The CJ Wilson Racing Mazda MX-5s head to Laguna Seca full of belief that they can make it to Victory Lane at the end of the weekend.
The past three rounds have seen the Grand-Am Contintental Tyres Sports Car Challenge take on some of America’s fastest circuits, Indianapolis, Road America and Kansas Speedway. The sheer speed of these circuits left the MX-5s struggling to keep up with the superior horsepower of the BMWs, Hondas and Nissans.
Laguna Seca, however, should suit the Mazdas down to the ground, with more emphasis on corner speed, an area the MX-5s have over their class rivals.
“We have been looking forward to this race all season,” said CJWR team manager, Andris Laivins. “Our MX-5s suffered a bit through the middle of the season at the big horsepower tracks, but we think we can even the score in these closing races. Mazda Raceway favors light cars that produce a lot of grip, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s the brand’s home base. If there is one race we want to make our partners proud, this is it.”
The weekend could also be the scene of championship glory for CJWR’s Stevan McAleer. The 29-year-old Scot, and reigning Mazda MX-5 Cup champion, currently sits 36 points clear at the top of the Rookie of the Year standings, and just finishing could almost clinch the title.
“I have been looking forward to this weekend all year,” concluded team owner CJ Wilson. “This track suits our car so well and I know all of our drivers are excited to slide through the corkscrew. It is one of my favorite tracks as both a driver and a fan due to the elevation changes and track layout. We are pulling for a win!”
