round while we are with F1 is an amazing feeling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll the hard work we\u2019ve put in this season has really helped my qualifying, which is something me and the team have worked hard for all year, It proves that qualifying is key as starting P1 mattered a lot this weekend!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>I cannot thank Rodin Carlin enough for all their help and support this season and along with Susie Wolff and F1 Academy for creating such a great platform for female racing, the future is very exciting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1494 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1494\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/vincent-abril-adds-le-mans-cup-victory-to-impressive-resume-after-success-in-portugal\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Vincent Abril adds Le Mans Cup victory to impressive resume after success in Portugal\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Vincent Abril adds Le Mans Cup victory to impressive resume after success in Portugal<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vince-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Vincent Abril put in a star turn in difficult, wet conditions in the Le Mans Cup, taking victory in the final race of the season at Portim\u00e3o, in the Iron Lynx Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2.<\/p>\n<p>Once again partnering with Hiroshi Hamaguchi, the pair built up to the pace through practice before the Japanese racer performed well in qualifying, finishing second quickest and giving the duo a real chance of success in the 100-minute race.<\/p>\n<p>With the weather turning again on Sunday morning, the decision was made by race control to start the race behind the Safety Car, with almost 30 minutes under controlled pace before the field was released. Hamaguchi started well and closed in on the GT3 class leader, less than a second behind before the mandatory pit stops.<\/p>\n<p>Making the call to stay out one lap longer than their rivals, the team sent Vincent out not only in the lead of GT3 but 11th overall, ahead of some LMP3 class machinery. Setting rapid lap times to increase his lead, there was a Full Course Yellow for him to contend with, before racing resumed. However, with weather conditions worsening and several cars aquaplaning off, the Safety Car returned before the red flag was shown with 20 minutes remaining, handing the pair the win.<\/p>\n<p>After a successful Le Mans Cup campaign, where he added victory in the Le Mans Cup to his impressive resume containing wins and podiums in the French GT Championship, GT World Challenge Europe, Intercontinental GT Challenge, GT Open, and the Asian Le Mans Series, Vincent will now explore options for the winter and 2024 season, with any announcements to come in due course.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Vince Commented,<\/strong><\/em>\u201cThe race conditions were really wet. Hiroshi had a great start, and the team did a good job with the strategy to go one lap later for our pit stop. I pushed for the first couple of laps because we knew a lot of rain was coming, just to make a bigger gap, and the pace was really good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs the Safety Car was called, I was aquaplaning in turn one, so it was not too safe for us out there. It was a good race and there weren\u2019t too many yellows, so we were able to show our pace over the course of a stint which has been our strength.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a successful year in terms of collaboration and race performance, but we had our share of bad luck this year. The pace and work ethic were never an issue, and we performed each time, so I was very happy to be with Iron Lynx and meet one of the best Bronze drivers that I have been able to race with. I am very happy to have won a race in Le Mans Cup, adding to the victories and podiums in all the different GT championships I have raced in.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1489 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-josh-skelton\" data-id=\"1489\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/josh-skelton-takes-victory-at-le-mans-cup-season-finale\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Josh Skelton takes victory at Le Mans Cup Season Finale\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Josh Skelton takes victory at Le Mans Cup Season Finale<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/josh.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Last weekend Josh got the season finale underway for Le Mans Cup underway at Portimao with the Nielsen crew. After two days of testing in changeable conditions the team were looking strong in both dry and wet track conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Teammate Tony Wells took the wheel of the 7 car for the all bronze qualifying, where a damp track made it difficult, but claimed the sixth\u00a0\u00a0best lap time to give the pairing a solid position to start Sunday mornings race.<\/p>\n<p>After a Safety Car start to the race due to wet conditions, Tony held his position for the first few laps before slipping back to 8th. Wells made the positions back in the later end of his stint to hand the car over to Josh in P5. After a great opening few laps Josh had terrific pace working his way up the road to second on the track, and quickly bringing the big gap down to the leader by several seconds a lap.<\/p>\n<p>Mid way though Josh\u2019s stint a full course yellow procedure was announcement due to an incident on the track caused by the ever-worsening rainfall. As conditions were becoming dangerous with too much standing water, eventually they decided to call the race just under 20 minutes early, and with the lead car receiving a penalty for a FCY infringement earlier in the race, the Nielsen Racing duo crossed the line to take their first victory of the season in the finale.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Josh Commented,<\/strong><\/em>\u201cI was looking forward to getting back out in the car at Portimao, to put things right after a difficult season and end the year on a high. We had a few strong test sessions over the week, especially in the wet conditions. Tony did a great job in his qualifying session to give us a solid platform to work from for the race on Sunday morning. The race was looking to be very wet with ever worsening conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFollowing on from his qualifying performance he did a strong stint to eventually hand the car over to me in P5. I had great pace initially and was able to climb up to P2 and was quickly bringing the gap down to the leader. After the FCY just over halfway through my stint, the conditions became super wet and visibility was near on nothing, so the stewards eventually called the race results. A penalty for the lead car also meant we managed to pick up the victory. This is a great result for myself and the full team after the year we have had. I\u2019m so happy to finally come away with a great result and what better time to do it. I would just like to say a big thank you to all of Nielsen Racing for all the hard work this year.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1485 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-ben-barnicoat\" data-id=\"1485\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/ben-barnicoat-secures-imsa-weathertech-sportscar-championship-gtd-pro-title\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Ben Barnicoat secures IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship GTD Pro Title\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-1024x682.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Ben Barnicoat secures IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship GTD Pro Title<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-1024x682.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/LM9_3196.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>British racer Ben Barnicoat secured his biggest achievement to-date over the weekend, racing with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing. As the flag dropped for the 26th running of Motul Petit Le Mans, the 26-year-old was confirmed the GTD PRO champion of the 2023 IMSA Weathertech Sportcar Championship, in just his second season running in the United States. The result also marks the first full-season IMSA GT titles for his teammate Jack Hawksworth, as well as Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A blistering qualifying on Friday by Jack, put the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 on pole position and, having scored an impressive nine podiums heading into the season finale, the pair then simply needed to start the race on Saturday to confirm the title. Then, at 11.40 ET, the fluro yellow and black #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 crossed the line to start the season finale, and added Ben and Jack\u2019s name to the history books.<\/p>\n<p>An extremely chaotic start to the race saw multiple full course yellow periods, with several incidents claiming competitors from across the different classes. \u00a0All was going to plan for the pair &#8211; joined for the final endurance event of the year once again by Kyle Kirkwood &#8211; as they remained in the fight at the front in the opening hours of the 10-hour battle. However, the race came to an early conclusion for the newly crowned champions shortly after the race got back underway following a further caution period at the four-hour mark. With a very rare mistake, Ben ran slightly wide and across the grass as he made his way around Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The minor error was harshly punished, with the Lexus sustained race-ending damage, but the championship was secured.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Commenting as the newly crowned 2023 IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship GTD PRO champion, Ben explained:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u200d\u201cI made my IMSA debut here in 2021, getting my first taste of the championship. If someone had told me at that point that in two years\u2019 time that I\u2019d be a GTD PRO champion, I don\u2019t know if I would\u2019ve believed it! That was always the goal when we set out on this this program, but it\u2019s been phenomenal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m very lucky to race alongside Jack, as he is definitely one of, if not the best guy in IMSA right now. There is no one else I\u2019d rather go racing with. A huge thank you to Lexus Racing for putting their trust in us, and we couldn\u2019t have achieved the results this year without every member of the Vasser Sullivan team, who have given us an amazing Lexus RC F GT3. I feel I have joined an amazing family, who I am hugely proud of. It\u2019s the first title in my second year, and I plan on staying around and hopefully getting a few more!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1479 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-ben-barnicoat\" data-id=\"1479\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/seventh-imsa-podium-of-the-season-for-ben-barnicoat-at-road-america-2\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Seventh IMSA podium of the season for Ben Barnicoat at Road America\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Seventh IMSA podium of the season for Ben Barnicoat at Road America<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ben.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>The debut visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship saw Ben Barnicoat secure more silverware for the season, finishing P3 with his Vasser Sullivan teammate, Jack Hawksworth. The result, at the wheel of the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 at the \u2018Battle of the Bricks\u2019, has extended the lead at the top of the championship standings, and moves the pair to within a race start of the title at the season finale.