Yahoo Autos Skip Barber Racing collects win, podium, and hard charger award at Sebring
Skip Barber Racing left Sebring International Raceway with one win, a podium finish, and multiple drivers setting new season-best finishes in TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School and Toyota GR Cup North America.
Celso Neto – No. 22 Skip Barber Racing School Acura Integra Type S
Celso Neto was one of the dominant players in TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School from the moment the No. 22 Skip Barber Racing School Acura Integra Type S rolled off the truck. The Brazilian was the quickest Acura in the TCX field for both practice sessions and qualifying. He proved the early week pace was no fluke with a strong podium finish in Race 1.
From the opening of the weekend to the end of Race 2, Neto was never lower than fourth in any of the TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School sessions.
“Overall Sebring was a tough, but solid points haul for us in the TCX championship,” Neto said. “We struggled for long run pace in Race 1 but that was counteracted by great single lap pace, and we were able to finish on the podium. With this in mind, the team did a great job to improve the car for Race 2, where we were able to fight for the win. I’m looking forward to Circuit of the Americas up next where we will keep building this brand-new package and continue to improve the car.”
Cooper Broll – No. 19 PiedParker Acura Integra Type S
Cooper’s development as a driver continues to impress the instructors at the Skip Barber Racing School. From having never driven a race car, to competing for wins at Sebring International Raceway, Broll’s rapid progression is a testament to his commitment to the Skip Barber Racing School philosophy.
“I pushed hard and drove my heart out,” Broll said. “I did some of the best driving I’ve ever done, and I did it at a track I had never driven before qualifying on Saturday.”
Broll was in contention for his maiden TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School podium for much of Race 2 as he battled a trio of competitors. By the end of the weekend, Broll had collected a pair of sixth-place finishes but had demonstrated tremendous racecraft development.
“The development we have seen from Cooper has been nothing short of remarkable,” Skip Barber Racing Team Manager Joe Monitto said. “The team is incredibly proud of what has been able to achieve and what he will undoubtedly achieve this season.”
Alex Garcia – No. 14 Orlando Family Medical Toyota GR86 & No. 14 Orlando Family Medical Honda Civic Si FE1
It was a picture-perfect weekend for Alex Garcia, who in one weekend; graduated college, took home a maiden win in his TC America debut and scored his season-best finish in Toyota GR Cup North America.
Garcia’s weekend began with a photoshoot in cap and gown on Sebring’s iconic main straight away and ended with a diploma, and a trophy, joining the cabinet display.
In Race 2, Garcia passed three drivers to take command of the TCA class at the start of the race and quickly made off into the distance, crossing the line at the conclusion of the 40-minute race nearly one minute ahead of the third-place competitor.
Prior to his dominant showing in TC America, Garcia earned his second Toyota GR Cup North America Hard Charger Award of the season after passing 15 cars in Race 1. He followed this up with his season-best finish of sixth in Race 2, capping off a weekend of milestones for the No. 14 Orlando Family Medical Toyota GR86.
“I had a blast driving the TCA car while taking home first place,” Garcia said. “I’m very excited for what’s in store for the future with this TCA entry and I’m hoping to bring home some more trophies. Lastly, I can’t thank the Skip Barber Racing team enough for their outstanding efforts.”
“Since joining the ranks of Skip Barber Racing, we have been continuously impressed by the talent that Alex has demonstrated,” Monitto said. “To win in TCA on his debut is proof of what Alex is capable and we cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the year.”
James Klimas – No. 61 Middletown Toyota GR86
Just as his fellow Skip Barber Racing teammate did, Klimas laid down his career-best Toyota GR Cup North America finish in Race 2 at Sebring International Raceway. After passing five cars, Klimas crossed the line in 19th, an outstanding result for the rookie in the nearly-30 car grid.
“I’m really happy with both my performance in Sebring and the team’s performance and dedication to my overall success,” Klimas said. “Being my third race ever I’m happy to be in the mix battling for positions on the track. I’m looking forward to Circuit of the Americas and setting another career-best finish with the support of the team from Skip Barber Racing.”
“Few people are able to progress as fast as James has at the start of this season,” Monitto said. “For someone with no racing experience prior to this season to be in the mix in the packed Toyota GR Cup grid is a testament to James’ commitment to the sport.”
Will Lambros – No. 77 Skip Barber Racing School Toyota GR86
Will Lambros opened the weekend’s festivities by scoring his third-consecutive top-twenty finish in the No. 77 Skip Barber Racing School Toyota GR86.
“Sebring went well,” Lambros said. “The team and I have been messing around a lot with different suspension settings in the Toyota GR86 which I enjoy doing. We’re still trying to find a sweet spot, but we are making progress and going in the right direction.”
Up next, Lambros will return to Circuit of the Americas, where he was previously victorious in the TCA class of TC America powered by the Skip Barber Racing School.
“Will is one of the most versatile drivers to come through the ranks of the Skip Barber Racing School and Skip Barber Racing and it’s no surprise that his capabilities have translated to this season’s Toyota GR Cup effort,” Monitto said.
