Performance Tech Motorsports Welcomes Familiar Faces for Sebring
Performance Tech Motorsports veteran drivers Brad Baker and John DeAngelis are set to join the team for Round Two of IMSA Prototype Challenge at Sebring International Raceway.
The addition of the No. 19 Kerr Industries/DeAngelis Diamond LMP3 makes Performance Tech the largest team in the field with three Ligier JS P3 Prototypes entered for Round 2, March 18-19. While both Baker and DeAngelis are no strangers to the team this is the pair's first race together. Team Principal Brent O’Neill has no doubt that their welcoming personalities and enjoyment of the sport will mesh extremely well.
“Brad and John are such great guys it’s great to see them driving together,” O’Neill said. “Brad showed so much growth last season in the LMP3 and John has spent the past season improving in the Elan DP02. We’ve done testing leading up to the race and they both were confident in the car and one another so this should be a fun weekend.”
After missing the opening round, Baker is back with the team in the trademark white and blue No. 19 Ligier JS P3. In 2019 Baker participated in select races throughout the season, obtaining as much seat time under his belt as possible. He brings over one hundred race starts to the team and a positive, can-do attitude identifying him as one of the fiercest but friendliest competitors in the paddock.
“I am very happy to be back racing with Performance Tech,” Baker said. “I’m particularly happy to be at Sebring because I think it is a great track and we will be part of my favorite IMSA race on the calendar; the 12 Hours of Sebring. I am looking forward to having a lot of fun with John. From last season I learned that having no expectations will allow me to just focus on doing the best I can and let John, Brent, Gwenn, and the team do the rest!”
DeAngelis made his IMSA Prototype Challenge debut with the team for the 2018 season finale at Road Atlanta. His 2019 season was dedicated to racing the Elan DP02, honing his racecraft and technique. In conjunction with Performance Tech, DeAngelis has countless hours at Sebring International Raceway making him a podium-worthy wild card to watch this weekend.
“Sebring is definitely my home track so I’m very much looking forward to racing there again,” DeAngelis said. “I’m also anxious to share a seat with a great driver like Brad Baker. We will have a couple of practice days next week to get used to the car but I have been watching lots of videos to learn brake and throttle points so I’m praying I can get comfortable with the car very quickly. Performance Tech has assisted with coaching and data as well which has been so helpful.”
Round Two of IMSA Prototype Challenge takes to the track Wednesday, March 18 for Practice One at 10:10 a.m. ET, Practice Two at 12:10 p.m. and a 4:15 p.m. qualifying session. The team returns to the track Thursday, Mar. 19 for Round Two of IMSA Prototype Challenge at 11:55 a.m. For more details or ticket information visit https://sportscarchampionship.imsa.com/events/2020-mobil-1-twelve-hours-sebring-presented-advance-auto-parts.