<\/p>\n<p>The penultimate IMSA race weekend arrived at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with Ben and Jack enjoying a strong run of form. The free practice sessions ran well, and the fluro yellow and black Lexus was pushing hard at, or near, the top of the timesheets throughout. Qualifying looked to continue this pace, with Jack taking on the single lap sprint in overcast conditions, and he was initially quickest. Setting purple sectors, the #14 Lexus went to the top of the timings for the GTD Pro standings, before being pipped to a second row gridslot in the dying moments of the session.<\/p>\n<p>With Ben watching from the pitbox, Jack held position for the start of the Battle of the Bricks, but incidents elsewhere in the busy field of 48 cars brought out a Full Course Yellow at the end of the opening lap. A drive-through penalty for the leader promoted Vasser Sullivan\u2019s GTD Pro entry on the restart and, at the 40-minute mark, Jack inherited the race lead as pitstop strategies started to play out. A further Full Course Yellow limited the benefit of running in clean air, and the pitcrew went to work during the caution period as the first pitstops were completed by the remainder of the field. A pass on the championship rival Corvette for the final podium spot would prove crucial as Jack continued towards the final hour.<\/p>\n<p>With differing pitstop strategies playing out across the lead quartet, Ben took over the fully serviced #14 RC F GT3, wasting no time in getting up to race speed. Running in P4, Ben immediately posted the #14\u2019s quickest sector on his second lap, and then improved further by setting the fastest lap of the race to that point. From here, the young Brit worked to close down the leading trio, and when the polesitter made a late pitstop in the final half of the stint, Ben had gained enough ground to comfortably move into the final podium position. As the laps continued to count down, Ben chipped away at the gap ahead, but held position as the chequered flag dropped. At the end of the 160-minute battle, Ben and Jack secured P3, extending their impressive run of results.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Commenting after his ninth top-3 finish of the season, Ben explained:<\/strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>\u201cWhat an awesome day for us. It was going to be difficult to get an outright win heading into this weekend, but we knew exactly what we needed to do \u2013 beat the Corvette team \u2013 and that was our main objective. As much as we wanted to go out and get a race win, we had our goal in sight, and everyone executed the perfect job accomplishing it.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cThere was a lot of pressure, and a massive amount of points on the line, but all of our Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing pit crew, engineers and strategists on the #14 car did an amazing job today, keeping cool and doing exactly what we needed to. Jack started off well, and I was able to take over with a nice gap, and then manage until the end. So, a great day all round; third position is another amazing result. It is our ninth podium from 10 races this year, and another fantastic result for the Vasser Sullivan team. I\u2019m beyond happy to be in this position heading to Petit Le Mans, and excited to go and get the job done there.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1470 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-ben-barnicoat\" data-id=\"1470\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/fight-to-the-flag-at-vir-as-ben-barnicoat-secures-another-imsa-podium\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Fight to the flag at VIR as Ben Barnicoat secures another IMSA podium\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Fight to the flag at VIR as Ben Barnicoat secures another IMSA podium<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>A strong showing by Ben Barnicoat and his #14 Vasser Sullivan teammates over the latest IMSA weekend, saw the young Brit on the podium, once again. Ben, and teammate Jack Hawksworth, continued to show their qualifying strength, securing a third pole position of the season, before a race-long battle at the front, which saw the GTD Pro Lexus RC F GT3 cross the line in P2, just 1.5-seconds behind the race winner.<\/p>\n<p>As the season continues to gather pace, Ben arrived at VIRginia International Raceway, leading the IMSA Sportscar Championship standings. The opening practice sessions extended this strong start, with Ben and Jack ended the practice sessions at the sharp end of the timesheets. Qualifying then followed this trajectory, as Jack took to the track. Choosing to run later in the session, the #14 Lexus was immediately on the pace, and Jack\u2019s flying lap saw him collecting purple sectors as he went round. The session ended with him quickest, setting the fastest times across each sector of the whole lap, to take the third pole position of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Race day started in very hot conditions, but with threatening clouds hanging overhead, which would play a minor part later in the race. Jack took the start, with Ben primed and waiting for the later run, and he watched as the #14 Lexus defended the lead into turn 1. From here, Jack steadily extended a gap over the chasing pack over the opening 10 minutes, before a full course caution neutralised the race and brought the field back together. A well-managed restart pulled out a gap again for Jack, and with a 2.3-second lead with two hours remaining, this was extended to just over 6-seconds as the driver change window opened.<\/p>\n<p>With Ben installed in the cockpit, and a full service completed, he rejoined the track and looked to regain track position over the leader who had not pitted. A heavy impact for one of the GTD field brought out another Full Course Caution, and Ben bided his time as the clock ticked down, and the threat turned into a very real rain shower. With the race back to green with around 90 minutes remaining, and the circuit now slippery but the rain easing off, Ben completed the first lap of running, holding station in P2 overall, leading the GTD Pro field. With the sighting lap completed, he made a bold move for the race lead, bringing his closest competitor with him through the rollercoaster section of VIRginia International Raceway. After initially conceding the place in the drag along the straight, Ben defended heavily with a very late braking move, and regained the race lead. He continued to hold on to the fine margin at the front as the final pitstop cycle approached.<\/p>\n<p>Into the final hour, Ben held the lead, and the chasing Corvette opted to pit early. Ben completed a further lap of the track, and was quickly serviced by the Vasser Sullivan crew, but was unable to hold on to the lead as he made his way back on to the track. From here, he battled hard to close the gap to the leader, setting the fastest lap of the race as the time clicked down. As the race entered the final five minutes, he mounted one final charge, closing the gap further, eventually crossing the line just 1.5-seconds behind the race winner.<\/p>\n<p>After the race, Ben explained:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>\u201cI\u2019m super grateful to everyone at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus for giving us a car that was more than capable of a race win. We wanted to win for everyone on the team, and we were still able to finish a solid P2. It\u2019s frustrating when we had a win in our hands and weren\u2019t able to complete it, but I&#8217;m still proud of the job that everyone did, and I\u2019m grateful to have such good people behind us that give us such fast race cars.&#8221;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The result, an eighth podium of the year, sees Ben and Jack maintain the championship lead with two rounds to go. The penultimate event of the season now heads to Indianapolis for the TireTrack.com Battle of the Bricks, 15-17 September.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1466 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-ben-barnicoat\" data-id=\"1466\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/seventh-imsa-podium-of-the-season-for-ben-barnicoat-at-road-america\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Seventh IMSA podium of the season for Ben Barnicoat at Road America\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.gif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.gif 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-300x169.gif 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Seventh IMSA podium of the season for Ben Barnicoat at Road America<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.gif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-1024x576.gif 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ben-300x169.gif 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h5><strong>Ben Barnicoat has strengthened his hold on the IMSA Sportscar Championship, with a further podium result at Road America. Despite not showing the pace to fight for the overall race win, strong pit strategy and a faultless drive throughout the race saw Ben bring home the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 in P2. The result, his seventh podium of the season, extends the lead for him and Vasser Sullivan teammate, Jack Hawksworth, at the top of the standings, with three races remaining in the 2023 season. <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Heading to the state of Wisconsin, the IMSA championship battle is intensifying, with the season approaching its conclusion. Ben was back in action for round 8 of the calendar, and the opening practice sessions saw the pair with some time to find, although still fighting near the top of the timings. Jack would take on the qualifying duties, and the battle at the front looked as fierce as ever, as he briefly topped the board. However, further improvements were made across the board as the time ticked down, and the #14 Lexus was unable to respond in the closing minutes, securing P4 for the start.<\/p>\n<p>Issues ahead of the opening lap for one of the lead prototypes meant a delayed start to the race, but Jack made a clean getaway when the track did eventually go to green. He held position over the opening 30 minutes, before the pitstop strategies started to play out. With the race being two hours 40 minutes long, the opportunities for stops, refuelling and tyres, would provide teams with multiple different options on the best way to run the schedule. Vasser Sullivan opted to run a longer opening stint for Jack, choosing to take track position, which moved him up to P2 initially, before taking the lead just passed the 40-minute mark. This decision provided clean air, and an opportunity to build a lead. Running a 70-minute opening stint, and holding a 40-second lead over the chasing pack, the Vasser Sullivan crew then sprang into action, providing a full service to the #14 and sending Ben back out.<\/p>\n<p>After the extended opening run, Ben climbed aboard with 90 minutes left on the clock. Strategy and fuelling would play a key part in how the remainder of the race would unfold. Ben slowly closed in on the leaders, moving from P5 as he left the pitlane, and back into the podium positions with an hour remaining. From here, the team made an early call, bringing Ben back into the pitlane for a short fuel stop to get him to the end. This dropped him down the order initially, but he quickly regained P4, and would then inherit a further position as the leader was handed a penalty for a pitstop infringement. From here, Ben was holding station in the final podium position in the sprint to the line, before a final twist saw the car ahead have to make a late fuel stop, moving Ben back into P2, which he then held to the chequered flag. The result was an impressive mix of pitwall strategy and faultless execution on track, extending the #14\u2019s lead at the top of the championship standings heading to VIRginia International Raceway.