FR Americas: First win for Dylan Tavella, Kyffin Simpson confirms his lead in the championship
May 16 - 17 - The FR Americas Championship gathered at Road America in Wisconsin for the second round of the season. The 11 Ligier JS F3s battled it out over the course of the three-race meeting, which was won by Dylan Tavella (Crosslink Competition) and Kyffin Simpson (TJ Speed Motorsports).
The race weekend kicked off on Saturday, May 16 with the free practice session. Jordan Missig (Newman Wachs Racing) led the way with a best time of 2:05.595 in his Ligier JS F3 #48.
It was then time for qualifying in the early afternoon. Never in the history of the FR Americas Championship have the results been so close. Only 0.056s separated poleman Hunter Yeany (#11, Velocity Racing Development) from his closest competitor, Kyffin Simpson (#21, TJ Speed Motorsports). Tied for third and just 0.062s off the pole were Jordan Missig and Joshua Car (#9, Crosslink Competition).
The first race of the weekend started late Saturday May 16th. Early in the race, polesitter Hunter Yeany and Joshua Car made contact, spun and lost the lead. However Joshua Car was able to restart in third, before passing Ian Rodriguez (#45, Newman Wachs Racing) and Dylan Tavella (#14, Crosslink Competition). Although he was the first to take the chequered flag, Joshua Car was given a 30-second penalty after the investigation of his contact with Hunter Yeany. The victory went to Crosslink Competition's second driver, Dylan Tavella.
Two races were scheduled on Monday, May 17. Championship leader Kyffin Simpson took his fourth win of the season after a great battle with Joshua Car. “It was a close race. I knew I was going to have to defend to stay up front. I was lucky enough to keep a good enough pace to keep Josh (Car) behind to where he didn't get too many opportunities to pass. Luckily I was able to fend him off in the end”,
The battle between the two drivers continued in the final race of the weekend. Joshua Car started on pole position and led despite several attacks from Kyffin Simpson. Just as the race seemed to be lost for the Kyffin Simpson, Joshua Car made a mistake in the final lap, dropping a wheel and spinning across track. This gave Kyffin Simpson a fifth win, consolidating his position as the championship leader. “I thought the race was over to be honest. Then I saw Josh (Car) spin. I made sure not to hit him so I wasn't collected in the damage as well. Once I passed him, I was able to take it easy to the finish line. It was a tough race handling the car and I am glad we pulled through for the win”, said TJ Speed Motorsports' driver.
The drivers will return to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from June 24 to 27.
For full results, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: Gavin Baker