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After a long break since the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 at Sebring, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team was eager to get back on-track for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 120 on May 13th, 2023. This highly abrasive track needs no introduction and its unique features would undoubtedly put the team’s Gen2 Audi TCR to the test.
Seasoned drivers Chris Miller and Mikey Taylor quickly got into a rhythm throughout Friday’s hour long practice sessions, consistently placing amongst the top 5 as they worked with the crew and engineers to extract as much speed out of the Gen2 Audi TCR as possible. Saturday’’s activities kicked off with a 15-minute qualifying session in a highly competitive field where Chris Miller managed to finish P4. With less than three quarters of a second splitting the top 4 teams, Saturday’s afternoon race would shape up to be a good one.
Having qualified the #17 Audi, Chris Miller would be first behind the wheel in Saturday’s 2-hour race. After a clean start with no incidents, the team would hold onto P4 for nearly 45 minutes when Chris Miller radioed in about a severe lack of grip coming from the front Michelin tires. Having soldiered on for 15 more minutes, Chris Miller would hand over the #17 Audi to Mikey Taylor in P8 and the crew quickly mounted a fresh set of front tires for the next stint. Lap after lap, Mikey Taylor worked his way through the field until a GS incident in turn 11 would cause an immediate yellow flag.
A quick call to bring the #17 Audi into the pits by lead engineer Cole Scrogham for a set of fresh front tires would turn out to be a good one, allowing Mikey Taylor to push the pace in front of the TCR field and close out the race strong. Once the incident was cleared, the track quickly went green and the chase was on.
It wasn’t long before Mikey Taylor climbed into P4, sitting right at the heels of LA Honda World Racing’s new Civic FL5 with the other top contestants in sight as well. With limited time remaining and an experienced field of frontrunners which didn’t make any mistakes, Mikey Taylor was unfortunately not able to move up further and the team would have to settle for P4 and a solid haul of championship points.
We’d like to thank our technical partners LIQUI MOLY for their continued support and unbeatable lineup of Oils and Additives which help deliver a reliable package in these grueling race conditions. It’s also important to note that our Gen2 Audi TCR uses the same LIQUI MOLY products you’d find at your nearest auto parts store as well.
The next leg of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge takes the team to the North East region with motorsport action resuming at Watkins Glen on June 22nd - 24th where the #17 Audi will return with its unmistakable yellow livery. In a busy July, the series crosses the border into Canada for the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 120 on the 7th - 8th then heads back down to the US for the Lime Rock Park 120 on the 21st - 22nd.
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 on getunitronic.com/motorsports! Tune into the UNITRONIC social media channels or IMSA.TV for race coverage of all ten championship events!
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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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