In the first event for the brand-new series, Gresham Wagner and TechSport Racing w/ Baby Bull Racing saw mixed fortunes at Sonoma Raceway leave them with with a pole, podium, and fastest lap, but also a DNF.
The new Toyota GR Cup, sanctioned by SRO, utilizes a spec GR86 cup car and premier tracks across the country. The first event took place at the hilly Sonoma Raceway, with 30 drivers entering for the series’ debut.
After leading testing and practice, Wagner qualified his car in second for the first race. However, his front ride height was below the minimum tolerance, and he had to start the race from last. Unfortunately, a backmarker collected Wagner as he was making his way back through the field, and he ended up finishing outside the Top 20.
He rebounded the next day, managing to put his car on pole position for the second race. He led the first half of the race, before ultimately slipping to third at the finish, struggling with handling and high tire-wear. During the race, he managed to earn the fastest lap award as well.
Gresham and the team are frustrated with the mixed results from the season opener, but are looking ahead to the opportunity to perform better at the next event at COTA. Rounds 3 and 4 of the series head to the Texas track on May 19-21. Wagner and the team hope to see the #5 TechSport Racing w/ Baby Bull Racing back up front.