Running three cars for the first time on a single event weekend at the last event at Road America, Black Sheep Racing will return to the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama with the same trio this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Set to take on the 20-turn facility, Kenton King, Laura Ely, and Josh Conley will race out of the BSR stable and look to fight for the win.
With a pair of top-ten results at Road America and the reigning 991 class champion, Laura Ely is aiming for her first victory in the 992 Am class in Texas. Always a threat and earning multiple podium finishes this season, Ely is in search of that elusive climb to the top step of the legendary Formula One-style podium that COTA offers.
Kenton King and Josh Conley are set to continue their battle in the 992 Pro/Am class with both having consistent results throughout their Road America weekend. King earned a pair of top-ten results by finishing sixth in both rounds last weekend but desperately wants to return to the podium while Conley, who entered Road America as a guest competitor for Black Sheep Racing, will contest COTA and the rest of the 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama season alongside King in the Pro/Am ranks.
“Three drivers give us three opportunities,” explained Business Development Manager Chris Stiffler. “We only have three event weekends left in 2023, and they are at legendary facilities such as the Circuit of the Americas, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While we would love to win at each, the goal is to finish the season strong and provide added value to our partners and partnership program.”
“Our recent trackside meeting at Road America with series officials revealed some new exciting news as COTA will be the first in USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge history where the gates will be open to the public and tickets will be on sale for fans to attend our event!” continued Stiffler. “To date, the Porsche Sprint Challenge series has been a closed-circuit private series, and we are excited that USAC and Porsche have decided that the next step for fan engagement is here and now. This will undoubtedly allow BSR the opportunity to expand our fan base and provide more value to our partners moving forward into the final third of the 2023 Sprint Challenge season as well as allow us to continue to build our already expanding program.”
Alongside its national-level race program, Black Sheep Racing continues to evolve its Driver Development efforts. Taking part in several Porsche Club events throughout the country helping groom the next Black Sheep Racing driver, as well as continuing to expand their diversity program and women in motorsports efforts, Black Sheep Racing is working today, to build a better tomorrow.
Stiffler added, “Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for drivers, mechanics, and partners. We want to be able to train, mentor, and promote within the team but also provide value for all our partners. We are a race team that is focused on winning, but also one that is working to make the world a better place.”
BSR had a fantastic turnout from the Milwaukee PCA club invitation and 53 members attended Road America.
“We awarded two lucky club members pace car rides by professional driver Nick Neri in the 718 Cayman GT4 and the experience is one they won’t soon forget. BSR will continue to provide opportunities for PCA members trackside. From our 992 Cup car tech talks to meeting the crew, and hospitality, we will continue to engage our fans and make their day with us memorable!”
Ready to hit the track Thursday for three test sessions, the official race weekend will begin on Friday with two practice sessions that will lead into the weekend. Saturday will be the home of qualifying and the first wheel-to-wheel racing before Sunday morning provides race two of the double header.
Photo Credit: RTD Media