For Immediate Release-
Round 9 of 10 in the Imsa Michelin Pilot Challenge was held at Weathertech
Raceway (formerly the famed Laguna Seca Raceway) September 14th,
2019. For Carbahn Motorsports with
Peregrine Racing, as well as Drivers Tyler Mcquarrie and Jeff Westphal, this
would be the home race as the circuit is roughly 1 hour away from the whole
team.
The #39 Audi R8 GT4 came off of a 2nd place podium at the previous
round in Virginia, while simultaneously extending their lead in the championship
with the late race action. The Duo
of Mcquarrie and Westphal aimed to further close in on that championship win,
especially in front of their family and friends.
“I am a firm believer that the best defense is a strong offense, and we’ve come
this far in the 2019 season doing things with a particular mindset, why change
a successful recipe?” explained Westphal.
The Audi R8 was looking fast in practice, and Tyler
Mcquarrie got the duo one step closer to their goal by qualifying the #39 on the
pole position and setting a new lap record for GT4 cars in IMSA competition
with a 1.30.876 around the 2.2 Mile Weathertech Speedway.
Tyler shot out of the gates with a healthy lead over the 25+ car field, only to
relinquish the driving duties to Westphal after a full course yellow erased the
advantage he had created.
Mcquarrie out and Westphal in the #39 Audi with roughly 70 minutes to
go, and Westphal rejoined in 2nd, and quickly passed for the lead on
the first lap back to green. Jeff maintained
the lead until lap 46 where Carbahn called in the Audi to take fuel that would
get them to the end of the 2 Hour race.
After a quick stop for fuel and 2 tires, the #39 Audi rejoined the race
in 11th. The
championship leader sliced his way through some cars ahead, as other had to
stop for fuel as well. With 20
minutes to go, Westphal was in 3rd, within sight of 2nd and
1st whilst closing the gap.
With 3 laps to go Jeff slipped past the #7 Porsche for 2nd place
and brought home another podium for the Carbahn with Peregrine Racing team,
making it 6 of 9 races thus far.
“I am so glad Tyler got to
flex his muscles in front of his family and friends by taking the pole position
for the 2 hour race. Especially
since our Audi was hit in practice by a car that lost control ahead of us. The team really displayed why they are
championship caliber as well, as the car ran flawlessly. To head into the last race of the
season with a 34 point advantage, and a win being 35, is so gratifying for all
the hard work and sacrifice everyone inside of this team has made. With that said, we all have to pay
thanks to the families and loved ones that support each and every one of us
while we are one the road.” Said Jeff.
The California based squad gears up to seal their
championship in the final round of the season, at Road Atlanta, home of Petit
Le Mans where Westphal will pull double duty, fighting in two races, two cars,
both with Championships on the line for the 4th race this year.
Thanks to our partners who make this possible:
Financial Architect Partners
Penn Mutal
Bell Helmets USA
Sparco USA
TNVC inc.
Hammer Nutrition
Hill City
Race for RP
Accel
Menlo
Audi North America
