ALTON, Vir., (June 18, 2023) – Both the temperatures and the attrition were high this weekend for Flying Lizard Motorsports at VIRginia International Raceway for the next two rounds of the Pirelli GT4 America and GT America Powered by AWS championships. Racing the No. 460 Porsche 911 GT3 R, No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 and No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4, the team encountered various obstacles while fighting to maintain their championship points lead. The team rebounded to close out the weekend with a third place finish and three additional top-five results.

“VIR is an amazing track but also demands respect,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “It is very fast and has high consequences if you get off track. We saw that this weekend. The field is so tight as far as speed and lap times and now that we are at about the halfway point in the season the points battle is coming to a critical point. We can’t afford to make a mistake on track, but having said that the points are so close we also can’t afford to take it easy. It is still anyone’s championship right now, several cars had issues this weekend but I was happy we came away with a good amount of points and are still in the fight.”

GT America
The first of two GT America races offered little racing, with various contacts interrupting the 40-minute sprint race. Elias Sabo and his No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 were among the early casualties, when contact from another car sent the Lizard car into the wall and back to the garage. The extensive damage to the black and orange Aston Martin resulted in Sabo’s early retirement from the race as well as the remainder of the GT America weekend. Though having only a two-lap window of green flag racing, Jason Bell gained two spots during the race to earn his seventh podium of the GT America season. Andy Wilzoch also enjoyed a strong run during the brief race, finishing seventh after starting in tenth place.

After an issue on the pace lap caused Jason Bell to move to the rear of the field for the second GT America race start, Bell had quite the task ahead of him on Sunday morning. He started the race in 11th, but gained three positions within the first three turns of the opening lap. He engaged in a tight and entertaining battle with Tim Savage for fifth place, and eventually took the position to fight for third place with Tony Gaples. The ensuing battle resulted in the Flying Lizard car spinning, but Bell recovered to finish in fourth place.

The GT America series will next compete at Nashville, Tennessee’s Music City Grand Prix, racing on the temporary circuit built of the city’s downtown street circuits, August 4-6.

GT4 America
Elias Sabo started the opening GT4 America race from sixth place, gaining a position in the opening lap. The heat of the day made the track slippery, but Sabo maintained position and gave the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 over to Lee at the halfway point. A quick and clean stop in pit lane, aided by speedy driving by Lee brought the team up from fifth to fourth place, giving the team a satisfactory points haul headed into day two.

Determined to build on the previous day’s progress, Lee started race two from sixth place, gaining two stops in the opening laps. His green-flag race time was robbed with a full course caution, but he was still able to fight for third in class before his stint reached its end. Despite having contact from other cars while engaged in side-by-side battles for position and being sent off track more than once, Lee was able to continue and give the No. 8 Aston Martin to Elias Sabo for the remainder of the race at the halfway point. Sabo joined the race in seventh place, and he climbed up to fifth place at the drop of the checkered flag, earning a seventh top-five finish.

The GT4 America series will take a one-month break, next competing at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 18-20.

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About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

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About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

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About Apex Motor Club
Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com