FIFTH PLACE FINISH IN SRO GT3 DEBUT AT SONOMA

Sonoma, CA – Compass Racing’s debut of their Acura NSX GT3 program ended in a strong fifth-place result at the opening round of SRO America’s GT World Challenge season at the picturesque Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. 
 

The team made some significant changes in their program in the off-season, promoting crew from within and bolstering talent in engineering and logistics. The adoption of Acura’s NSX GT3 Evo after two seasons developing McLaren’s 720S GT3 was also a calculated move. “We very much enjoyed working with the folks in Woking on their new GT3 entry, and appreciated the collaboration as we improved the platform each and every race in 2019 and 2020,” noted Team Owner Jill Beck. “Acura came to us mid-season last year and made a compelling case for a multi-year effort with the NSX, which has proven to be a championship-winner here in North America.”Rodrigo Sales and Matt McMurry were signed to co-drive the team’s No. 77 Richard Mille Acura NSX GT3 Evo, and had a successful test a week earlier at the undulating circuit.

“We went into the season with a sense of cautious optimism in moving up to the top level of the SRO paddock for the first time,” said Beck. “With our key crew now located at our main facility in Southern California, in some ways this is our “home” race in that series."

Sales impressed in his return to the team after being vice-champion with Compass in IMSA’s 2018 season, nabbing Pro/Am pole position for Saturday’s ninety-minute contest, and maintaining the lead throughout his stint. Pitting at the half-way point, Matt Mcurry – who won the IMSA WeatherTech championship last season in an NSX – looked set to continue at the front of the Pro/Am pack. Unfortunately, a loose wheel nut allowed the left rear tire to escape, with McMurry pulling off at the side of the track. Unexpectedly, the tow truck didn’t return the car to the paddock, ending the No. 77’s day.On Sunday, McMurry started the race in the thick of the Pro battle in eighth overall, dropping back to ninth on the start and holding position throughout his stint. Sales took over mid-race and worked through traffic, moving forward to nab fifth at the line, a fine debut for the new program.

“It’s frustrating to have not capitalized on my pole position on Saturday, but it was a fine effort to turn it around on Sunday,” said Sales. “Sunday’s race was so much fun, moving through the pack. Great work by the team!”

Both races are available to stream at any time on the series’ YouTube channel, GTWorld.