Best result yet for Bullitt Racing at the Nurburgring
Monday, July 31, 2023
The penultimate round of the series brought heavy rain and glimpses of sunshine, but the race was dry following a wet qualifying session on Sunday morning. The trio of Silver-graded racers - Romain Leroux, Jeff Kingsley and Jacob Riegel – all produced strong drives to move from seventh on the grid to a fighting fourth at the end.
The Spanish squad worked through the paid test sessions and free practice sessions ahead of qualifying. Romain undoubtedly had the most challenging task as the heavens opened just ahead of his 15-minute session. While some hit trouble, he impressed with the second fastest time. Next up was Jeff, in more conventional wet conditions, while a dry line was forming as Jabob took to the circuit to set the fifth-best time in the class.
Starting seventh, Romain found himself in a Silver sandwich early on but was soon able to make progress as he passed the #56 on track with the #26 Audi close behind. The latter battle would continue for much of the race as he worked his way to P5 at the end of his stint.
Jeff was next up and mighty quick too on the fresh Pirellis out of the box. His initial gains were compromised as the #26 used a long first stint to gain track position, and then the Canadian racer got caught up behind the #31 WRT entry. Once clear on lap 50, he pulled a margin before pitting eight laps later. Jacob was charged with the third and final stint, quickly recording the best lap of the race and resuming the race with the #26.
Having passed traffic, he closed in and made the move for what would become fourth position on lap 72. Caught out slightly with the Audi slowing somewhat unexpectedly at turn three, there was light contact, but the pass was completed.
Having passed traffic, he closed in and made the move for what would become fourth position on lap 72. Caught out slightly with the Audi slowing somewhat unexpectedly at turn three, there was light contact, but the pass was completed.
From that point, it was a case of ensuring the finish, albeit with a five-second time penalty for that contact. He duly completed the 91st and final lap to take the chequered flag.
The result underlines the ongoing gains the Bullitt Racing team are making in a very competitive race environment. The final race of the season takes place in Barcelona in late September, and it would be most fitting to wrap up the season with some Silverware on home turf.
Source material - Bullitt Racing
