Hopes were high in the DTV Solutions Lites team for a good result in New York. Geoff Sykes commented: “The track layout was very similar to the Las Vegas event from last year, so I had good experience for what was going to work.” A rebuilt engine, coupled with the knowledge that Geoff had posted some of the fastest lap times in earlier races, meant good prospects for a podium finish.
Sykes finished second in the first heat race, but was still contending with suspension issues that had his inside front wheel lifting way off the ground, similar to what he had experienced in Las Vegas previously. “We tried a number of approaches and were finally able to get the car to stay more planted on the track.”
In the final, minimal contact with another car broke a bolt on the left front lower control arm. “It was an unlucky break for us, caused by our two tires coming together, and the resulting torque just snapped the bolt. I did make the jump with the wheel hanging half off, so do I get some style points as consolation,” Sykes remarked.
Overall, the team was confident moving forward, as the unlucky streak would have to end sometime, plus even with some DNF’s, Geoff was still holding 3rd place in the championship points.
ABOUT RALLYCROSS AND GEOFF SYKES
Rallycross combines circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition with intense, crowd-pleasing action in a fan-friendly track environment, featuring a challenging course that includes jumps, unbanked turns and changing track and surface conditions that can include dirt, gravel and wet asphalt.
Geoff Sykes is driving his second season in Global Rallycross, having come from an autocross and road racing background with multiple records and championships in the BMW CCA racing series, and is the 2013 GT champion in the US Touring Car Championship.
Sykes’ rallycross racing includes support from SONY Team Action Cam, RallyPro at The Firm, BendPak, Midnight Oil and Stepco Insurance.
Photos: Matt Kalish