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Off the back of his seventh podium of the season, Ben explained: <\/strong>\u201c<em>It was an unreal day really. I don\u2019t feel that we had the overall pace to win today, and it\u2019s the first race day all year that we felt like we didn\u2019t have enough pace to challenge for a podium outright. We tried something different, and went off strategy to the others, and it paid off in the end. A lot of guys were running short on fuel or running out, and we just kept going, kept plugging along and climbed up the order to P2. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cObviously, you always want to win, but today I think second was a win for us. We didn\u2019t have the pace, but others made mistakes and once again Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing did everything perfectly. Jack and I kept it on the island, and were able to pick up P2, and great points for the championship. To extend the championship lead again, heading into the last three races, is really important. We\u2019ve just got to keep our heads down and execute three more times this year.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The championship charge continues in three weeks\u2019 time, as the IMSA Sportcar Championship heads to Virgina International Raceway for the Michelin GT Challenge, 25-27 August.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1461 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1461\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/jessica-edgar-bags-more-points-as-f1-academy-heads-to-le-castellet\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Jessica Edgar bags more points as F1 Academy heads to Le Castellet\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Jessica Edgar bags more points as F1 Academy heads to Le Castellet<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Jess-Paul-Ricard.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jessica Edgar bounced back in F1 Academy, leaving Le Castellet with two solid finishes and further championship points, after a hot weekend (July 29\/30) in the south of France.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a closely matched field around one of the circuit\u2019s shorter configurations, the young racer from Cumbria was on the pace, finishing practice just 0.4s from the quickest time, but was frustrated as just 0.2s from pole in Q1 she finished ninth, and was eighth in Q2.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The opening contest on a busy race day was a tough one for Jessica \u2013 who is represented by Greenlight Sports Management \u2013 as she fell back at the start before mixing it with Maite C\u00e1ceres coming into the chicane on the Mistral Straight.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, she twice took contact from another car and would have to come into the pits for a new nosecone. Battling back from then onwards in the hope of a Safety Car to bunch the field up, her luck didn\u2019t turn, and she crossed the line 15th.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things improved for Jess in race two, as she maintained her eighth-place grid spot off the line, before once again battling with C\u00e1ceres as Rodin Carlin teammate Abbi Pulling snuck past. After a Safety Car period, Jessica pulled off a good move on the former at the final corner to regain eighth and was part of a battle for fourth with Nerea Mart\u00ed, Carrie Schreiner, and Pulling, but unable to find a clear way through in the dirty air.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a good start to race three, Jess moved past Schreiner off the line and almost made it past Hamda Al Qubaisi, settling into seventh, which became sixth when Bianca Bustamante spun off. Finishing the race in that position, she scored eight championship points, closing in on eighth in the standings in the process.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There will now be a lengthy three-month wait for the final races of the 2023 F1 Academy season, which take place at Circuit of the Americas near Austin in Texas, alongside the United States Grand Prix, over the weekend of October 20-22.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented,<\/strong>\u201c<\/em>We started off FP1 fairly strong with new tyres which we had saved from the official test at the circuit a couple of weeks ago and in FP2 we finished just 0.4s off.\u00a0 For Q1 we started on a set of scrubbed tyres, but it meant we didn\u2019t have the peak performance of them, so I finished P9, just 0.2s off. For Q2 we started on a new set of tyres, but I didn\u2019t push hard enough and could only manage P8. With the track being hard to overtake on, I knew it was going to be hard to make headway in the races.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI didn\u2019t have the best start for race one and was got hit from the side by another driver putting me off the track and dropping me back to 15th. I had a bit of damage on the steering, but it was ok to carry on, so I caught the driver back up but while attempting to make a move, I was turned into, which resulted in my front wing being damaged. I had to pit which unfortunately meant it was race over for me and I was unable to catch anyone back up again.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cRace two was a lot better. I made a good start and caught up, but with drivers defending I didn\u2019t have anywhere to go, finishing P8. I had another mega start overtaking one person for race three, but after that, due to the dirty air I couldn\u2019t make any further headway. Overall, I think it was a positive weekend and we have definitely learnt lots. I can\u2019t wait for our last round in Austin running alongside Formula 1!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1456 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-ben-barnicoat\" data-id=\"1456\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/back-on-the-imsa-podium-in-lime-rock-park-as-ben-barnicoat-extends-championship-lead\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Back on the IMSA podium in Lime Rock Park as Ben Barnicoat extends championship lead\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Back on the IMSA podium in Lime Rock Park as Ben Barnicoat extends championship lead<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ben.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>It was a case of back to business for Ben Barnicoat, as the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship visited Lime Rock Park for round 7. The #14 Lexus RC F GT3 showed strong pace across all sessions, converting a front row start to a sixth podium finish of the season, thanks to quick pitwork and a well-managed strategy on the Vasser Sullivan pitwall. Ben, and teammate Jack, claimed P2, just 0.322s off the top step, to keep them at the front of the field heading into the final stages of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Arriving in Connecticut, the team was looking to bounce back from the last time out, and were immediately on the pace in the opening practice sessions. The Sealmaster-backed Lexus was firmly in the mix as the team worked to optimise the setup around the short, narrow Lime Rock Park circuit, ending both opening sessions just off the top spot in P2. From here, Jack once again took on the responsibility of qualifying, choosing to leave it later in the session before setting a time to provisionally secure a front row grid slot. As the time ran down, improvements were being made across the GTD Pro field, and Jack improved further, setting the fastest first sector, but would eventually cross the line to secure P2.<\/p>\n<p>The North East Grand Prix got underway in warm, sunny conditions on Saturday afternoon, with Jack at the wheel. With no prototypes racing as part of the weekend, the smaller grid of 20 GTD Pro and GTD made a clean start, and Jack held P2 throughout the stint. At the 30-minute mark, a rapid pitstop saw the Lexus jump into the lead of the cars which had stopped, as strategies started to come into play. The first Full Course Yellow caution with two hours remaining then saw another stop, and as the race resumed shortly after, the original grid order had been restored with Jack and the #14 sitting in a strong P2.<\/p>\n<p>Ben took over with just over 70 minutes of the race to go, running P3 on the road, as the strategies played out and the order continued to shuffle. He continued to push, immediately on the pace and looking to close down the leaders. Just before the hour to go mark, quick reactions ensured Ben steered clear of an incident as one of the GTD competitors was involved in an incident, bringing out another full course caution.<\/p>\n<p>After a final scheduled stop, the race resumed with all strategies now set for the sprint to the finish line, and the field closed back up. Running back in P2, and firmly on the tail of the race leader, Ben worked to see if there was a way through as the clock ticked down. At the line, the fluro yellow and black Lexus RC F GT3 came home just 0.332s off the lead, securing Ben and Jack a sixth podium from seven races and extending the lead at the top of the championship standings.<\/p>\n<p>Commenting after his return to the podium, Ben explained:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>&#8220;<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>That was a really good race for us. P2 is an amazing result here at Lime Rock, especially in terms of championship points. Obviously, you want to try and win every race, but that was about as good as we could have done, without standing on the top step of the podium.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cThe Vasser Sullivan guys did an amazing job on pit wall with strategy. This result was entirely down to strategy because, with it being a tight, twisty, and narrow track, overtaking is pretty much impossible. All of the Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing crew on the pit wall really did their job for us, Jack made an amazing start and a great opening couple of stints, and handed it off to me in a position to do the job. Luckily, we just beat the #9 car out of the pits, and I had a chance to have a go for the lead at the end. It was a great day and thanks to all of the team.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ben is back in IMSA action for round 8 at the start of August, as the championship heads to Road America, 3-6 August.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1425 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-josh-skelton\" data-id=\"1425\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/the-podium-that-just-got-away-for-josh-skelton-at-paul-ricard\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"The podium that just got away for Josh Skelton at Paul Ricard\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">The podium that just got away for Josh Skelton at Paul Ricard<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/070_20230714_ELMS_02_LE_CASTELLET_NIELSEN_MLMC-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Josh Skelton got the third round of his Michelin Le Mans\u00a0Cup campaign underway at Paul Ricard in the South of France last weekend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">After two busy days of testing\u00a0Josh\u00a0and teammate Tony Wells, both had great pace heading into the weekend. It\u00a0would be over to Wells for the all-bronze qualifying, where in a busy session, he managed to set down the sixth best\u00a0lap\u00a0time,\u00a0which\u00a0put\u00a0the duo\u00a0in contention for\u00a0the\u00a0late afternoon contest.