TSRC PC GT3 Series (S6) Round 3 Debrief
Introduction
The TSRC PC GT3 Series (S6) championship has hit the midway point of the season with the second round at Imola circuit. As expected, the competition remained fierce, and the drivers were treated to thrilling racing action that left us with more than a few surprises. In this blog post, we'll dive into the highlights of the Imola round, where a familiar face took pole position, an unexpected turn of events led to a new overall race winner, and the Am class provided its own share of excitement.
Thompson's Pole Masterclass
Once again, Bailey Thompson showcased his speed by securing pole position in the Overall class with a blistering lap time of 1:39.947. Thompson's performance was a continuation of his strong form this season, placing him six tenths of a second ahead of his nearest competitors, Francesco Casali and Alexi Degani.
In the Am class, it was Luca Raia who shone, taking the pole position with a lap time of 1:41.747, demonstrating the Italian’s mastery of his home circuit. Raia's performance was just the beginning of an impressive race in the Am class.
Thompson's Misfortune and Degani's Triumph
As the race commenced, Bailey Thompson once again bolted off the line, aiming to build a commanding lead over his competitors. However, a shocker unfolded when Thompson made an uncharacteristic mistake, speeding into the pit entry, resulting in a punishing stop & go 30-second penalty. This costly error opened the door for an unexpected change at the top. Francesco Casali's jump start penalty dashed his hopes of a high finish, leaving Alexi Degani to pick up the pieces.
In a remarkable display of pace and composure, Alexi Degani seized the opportunity and went on to claim victory in the Overall class, marking a significant turning point in the championship. His performance showcased how fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
Luca Raia's Am Class Triumph
In the Am class, Luca Raia, the pole-sitter, stayed calm and consistent amidst the competition within the field. His well-executed race strategy paid off, and he secured the Am class victory with an impressive eleven-second lead. Stuart Prior and Thomas Rorvik completed the podium, with Prior achieving his best result of the season thus far.
Notable Performances
The Imola round featured several noteworthy performances, including Marcel Hess, who achieved his best finish of the season by claiming fifth place in the Am class. Additionally, B. Filip demonstrated resilience by recovering from an unfortunate start incident to finish fourth in the Am class.
SW-IT Racing Team continued to showcase their strength, remaining competitive among the top contenders, and they are sure to continue challenging Bailey Thompson for the top spots in the championship.
Looking Ahead to Donington
As the season reaches its halfway point, anticipation for the next round at the historic Donington circuit is building. This round marks the season's sprint event, where we will see the each class reversed for the first race based off championship standings.
The TSRC PC GT3 Series (S6) is delivering on its promise of thrilling competition and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for further updates as the season progresses, and the drivers continue to vie for the top spots in this exciting championship.
