Watkins Glen Race Recap: The Esses 120 at the Glen
Gou Racing is thrilled to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire crew for their exceptional performance this race weekend. From flawless pit stops to strategic excellence, everything came together seamlessly.
The race itself was a testament to precision and teamwork. We managed to stay clear of any contacts, penalties, or issues, making it an uneventful yet highly efficient outing. Eduardo Gou took the wheel at the start, executing a clean and consistent stint that set a solid foundation for the team. He handed over the car to Eddie in excellent condition, allowing Eddie to maintain the momentum.
Eddie drove the car to the finish line in P6, a commendable result for our new team. This performance is a promising indicator of what’s to come, and we couldn’t be prouder of the collective effort.
Once again, thank you to everyone involved. Let’s keep pushing forward!
Watkins Glen starting position P8. Tune into Peacock tomorrow at 12:50PM ET to watch the race
Mid- Ohio
That’s a wrap for the day. We’ll see you tomorrow for qualifying at 4:30 EST and on Sunday at 12:40pm EST for the 4 Hours of Mid-Ohio
Laguna Seca Race Recap: MOTUL Course De Monterey Powered By Hyundai N at @weathertechraceway
Laguna Seca Race Recap
Laguna Seca presented a unique challenge for us, with its emphasis on maintaining rolling speed, a distinct departure from the tracks we had previously raced on. Fortunately, we managed to find some pace early on, setting a promising tone for the race.
Eduardo did a fantastic job during his stint, skillfully keeping the car on the lead lap. His performance was a testament to his experience on track. However, things took a turn after the driver change when Eddie took over. We began experiencing mechanical issues that significantly impacted our lap times.
Adding to our difficulties, a race contact further set us back, costing us crucial positions. The mechanical problem persisted, making the final 30 minutes of the race particularly challenging. Despite these setbacks, we were determined to see it through.
In the end, we managed to get the car across the finish line, avoiding a retirement. While the result wasn't what we had hoped for, the team's perseverance was definitely the highlight of the day. We look forward to applying the lessons learned and improving in the next race.
Getting ready for practice tomorrow.
Alan Jay Automotive Network 120
Sebring International Raceway
This weekend proved to be a test of resilience for our team, marked by mechanical issues that significantly limited our drivers, Eddie and Eduardo, to just a few laps in practice sessions. The persistence of these problems into the qualifying round placed us at a disadvantage, relegating us to the back of the starting grid. This early setback set a challenging tone for the weekend, but our team remained determined to overcome these obstacles.
In a turn of events that showcased the skill and dedication of our technical team, the mechanical issues were diagnosed and resolved in time for the race, offering a glimmer of hope. However, just as we were beginning to make headway, a puncture during the third lap at turn 1 dramatically hindered our progress, costing us nearly two laps. Despite this, team pit stop strategy allowed Eduardo to regain a lap, a crucial piece of staying competitive in the race.
Reflecting on the weekend, it's clear that while we faced significant challenges, the experience provided us with invaluable lessons. The adversity we encountered has not only tested our resolve but has also fostered a deeper understanding and preparedness for future races. As we look ahead to Laguna Seca, we are motivated to apply the insights gained from this weekend, confident in our ability to return stronger, wiser, and more competitive.
Practice day before qualifying tomorrow and race on Friday.
Race Recap: BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona
A Learning Experience in the Michelin Pilot Challenge
Our team's journey in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, particularly during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona on January 19-26, offered us valuable lessons in resilience and the unpredictable nature of racing. The event was a blend of encouraging highs and unforeseen lows, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement.
Practice and Qualifying
The week of practice leading up to the race was fruitful. Our drivers, Eduardo and Eddie, worked in close collaboration with the team to find a setup that felt right. Their efforts and the team's support culminated in a promising P3 position in the qualifying rounds. This achievement, though modest, was a significant step for our team, reflecting our dedication and teamwork.
Race Day
The race began on a high note as we quickly moved up from our 3rd starting position to take the lead. This moment was a highlight for us, showcasing the potential of our team and our Audi RS3 LMS. However, racing is full of surprises, and we faced a major one when Eduardo noticed oil on his windshield. The subsequent engine failure, despite our best efforts, forced us to retire from the race earlier than anticipated.
Reflecting on the Outcome
Despite not finishing the race as hoped, we take away more than just disappointment from Daytona. The experience underscored the importance of preparedness and adaptability in racing. Our brief stint at the front of the pack was encouraging, but we recognize that there's much more to learn and improve upon.
Forward to Sebring
As we prepare for the upcoming race at Sebring in March, our Daytona experience has grounded us in reality. We are reminded that success in racing is not just about leading laps but also about handling challenges with grace and learning from them. Our team remains optimistic but with a renewed sense of humility and focus on growth.
We will be starting P3 on the grid tomorrow. See you @ 1:45 EST tomorrow 1/25. We would like to thank the team for their hard work leading up to the race.
Race this Friday!! Tune in on Peacock @ 1:45 EST