Sebring: RealTime Racing race report
RealTime Acuras Sweep Sebring 1-2-3 for Kleinubing, Wittmer, Cunningham For a record extending fourth time in SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge history, RealTime Racing's lead trio of Acura TSX drivers scored a podium sweep today at Sebring ...
RealTime Acuras Sweep Sebring
1-2-3 for Kleinubing, Wittmer, Cunningham
For a record extending fourth time in SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge history, RealTime Racing's lead trio of Acura TSX drivers scored a podium sweep today at Sebring International Raceway. No other touring car team has ever scored a podium sweep.
Pierre Kleinubing recorded his team record 27th World Challenge win and the team's World Challenge record extending 65th. Acura TSX teammates Kuno Wittmer and team owner Peter Cunningham followed him to the finish line, less than one second behind.
"Qualifying on the pole is a good omen for me," noted Kleinubing. "Yesterday was my third Sebring Touring Car pole and each time I've done that, I've gone on to win the race.
"I think RealTime today showed the benefits of our testing over the winter to make sure we earn back the Manufacturers' Championship. It was obvious that our cars were all equal. If Kuno could have made a safe pass on me, he was free to try, but he just never had a chance, with my boss, Peter, back there nipping at his heels."
For Kuno, this was his second runner-up finish in a row, having finished second at last season's finale. It won't be long before we see him on the top step of the podium.
RealTime Racing entered five Acuras in the race, facing a host of Mazdas and BMWs as their main adversaries.
"Starting 1-2-3 was a definite advantage for us, even though none of us turned the fastest race lap. With our positions on the grid and our great setup on our Acuras, we had the right package.
The fourth RealTime Acura TSX, qualified 7th by Dino Crescentini, finished in 8th position. Crescentini dropped back at the start and after biding his time, put on a strong close, passing three cars for position on the race's final lap.
The team's lone Acura RSX, raced by Glen Bocchino, finished 16th after first lap contact in turn nine. After his monster start, it was a frustrating result on what had promised to be a strong debut with his new team.
The Sebring race TV broadcast will air on SPEED TV at Noon ET on Friday, March 21.
The next World Challenge Touring race will be April 25-27 at VIRginia International Raceway near Danville, Va.
-credit: rtr
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