ALTON, VA (Sunday, June 19, 2022) – SKI Autosports surpassed its expectations for the team’s first SRO America weekend, winning the Master’s class and finishing second overall behind the series points leader in today’s 40-minute GT America Present by AWS sprint race.
After practice, qualifying and race one were run in 90 degree heat and humid conditions, this morning’s race featured temps in the mid-60s. The contrast in weather conditions, set up adjustments and tires added to the excitement of the race.
SKI Autosports team owners Kent and Melissa Hussey have decades of involvement in motorsports at all levels and over many different racing series.
The duo returned from the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans on Monday and headed straight to VIR from their Atlanta base.
“This morning’s sprint race was more exciting than Le Mans this year. We were all on the edge of our seats watching it unfold,” said Kent Hussey.
“Racing the bit older Ferrari 458, we knew we would be at some disadvantage against the newer cars in the category, but nothing can match the experience and calm that Andy (Pilgrim) always shows behind the wheel.”
Team driver, Andy Pilgrim has more experience and success in sportscar racing than most anyone in the entire field. An overall Daytona 24 winner, multi-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and past SRO/World Challenge champion, Pilgrim used that experience and love of the VIR circuit to run a flawless race.
Hussey said, “When the full course caution came out with about 11 minutes remaining in the race we weren’t sure if there would be a restart after the clean-up. But then the green came out with enough time for a two lap shoot out. Andy was getting a lot of pressure from behind but he ran very clean and smart to hold his position, second overall and win the Master’s class. We could not be happier at the success of this weekend and we are looking forward to Road America.”
Next up for SKI Autosports in SRO America is Road America, August 19-21, 2022.
ANDY PILGRIM
‘The race was super. I know George (Kurtz) has some great experience in that car, I’ve been watching him and I thought ’oh this is going to be fun.’ The newer cars are better through all the mid to slow-speed stuff and in the ABS. We had straightaway speed but he was just killing me on some of this slow stuff. I had to just be smart, stay in second and if I can get him – OK – but I couldn’t quite get him but it was a lot of fun!”
