David Pittard secured a podium finish and a fastest lap on his US racing debut in the FARA series ‘Sunset 300’ event at Miami Homestead Speedway last weekend (6/7 June).
The reigning Ginetta GT4 Supercup vice-champion teamed up with Brazilian co-driver Ramon Alcaraz in a Team Ginetta USA-run Ginetta G55 GT4.
After racking up laps in practice to become acquainted to the circuit, Pittard put them second in the MP-1A class on the grid in qualifying despite having just three flying laps.
“The track was relatively simple to pick up, meaning I could start to match the times of the more experienced drivers in the team like, former BTCC and current Brazilian Stockcar driver Nono Figueiredo,” said Pittard.
“Turns 3-4 using the NASCAR banking were a great adrenaline buzz! I got ten laps in, on very old tyres and three flying laps on new tyres to qualify the car second which was a good place to start the long race from!”
Alcaraz started the race, which saw rain begin to fall just as the cars completed their warm up laps. The team made the decision to stay out on slicks due to the high ambient and track temperatures, and despite increasingly wet conditions through the sting Alcaraz was able to maintain third position in class.
Pittard headed out on track with some fresh wet Hankook tyres, however his outing was short-lived …….
“After three laps, the race was red flagged due to the thunder storm approaching and the marshals on circuit,” he explained. “So I had to wait a further thirty minutes before getting back out on circuit in anger.”
Back on track in the darkness, Pittard consistently lapped as the fastest car on circuit and set the fastest lap in class as he closed onto the top two in class.
A mistake from the car ahead promoted him to second, which after a quick splash and dash fuel stop in the final half four, he maintained to the finish.
“Having spent over two hours in the car, it was a tough stint, which was great fun! Being the fastest car on circuit meant I got great experience managing traffic and the tyres over a long stint, bringing home a great result which was set up nicely by Ramon after his great drive in difficult conditions,” he reflected.
“I really enjoyed myself and think I made a great impression! A huge thank you to Adolpho Rossi of Ginetta USA and Ramon Alcaraz for the amazing opportunity, I hope to be back in the FARA series again soon!”
