Platinum Masters win for Calvert-Jones, Lewis moves to championship lead
Braselton, Ga. – Competition Motorsports had a lot to celebrate in the first of the final two races of the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA presented by Yokohama on Thursday. Not only did Team Manager Bob Faieta celebrate a birthday, but the team also left the track in high spirits thanks to two more strong podium finishes from Michael Lewis and David Calvert-Jones.
Michael Lewis (No. 98 Competition Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian Porsche 911) started the season finale weekend at Road Atlanta from the front row and quickly slotted into the lead in the opening laps. After managing the gap to the field, his advantage was erased as he fought for the point through lapped traffic as he was ultimately forced to cede the lead. But the second place finish sees him head into the final race of the season with an advantage over fellow championship title contender Colin Thompson.
“It was really good to finish ahead of Colin (Thompson), right where I needed to be for the championship, and a big congrats to the guy who won,” said Lewis. “I for sure wanted a win and I definitely think we had it, but the lapped traffic was really horrible and it was kind of a bummer that we had to take the brunt of that. But it was the same for everybody so I am just going to try and win the next one and let the cards fall as they may. I really wanted to get that win for my guys though. But the car is feeling great, the guys did a great job as always so we will see what the weather does tomorrow. And a big congrats to my teammate David Calvert-Jones, he did a really solid job out there too. So we are moving forward and trying to wrap this championship up! But in the end it is just one race at a time.”
David Calvert-Jones ((No. 12 Wheels Up Competition Motorsports Porsche 911) joined Lewis at the podium after scoring a hard fought win in Platinum Masters class competition.
An excellent battle throughout the race between Calvert-Jones and Kasey Kuhlman ultimately saw Calvert-Jones score yet another podium finish with the Masters Class victory. It was a well-savored battle for the Australian to score the win over the Masters Champion, not to mention the healthy haul of championship points to go with it.
“It was a fun race out there today,” smiled Calvert-Jones after the race. “It was the first race I have won against Kasey (Kuhlman) when we were really battling toe-to-toe. Earlier in the season I won after he had a spin so it was kind of by default. So it was really great to have a nice battle with him and stay out front. Traffic was a bit of a problem, but I was pretty fortunate because I timed it where I didn’t get held up too badly. And the car felt great, the No. 12 Competition Motorsports Wheels Up Porsche was awesome, the boys did a great job and I am so excited to get a win!”
Fellow Competition Motorsports drivers Fred Poordad (No. 02 Affinity Motorsports/TLI /Competition Motorsports Porsche 911) and Blair Chang (No. 09 The Agency/Competition Motorsports Porsche 911) also put in stout runs in the team’s Race 1 effort, respectively bringing home seventh and 11th place finishing positions in Gold Class competition.
With championship titles on the line, Competition Motorsports is ready to take the green flag for the final race of the season on Friday at 11:25 AM (ET).