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">As the race got underway Wells\u00a0took the car to the\u00a050-minute\u00a0mark\u00a0and ran in the top five at stages\u00a0before\u00a0handing\u00a0over to Josh in sixth for the remaining hour of the race. The driver from Cumbria had a great opening to his stint, making up two places very early on and\u00a0sat\u00a0comfortably\u00a0in fourth, whilst challenging the DKR Engineering car\u00a0ahead\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0place\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0podium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately,\u00a0an unscheduled pit\u00a0stop\u00a0due to\u00a0a mechanical\u00a0fault\u00a0put the\u00a0#7 Nielsen Racing machine\u00a0out\u00a0of contention. Josh will\u00a0be\u00a0next\u00a0be\u00a0on track\u00a0for fourth round of the series at\u00a0Motorland\u00a0Aragon\u00a0Circuit\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0end\u00a0of August.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Josh Commented,<\/strong>\u201cI\u00a0was\u00a0really\u00a0looking\u00a0forward\u00a0to\u00a0getting\u00a0started\u00a0at\u00a0Paul\u00a0Ricard\u00a0as\u00a0it\u00a0is always\u00a0a\u00a0circuit\u00a0that\u00a0I\u00a0have\u00a0got\u00a0onvery\u00a0well\u00a0with,\u00a0and\u00a0showed\u00a0great\u00a0pace\u00a0over\u00a0the\u00a0years.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The weekend started very\u00a0strong, with the\u00a0test going well and\u00a0I felt confident\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0car.\u00a0I\u00a0really\u00a0wanted\u00a0to\u00a0turn\u00a0our\u00a0luck\u00a0around\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0start\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0season, and\u00a0get the\u00a0result\u00a0that\u00a0we\u00a0deserved.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTony had a\u00a0decent qualifying which put us in a fighting chance of a podium.\u00a0\u00a0After\u00a0a\u00a0great\u00a0start\u00a0he\u00a0took\u00a0us\u00a0up\u00a0to fourth,\u00a0but\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0stint dropped back to our starting place in sixth. I knew we could race from here and\u00a0achieve\u00a0a\u00a0great\u00a0result and\u00a0had my\u00a0eyes\u00a0set\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0podium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I jumped in the car I quickly managed to get us up to fourth again, and subsequently got\u00a0involved in\u00a0an\u00a0intense\u00a0battle\u00a0for the last spot on the podium.\u00a0Unfortunately\u00a0an\u00a0issue\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0car\u00a0meant we\u00a0had\u00a0to\u00a0pit, and our possible race for the podium was sadly gone. However we keep our heads up\u00a0and\u00a0keep\u00a0pushing\u00a0for\u00a0the result\u00a0we\u00a0deserve.\u00a0A\u00a0big\u00a0thank\u00a0you\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0whole\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Nielsen\u00a0Racing\u00a0crew, onto the\u00a0next one!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1428 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1428\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/vincent-abril-continues-impressive-2023-campaign-with-le-castellet-podium-finish\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Vincent Abril continues impressive 2023 campaign with Le Castellet podium finish\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Vincent Abril continues impressive 2023 campaign with Le Castellet podium finish<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vince-PaulRicard.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Vincent Abril continued to shine as he put in an impressive drive in the Le Mans Cup at the weekend (July 14-15), claiming a podium at Le Castellet with Iron Lynx.<\/p>\n<p>After some eye-catching performances in the team\u2019s Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 at Barcelona and Le Mans, the French racer will compete for the remainder of the season with the outfit, aside from a possible clash of commitments for teammate\u00a0Hiroshi Hamaguchi.<\/p>\n<p>Rapid in the two free practice sessions, where he finished with the third fastest times in GT3, the pair started the 110-minute-long race on pole position following a brilliant effort from Hamaguchi. Enjoying a trouble-free run through much of the first hour, despite Full Course Yellows on track, the race would turn during the mandatory pit stop.<\/p>\n<p>As Vincent climbed aboard the car, a misunderstanding meant the team was penalised with a one-second stop-go penalty for coming in short of the required stop time. Having run second at one point, the Frenchman put in a sterling drive as he battled to recover a top-three finish.<\/p>\n<p>Vincent was one of the fastest GT3 drivers, as well as being consistently quick on track. His hard work paid off in the closing moments, as he fought his way past Anders Fjordbach to claim third position, and a place on the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The next race of the Le Mans Cup season is due to take place at\u00a0Motorland Arag\u00f3n over the weekend of August 23\/24, though the team\u2019s entry is dependent on\u00a0Hamaguchi\u2019s business endeavours. Either way, Vincent will return to the Iron Lynx\u00a0Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 for the final races at Spa-Francorchamps in September and Portim\u00e3o in October.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Vince Commented,<\/strong><\/em>\u201cTony had a\u00a0decent qualifying which put us in a fighting chance of a podium.\u00a0\u00a0After\u00a0a\u00a0great\u00a0start\u00a0he\u00a0took\u00a0us\u00a0up\u00a0to fourth,\u00a0but\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0stint dropped back to our starting place in sixth. I knew we could race from here and\u00a0achieve\u00a0a\u00a0great\u00a0result and\u00a0had my\u00a0eyes\u00a0set\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0podium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I jumped in the car I quickly managed to get us up to fourth again, and subsequently got\u00a0involved in\u00a0an\u00a0intense\u00a0battle\u00a0for the last spot on the podium.\u00a0Unfortunately\u00a0an\u00a0issue\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0car\u00a0meant we\u00a0had\u00a0to\u00a0pit, and our possible race for the podium was sadly gone. However we keep our heads up\u00a0and\u00a0keep\u00a0pushing\u00a0for\u00a0the result\u00a0we\u00a0deserve.\u00a0A\u00a0big\u00a0thank\u00a0you\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0whole\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Nielsen\u00a0Racing\u00a0crew, onto the\u00a0next one!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1448 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1448\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/podium-run-cruelly-ended-in-canada-despite-race-winning-pace\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Podium run cruelly ended in Canada despite race-winning pace\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Podium run cruelly ended in Canada despite race-winning pace<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ben-Canada.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Ben Barnicoat looked to be on for another bumper IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship weekend, as the calendar travelled north of the border for round 6. Arriving at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park leading the championship, Ben and his teammate Jack Hawksworth, showed impressive pace until a mid-race incident dropped them down the order. Determined work by the Vasser Sullivan crew returned the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 to the track, and Ben scored important points as he brought the car home in P4.<\/p>\n<p>Ben\u2019s IMSA podium-finishing streak, dating back 16-months, was set up well after the opening sessions. The free practice sessions saw the fluro yellow and black #14 Lexus at the sharp end, and improvements continuing to be made. Responsibilities sat with Jack for the quick-fire qualifying run, and he set an immediate benchmark. From here, the pace improved, and he extended the advantage at the front of the field before pitting early to conclude his run. As the session time clicked down, the grid order remained the same, and Jack and Ben secured their second pole position of the season.<\/p>\n<table class=\"mcnTextContentContainer\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"mcnTextContent\" valign=\"top\">A quick start off the line gave Jack an immediate advantage heading into turn 1, and he continued to build the lead as the race got into a rhythm. Within 10-minutes, the #14 held a two second lead, and pitstops started just after the half-hour mark as teams looked to make the first strategic moves. Jack brought the GTD Pro Lexus into the pit lane, staying in the car, but dropping to P2 as he returned to the track.<\/p>\n<p>The #14 reclaimed the lead as the pit stops played out, just before a first Full Course Yellow period. The extended caution period saw another strategy call, and Ben took over as Jack pitted from the lead. Once again, the Lexus rejoined in P2, and Ben was immediately in the fight as the race went back to green, fighting for the race lead. The battle saw Ben pushed wide by the race leader, suffering an impact to the front of the RC F GT3 as he was briefly forced off track. Back on track, he continued to push, but the damage was such that the challenge was short-lived, forcing him to pit for repairs.<\/p>\n<p>The car was pushed behind the wall, and the Vasser Sullivan team set to work to repair the damage. The impact had punctured the radiator and, with the repairs carried out, Ben was sent back out on track for the final stages of the race. From here, Ben returned to turning race-leading laptimes as he brought the #14 Lexus home in P4, limiting the damage to the championship charge, and earning important championship points.<\/p>\n<p>Ben commented:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>&#8220;It was a disappointing end to what was looking to be a very good race for us. Jack had an amazing start and did a phenomenal job in his first two stints controlling the race and doing everything we needed to do. That first yellow &#8211; when we pitted and I jumped in the car &#8211; it came at the wrong time for our strategy, which meant the #9 jumped us for the lead. On the restart, I had a good run, and I felt like my move was good. I had just kind of cleared the front of him before he made contact with the side of me and pushed us both off track. Sadly, we got a radiator puncture from that. IMSA racing is hard, and I maybe put myself in a little bit of a vulnerable position, but at the same time he definitely helped me on my way off the track.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cMy apologies to all the Vasser Sullivan guys. Our team did a great job up until that point and I probably could\u2019ve avoided that incident. But at the same time, I was going for a win, and we all love winning here. I\u2019m grateful to the 14 Vasser Sullivan crew for repairing our Lexus and getting us back out on the track to finish fourth. We got valuable points for the championship. Obviously, a disappointing day, but it could\u2019ve been a lot worse. We\u2019ll just have to deal with it and roll on to Lime Rock.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1445 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1445\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/jess-edgar-claims-second-f1-academy-podium-with-best-weekend-of-season\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Jess Edgar claims second F1 Academy podium with best weekend of season\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Jess Edgar claims second F1 Academy podium with best weekend of season<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Monza.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Jess Edgar enjoyed a successful visit to the famous Autodromo Nazionale Monza at the weekend (July 7-9), as she scored her second podium of the F1 Academy season as well as finishing with her biggest haul of points to date.