Pair of podiums in Pirelli World Challenge
Frankie Montecalvo and former Nissan GT Academy ace Ricardo Sanchez pulled off a pair of Pro/Am podium finishes in the latest Pirelli World Challenge SprintX round at Lime Rock Park.
Paired with Frankie Montecalvo aboard the Always Evolving / AIM Autosport Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, the duo scored second place in Friday’s first race and then backed that up with a brilliant fightback from an early pit stop to again claim the runner-up prize in Saturday’s event.
A turn-one, lap-one crash between the leaders in race two had left the Lime Rock track littered with debris and while Sanchez was able to avoid the carnage, he collected a large piece of tire debris in the radiator intake.
The Mexican ace had to come into the pits early to remove the debris, but then began a brilliant comeback drive from last place. Montecalvo continued the charge after the scheduled driver change pit stop at half distance – pushing the young stars back into second place again in the Pro/AM class.
“It was an amazing effort from the team. Always Evolving gave us a better setup today. We were a little unlucky at the start, we had to pit and take off some debris,” Sanchez said.
“So, from last position we ended up P2 in class. Frankie did an amazing job, and the Nissan GT-R was really strong.
“We pulled out the result and I’m really happy to collect some points and a podium – we’re ready to fight for a win at the next one.”
The pair currently sit in fifth place in the Pro/Am points. They will be back in the car on August 11-13 for the next round of the SprintX championship at the Utah Motorsport Campus.
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Well deserved podium for Ricardo Sanchez and Frankie Montecalvo.
Our very own Bryan Heitkotter was assisting the team for the weekend and was giving media and VIP hot laps in a 2017 Nissan GT-R.
Next victim, we mean customer…
Best looking Safety Car in our opinion…
Hangin’ Loose.
Ready… Set… Launch Control!
Only the finest shoes for the GT-R
AE Signature hood livery.
Balance Mode.
Hardware Section.
Downforce Department.
Details… Details…
Final Adjustments.
Autograph signing with Ricardo Sanchez & Frankie Montecalvo
Shout out to all the fans that visited the PWC autograph signing.
Laser Focussed.
Those Nissan shades tho…
Mean Muggin’ on pregrid.
James Davison always has good jokes on pregrid.
Strapping In…
More snaps from the Pirelli World Challenge weekend at Lime Rock Park
Second Podium of the weekend – Back to Back class podiums!