The GT America Powered by AWS drivers have been up shiny and early for the final race of the season. Yesterday’s race was nothing in need of action-packed, to the dismay of factors chief Jason Daskalos, who noticed the hole within the championship dwindle. He began Race 2 in first place within the standings, 6 factors forward of Johnny O’Connell. The title was nonetheless obtainable for younger gun Justin Rothberg, who had clinched the Fanatec GT World Problem America Professional-Am title within the Indy 8 Hour the evening prior.
Because the race drew to an in depth, Justin Rothberg crossed the end line first, nevertheless it was Johnny O’Connell who was topped the SRO3 class champion by one single level when it was all wrapped up. Within the GT4 class, Isaac Sherman concluded a near-perfect 2024 season with back-to-back wins.
SRO3 class
It was a dramatic begin of the race for the SRO3 discipline, as championship chief Jason Daskalos was beneath stress from Kyle Washington because the inexperienced flag was waved. Nonetheless, in Flip 1, the No. 14 GMG Racing Audi RS LMS GT3 of James Sofronas collided with Daskalos’ No. 27 CRP Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, with the championship chief ending up within the tire barrier. Fortuitously, he was capable of rejoin the race, however on the tail-end of the sphere. Sofronas was issued a drive-through penalty for incident duty.
In the meantime, Johnny O’Connell had a stellar begin and was working second in his No. 3 SKI Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3, understanding very effectively that he might clinch the title by holding place, supplied that Daskalos wouldn’t climb again up the sphere. Whereas one hoped for a warning to deliver the pack nearer collectively once more, the opposite wished the alternative.
The SKI Autosports driver had his work lower out for him, as he was beneath menace from the No. 70 MISHUMOTORS Callaway Corvette Z06R GT3 of Mirco Shultis. Nonetheless, as time elapsed, the Audi got here alive, and O’Connell was capable of re-establish his benefit.
It was an uncontested win for Rothberg, who dominated from flag to flag, clinching the final win of the season with an eight-second margin. Although he completed second on the line, it was Johnny O’Connell who was elected the 2024 GT America Powered by AWS SRO3 class champion.
Race winner Rothberg had excessive reward for the champion, saying that “it’s been wonderful racing up towards him. He’s most likely one of the vital influential individuals within the sport and I’ve discovered a lot simply by making an attempt to get by him or making an attempt to maintain him behind me. There’s not a monitor that he hasn’t been on the place somebody hasn’t already tried to make a transfer I’ve tried on him myself. He simply has a lot expertise and it’s nice to attempt to get a few of it from him.”
“It’s not simply me, it’s everyone at SKI Motorsports,” stated O’Connell. “Their onerous work, their dedication, it’s every little thing. Nice work by everyone this season, and it was finally unhealthy luck for Jason Daskalos as we speak. He’s such a fantastic competitor and hopefully we get to do it once more subsequent 12 months. I actually take pleasure in racing right here. I’m 62 years outdated and I’ve received one other championship. Lots of guys may retire then, however I ain’t prepared, so we’re going to maintain digging! Thank all of the followers on the market which were following me and supporting me for thus lengthy.”
GT4 class
It was one more picture-perfect weekend for champion elect Isaac Sherman within the No. 098 Rotek Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. After ranging from pole place within the GT4 class, he started to interrupt away from the remainder of the sphere from the get-go. He led from begin to end, sweeping the weekend on the Brickyard, and choosing up his thirteenth win to conclude a stellar debut season.
Getting back from a tricky Race 1 on Friday, it was redemption time for Grey Newell. The younger Coronary heart of Racing Group driver ran steadily in second place aboard his No. 25 Aston Martin Vantage GT4. Behind, Damir Sizzling, commanding the No. 5 Flying Lizard Motorsports Nissan Z NISMO GT4, was defending third place from Nicholas Shanny, who was commanding the No. 21 Carrus Callas Raceteam BMW M4 GT4.
With 12 minutes remaining within the race, Tim Savage, in his No. 007 ProSport Competitors Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4, overtook Shanny for fourth place.
“This season means every little thing to me,” stated Sherman. “I couldn’t have requested for a greater season and a greater crew. Rotek Racing and Porsche have been wonderful. It’s been an absolute dream, actually. So thanks a lot to everybody!”