<\/p>\n<p>Coming into the \u2018temple of speed\u2019 with a positive focus having made good strides forward over the past month with her Rodin Carlin team, the teenager was disappointed not to be right on the pace in free practice, working with her crew to make changes going into both qualifying sessions.<\/p>\n<p>In tricky, damp conditions, Jess finished 11th in Q1 but dug deep in Q2 to finish ninth, just three tenths of a second from a second row start and only eight tenths off pole position. After the opening race of the weekend was red flagged on lap one, she made ground on the restart, putting the pressure on Nerea Mart\u00ed and moving into fifth going into the Lesmo Corners.<\/p>\n<p>Closing in on the leading battle, Jess capitalised when teammate Megan Gilkes tried to make a move, grabbing fourth, and then produced a fantastic move around the outside of the other Carlin driver, Abbi Pulling, going into the last corner on the final lap, clinching a well-earned podium finish.<\/p>\n<p>Getting a clean start to race two, Jess started to make forward progress once again, avoiding contact between rivals to sweep through several spots, later gaining two positions with one bold move on the run to the Variante Ascari chicane. However, with the leading quartet having made a break from the pack, she didn\u2019t have enough time to close in, taking fifth at the flag, a gain of six places.<\/p>\n<p>Jess lost a few spots on the opening lap of the third race, doing well to avoid a spinning car into the first chicane, but worked to regain ground before the Safety Car was called. The race restarted with three laps to run but contact between two cars meant it was back out on track again, with the contest finishing without any further racing laps, halting her progress.<\/p>\n<p>After a positive weekend with another trophy and 20 points scored in the championship, Jess is looking ahead to the penultimate meeting of the season at Le Castellet in France, over the weekend of July 28-30, where she will aim to continue her upswing in form and make up ground in the Drivers\u2019 Standings.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented,<\/strong>\u201cMonza was our best weekend of the season. After starting free practice a bit off the pace, we came up with a setup we thought could work, but we then used a set of tyres which would put us to a disadvantage in the race, although most drivers did the same.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe setup didn\u2019t work out as we had hoped, so we went into qualifying with a setup we didn\u2019t really know. That session was disappointing as the conditions were damp, and I didn\u2019t push hard enough, so we ended up 11th and 9th.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI made up for it in race one. There was an incident at the start which caused a red flag, and, on the restart, I started P8, fought my way up to P4, and made the move for P3 going into the last corner. I also felt I drove well in race 2 as starting P11 again I climbed my way up to P5 so scored more points.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRace 3 I started P9, and it had two Safety Cars which meant we couldn\u2019t race much, and we finished under the Safety Car. With the lack of racing laps, I finished P8, but overall, I\u2019m pleased with the performance that the team and I showed. I think we are making lots of progress which means I\u2019m looking forward to getting back out at Le Castellet in a few weeks\u2019 time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1442 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1442\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/hard-work-pays-off-with-pair-of-top-four-finishes-for-jessica-edgar-in-f1-academy\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Hard work pays off with pair of top-four finishes for Jessica Edgar in F1 Academy\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Hard work pays off with pair of top-four finishes for Jessica Edgar in F1 Academy<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Zandvoort.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Jessica Edgar enjoyed two fourth place finishes in F1 Academy at the weekend (June 23-25), scoring her best result since the opening race of the season after hard work by the 18-year-old and her Rodin Carlin team paid off.<\/p>\n<p>After two tough meetings in May, the Cumbria-based racer bounced back in style, vaulting from 11th in FP1 to second fastest in FP2. She carried that form over into qualifying where, despite red flags in both sessions, she finished sixth and fifth, though was disappointed not to be closer to pole.<\/p>\n<p>The opening 17-lap contest started behind the Safety Car, with Jessica making a great move on Emely de Heus into turn one on the second lap, running fifth, which became fourth as she closed in on the podium positions. Getting a great run off the final, banked corner onto the pit straight, she forced Nerea Mart\u00ed on the defensive, getting alongside, but unable to make the move stick, eventually crossing the line fourth.<\/p>\n<p>Lining up third for race two, the teenager didn\u2019t have her best start, slipping back to fifth as she was squeezed between two cars at turn one. She regained one of those places when the leader went off, bringing out a Safety Car, with another pass on de Heus on the restart to move into third. Unfortunately, L\u00e9na B\u00fchler then made a similar move on Jessica, who finished a strong fourth once again.<\/p>\n<p>Slipping back one spot to sixth off the line in race three, she quickly regained fifth and was hot on the tail of the car in fourth, before a small error meant she ran off track and fell down to 12th, outside the points.<\/p>\n<p>However, despite that setback, two finishes at the sharp end of the field and showing her ability to challenge for the podium positions demonstrates Jessica has the pace to compete, leaving the youngster in a positive mindset looking ahead to the next round at Monza over the weekend of July 7-9.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented,<\/strong>\u201cThis weekend was really positive. It was good to get sixth and fifth in qualifying, though we had a red flag in both sessions which was a shame as I think I could have improved a little bit more.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe started race one under the Safety Car and I managed to get two places to finish fourth and though I didn\u2019t have the best start to race two, it was a busy one on track and I managed to get back into fourth, so those two results were good for me and the team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was maintaining fifth place in race three, but unfortunately, a mistake from me in the last few laps meant I came off the track and finished 12th. However, the team and I have made big steps forward since Barcelona and there are a lot of positives that we can take away from this weekend, so I am really looking forward to the next round at Monza!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1454 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1454\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/dramatic-watkins-glen-win-extends-imsa-championship-lead\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Dramatic Watkins Glen win extends IMSA championship lead\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Dramatic Watkins Glen win extends IMSA championship lead<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ben-Watkin-Glen.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>An action-packed Sahlen\u2019s Six Hours of the Glen saw the battle for the GTD Pro honours go down to the wire, with a grandstand finish. Ben Barnicoat and his #14 Vasser Sullivan teammate Jack Hawksworth delivered another determined drive from P3 on the grid, battling to the lead, before a late penalty forced a further fight back to the front in the closing laps. The result extends the lead in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the British pair, who have now scored an impressive nine consecutive podiums.<\/p>\n<p>With the threat of rain hanging over a damp but drying circuit, Ben watched on as Jack took on the qualifying shootout. The #14 Lexus looked to be perfectly set up for the conditions as it was immediately quickest, and firmly in the fight for provisional pole position. With pace improving across the field, Jack was firmly in contention, posting consistently quickest sector times as the time ticked down. A final roll of the dice saw the order reshuffled in the closing minutes, and the fluro yellow and black Lexus RC F GT3 ended the session in P3.<\/p>\n<p>Race day saw Jack take the start as part of a packed field. With 29 cars battling in the GTD and GTD Pro classes, the overall grid totalled 57 cars. With Jack immediately in a battle as the track went green, an incident on the opening lap brought out a Full Course Yellow. The #14 Lexus then held position off the restart, before a late call for a stop just before the pitlane closed after a further incident. After a rapid service by the Vasser Sullivan crew, Jack remained in the car and headed back out on track and, as the rest of the field stopped the following lap, he assumed the lead of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Just ahead of the two-hour mark, Jack made way for Ben, and the young Brit moved back up the order to regain the lead as the stops played out within two laps. From here, he didn\u2019t look back over his opening stint, building a five second lead as the race approached middle distance. Ben was the first of the GTD Pro field to pit, remaining in the car after stopping just ahead of the three-hour mark. He regained the lead once again after the field stopped, before a further caution was thrown after the chasing Lamborghini was involved in a multi-car incident.<\/p>\n<p>Ben made a further stop, staying in the cockpit for a third stint and, at the four-hour mark, still held the lead. His final stint ran relatively incident-free, building a strong lead which extended to as much as 15-seconds, before bringing his mammoth effort to a close. Another strong stop by the Vasser Sullivan crew saw Jack head down the pitlane, but picking up a drive-through penalty for a speed infringement as he headed back out on track.<\/p>\n<p>Dropping to P2, but still in the fight thanks to the margin built up over the earlier stints, Jack had one focus, reeling in the leading Corvette. The following laps saw the gap brought down gradually, as he looked to see if there was a way through for the lead, while also defending his position as the top three cars were separated by just over one second. With just over 20 minutes remaining, Jack made a bold move down the inside of turn 8, cleanly passing for the lead, followed closely by the chasing Ferrari.\u00a0Jack negotiated the traffic and defended hard as the race timer clicked slowly down, before a final incident brought out another Full Course Yellow with just three minutes remaining. From here, the race was brought under caution, and the field would cross the line behind the safety car.<\/p>\n<p>Fresh from IMSA Victory Lane, an emotional Ben explained:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>\u201cWhat a weekend, what a race, and what a team. We felt we had a bit of work to do before the race started, but it was chaotic from the very start, and Jack and the team did a top job to take the lead before my stint. The car felt great, and everything and everyone just worked perfectly. The penalty wasn\u2019t part of the plan, but it just seemed to spur Jack on even more, and there is no-one else I would want to share a car with. He absolutely smashed it, and it was an amazing effort by the whole team.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cA big congratulations to the #12 crew as well for their win, great to get the double win for Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan, and extend our lead at the front of the championship. There is still work to do, but I am so proud to be part of this amazing team, and feel like we get stronger with each event. Bring on Mosport!