AUSTIN, Tex., (April 27, 2025) – Flying Lizard Motorsports closed out another successful weekend at Circuit of the Americas, securing three podium finishes and one pole position across its GT America, GT World Challenge America, and McLaren Trophy America programs. The weekend also marked another strong step forward in the team’s debut McLaren Trophy America season.

We always enjoy racing at COTA and have had a lot of success there in the past and this weekend was no different. It was a great event for the McLaren’s as we not only got our first podiums of the season, but we had a podium every race. For the 511 Tactical BMW GT3 it was one of the best performances we have had this year, the car was extremely quick and so was Elias. He really made a jump in his performance this past weekend and we are looking forward to watching him progress this year.

McLaren Sonoma Race Two Makeup Race
The weekend began with the rescheduled makeup race for McLaren Trophy America’s Sonoma event, which was previously rained out. Canaan O’Connell started from second place but was pushed back as the field stormed into Turn One. Unfazed, he battled back up to second behind Jesse Lazare, while Spencer Bucknum climbed from fourth to third. A full-course caution interrupted the race amid another round of rainfall, leaving all competitors on slick tires to navigate treacherous conditions. At the restart, O’Connell took advantage of the slick surface, moving up to the class lead before pitting the No. 18 from fourth position. Bucknum followed closely behind for the mandatory driver changes, handing the cars over to Brandon Kreutz and George Lawrence. Both drivers expertly managed the fluctuating track conditions, with Kreutz finishing third and Lawrence fourth, delivering another podium finish for the Lizards.

McLaren Trophy Race One
At the start of the first scheduled McLaren Trophy race, the No. 3 of George Lawrence and the No. 18 of Brandon Kreutz went side-by-side into turn one, with Lawrence taking fifth position. Two penalties for cars ahead in the field played into the Lizards’ favor, moving them up to fourth and fifth just six minutes into the race. After their pit stops with 19 minutes remaining, O’Connell rejoined in fourth and Bucknum in sixth. With eight minutes to go, a mechanical issue sidelined the No. 812 car running in second, promoting both Lizards up a position. O’Connell moved into third to secure a podium, while Bucknum passed Chris Leichtweis with three minutes remaining to finish fourth.

McLaren Trophy Race Two
In Race Two, Bucknum started fifth and O’Connell seventh. Bucknum immediately launched a charge toward the front, fiercely battling with Eric Figueiras for third. When two cars ahead made contact, Bucknum evaded the incident and surged into the class lead, gaining nine overall positions. A full-course caution neutralized the race, and Bucknum led the field to the restart, with O’Connell up to third after his own nine-position climb. The top three battled intensely, with Lancaster taking the lead, next was O’Connell then Bucknum in third. O’Connell’s momentum then carried the No. 18 to the class lead before both Lizards pitted for mid-race driver changes. Kreutz rejoined in second, Lawrence in fourth, with the field spread out. A late-race caution closed the gaps, setting up a final sprint. In the closing minutes, Lawrence moved up to third, but a late race incident moved Kreutz back several positions, the finish gave the No. 3 of Lawerence and Bucknum its first podium finish of the season.

GT America Race One
Elias Sabo started from the front row in GT America Race One, launching side-by-side into turn one with Memo Gidley. Sabo initially held second position, chasing down Kyle Washington’s race-leading Porsche. However, a drive-through penalty for changing columns at the start dropped him down the order. After serving the penalty, he rejoined in eighth and ultimately finished seventh in class after a spread-out, caution-free 40-minute race. Qualifying position for race two is determined by the fastest lap of the race for each car and Sabo made excellent use of his time posting the fastest lap of the race and earning him a pole position start for race two.

GT World Challenge Race One
In the GT World Challenge America race, Sabo started sixth and skillfully avoided two spinning cars at the start. He quickly pressured Jason Rothberg for position before a full-course caution was called. On the restart, Sabo maintained fourth position, racing nose-to-tail with Ross Chouest throughout his stint. Unfortunately, electrical issues began to plague the No. 8 BMW M4 GT3 with 59 minutes remaining, and the car was ultimately retired after completing 23 of 42 laps.

Up Next
Flying Lizard Motorsports’ SRO America programs will next head to Sebring International Raceway for another round of doubleheader races, May 16–18.