The World Touring Championship cars came to the USA for only the second time ever and the US Touring Car Championship series held two races during the event.
In Friday’s first practice, Geoff Sykes found himself well down on the timing sheet. “We made some immediate suspension adjustments and from the following session on, we were pretty much the fastest car out there, scoring pole position for both the race starts”, said Geoff.
The races however presented some challenges. In Saturday’s race, a mix up at the start moved Sykes back several positions, then on lap 2, he was forced to retire with a suspected engine problem. It turned out that oil on the track was the cause but the retirement cost Sykes some valuable points.
In Sunday’s main action-filled event, Sykes led from the start, then the red flagged restart, and finally the yellow flag rolling restart, pulling away from the field each time. However Daniel Akhromstev in the #16 BMW M3 closed in and passed Sykes two laps from the end. “Daniel had told me how his tires always get better during the race, and for me it’s the opposite!”, said Geoff.
In a thrilling nose to tail battle, Sykes repassed for the lead as the white flag came out, and held on til the checkered flag. It was an exciting finish to the weekend and a great race for all the fans to watch.
ABOUT USTCC AND GEOFF SYKES
USTCC is America’s most exciting touring car racing. Cars are production-based sedans, coupes and hatchbacks with chassis and suspensions that have been modified for maximum performance.
Geoff Sykes is the GT points leader in the US Touring Car Championship, has multiple records and championships in the BMW CCA racing series, and currently drives a Supercar Lite in the Global Rallycross series.
Sykes’ USTCC racing includes support from Perfect Fitness, Tour Angle 144°, DTV Solutions and Replay XD.
Photo Credits: DTVS
