PF Racing had a successful event at Road America this Saturday. The Missouri outfit brought their #40 Ford Mustang GT4 home in 13th place during the 2-hour Michelin Pilot Challenge endurance race. Ford Performance development driver Chase Biscoe joined PF Racing’s James Pesek for the Road America 120.
The Stewart-Haas driver participated in this weekend’s race as part of a learning experience at America’s National Park of Speed. The young 25 years old is currently second in the NASCAR Xfinity standings, and could very well become the 2020 Champion. As Chad McCumbee had previous engagement with his Super Late campaign, it was an easy decision to welcome Briscoe in the team so he could familiarize himself with the track, as the NASCAR Xfinity Series will race at Road America next weekend.
The pair had a difficult weekend as Friday’s practice sessions were punctuated by accidents which stopped the sessions, preventing the driving from clocking valuable lap times. However, this didn’t phase the duo who kept their head down. James Pesek was able to set the 14th time during qualifying on Saturday morning.
Pesek then took the green flag and didn’t settle in his starting spot for long as he quickly climbed up the field. The Harrisonville native was consistently battling with competitors, exchanging places at almost every lap.
The #40 Mustang came down pit road with one hour and fifteen minutes to go, and Pesek gave the wheel to NASCAR Xfinity driver Chase Biscoe who joined the field in 14th place. He had a great stint and was able to finish the race in 13th place.
“It was not an easy race,” said James Pesek. “The Balance of Performance is not in our favor, especially not on long tracks like Road America. Other than the lack of speed, it was an uneventful race. I hope things will change for us in the future because I want to be more competitive.”
“It’s not the result we were looking for, obviously, but overall, it was a great weekend; it was a big learning experience,” explained Chase. “I am very thankful that PF Racing and Ford Performance let me come do this race. I feel like I learned quite a bit about the track and where to make speed.”
“Hopefully, it will translate over to the NASCAR race, but you never really know until you get there. Without us having practice sessions next week, this weekend will get me up to speed for the race, and hopefully, it will be an advantage.”
The team’s next race will be at VIR August 21-23. Earlier Saturday, IMSA announced that there would be another shift in the calendar and that the IMPC field would be visiting Road Atlanta on Labor Day weekend for the 4-hour endurance instead of Watkins Glen. Lime Rock has also been removed from the 2020 calendar, and will be replaced by a double-header at Mid-Ohio.
2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Revised Provisional Schedule
Jan 24 Daytona International Speedway
July 17-18 Sebring International Raceway
July 21-August 2: Road America
August 21-23 VIRginia International Raceway
September 4-6 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
September 25-27 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 1
September 25-27 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2
October 14-17 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
October 30 – November 1 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
November 11-14 Sebring International Raceway
