Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA: Perfect weekend for DeAngelis
DE ANGELIS 2 POLES-2WINS. THREE CANADIANS IN THE TOP 5 IN BOTH RACES
Having confirmed a full season driving for Kelly-Moss Road and Race in IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, Roman DeAngelis showed up in Alabama ready to get things done.
After missing the first practice session on Friday morning, Roman ended the second practice just over a tenth of a second behind Maxwell Root.
The only qualifying session took place Saturday morning and determined the starting grid for the two races. Individual fastest time during the session set the grid for race 1 and second fastest time for race 2.
In both cases, DeAngelis qualified on pole ahead of Riley Dickinson who was a mere tenth of a second behind. Alberta Parker Thompson, who had confirmed his signing with JDX Racing the week leading to the first race, qualified third for both races.
Whitby driver and rookie of the year in the IMSA Porsche Cup GT3 Challenge Canada by Yokohama in 2018, Jeff Kingsley, had also announced a full season commitment to the USA series driving for JDX Racing. Jeff qualified fifth for both races.
In race 1, Roman took the lead and never looked back leading flag to flag and ending with a 17 seconds lead over Riley Dickinson. Parker Thompson completed his first race on the podium with a third place finish, 1.2s behind Dickinson. Jeff Kingsley settled for fifth.
The story continued in race 2 as Roman lead all the laps and, this time, crossed the finish line some 21 seconds ahead of Riley Dickinson in second place.
“I think people underestimate how difficult it is when you have that big of a lead, or just to pull it,” DeAngelis said. “It’s not easy to be that quick. Even with a really good car, you still have to hit all your marks, all your braking zones and just focus on what you have to do. “But the hard thing is, when there’s no one around you, just keeping focused on hitting all your marks.”
Third place saw a Canadian battle for several laps with Thompson and Kingsley battling it out. Kingsley getting very close to Thompson on occasions but not enough to be able to attempt passing him.
The next race for IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama will be at Mid-Ohio on May 3-5.
As of right now, we know Roman DeAngelis will be back with Mark Motors Racing and Jeff Kingsley will drive for Policaro Motorsport in IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama this season.
We have been hearing quite a lot from Parker Thompson recently as he won in Indy Pro 2000 category in St. Petersburg, Florida last month. It would a welcome addition to see another top driver confirmed to drive in the Canadian series.
Image: PMstills Photography