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1420 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1420\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/top-five-finish-for-josh-skelton-at-road-to-le-mans\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Top five finish for Josh Skelton at Road to Le Mans\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Top five finish for Josh Skelton at Road to Le Mans<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Josh-RTLM.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Josh Skelton\u00a0headed to the legendary\u00a0Circuit\u00a0De\u00a0La\u00a0Sarthe\u00a0in\u00a0France\u00a0for\u00a0round two of the Michelin Le\u00a0Mans\u00a0Cup series last weekend,\u00a0supporting the\u00a0Centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours.<\/p>\n<p>Josh and teammate Tony Wells\u00a0worked hard\u00a0to\u00a0battle strongly through the field in their\u00a0two\u00a055\u00a0minute\u00a0races,\u00a0to\u00a0see\u00a0if\u00a0they\u00a0could\u00a0recover\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0points\u00a0after\u00a0a\u00a0disappointing first\u00a0round in\u00a0Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>The driver from Cumbria lined up P19 and P22\u00a0after a hectic qualifying. \u00a0Tony took the start for race one and had\u00a0a great getaway,\u00a0but encountered an incident\u00a0at\u00a0the first\u00a0chicane of the\u00a0opening\u00a0lap,\u00a0which\u00a0caused\u00a0him to\u00a0drop to\u00a0the back\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0field\u00a0before\u00a0handing\u00a0the\u00a0car\u00a0over\u00a0to Josh.\u00a0It\u00a0was a great recovery drive from Josh, to climb all the way back from P43 to P18 at the flag.<\/p>\n<p>As the first race, Tony was in the hot seat for the start of race two which got underway on Friday morning in front of the big crowds at Le Mans. Starting from\u00a0P22 the pair\u00a0had a lot of work to do.<\/p>\n<p>Tony had another good start in race two and managed to climb\u00a0to\u00a0P12\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0pit\u00a0stop\u00a0window before handing over to Josh.\u00a0A\u00a0slight\u00a0issue\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0stop\u00a0with\u00a0radio\u00a0communication\u00a0meant\u00a0the\u00a0team dropped back\u00a0to P18. However, a great job by Josh and flying pace saw them climb all\u00a0theway\u00a0back\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0P4\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0flag and\u00a0take\u00a0the\u00a0fastest\u00a0lap\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0race.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately\u00a0a\u00a0post\u00a0race\u00a0time\u00a0penalty\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0collision\u00a0between\u00a0Tony\u00a0and\u00a0another\u00a0driver\u00a0dropped the duo back to\u00a0P8, nevertheless a good number of points\u00a0were scored.<\/p>\n<p>Josh\u00a0now\u00a0heads\u00a0to\u00a0Paul\u00a0Ricard\u00a0for\u00a0Round\u00a03\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Championship\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0middle\u00a0of\u00a0June.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Josh Commented,\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u201cIt was amazing\u00a0to come back to this iconic Le Mans circuit, I love this place!\u00a0The\u00a0feeling\u00a0you get\u00a0is\u00a0special.\u00a0I\u00a0had\u00a0great\u00a0pace\u00a0every\u00a0time\u00a0we\u00a0hit\u00a0the\u00a0track,\u00a0and\u00a0I\u00a0felt\u00a0at\u00a0ease\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0car\u00a0which\u00a0is very\u00a0important\u00a0at\u00a0a\u00a0circuit\u00a0like\u00a0Le\u00a0Mans.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, the qualifying sessions were messy for both myself and Tony, so we had a lot\u00a0for work\u00a0to\u00a0do in the\u00a0races. I\u00a0was frustrated with\u00a0this because\u00a0the\u00a0potential for pole was\u00a0there.<\/p>\n<p>Race 1 didn\u2019t start particularly well but I managed to have a great\u00a0recovery\u00a0drive back\u00a0up the field\u00a0from\u00a0P43\u00a0to\u00a0P18,\u00a0but\u00a0unfortunately\u00a0no points were scored.\u00a0Race 2 was great. I managed to climb from\u00a0P18\u00a0to\u00a0P4 on track\u00a0and set the\u00a0fastest lap of the\u00a0race,\u00a0which\u00a0really\u00a0means\u00a0something\u00a0at\u00a0Le\u00a0Mans.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m feeling confident heading into the next round\u00a0in a\u00a0months\u2019\u00a0time, and looking to carry on\u00a0this forward\u00a0momentum.\u00a0Big\u00a0thank\u00a0you\u00a0to\u00a0all\u00a0of\u00a0Nielsen Racing\u00a0for\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1439 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1439\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/jessica-edgar-battles-to-top-ten-finish-as-f1-academy-visits-barcelona\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Jessica Edgar battles to top ten finish as F1 Academy visits Barcelona\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Jessica Edgar battles to top ten finish as F1 Academy visits Barcelona<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Car.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Jessica Edgar recorded a top ten finish in F1 Academy last weekend (May 19-21), on a tough weekend for the youngster as the series headed to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.<\/p>\n<p>With a forecast of rain during the weekend, a downpour ahead of the first practice session meant useful running on a wet track, as she finished 13th in the standings, while in the second practice she was narrowly behind her Rodin Carlin teammates, once again 13th.<\/p>\n<p>In the first qualifying session, Jessica took an early lead atop the times, but in the closing minutes a flurry of flying laps from her rivals left her down the order, finishing 13th quickest. It was a similar story in qualifying 2, as she ended up 14th when the flag was shown.<\/p>\n<p>The 18-year-old had a good start to the opening contest, moving up three places on the opening lap, but once the field was up to speed making forward progress was difficult, and she would cross the line tenth.<\/p>\n<p>It was a similar story for races two and three as Jessica was able to race off the line on the opening lap, but thereafter didn\u2019t quite have the car underneath her to climb inside the top ten, finishing 12th and 14th, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>The next three races in the F1 Academy calendar will take place at the home of the Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort, over the weekend of June 23-25, but before then Jessica will return to Spain for two days of official tests at MotorLand Arag\u00f3n over June 13\/14.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented,<\/strong>\u201cI did well on the first lap in every race making up several places, but once things settled down and pace mattered, we struggled to keep up with the rest of the pack, unfortunately. There are some positives that we can take away from the weekend though, as we worked through several different setups, eliminating some and understanding which ones we can build on as the season progresses.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1411 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1411\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/ben-barnicoat-back-on-the-podium-at-laguna-seca-to-extend-imsa-championship-lead\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Ben Barnicoat back on the podium at Laguna Seca to extend IMSA championship lead\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-1024x678.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat on the podium\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-1024x678.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08.png 1132w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Ben Barnicoat back on the podium at Laguna Seca to extend IMSA championship lead<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-1024x678.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat on the podium\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-1024x678.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-17-at-16.45.08.png 1132w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>The #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 was back in action over the weekend as Ben and his teammate, Jack Hawksworth, took on the latest round of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Challenge.\u00a0A chaotic race event saw the pair fight through the field to continue a successful start to the 2023 season, scoring a P2 finish to extend the lead at the top of the GTD PRO championship standings.<\/p>\n<p>Remaining in California, round 4 of the series headed to WeatherTech Laguna Seca, with the pair in a fine run of form. Fresh from winning during their last outing, they were looking to continue the run of podium finishes, which date back to July last season. After productive practice sessions, the Lexus looked to be running well for qualifying, with Jack taking on the shootout. Strong pace across the field saw the #14 Lexus in the fight during the session, but the final result saw Jack and Ben line up in P4.<\/p>\n<p>Jack took the start of the race and was immediately in the thick of the action as the order changed into the first corner, pushed wide and off track. The battles continued throughout the entirety of the lap, as cars jostled for position. Shortly after, an incident brought out the first Full Course Yellow, which was followed in quick succession by a further caution. The first strategy call saw Jack pit for tyres and fuel, and quick work by the Vasser Sullivan team gained a position to recover back to the original starting slot. With the race restarted, Jack moved forward two spots at the hour mark, after a bold move on the same lap as the leader was handed a drive through penalty.<\/p>\n<p>After 90 minutes, Ben took over the wheel of the battle-scarred Lexus RC F GT3 with the race under another caution period. As the track went back to green, Ben was on the rear bumper of the final podium position, and he looked for opportunities to make a move during his first laps. Despite carrying some front-end damage, his pace remained consistently strong around the 2.238-mile lap and, with just over an hour remaining, a decisive move gained the 26-year-old Brit two positions, back up to P2.<\/p>\n<p>The final scheduled stop saw a full service and a change of tyres, and Ben was sent on his way, charging for the chequered flag. He remained in touch with the podium positions as the order changed over the pitstop window, but with work to do to deal with traffic ahead. Managing the tyre life during the stint, he continued to push and was in a three-car battle for the final podium position, before the two leaders were handed penalties for Safety Car period infringements. Ben continued to press as he struggled with grip but, when an opportunity presented itself, he wasted no time in making a calculated but bold move with his RC F GT3 in the closing laps. From here, he defended hard and worked to maintain position to the line, finishing P2. The result keeps the momentum behind the championship challenge, extending the advantage at the top of the standings, and is the eighth consecutive podium finish for Ben and Jack as they and Vasser Sullivan continue to impress.<\/p>\n<p>Stepping off the fourth podium of the year, Ben explained:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>\u201cIt was an amazing day to get second place at Laguna Seca. What a race! So much happened, and it looked so good and so bad at different points. The last stint was really hard, running on very old tyres. It was a real handful due to tyre life compared to the people I was racing, but it came to us in the last five minutes. Running in third place, the opportunity opened to pass P2, so I put my Jack Hawksworth hat on, sent it and managed to get by. To come home with a P2 finish and still leading the championship is pretty incredible. I feel a little bit heartbroken not to have the chance to fight for a win, but it was still great to come away in that position. A huge thank you to Lexus and the Vasser Sullivan team for a massive effort.