Dual Top-Ten Finishes for Performance Tech Motorsports at VIR
Performance Tech Motorsports closed out a strong weekend of racing and development with two top-ten finishes at VIRginia International Raceway.
Performance Tech Motorsports enjoyed an elevated weekend at VIRginia International Raceway fielding two Ligier JSP320’s for the first time this season. The fast-paced event saw clear skies and high temperatures making car management crucial; a task all four drivers tackled with the ease of veterans to the sport.
Team Principal Brent O’Neill runs a tight ship, but the crew and drivers agree it’s worth it when they see the leaps and bounds made on and off the track each weekend.
“Another strong outing for us at VIR,” O’Neill said. “We had Rob and Chris with us for the first time and they did a great job getting up to speed. Oscar has shown so much improvement this season in the car with Dan, I’m glad he was able to get a strong finish. Overall, the cars came home clean and in one piece so we’re in a good position headed into the finale.”
Driver Dan Goldburg had the honor of starting the No. 6 Ligier JSP320 for the 90-minute race after qualifying in sixth place. After all of the cars cycled through the technical inspection Goldburg was awarded fifth place in qualifying but moved immediately up to third place upon taking the green flag. He entered pitlane after a strong 45-minute stint, handing the reins to Oscar Bittar to take the No. 6 to the checkered in sixth place.
In the No. 7 Cannonball Storage Ligier JSP320 Rob Mau started the race rolling over from the sixth row. The event served as both his and co-driver Chris Allen’s IMSA Prototype Challenge debut and they did a stellar job of acclimating to the car and race format. With 50 minutes remaining Allen buckled into the No. 7, entering the track in ninth place. Following a prolonged full course caution, he moved up to seventh place on the restart but ultimately would take the checkered flag in eight place.
The team now prepares for the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The weekend will host both IMSA Prototype Challenge Round 5 as well as the Motul Petit Le Mans. For event info and ticket sales visit https://www.imsa.com/events/2022-motul-petit-le-mans/.
QUOTE BOARD
Dan Goldburg, Driver of the No. 6 Ligier JSP320
“Overall I had a good day,” Goldburg said. “I was a little disappointed in my qualifying, I had plenty of more speed but got held up in traffic. I started fifth and rehearsed various scenarios that could occur in Turn 1 at the start and was really focusing on moving into fourth place. Once it went green I was able to snag third place in Turn 1 so I was pumped. From there I just focused forward and overall was pretty pleased with my run.”
“My focus this year has been on the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, so this was good seat time in the lead up to the last race of the year at the Petit Le Mans. I want to thank Brent and Performance Tech for the opportunity to run this weekend, for executing a flawless event and for providing a very fast car.”
Oscar Bittar, Driver of the No. 6 Ligier JSP320
“I think this weekend was very good,” Bittar said. “It was much better than the last race. I definitely feel more confidence in the car. We were here testing not long ago so I knew the track and really liked how aggressive and fast it was. I could have been better today, but I will keep working so we can get a podium finish.”
Robert Mau, Driver of the No. 7 Cannonball Storage Ligier JSP320
“That was a great first race,” Mau said. “I had one mistake at the start in the first turn, but it actually allowed me to race a whole bunch of people and make passes, working my way ahead of where we started. I’m starting to get comfortable in the car, now it’s time to go learn Road Atlanta. I haven’t driven there in years or in a car that’s this much fun so I’m excited.”
Chris Allen, Driver of the No. 7 Cannonball Storage Ligier JSP320
“That was a very successful first race,” Allen said. “I’m happy that Rob didn’t completely destroy the car after his little oopsie in Turn 1. Performance Tech gave us a quick car and I was happy with my pace (until the second to last lap when I got passed). Overall I’m pretty happy with the result, so now I need to convince Rob to come race Road Atlanta with me. The last time I drove there was a long time ago in much slower cars.”