Photo by James Warvel
This past weekend, the duPont REGISTRY joined Byers Porsche and JDX Racing for the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The duPont REGISTRY was featured on two of the JDX Racing/Byers Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars, the #11 of Sean McAlister and the #3 of Parker Thompson, for the pair of 45-minute sprint races!
The unusually cold and wet weekend made for an array of difficult driving conditions for Race #1 on Saturday. Unfortunately, the #11 JDX Racing/Renier Construction/duPont REGISTRY/Byers Porsche GT3 Cup Car driven by Sean McAlister, was forced to retire from the race early due to suspension damage, “I pushed too hard in the wet, trying to find the grip and made multiple mistakes that ultimately put me out of the race” said McAlister.
At the same time; teammate Parker Thompson driving the #3 JDX Racing/Hertz/Byers Porsche GT3 Cup Car was charging hard at the front of the pack. Thompson set the fastest lap by nearly 3 seconds over the next quickest driver, and ultimately found himself on the top step of the victory lane podium, claiming his first victory in just his 3rd race in this series. Thompson put on an absolute clinic in the rain, showing his masterful skill and confidence in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car.
Fast Forward to Sunday for Race #2, the conditions had improved drastically, although still cold, the track was dry and ready for another shootout. Thompson would start on the pole for Race #2 with McAlister not far behind in 6th position. McAlister found a strong and consist pace for the race and was able to finish where he started in 6th place. A great performance after facing the adversity in Race #1!
From the drop of the green flag, Thompson faced immense pressure from championship points leader, Roman DeAngelis, and after a few laps of impressive defense, the #3 was ultimately overtaken. Thompson, continued to chase down DeAngelis, but it was a case of “Too Little, Too Late” and he finished the race in 2nd position and was able to claim a double podium on the weekend!
“Talk about a wild weekend! Cold temperatures, wind, rain almost every session and cars flying off the racetrack. Our drivers took it all in stride and did a great job facing up to every challenge Mid-Ohio threw at them,” stated Jeremy Dale, JDX Racing Team Owner. But in the end, Byers Porsche and JDX Racing were excited to welcome the duPont REGISTRY as a premier sponsor and have them on board for the double podium weekend!
Byers Porsche and JDX Racing head to Montreal next for rounds 5 and 6 of the Porsche GT3 Challenge USA with Parker Thompson 2nd in the points championship and Sean McAlister 7th. This race weekend will be special as the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will be sharing the track as a support series for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix!
Be sure to follow Byers Porsche for some of the finest Porsche road legal cars available; as well as, for all the latest updates in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA!
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Byers Imports in Columbus, OH treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time.
