Johnny O’Connell and SKI Autosports take back-to-back Master’s Cup wins at NOLA

AVONDALE, LA (Sunday, April 30, 2023) – In his much-anticipated return to SRO GT America competition, Johnny O’Connell and SKI Autosports capture the Master’s Cup victory in both sprint races at NOLA Motorsports Park outside of New Orleans, LA.

In a field dominated by Mercedes AMG entries, O’Connell campaigned the lone Ferrari and held steady in overall competition Saturday at a circuit known for extreme tire degradation. In Sunday’s race, the 4-time champion was able to improve his starting position jumping two positions to finish fifth.

However, for the SKI Autosports team, their focus is on the Master’s Cup title.

“The competition has stepped up considerably from what we saw at the three SRO events we participated in last year,” explained team owner, Kent Hussey

“Although it is a tremendous race car, the older generation Ferrari 458 doesn’t have the speed of the newer generation Mercedes. However, our focus is on the Master’s Cup championship, and this is a great start, winning both races.

“We missed the first couple of events due to scheduling conflicts, but we think the Master’s Cup is within our reach as we are committed to racing the remainder of the 2023 schedule.”

Next up for the SKI Autosport team will be Rounds 7 & 8 in the SRO GT America powered by AWS championship at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, on May 19-21, 2023.

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JOHNNY O’CONNELL

“Today was a really good day. Ya know it’s funny, I’ve seen this woman around the paddock forever, her name is Rossella (Manfrinato) and now she’s our engineer and one of the very best I’ve ever worked with.

“We improved every single session. The rest of the team at SKI Autosport did a great job and they gave me a great car today. I give myself a B+.

“The rust is coming off and that was a whole lot of fun. Finishing P5 is a pretty big accomplishment and I’m really enjoying this.
“Being back in SRO – in what used to be World Challenge – I’m having a great time with some great competitors. We keep looking and working toward better results.

“COTA is up next and I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks to everybody at SKI. We move forward and that overall podium is going to come, I see it happening.”