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship now heads east, to Watkins Glen, for the Sahlen\u2019s Six Hours of the Glen event, 22-25 June.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1436 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-jess-edgar\" data-id=\"1436\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/jess-edgar-on-f1-academy-podium-during-debut-weekend\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Jess Edgar on F1 Academy podium during debut weekend\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Jess Edgar on F1 Academy podium during debut weekend<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Jess-Barcelona.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Jess Edgar got her 2023 season off to a promising start at the Red Bull Ring in Austria for the inaugural weekend of the F1 Academy on the 28 &amp; 29 April, taking a podium finish in the opening race.<\/p>\n<p>The 18-year-old Cumbrian showed here speed by qualifying third and fifth but unfortunately, along with her Rodin Carlin teammates, was excluded from proceedings due to an\u00a0unintentional technical infringement when a non-homologated part was used on the floor of the cars.<\/p>\n<p>Undeterred and starting from the back of the grid, Jess did well to avoid the opening lap melee which eliminated three cars at the second corner. Seizing the opportunity, she stuck to the inside line and passed three further cars just before the Safety Car was called.<\/p>\n<p>When racing resumed, she joined a four-car battle for the final podium spot. Pulling alongside Bianca Bustamanti on the exit of turn two, it them became a drag race to the line with Jess just losing out to finish fourth, which later became third after Nerea Marti was disqualified for a technical infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Having to start the remaining two races from the back of the grid Jess put in two solid performances to keep out of trouble and pick off her rivals, finishing 11<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0and 8<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0respectively, leaving her fifth in the overall standings after the first three races.<\/p>\n<p>The second weekend of the series took place at the Valencia circuit on the east coast of Spain. Confronted with another new track, Jess impressed during the first qualifying session, where she was the quickest for the Robin Carlin drivers to secured fifth on the grid. She went one better in the second session to line up on the second row in fourth for race three.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst the one lap pace of the Rodin Carlin was strong Jess lost out in race speed and, after dropping back at the start of race one, was unable to make much progress and finished in ninth. She made up for it with a solid start to hold position at the start of the second contest, but once again lacked the outright pace to battle her rivals and finished in ninth.<\/p>\n<p>It was another good start in race three but made contact with Chloe Grant exiting turn one, damaging the front wing, which necessitated a pit stop for a new nose. Fortunately, an incident between Grant and Lola Lovinfosse required the Safety Car to be deployed, bunching up the pack. This brought Jess back into the race, where she kept up the pressure, and with Grant being handed a time penalty and Chong and teammate Megan Gilkes coming together, was able to move into a points paying position in ninth.<\/p>\n<p>Attention now turns to rounds seven, eight and nine at Barcelona on the 20<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0&amp; 21<sup>st<\/sup>\u00a0May, where Jess will be working to return to the podium.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Jess Commented, <\/strong>\u201cThe first round at Red Bull Ring went well with a P5 and P3 in qualifying. Unfortunately, we got disqualified for a non-performance part which put us on the back foot for race one, but I raced well, coming through the pack from P12 up to P3 for my first podium, which I was really happy with.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cRace two was a bit tougher and I only managing to make up one place. The final race was better, and I move from P13 to P8, so, overall, it was a really good first weekend in FI Academy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRound two in Valencia was very tough for us. We struggled for pace which then made the racing quite hard. I could only manage a P5 and P4 in qualifying, which, bearing in mind where we were with the car, was still ok.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring the races we struggled with setup to keep the tyres on for the whole race.\u00a0I had a bad start to race one, losing places at the start and ended up finishing P9. I improved my starts a lot by the second race but still only managing P9. Then in race three I had a collision on the first lap which caused wing damage. I was then lucky with a Safety Car, which meant I could catch back up again after a pit-stop and made up a few places into P9. Overall, Valencia was a tough weekend as our pace not where it needed to be and quite frustrating after Red Bull Ring. We know we can do it through, and the pace is there so I\u2019m looking forward to Barcelona.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1407 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1407\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/victory-on-the-streets-of-long-beach\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Victory on the streets of Long Beach\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-1024x682.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat on the podium with his trophy at Long Beach\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Victory on the streets of Long Beach<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-1024x682.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat on the podium with his trophy at Long Beach\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NWA_7933.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>It was a textbook race weekend for Ben Barnicoat and his Lexus Racing Vasser Sullivan teammate Jack Hawksworth, as the #14 Lexus took lights-to-flag victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The latest round of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship ran with relatively little drama for the #14 crew, bringing the RC F GT3 home for a first win of the 2023 season, to now lead the GTD Pro class.<\/p>\n<p>Ben returned to the track 12 months on from scoring his first IMSA podium, and rapid pace in each session saw the newly liveried, 100 Thieves-backed, entry firmly at the front of the field. The first Free Practice period ended with Ben and Jack less than a tenth of a second off the top of the timing screens, and then improved ahead of qualifying to lead the field.<\/p>\n<p>Jack took on qualifying around the bumpy street circuit, and looked to repeat the pace from the earlier sessions. With GTD and GTD Pro entries posting extremely competitive times, it was tight at the front the category as the clock ticked down. With an initial benchmark time set, the #14 then improved further before a red flag in the final moments drew the session to a close, with Jack and Ben securing pole position for 100-minute race.<\/p>\n<p>Ben watched on from the pitwall as the race got started, as his teammate made an immediate move off the line, clearing traffic and looking to run in clear air. However, an incident for the leading prototypes on the opening lap brought out a Full Course Yellow caution, and the race was temporarily neutralised. On the restart, Jack held position and worked on building a lead before the pit window opened.<\/p>\n<p>Running slightly longer than the chasing pack, the Vasser Sullivan team brought the #14 in to the pitlane with just less than 60 minutes remaining. Ben emerged from the pitlane and picked up from where his teammate had left off, running in clear air and building a comfortable gap to the chasing field. He grew this buffer to as much as 10 seconds as the race progressed, working through and negotiating traffic around the tight circuit.<\/p>\n<p>While action was playing out around the circuit, the race itself was relatively calm, compared to the opening rounds of the season so far. Ben was able to maintain his focus on running a clean race, bringing the car home as the laps counted down. A battle for the lead of the prototype class saw Ben\u2019s lead reduced as the traffic around the track became congested in the closing stages, but the 26-year-old maintained his composure and extended the gap to the chasing group as the traffic subsided. The penultimate lap of the race then saw an incident for the leaders bring out a further Full Course Yellow, bringing the race under caution to the chequered flag, as Ben brought the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 home for the first race win of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Commenting after the first victory of the season, Ben explained:<strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><em>\u201cIt feels amazing. We\u2019ve been in great form all year. Third at Daytona, second at Sebring and first here at Long Beach. We\u2019ve just been building up to it. Long Beach is an amazing track to win at. There\u2019s so much history here. It\u2019s our first win in Long Beach and the first win for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan here. It was great to have the 100 Thieves livery on the car this weekend. We\u2019ve both got to thank the team for this amazing effort. The pit stop and the strategy was perfect and gave us the advantage. What can I say? An amazing day!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Ben and Jack now lead the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship GTD Pro standings, with round 4 remaining in California. The Vasser Sullivan team will be back in action, over the weekend 14-15 May, for the Motul Course du Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1404 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1404\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/vince-abril-to-race-at-barcelona-in-the-michelin-le-mans-cup-with-iron-lynx\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Vince Abril to race at Barcelona in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with Iron Lynx\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"714\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-1024x714.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Vincent Abril Iron Lynx MLMC car\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-1024x714.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-300x209.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx.png 1549w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Vince Abril to race at Barcelona in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with Iron Lynx<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"714\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-1024x714.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Vincent Abril Iron Lynx MLMC car\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-1024x714.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx-300x209.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Vince-Iron-Lynx.png 1549w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: Lato, sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">GSM driver Vince Abril is set to embark on the next chapter in his racing career as he makes his Michelin Le Mans Cup debut, racing with Iron Lynx in the first round of the championship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya alongside Hiroshi Hamaguch.