JDX Racing’s Zach Vanier became the first Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama champion to score an overall victory in Porsche Carrera Cup North America by taking the win in round four of the championship at the F1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.
In an incident-filled race, Vanier lept in the lead from third on the grid at the start as chaos erupted behind the pack.
Contact between Vanier’s JDX Racing teammate Madeline Stewart and series-debuting Dutchman Michael Verhagen had a concertina effect that resulted in seven cars being eliminated at the first corner.
When racing resumed, Vanier held the lead until he was briefly passed by teammate and pole winner Alex Sedgwick. The British racer gave the lead back to his Vanier as his pass had been completed with all four wheels off the circuit.
Another extended safety car period followed after contact between Elias De La Torre IV and Dan Clarke sent yesterday’s fourth-place finisher into the wall.
At the checkered flag, the Eboost Porsche Motorsport North America Junior Development Program member Vanier became the tenth winner in the championship’s history, ahead of Sedgwick and Topp Racing’s Kiwi Ryan Yardley, who earned his third podium in four starts this year.
“That was definitely not how I thought my first win in Porsche Career Cup North America would have come, but I’m super happy with it,” Vanier said.
“It’s such a cool place to get my first podium as well yesterday as my first win within the same weekend here.
“This is a really good way for us to bounce back from Sebring and now carry that momentum into my home race in Montreal.”
Moisey Uretsky took a home-town victory in Pro-am. The Baby Bull Racing ace headed MDK Motorsports’ Kenton King and yesterday’s winner Efrin Castro at the flag.
“It was definitely a bit of a short race but very exciting,” said Uretsky.
“Every single lap was important, and the restarts were vital. Miami has a great atmosphere, and I really love this race. I wish it had been a little cleaner, but it definitely made the end super exciting. I’m so happy we got first place in Pro-am.”
In the Masters class, Mark Kvamme continued his incredible run to make it six wins from six starts here. Scott Blind (Ruckus Racing) took third ahead of John Goetz (Kellymoss) who bounced back after a qualifying crash forced him to miss yesterday’s race.
“Anything that can happen in racing will happen and this race was a crazy one,” Kvamme said.
“I think we completed two or three laps. I can’t say enough about the MDK crew and, most importantly, my wife Meg for coming down and supporting me this whole weekend. It’s been a fabulous weekend and I can’t wait to go up to Montreal and do it again.”
Next up for Porsche Carrera Cup North America will be rounds five and six at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal from June 7-9.
