Competing alongside the NTT IndyCar Series on the Streets of St. Petersburg, GMG Racing driver Jason Bell scored a pair of class top-ten results in the opening rounds of the Pirelli GT4 America program. Residing only a short drive from the temporary circuit, the Floridian driver secured an eighth place result on Saturday, and leveled up on Sunday to finish seventh in class.
“It was not an ideal weekend for us as the Balance of Performance (BoP) rules and a minor incident in practice one put us behind from the very beginning,” expressed Bell. “The GMG Racing boys did a great job repairing and prepping the car for practice two, but it was a session where I more or less tested the equipment rather than search for the necessary speed. I wanted to make sure the car was 100% ready for wheel-to-wheel competition.”
After qualifying in the seventeenth position overall on Saturday morning, the Audi Sport driver drove his R8 forward to finish 12th overall and eighth in class. With lap times setting the grid for Sunday’s race two, Bell secured the outside row seven starting position.
Bell continued, “Saturday was a respectable day as I did what I could. The car came home basically unscathed and I am looking forward to tomorrow. I wish that the BoP program was a little more favorable, but it is not looking good for us this weekend.”
Taking on the tight confines of the barrier lined circuit, the second round of the Pirelli GT4 America series provided Bell with another solid drive. Starting the race outside row seven, the Tampa, Florida resident drove to a seventh place result, adding his second top-ten class finish of the weekend.
“It is always nice to race close to home as family, friends and partners are able to come and see what I really do,” explained Bell. “However, when things do not go perfect, it is sometimes better to put the weekend behind you and look forward to the next. Seventh and eighth place results are great, but I am here to win and podium so it is back to work this week to ensure that happens.”
Jason Bell would like to thank his partners for their continued support. A special thanks to Highway Systems, Incorporated, Continental Benefits, Osteria, Frost NYC, Gridsport, Reeves Motorsports, Audi of Tampa and Global Motorsports Group.
For more information on Jason Bell please visit him online at www.JasonBellRacing.com or follow him on his social media channels: Twitter @JasonBellGTS2 and Instagram via @JasonBellGTS.
Photos: GMG Racing