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">With an illustrious career in GT racing that has seen Vince claim 15 race wins and 37 podium finishes, the racing driver will pilot the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 as part of the GT3 class driver line-up\u2014joining the Iron Lynx team, who have successfully gone on to secure over 35 victories and 46 pole positions across ten racing championships, including FIA WEC and European Le Mans Series. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">On racing with the Iron Lynx team, Vince comments:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u201cI\u2019m happy to announce I will join Iron Lynx for the opening MLMC race in Barcelona. As a well-respected team who have raced at Le Mans and are known to be a very professional outlet, I am excited to join them for this selected event and will do the best possible job in a new car, team, and series. I am eager to get started and happy to get back behind the wheel with my teammate Hiroshi. I\u2019d also like to take this moment to thank Iron Lynx for the opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">The first round of the 2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup gets underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya\u00a0<strong><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif;\">on the 22nd April 2023<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0cm;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Lato',sans-serif; color: #0e101a;\">Don\u2019t miss out on any race updates by following Vince on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1394 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1394\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/podium-run-continues-for-ben-barnicoat-at-sebring-12-hours\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Podium run continues for Ben Barnicoat at Sebring 12 Hours\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-1024x682.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat and teammates celebrating a podium finish and lifting their trophies.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Podium run continues for Ben Barnicoat at Sebring 12 Hours<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-1024x682.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Ben Barnicoat and teammates celebrating a podium finish and lifting their trophies.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Ben-Sebring-image.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>The IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship returned to action over the weekend, and Ben Barnicoat was back in the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing RC F GT3 for round 2 of the calendar. The Mobil 1 Sebring 12 Hour rounded out a bumper weekend of endurance racing at the Florida circuit, and Ben continued his fine run of form this season to help bring home a hard-fought P2 finish.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a strong start to the season at Daytona, Ben arrived at the weekend looking to continue the momentum for the title charge. Running alongside Jack Hawksworth and Kyle Kirkwood in the fluro yellow and black Lexus, the trio looked in a good position after the initial sessions as Jack took on qualifying. With the single lap pace proving strong, the Vasser Sullivan GTD PRO entry was firmly in the fight at the front of the field, eventually securing a front row gridslot, running P2 as the session ended.<\/p>\n<p>Florida lived up to its Sunshine State billing and race day started under blue skies. The fast-paced action started from the first lap, and would relentlessly continue like this until the final lap. Jack held position off the start as an early incident brought out the first of several safety cars, and set the tone for the teams to look at different strategies. With pitstop cycles working through, Ben eventually took over for his first race laps just after the third hour.<\/p>\n<p>Running P7 as he emerged from the pitlane, he wasted no time in showing his raw speed, closing down the gap ahead. As pitstops played out, combined with this fast pace, Ben gained three positions as his stint neared an end. A further caution period saw the team roll the strategy dice once again, bringing the Lexus RC F GT3 back to the pitlane and a switch of driver.<\/p>\n<p>The team was back into the podium paying positions by middle distance, and Ben returned to the cockpit as the race reached its eighth hour. The track was, again, under a caution as he headed out, and was firmly under the rear wing of the race leader as the race went back to green. He would continue to be engaged in a fight at the front of the field throughout the stint, also battling with traffic, which would be a key factor during the whole race. As he concluded the second stint, with the car battled scarred from close racing, Ben still held the final podium position passing over to Jack for the run to the flag.<\/p>\n<p>Further incidents in the closing hours would shake the order further, and bring out the safety car once again. This presented further opportunities with strategy, and a final scheduled pitstop ahead of the final hour mark saw the team still fighting for the final podium spot. Then, with the track now under the cover of darkness and only minutes remaining, a heavy incident saw several of the lead cars involved shaking up the order one last time. The fight continued as the track once again returned to green, and Jack brought the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 home in P2, less than 3-seconds off the lead.<\/p>\n<p>After the conclusion of the rollercoaster of a battle, and with a second consecutive podium, Ben and his teammates remain firmly in the fight for the championship heading to round 3 at Long Beach. Fresh from the podium, he explained:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cI think a P2 result today is a great achievement for us. It was a hard day and a tough day. We had many setbacks, but we managed to keep clawing back. The Vasser Sullivan team and everyone at Lexus executed it perfectly. We kept calm no matter what was thrown at us, and it just shows you\u2019ve got to be a good team and do everything right to get on the podium. P2 is a great finish and great points for the championship. Let\u2019s get on to Long Beach.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The IMSA Sportscar Championship continues with the Grand Prix of Long Beach over the weekend 14-15 April 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\t<article class=\"w-grid-item size_1x1 post-1388 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized\" data-id=\"1388\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"w-grid-item-h\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/meakin-to-make-porsche-return-in-british-gt-championship\/\" class=\"w-grid-item-anchor\" aria-label=\"Meakin to make Porsche return in Sprint Challenge GB\"><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-post-elm post_image usg_post_image_1 has_ratio\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-1024x512.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"w-vwrapper usg_vwrapper_1 align_none valign_top\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_title usg_post_title_1 hide_if_not_first has_text_color entry-title color_link_inherit\">Meakin to make Porsche return in Sprint Challenge GB<\/div><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_2 has_text_color\"><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-1024x512.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZM-announcement-image.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>British driver, Zac Meakin, will make his second appearance in a Porsche, this time in the British GT Championship with Team Parker Racing competing in the GT4 class. Racing alongside teammate Dan Vaughan, the young driver is hopeful for another positive performance behind the Porsche 718 GT4 Clubsport RS wheel, with the potential of becoming the youngest-ever race winner in British GT Championship history.<\/p>\n<p>The move follows an impressive Porsche racing debut at the Sprint Challenge Southern Europe earlier this year. Zac secured four race victories across two race events, which saw the #18 driver finish second in the driver standings.<\/p>\n<p>With the championship around the corner, Zac comments:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019ll be great to hit the track with Team Parker Racing after a strong result in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe. I learnt a lot competing in those two race events and will look to apply that to the upcoming GB series. There are obvious differences between European and British tracks, but I\u2019m hopeful my previous experience racing in the Ginetta Junior Championship will fare me well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The British GT Championship kicks off at Oulton Park on the <strong>8th &#8211; 10th April<\/strong>. Stay tuned for all the latest racing updates by following Zac on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/zacmeakinracing\/\">Instagram<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zacmeakin\">Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n<\/div><style id=\"grid-post-content-css\">.us_custom_af6a9b6a{margin-top:40px!important}<\/style><div class=\"w-grid-preloader\">\t<div class=\"g-preloader type_1\">\r\n\t\t<div><\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\t<div class=\"w-grid-json hidden\" onclick='return {&quot;action&quot;:&quot;us_ajax_grid&quot;,&quot;infinite_scroll&quot;:0,&quot;max_num_pages&quot;:2,&quot;pagination&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;template_vars&quot;:{&quot;columns&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;exclude_items&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;img_size&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;ignore_items_size&quot;:0,&quot;items_layout&quot;:&quot;gallery_with_titles_over&quot;,&quot;items_offset&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;load_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;overriding_link&quot;:&quot;%7B%22type%22%3A%22post%22%7D&quot;,&quot;post_id&quot;:0,&quot;query_args&quot;:{&quot;post_type&quot;:[&quot;post&quot;],&quot;post_status&quot;:[&quot;publish&quot;],&quot;posts_per_page&quot;:&quot;24&quot;},&quot;orderby_query_args&quot;:{&quot;orderby&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;DESC&quot;}},&quot;type&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;us_grid_ajax_index&quot;:1,&quot;us_grid_filter_params&quot;:[],&quot;us_grid_index&quot;:1,&quot;_us_grid_post_type&quot;:&quot;post&quot;,&quot;page_args&quot;:[]}}'><\/div>\r\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Meakin to make Porsche return in Sprint Challenge GBBritish driver, Zac Meakin, will make his second appearance in a Porsche, this time in the British GT Championship with Team Parker Racing competing in the GT4 class. Racing alongside teammate Dan Vaughan, the young driver is hopeful for another positive performance behind the Porsche 718 GT4...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Press Releases - Greenlight Sports Management Limited<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/press-releases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Press Releases - Greenlight Sports Management Limited\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/press-releases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Greenlight Sports Management Limited\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-10-22T13:04:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/press-releases\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/greenlightsports.com\/press-releases\/\",\"name\":\"Press Releases - 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