News
Race Report: Mid-Ohio
Brumos Racing headed north to Mid-Ohio for the EMCO Gears Classic, intent on capitalizing on the momentum from our recent successes. The event was off to a great start for Brumos, as David Donohue set a new track record in Qualifying, taking pole position for the second consecutive race, and becoming the only Grand-Am driver to capture three poles this season. When the checkered flag dropped, Brumos had overcome early difficulties to score our season’s best finish, with both cars placed in the top five.
The race was one of the most challenging of the year for drivers and crew, as torrential rain and high winds moved into the area at the start of the event, creating extremely hazardous conditions. The poor visibility and slippery track took a toll quickly, with the first of what would be eight full course cautions coming early on, as several cars spun off track, including the #59 piloted by J.C. France. The #58 car, started by Donohue, was having problems as well, with poor visibility slowing it considerably. Both cars were down in position during the first part of the race, as conditions remained difficult, eventually resulting in 37 laps run under yellow, and only 76 laps completed in the race.
Strategy came into play early, as most cars had started the race without rain tires. As #59 fell off the lead lap, the car was brought into the pits for rain tires and a driver change, putting Joao Barbosa behind the wheel to finish the race. Subsequent yellows allowed the team to move up in position as they were able to stay out on track while other cars made pit stops. Once Barbosa regained the lead lap, he moved up steadily before a final yellow flag effectively eliminated the chance to advance further. Barbosa was pleased with the day’s results, saying, “We were able to finish in 5th place after being far back on the grid in the beginning. Our crew did a really good job in giving us a strong and competitive car to race. It was our best finish of the season, and we should continue to improve as we go. We are still in the middle of the season, with seven more races to go, so I am sure even better race results will come soon.”
His #58 counterpart, Darren Law, also had great success, moving up in the last few minutes to 2nd place before the final caution came out. “The Mid-Ohio race was a really great race for us,” Law said. “I was very happy in the end with the run, especially since there were so many highs and lows. There was the weather, and I’d gone off in the grass earlier and we had fallen behind, so it was a bit of a struggle, but as the track started to dry it really came to us and the car was really good. Once I felt the handling was there underneath me, I really pushed and made up a ton of space, so we had a great finish.”
The Mid-Ohio podium marked a back-to-back second place finish for our #58 team. As David Donohue noted, “It seems when one of us struggles, the other picks up the ball, and today the team was just flawless. When I struggled, Darren picked up the ball and ran with it all the way. He really came on strong at the end, even under the changing conditions, so he’s my hero today.”
The Mid-Ohio results have placed the #59 team in the 6th spot in Team Point Standings, one point out of fifth place. They are followed closely by the #58 team, now in 8th place, with only five points separating them. The recent Brumos successes have also given a boost to Porsche, now shown in third place in Engine Manufacturer Standings. Following the race our team remained in Ohio, testing an additional day before heading home to prepare for the upcoming Brumos Porsche 250. Our signature race will take place on July 3rd , as we return to Daytona International Speedway.