Mario Farnbacher and Meyer Shank Racing can’t complain about a lack of race action at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s fourth round. Chaotic weather conditions forced the Franconian and Matt McMurry to demonstrate all their skills on the Road America, in order to secure their second place.
Wisconsin offered everything from bright sunshine to heavy rain and the Acura duo had to deal with it all. Powerful performances, flawless pit stops, and a good strategy finally rewarded them with the season’s second podium finish.
“What a crazy race”, Farnbacher commented, after the event at Road America. “Conditions weren’t always easy and in addition, we had to fight with deteriorating tyres. I’m particularly pleased we got to climb the podium again under those circumstances. Thanks go to the whole team, who’ve done a fantastic job!”
Although it was dry when the race started, two hours later it was red-flagged and came to a halt due to lightning. The remaining eight minutes were to be decisive: Farnbacher resumed the race in fifth position and quickly pushed the Acura NSX GT3 Evo #86 forward to tail the leader, finally securing the lead with just one lap to go.
But luck wasn’t on the reigning GTD Champion’s side. Hydroplaning sent the 28-year-old off the track, but he still crossed the finish line in second place.
“Obviously, we wanted to win. But all things considered, we can be satisfied with a second”, the Acura driver sums up. “The car ran unbelievably well in the rain, I kept the pace and we made a good point haul for the team. At the end of the day, that’s what counts.”
Things continue in three weeks, when Farnbacher travels with Meyer Shank Racing to the next race at the Virginia International Raceway on 21 to 23 August.
