With five wins from eight races, James Sofronas has been the clear pacesetter in the Am class this year, but he hasn’t had it all his own way.
First blood went to Techsport’s Colin Harrison, as he claimed a superb debut victory at Sonoma, overcoming pole sitter James to win by 18 seconds. It was a different story when the championship moved to COTA for the next three rounds, including the Sonoma make up race. The number 14 GMG Racing machine dominated on the Texas tarmac, taking three victories and a comfortable championship lead, with Colin claiming three runners up spots.
It was a different story when the series headed to Virginia International Raceway at the halfway point in the season. A rare off race meant James was not on the podium. It could have meant Colin could capitalise and claw back some of the points deficit. As it was Deniz Teoman and Jeff Cook were the drivers to impress, taking their first victory of the season. It was a timely win, locking them into an intense battle for third place in the championship with solo driver Steve Sorbaro.
Three strong results for Steve moved him to just 1.5 points behind the Dark Horse Racing entered car of Deniz and Jeff, so all eyes will be on that tussle when they hit the track at Indianapolis. Meanwhile a second victory for Colin last time out at Road America narrowly closed the gap at the top of the championship. Heading to Indy, James has 11.5 points in his pocket, so if he can maintain his form he should be crowned champion. All it takes is one issue though and it could be thrown wide open. It’s not over until it’s over.
In the Teams’ championship GMG Racing have a commanding 21-point lead over second placed runners RWE Motorsport. Three ProAm wins from four races for John Dempsey and Andrew Davis have certainly helped RWE’s chances, but it might be too little too late.
As with the Am championship, there is a close fight brewing for third place between Motorsport in Action on 44 points and Techsport with 42. Who will end the season triumphant? We’ll just have to see how the cards fall in the final two races.