Top-five squad looks to build on strong Mid Ohio opener at VIR
In this most strange of racing seasons, teams that retain championship-caliber status will be those that respond best to the unique challenges of a compressed calendar. Abel Motorsports of Louisville, KY, the 2018 FR Americas Champions, are ready to tackle those challenges this weekend at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA. VIR’s annual Andy Scriven Memorial Race Weekend is the season’s first tripleheader.
Abel Motorsports drivers Jacob Abel of Louisville and Blake Upton of Sammamish, WA will do battle in all three rounds of the FR Americas Championship, starting Saturday afternoon at 2:55pm ET. Qualifying takes place Saturday morning at 10:25am on the 17-turn, 3.27 mile traditional road course.
For Jacob Abel, fifth in the Championship after the opening rounds, the weekend represents his debut in the tough and fast FR Americas category at VIR. Abel had a pair of top-ten finishes in F4 US Championship action at the venue two years ago, before missing the VIR event last season due to a scheduling conflict. “VIR is definitely one of my favorite tracks,” the soon-to-be college sophomore commented. “It’s got fast straights, tough and technical turns, and lots of elevation changes. It’s not going to be easy, but I think we’ll contend for some top finishes this weekend.”
The 20-year-old Upton expects a strong weekend at VIR as well. “I’m very much looking forward to our second event this season. VIR is a place where I’ve been fast in the past. We have a lot to look forward to this year at Abel Motorsports, and I think it’ll be a very successful weekend for all of us!”
Team Principal Bill Abel is also optimistic as the Scriven Memorial weekend kicks off. “After missing this event last year it’s good to be back at such a historic venue once again. This long, flowing, high-speed circuit suits both our cars and our drivers and we look forward to positive results this weekend. We’re excited and ready!” Abel Motorsports sits sixth in the FR Americas Team Championship after Mid Ohio.
Following the Saturday afternoon event, Sunday at VIR will be even more challenging, with Rounds 4 and 5 of the 2020 season at 10:35am and 3:05pm.
Live timing and scoring is available at www.race-monitor.com. A live video stream of the action is available as well at www.fanracing.live.
