It was a flawless GT America powered by AWS weekend for the winners in the SRO3, GT2, and GT4 Classes, as Justin Rothberg, Adrian Kunzle, and Judson Holt each claimed back-to-back victories at Long Beach in their respective categories.
Race 1
The SRO3 Class brought nonstop action to Long Beach. From the start, James Sofronas took the lead from polesitter Gray Newell on Lap 1 and held onto it, until heartbreak struck on the final lap.
While Sofronas built a gap up front, the battle behind him was in full effect. Kyle Washington muscled his #32 GMG Racing Porsche 992 GT3 R into third with a bold move, while Justin Rothberg, who had shuffled down to fourth in the #29 Turner Motorsports BMW M4 GT3 EVO, kept relentless pressure on the lead pack to claw his way back up.
Rothberg eventually cleared Washington for third and then made a decisive move past Newell with under 20 minutes to go. The most heated battle of the race remained the fight for third between Newell and Washington, until the latter pulled off a bold pass with just two minutes left on the clock.
But just as that overtake was made, Sofronas’ #14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVOII came to a halt, dashing his hopes of victory and promoting Rothberg to the top step of the podium, followed by Washington in second and Newell in third.
“I saw a car slowing down on the front straight and wasn’t sure what was happening, then I realized it was James,” explained Rothberg. “ I don’t like to root for anyone’s misfortune, but I will admit that seeing the race leader broken down meant that I would win the race, which made me happy. It was an amazing race. Everyone was respectful and gave space. It was some of the best racing I’ve ever participated in and one of the most fun races I’ve done.”
“This win means a lot,” he added. “A street circuit like Long Beach makes it feel that much more earned. It was a hard fight, I dropped back to fourth or fifth at the start, so we had to claw our way forward. To come out on top at such a historic track… it’s just an incredible feeling.”
Drama unfolded before the green flag waved in the GT2 class, as CJ Moses pulled into pit lane during the formation lap and was unable to take the start in his #58 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT2.
With his primary rival out, Adrian Kunzle had a clear path and capitalized, driving his #142 MLT Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 to an uncontested victory.
“Mixed-class racing is something I really enjoy, it’s a lot of fun,” said Kunzle. “At the start, we mixed it up with the GT3s a bit before they pulled away. Then once we started lapping GT4 traffic, it became all about making smart moves, especially on a track like this, where one mistake can cost you everything.”
Paul Sparta led the GT4 field to green in his #98 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT4, with Judson Holt glued to his rear bumper in the #188 Fast Track Racing BMW M4 GT4.
As pressure mounted, Sparta ran off track, opening the door for Holt to snatch the lead. Sparta rejoined behind Ricco Shlaimoun in the #7 ACI Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, who moved up into second. However, Shlaimoun was handed a five-second post-race penalty for a start violation, relegating him to third.
“It was a great race, and I’m so grateful for Paul and Ricco, what a great time we had out there,” said Holt. “It was an absolute blast. The racing was close, we were battling all the way through, and in the end, one turn made the difference. Just incredible competitors, and I’m thankful to be out here with them.”
Race 2
The closing round on Sunday delivered once again in the SRO3 Class. Blake McDonald took the green flag from pole position, having set the fastest lap in Race 1 aboard his #11 DXDT Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. However, he wasn’t able to hold the lead for long, as Race 1 winner Justin Rothberg surged ahead before Turn 1 in his #29 Turner Motorsport BMW.
Kyle Washington in the #32 GMG Racing Porsche followed closely and managed to slip by, as did series veteran James Sofronas in the #14 GMG Audi. Trouble struck for Gray Newell, whose #24 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO spun briefly at the iconic fountain.
Rothberg wasted no time building a solid lead, while the GMG Racing teammates battled it out for second place. Behind them, a heated fight developed between California native Elias Sabo in the #80 Flying Lizard Motorsports BMW M4 GT3 EVO and George Kurtz in the #04 CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 for fifth position.
As the race wore on, the pressure mounted. Washington and Sofronas continued their internal duel, while McDonald re-entered the mix in the closing laps, eyeing a podium finish. In classic GT America fashion, the action came to a head in the final lap when McDonald made contact with Sofronas at the hairpin, sending Sofronas wide and dropping him to seventh. McDonald was handed a post-race penalty, promoting Elias Sabo to third. George Kurtz finished fourth, with Ross Chouest rounding out the top five.
“We started out second behind the Corvette, and I was able to get by him into the first corner. From there, it was pretty smooth sailing,” said Justin Rothberg.
He added, “This win is huge for me. Winning at Long Beach once is insane, but twice? That’s just crazy. I didn’t expect this at all, and I’m thrilled with the weekend.”
Adrian Kunzle completed a weekend sweep in GT2, once again taking the win with a commanding drive in his #142 MLT Motorsports Lamborghini. He came under constant pressure from CJ Moses in the #58 GMG Racing Audi GT2 throughout the race.
Kunzle remained unfazed, responding to the challenge by laying down purple sectors lap after lap.
“This track is surprisingly punishing,” said Kunzle. “I definitely felt yesterday’s race today. But it’s such a blast. You start getting comfortable with the walls. It’s just so much fun!”
Paul Sparta led the GT4 field to the green flag in his #98 Random Vandals Racing BMW, having set the fastest lap time in Race 1. As the 40-minute race unfolded, the seasoned driver had increasing pressure from local driver and Race 1 winner Judson Holt in the #188 Fast Track Racing BMW. Though Sparta remained cool and collected, even when the GT4 pack got caught up with the GT3 field, adding a layer of challenge.
With 22 minutes left in the race, bad luck plagued Sparta who had to come down pit lane due to a flat tire caused by a nail. Holt inherited the lead, with young driver Ricco Shlaimoun running in second place in the #7 ACI Motorsports Porsche. As the race came to a closing stage, the order didn’t change, however, Paul Sparta was caught up in some GT3 traffic, but mastered the situation perfectly, staying out of the way of their race.
“ It was all about being patient, and waiting for an opportunity to make a pass,” hometown hero Judson Holt. “ And the opportunity came. It was just right there in the right moment. I am ecstatic about the weekend, now on to COTA where I will be back in GT4 America!”
The GT America Powered by AWS field will be back on track in just two weeks at Circuit of the Americas from 25-27 April, along with the rest of the SRO Motorsports America championships.
Images © Fabian Lagunas / SRO Motorsports America
