TRG-AMR Collects First IMSA Podium Finish of 2014 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

On a last lap with more twists than the race track, Kris Wilson drove the #07 TRG-AMR Aston Martin to a third-place finish in Saturday's Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Wilson, a long-time instructor at the Skip Barber Racing School was running fourth. On a thrilling final lap, he drove side-by-side for third place in the Andretti Hairpin. Wilson stayed close until he blasted out of the final turn to win a drag race to the finish line, barely edging out Dane Cameron for the podium.

"It was a drag race to the finish,” said Wilson. “We were side by side. I was shifting through the gears trying not to slide the tires and it worked out in the end."

 

Teammate, Max Riddle, started the race and stayed steady in fourth for most of the first half when Wilson took over for his co-driver in 20th place after the team conducted its driver change during green-flag racing.  

"I was sitting in the pit box and it's more nerve racking watching Kris drive the car than it is when I'm in the car,” added Riddle. “I can't be happier for my teammate. He did an amazing drive at the end. When he went out of the pits he was 20th and he moved the car up to third. Amazing drive and great job by the whole team. Everybody kind of stuck into it to the end. It shows hard work pays. I'm very happy for TRG."

But it was the last-second heroics of Wilson that had everyone on the TRG team - including owner Kevin Buckler - literally jumping for joy in the packed pit box/area. 

"The team ran great,” said Buckler. “We had two cars that were probably capable of winning. That was a great pass by Chris at the end for the 07 car.  Max great opening stint, kept the car in the top 5. Derek did great, especially in his first big professional race, but we had a little penalty that set us back. We fought back from the penalty, then there was a little contact outside of the corkscrew with James and another driver and that took that car out. But overall, we had two capable cars this weekend and the crew busted their butts since they've been here since Wednesday.  So I'm real proud of everybody."

The two drivers have a lot more in common in Laguna Seca than a trophy. Wilson taught Riddle at the Skip Barber School, so the finish at Laguna Seca was very special for both drivers.

"It was a good race with Dane,” said Wilson. “We had a couple of corners where we were side-by-side and he kind of got slowed on the last lap in the last corner by a slower car. Basically we had a drag race to the finish. It was pretty cool. It was fun."

"We knew the car was going to be fast coming here,” noted Riddle.” Kris has done more laps here at this place than anyone. I learned how to drive race cars here. So we were both super stoked to come here. We wish we won the race but we'll take third and it's the first podium for this new team and we're really happy with it."

The team's second Aston Martin, the #09 TRG-AMR Black Horse Holding, LLC car, co-driven by James Davidson and TRG-AMR newcomer Derek DeBoer, started from the 26 position and unfortunately was served a one-minute penalty, which sent the car to the back of the field. James Davison took the 09 to all the way to ninth position before contact with another car sent them to the pits to check for damage.

"That was one of the most challenging races I've ever had,” commented Davison.” Unfortunately, I had the car handed to me a lap down and really had my work cut out for me. I ended up passing half the field, getting a wave-by and getting up into the top ten. Certainly, we had very good speed today. I had the quickest lap of the day for what it's worth. It's just a very tough task coming from behind like that. Everyone races you incredibly hard, they're blocking you and I had to be very forceful. I think ultimately what ruined the race for us was I was behind Billy Johnson when he got loose. I filled the gap then we made contact side-to-side, which got me loose and spun me. I gave it my best and sometimes that's the way it goes. It would have been nice to have gotten a result for the team in the 09, but we'll get one sooner than later."

Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America is a seven-event, multi-round series that competes on some of the finest road courses in North America and is filled with the prestigious, world-renowned spirit of the Aston Martin brand. The series, owned and operated by TRG-AMR North America, starts May 16-18 at Watkins Glen International and ends Nov. 21-23 at Sebring International Raceway.

Aspiring competitors will drive the evocative Aston Martin GT4 Vantage cars they have

acquired, with order options available from TRG-AMR for interested drivers whodo not own a GT4. Comprehensive leasing and testing arrangements on arace-by-race or seasonal basis also are available through TRG-AMR or one of itsauthorized partners or Aston Martin dealers around the United States and Canada.

Information about the 2014 Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America is available through Aston Martin of Austin at (512) 401-BOND (2663).