Gran Turismo World Series Exhibition 3 Nations Cup Retrospective
Big Rock Racing Nations Cup Stable
Big Rock Racing’s inaugural entry in the Gran Turismo World Series Exhibition 3 Nations Cup has ended. It’s now time to reflect on a season filled with exhilarating highs, challenging lows, and invaluable lessons learned. This season has been a testament to perseverance, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Racing in the rain at the Red Bull Ring
The season kicked off at the Rainy Red Bull Ring, where the unpredictable weather set the stage for a dramatic opener. Qualifying in 4th place under dry conditions, the onset of rain just before the race added an extra layer of complexity. Early chaos and a spin at the pit resulted in an 8th place finish, disappointing in the context of what could have been, but it served up valuable lessons early that paid dividends in the races to follow—patience, calm, and consistency.
The showdown at Suzuka was a race to remember. Starting in P2 and opting for intermediate tires despite dry conditions was a gamble that paid off when the rain arrived. The race turned into a 12-lap sprint, and the consistency in wet conditions saw a climb back to 2nd place. However, a slide off the track at Degner and a subsequent rejoin in 5th added to the drama. The final lap heroics, overtaking two competitors at the hairpin, secured Big Rock Racing’s first podium with a 2nd place finish. Icing on the cake was competing in a Porsche 993, a car I have personal and real-world experience with. Strong results in a Porsche would become a theme as the season progressed.
Double pass at the hairpin to reclaim 2nd place
2nd place finish at Monza by a car-length
Monza brought a high-speed blast in another Porsche, the legendary Porsche 962C Group C race car. Qualifying on pole with a time of 1:26.909, the competition was fierce, with the 2nd place qualifier just 0.011 seconds behind. Despite a mistake at the chicane and a drag race to the finish, finishing 2nd by a mere 0.061 seconds was a thrilling conclusion to a hard-fought race. As I carried the lessons from round one to my second podium in a row, the sting of the Red Bull Ring was behind me.
Staying calm under pressure in the Red Bull X2019
Back in the Red Bull X2019 for the second time, the race at Grand Valley Reverse was a test of consistency and strategy that required me to get over my uncomfortable feeling with the car. Qualifying in 5th despite a tire mix-up and a chaotic start, the focus was on clean and consistent racing. Climbing back to 5th place after first lap shenanigans and maintaining it despite the challenges was a satisfying result. This race underscored the importance of strategy and calmness by putting my head down, racing my own race, and not allowing others to get me flustered.
Lago Maggiore West was a brawl of a race. Qualifying 2nd and engaging in a fierce battle with Jackrabbit_75 from Canada, the race was marked by intense competition, strategic overtakes, and the occasional hip-check. On the final lap I saw an opportunity to strike with a decisive move at turn 10, securing 3rd place and a 3rd podium! This race highlighted the balance between aggressive racing and sportsmanship. Practice on this course would pay dividends the following week in the Spec Miata Series, where I secured my first all-out victory in my favorite roadster.
Incurring a track limit penalty at Le Mans
The final round at Le Mans was a fitting conclusion to the season. Back in a Porsche with the 919 Hybrid Group 1 car, I qualified 3rd. A mere 0.44 seconds separated the top three, setting the stage for an epic battle at the front of the grid. I battled with Diego Luna of Mexico for the duration of the 7-lap race at Le Mans. The race was a test of consistency and penalty avoidance. We would all suffer multiple track limits penalties, and it was a significant factor in the race outcome. Despite the penalties, securing 3rd place and a fourth podium finish was an achievement in a race where I expected to finish mid-pack.
The Nations Cup ends with me ranked 4th in Washington State, 80th in the United States, and 110th in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico). Overall, I’m very satisfied with the result. We have plenty of room to improve but showed up as a force to be reckoned with in our first outing. Four podiums in six races, three with Porsche, is a promising start for Big Rock Racing.
Nations Cup Final Results
As we look back on this inaugural season, the journey has been one of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Each race brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, shaping a season to be proud of. The lessons learned will undoubtedly pave the way for even greater success in the future. Thank you so much for following along.
