Titus Sherlock returned to victory lane for the fourth time this season in Method Regional Americas Championship competitors. Within the opening race of the COTA SpeedTour at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Sherlock led from lights to flag to take the victory in dominating style.
Profitable the pole throughout yesterday’s qualifying session, Sherlock (No. 31 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) led the sphere down the grid to begin Race 1. Because the lights went out, Sherlock instantly jumped forward of the sphere, whereas they unfold out two and three vast behind him. Jett Bowling (No. 02 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) and Bruno Ribeiro (No. 3 IGY6 Motorsports / Save22 Ligier JS F3) began second and third, however by the point they reached Flip 1, each had been below strain from Cole Kleck (No. 11 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) and Brady Golan (No. 80 Toney Driver Improvement Ligier JS F3), who had began in fourth and fifth. Bowling was compelled vast by Flip 1, relegating him to fifth as the sphere raced towards the esses. Golan initially fell in line behind Sherlock, however Kleck continued to use strain, overtaking second as they entered Flip 1 on the second lap.
Opening up a 1.408s hole through the first 10 minutes, Sherlock’s benefit was erased by a full-course warning as Jake Pollack (No. 1 JENSEN Ligier JS F3) got here to a relaxation in Flip 1 after struggling a mechanical difficulty. Simply earlier than the warning flag waved, Golan ducked behind the wall as he suffered a mechanical failure racing by the esses. As security crews labored to clear the circuit, Sherlock continued to circle round behind the protection automobile along with his mirrors crammed with Kleck, Ribeiro, Bowling and Hayden Bowlsbey (No. 22 IGY6 Motorsports / Save22 Ligier JS F3), who accomplished the highest 5.
When the race resumed, Sherlock was below intense strain, with Kleck pulling aspect by aspect as they entered Flip 1. Sherlock locked the brakes, which ought to have given Kleck the benefit, however the NOLA winner went vast on exit, as an alternative permitting Bowling to sneak by for second. The strain didn’t cease there as Bowling and Kleck swapped the runner up place at the very least two extra instances.
Because the checkered flag waved, Sherlock was the primary one throughout the end line with a 3.442s benefit. Bowling adopted in second, and Kleck crossed the road in third.
“The security automobile made it just a little powerful with that shut restart, however I nonetheless bought it finished ultimately,” mentioned Sherlock. “We had a great restart, and I had a enjoyable battle with Cole — it was fairly intense. I used to be in a position to get away and get the win, so I’m tremendous pleased with that.”
FR Americas will contest their ultimate race of the 2024 season Saturday at 1:15pm CT
