Race Report: Barber Motorsports Park

As Brumos Racing traveled to scenic Barber Motorsports Park for round eight of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, things were looking good. Not only were Birmingham’s dreaded high temperatures absent, they were replaced by sunny and moderate weather for the entire race weekend. Even more exciting for Brumos was the sight of David Donohue taking our #58 Porsche Riley to the front of the pack early in the race – a sight too seldom seen since our Rolex 24 triumph. At one point, Brumos cars were running in 1st and 5th, but our good fortune was short-lived. Despite the numerous challenges faced throughout the race, our crew and drivers persevered to see both Brumos cars finish in the top ten.

David Donohue qualified #58 in 5th, and strategy to bring him in early for the mandatory 45 minute pit stop proved a good call. Donohue gave his crew high marks for their efforts, saying, “My hat’s off to our guys, Brumos Racing did just a tremendous job today and this weekend. Our first pit stop was just really amazing. At that first stop for fuel we were able to pass the #61 car in the pits and it made my life a whole lot easier, as I hadn’t gotten by him on the track.” Donohue later moved into the lead, holding on for thirteen laps before being hit by a GT car. As he explained, “Unfortunately, while leading, I got tagged from behind by the #70 car – he didn’t mean to hit me, but it caused a flat tire and I had to go all way around the track to get back to pit lane for repairs and that cost us a lot of time.”

Darren Law had problems of his own to deal with in the closing stint, as Donohue noted. “Darren was making his way up through the field after the driver change and with only a few laps to go he got a flat as well. It was really unfortunate for us, we had a 4th place finish in hand, we thought, so considering how we rolled off the truck this weekend and the hard work our crew put in, I think our guys have a lot to be proud of. They’re disappointed – but they’ve got a lot to be proud of.”

J.C. France’s challenges came early in qualifying for #59, as a shifter problem in that session brought him into the pits. With time to run only a few laps after the repair, he started the race from the back of the pack in 15th. Although gaining ground steadily, a much needed yellow flag never occurred, so the driver change took place under green, dropping #59 back again in position. Joao Barbosa drove his usual flawless stint, posting fast lap times, but the heavy traffic combined with a lack of caution periods gave little chance to gain ground. Despite the odds, he still managed to fight his way up to 9th, which was the best finish of all the Porsches in the DP class for the second consecutive race.

Barbosa said, “It was a tough weekend, but the car was better than it had been the last two races. We still had some issues, but it was a great effort from our team. We never got a break with a yellow flag, so it made it very difficult to make up position. I think we learned a lot during this race that will pay off in our next race. I am looking forward to better days and a better finish at the Glen.” The 9th place also allowed France to maintain the lead for the Trueman Sportsman Award.

Following the race, our #59 car is in 7th place in team points, followed by #58 in 8th. Determined to continue our search for improvement, both cars stayed an extra day at Barber to participate in a full day of testing to better prepare for our next race, which will be held on August 7th , as we return to Watkins Glen.

Article posted on: 09-Jul-23