GT3: Farnbacher Loles Mosport race notes

Loles wins 5th straight, Price second at Mosport

Dino Loles took another step towards his first racing championship in his rookie season. Starting from the pole for the fifth straight time, Dino led every lap on his way to another comfortable victory in the 996 Class at the Mosport round of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge. Joining Dino on the podium with another strong performance was fellow Farnbacher Loles racer Shawn Price who took second in the 997 Class.

As Tropical Storm Ernesto was threatening to disrupt many of Saturday's scheduled races, the IMSA officials and drivers decided to forego qualifying and move the race up to an early Saturday time slot. Using times from the two practice sessions, the starting grid featured the four Farnbacher Loles drivers in the top eight. Starting second was Shawn with a 1:23.444 followed closely by teammate Bryce Miller who turned a 1:23.553 at 1.05.950 mph. Grabbing the sixth starting spot with a 1:24.472 was Tom Pank while Dino took the 996 pole and eight place on the grid, turning a 1:24.819 lap.

The early time slot worked out as the rain held off until later in the day. At the start, Shawn, Dino and Tom held position while Bryce lost one position at turn one. This seemed to energize the New Jersey native who soon retook the position and more. Bryce eventually made it up to the second spot, again turning the race's fastest lap with a blistering 1:23.264 in his Marquis Jet sponsored Porsche. A late race tire puncture unfortunately ended his day with a 13th place finish. Shawn Price stayed focused and showed consistent speed to take second place in his Savvion/Centennial Motorsports 997. This was Shawn's third podium finish of the season and moves him back into the Championship hunt after a disappointing DNF at Road America. Tom Pank ran a flawless race turning race laps nearly as quick as his practice laps. The fourth place finish was his second of the season driving the Baysaver 997.

The Mosport win gives Dino a 23-point lead in the 996 Class Championship with only two races remaining. During the drive back to Cornell University where he is a Senior, Dino discussed the race. "I was fortunate to have a clear track for a good part of the race. I was able to run my own pace and really did not have to push very hard until a few of the 997s began closing on me in the later laps. At that point I stepped it up to keep the position and stay in the top five overall. The car was really hooked up well and I have to again give credit to my crew for their expertise and effort."

-credit: flm