GT3 Cup: Series Utah round eight race notes

SMITH BROTHERS COMPLETE WEEKEND VICTORY SWEEP

TOOELE, UTAH (July 11, 2010) It was another family affair in Round 8 of the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama, as Ross and Kendall Smith made it a clean sweep of the weekend Platinum and Gold Cup class victory podiums in the Larry H. Smith Dealerships Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsport Park.

But the story of the race was the action behind the class leaders, as the guys (and girl) ran 24 caution- free laps of hard, clean racing with at least for today a limited amount of paint exchanged.

Ross Smith, behind the wheel of the #5 Maxwell Paper Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car notched his sixth victory of the season, getting around polesitter Jorge Trejos (#55 AASCO Motorsports/Adidas) and #16 Chris Cumming (World Speed Motorsports/Innovative Fitness) on the first lap.

"The pass was good, I got a really good run on Chris," said Smith. "I kind of guesstimated where I was supposed to go and I nailed it. Then I got a really good tow on Trejos, which gave me enough room to make a pass stick. I was able to get a good gap and stay out in front. But Chris crept up there again! That guy waits til the last minute and he puts pressure on you, you can see him all over the mirrors."

The scenario was a virtual repeat of Saturday's race: Cumming fell back at the start, but got back by Trejos and #92 Darrell Carlisle (Kelly-Moss Racing) and set his sights on Smith.

"Ross is a little bit ahead of everybody, but we're all getting a bit closer," said Cumming. "This is a new program for us this year and we're figuring out new things about the car and how to drive it every weekend. I think this is the first race this year that we've been able to show the speed we have so we're looking forward to the next round!"

Kendall Smith, driving the #4 Maxwell Paper Racing entry in the Gold Cup class, started in front of the class and stayed in front not that he didn't feel the pressure from the battles being raged behind him. #14 Amadeo Quiros II (AASCO Motorsports), #26 Henrique Cisneros (NGT Motorsports) and #57 Melanie Snow (Snow Racing) swapped positions repeatedly throughout the race, but were never quite able to get to Smith, who was understandably excited with his second series victory.

"What a great feeling!" said Smith. "Coming into this weekend with no wins, just four podium finishes, there's no feeling like a win! I know there was a lot going on behind me, but it was not an easy day for me at all. I have to take my hat off to Amadeo and Henrique, they raced me 100% clean, the same way I race them. All the cars came back in one piece without a dent on them."

Snow completed her short return to the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama with a podium finish (3rd) in the Gold Cup class, which earned her the Yokohama Hard Charger award, as she finished 7 th overall from a 14th place starting position.

"We had a huge battle!" said Snow. "I've never had a race that was that fun, it definitely topped all my races. Amadeo, running with him, such a clean, fun driver, we just battled inside and out with no contact, we left room for each other. You're always excited to be on the podium, but usually not this excited to be in third, and I am so excited to be in third!"

The Speed TV production of Rounds 7 and 8 of the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama is scheduled to air on Sunday, August 8th at 1:00am EDT (Rounds 5 and 6 will air on Sunday, July 18th at 1:00am EDT). The season continues August 6 and 7, with Rounds 9 and 10 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge. Please visit www.imsachallenge.com for the latest track schedule, television information and updates.

-source: imsa