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In what can only be described as a textbook start to the season, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team came away with yet another victory, this time at Laguna Seca, after a tough weekend of heated TCR racing. This result bolsters the team’s overall championship lead which is now extended to a commanding 180 points after just three races.
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Leaderboard
NEW TRACK SURFACE
Spotlight over the weekend was on the freshly resurfaced track at the historic Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. Drivers and teams would quickly have to adapt their styles and vehicles to make the most out of their limited time here. Early reports indicated that the new surface was faster and gripper than ever but tire degradation was still a factor to consider, given the high track temps under sunny skies.
Historically, the team hasn’t had much success around Laguna Seca’s 2.2 mile course but Chris Miller and Mikey Taylor came hungry, looking to extend their championship lead once more. Friday’s Practice 1 and 2 went well as the drivers and team quickly adapted the No.17 Audi to this demanding 11-turn race track while finishing both sessions within the top 5 of the TCR field.
CHRIS MILLER QUALIFIES P2
Qualifying would take place early Saturday morning with Chris Miller behind the wheel. Eager to secure his first pole of the season, Miller quickly showed great pace, exchanging top spots with the No.6 Honda piloted by Bryan Ortiz and the No.33 Hyundai piloted by Harry Gottsacker. With mere minutes left before the end of the qualifying session, Miller set a blistering 1:29.512 which was quick enough for P1 at the time but was ultimately bested by a competing Honda.
TWO HOUR RACE KICKS OFF
The Unitronic JDC-Miller Audi would start Saturday afternoon’s 2-hour race from P2 under clear skies. After a couple early yellow flags involving GS traffic ahead, the hungry field of TCR competitors would finally start to push the pace and contend for the lead. Miller kept a steady pace throughout his stint, ultimately bringing in the Audi for its only pit stop of the day with just over one hour to go in P5.
With a nearly perfectly executed pit stop from the JDC-Miller Motorsports crew, a determined Mikey Taylor would take over the reins in the final half of the race with clear track ahead. Lap after lap, Taylor would pick his way through the field and bring the unmistakable yellow Audi all the way up to P1 with only 18 minutes to go. Taylor would go on to maintain his lead all the way through to the finish, netting the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team its 3rd victory in three races so far this season and its fifth victory in the last six races.
A thrilled Taylor would go on to say: “What an amazing way to start the season! I am just so proud of everyone on the team for working as hard as they do to accomplish this. There is so much that goes on behind-the-scenes at Unitronic and JDC-Miller Motorsports in order for us to be here. It wasn’t an easy race by any means with some tough competition from the Hyundai teams but I’m happy I could help bring home the hat trick to start the season.”
SIGHTS SET ON CHAMPIONSHIP
This storybook start to the season solidifies the team’s place as true championship contenders. No single entry (car) in IMSA TCR history has previously won 3 races in a row and with its ten total wins, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports No.17 entry is tied for most overall wins in TCR competition as well. With just three weeks left before what promises to be a tough 4-hour race at Mid-Ohio, the team will enjoy some rest before the next important leg of the season.
Stay up to date on all our activities, learn more about the team, our pro drivers, the #17 RS 3 LMS TCR race car, our tremendous sponsors and shop for team merch HERE. Make sure to tune into UNITRONIC social media channels for behind the scenes race coverage of all ten championship events!
Photos by Sideline Sports Photography LLC
About UNITRONIC®
UNITRONIC® engineers industry-leading aftermarket performance enhancing software and hardware for Audi®, Volkswagen®, Seat®, and Skoda® cars worldwide. Best known for its performance software engine and transmission calibrations, Unitronic enhances vehicle performance while maintaining complete OEM-like reliability and drivability. Unitronic’s UniCONNECT+ Programming and Diagnostic Interface empowers Unitronic Clients to safely reprogram their engine and transmission control modules from the comfort of home, anywhere in the world. Learn more about Unitronic's competitive advantage at www.getunitronic.com
About JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS
JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS is a world-class multiple championship winning sportscar racing team, with a total of 18 championships, 60 wins, 57 pole positions, and 195 podiums, most of which coming by way of their Prototype class programs running in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Highlights include an Overall Win at the Six Hours at Watkins Glen in 2018, 2017 Winner Extreme Spirit Award, and 2017 Winner Jim Trueman Award, providing the team an automatic entry into the 2018 24 Hours of LeMans. Learn more at www.jdcmotorsport.com
About LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada
LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada is a subsidiary of LIQUI MOLY GmbH, a global motor oil and additive company based in Germany selling products in more than 150 countries. LIQUI MOLY offers more than 4,000 items globally covering automotive, powersports, commercial vehicles, boats and watercraft and more. LIQUI MOLY USA - Canada is actively involved in motorsports in numerous capacities highlighted by teams in IMSA USA and IMSA Canada, TC America and Trans AM. Learn more at www.liqui-moly.com
About OUT THERE BRANDS
Out There Brands was founded by professional racing driver Mikey Taylor. He saw a need for a company that offers extreme personalization and customer service in the branding industry and founded OTB in order to fill it. Producing custom-made displays and apparel to bring attention to our customers. Using his experience in the motorsport industry, Mikey focused on working with suppliers and forming partnerships to utilize only the best materials and products from around the world to deliver durable, cost-effective and stand out products! Learn more at www.OutThereBrands.com
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