IMSA Michelin Challenge TCR FastMD confirms Canadian James Vance for 2020 season
THE TEAM IS TO ENTER A SECOND CAR AND COULD SEE ANOTHER CANADIAN DRIVER SIGNING WITH THE TEAM
FastMD is looking to build on a solid first season with a second Audi RS3 in the 2020 IMPC Season.
Florida based Sportscar team FastMD Racing is looking forward to a strong Sophomore season as they will unload two Audi RS3 LMS TCR’s at Daytona International Speedway for the season-opening event in January.
The #22 and #23 FastMD Racing Audi TCR’s will compete full time in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge which has team owner Farhan Siddiqi eager for the opportunity to expand his team’s efforts for next season.
“I look forward to an exciting season where we can bring our new sponsors, new drivers, our hard-working crew, and our second car the podium finishes they deserve. FastMD Racing’s rookie year was a whirlwind of excitement for myself and all our hard-working employees.
“Having grown up 20 minutes from Watkins Glen, I used to hear the Formula 1 cars roaring on the circuit when I was a child. My grandfather brought me to his races when I was younger and it instilled a sense of passion in me to reach for the top in all aspects of life.
“At FastMD we strive to be the best at treating our patients and bringing cost-effective healthcare solutions to our partners. The racing team has brought a new challenge to FastMD and a new avenue to meet companies where we may be able to help their employees access world-class healthcare at a competitive price.
In January of 2019, FastMD Racing finished 3rd at Daytona in their first-ever race as a team but hit a stretch of bad luck following the Daytona race. A brake issue in Sebring, Engine Failure in Mid-Ohio, and contact while leading in Watkins Glen tested the new crew.
After a breakthrough victory at Virginia International Raceway in August, the team finished the season off with a podium at Road Atlanta to help Audi secure the 2019 manufactures title in TCR.
“Our drivers, our crew, and our team principle at Speed Syndicate have put their heart into our new racing team and it proved successful last season with podium finishes and even a win in our rookie season”, Farhan Siddiqi.
The cars will again be prepared by Speed Syndicate. The Saint Petersburg, Florida shop has found a home in the IMPC category over the last couple of seasons. Team Manager Chris Vallee has developed the team from his shop and has the knowledge to expand FastMD Racing.
“2019 was learning season for us, says Vallee. “We had some good races and we had some off races but we are going to carry the momentum that we had during the second half of the last season into 2020.
“We will be returning with the same crew in both the mechanical and engineering staff and our team is coming into the season with more information and knowledge from lessons learned last season.
“I’d really like to thank the crew members involved in the FastMD Racing/Speed Syndicate Motorsports team for their hard work and dedication to seeing this program through into the 2020 season.”
Vance to return as a full-time driver
With an additional car comes additional drivers to the line-up. It has been confirmed that Canadian driver, James Vance, will be back behind the wheel of the #23 Audi. Vance competed full-time last season with the team and is looking forward to building his relationship with the group.
“I cannot thank the FastMD brand enough for bringing me on-board for our second season of IMSA TCR competition,” expressed Vance, “it is an honor to be trusted in this role and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
“Our team owner, Dr. Farhan Siddiqi, has a passion for our sport that is extremely rare. It is awesome to share our passions and yet build this epic team in pursuit of a title.
“We have a plan to be the very best and I know with the support from the FastMD team, we will do so. It makes me extremely proud to be able to play a small part in representing the entire team at FastMD and there’s nothing I would love more than to bring them some more trophies in 2020!”
There is currently a shortlist of drivers for the available seats as the team is keeping their options open for a bright future.
Excerpt from Speed Syndicate/FastMD Racing & Images from James Armas
