It was off to the Racing Capital of the World and the holy grail of motorsports, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this past weekend for the most recent round of the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America program. With both Laura Ely and Stephen Ayers in attendance, the weather would bring havoc to the weekend.
“We had rain thirty minutes before the race start of race one on Saturday and since Laura was not racing for points this weekend, we decided to not risk an incident and save her car for the championship battle,” explained Marketing Manager Chris Stiffler. “The first five laps of the race were wet and then began to dry out. I think we made the wrong decision not to race but with the points lead going into Austin in a few weeks, we all felt that it was the best decision as the championship takes priority.”
On track, Steven Ayers showed his strength as he battled hard at the front of the 911 class and took home the second position and second place points for the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Western Championship. Showing off his wet weather prowess and transitioning that speed when the track dried, Ayers earned his best result of the season in the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend.
Back to the track on Sunday and Ayers’ luck would run out. Looking to repeat or better his performances from the day prior, Steven was hit during the initial race start causing damage to the right rear of his Black Speed Racing Porsche 911 and was forced to retire. Laura Ely took the reins and carried the BSR program on the results sheets on Sunday as she had another spirited drive finishing eighth overall, but first in the Western Championship results. Despite not racing for points, Laura and the Black Sheep Racing program were able to learn and gain experience as they head to the championship finale in a few weeks.
“We are looking at the big picture and made sure we stayed out of trouble this weekend,” explained Laura Ely. “I am confident heading into COTA and look to battle for not only the championship, but a pair of race wins as well.”
While they have been winning on the track, off of it, Black Sheep Racing has also been very busy securing marketing partners in their chase for the 2022 championship. Announcing this past weekend, a new marketing partner, Black Sheep Racing was elated to announce Division1 College Racing League Association as the newest partner to the program.
“We were thrilled to join Black Sheep Racing at Indy. Laura was kind enough to show us around the Brickyard, introduce us to other females in motorsports, and gave us the keys to direct networking opportunities. Our goal is to give young college women more participation opportunities in motorsports and bridge the gap, paving the largest path to pro for every single young woman who studies STEM and has aspirations of driving and becoming part of a university team. Working with the Black Sheep Racing team while in action, secured our relationship knowing that as Division 1 College Racing League Association grows, we will be in the best of hands. Their advice and experience collectively are invaluable and their passion to pursue this vision is there. DIVISION1 College Racing League Association is excited to announce its first Letter of Intent to collaborate with Black Sheep Racing as a founding Team Race Car Owner. Working together is a no-brainer. Pairing universities with private team race car owners to compete on a national stage for a shot at a Women’s Collegiate National Championship in Motorsports is what will be our legacy,” explained Deanne Gallagher, CEO of Division 1 College Racing League Association.
Stiffler added, “We are growing. Our goal is to add more partners as we move towards the 2023 season, and I look forward to showing them all the benefits of competing under the Black Sheep Racing banner.”
Stay tuned to the Black Sheep Racing social media pages for news, information, photos and results from all event weekends. To be added to the Black Sheep Racing Mailing List, please email Chris@BlackSheepRacing.org.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities on Black Sheep Racing, please contact Chris Stiffler at (330) 419-2445 or via email to Chris@BlackSheepRacing.org. Black Sheep Racing can also be found on social media by searching Black Sheep Racing.
Photos: Tek Media