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Jun 18, 2013 / reports

GIMPLE AND EVERSLEY RE-TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD AT MID-OHIO

Strong Honda showing sweeps podium; three C360R cars in top-ten demonstrate team's strength

(Mansfield, Ohio) -- Kyle Gimple and Ryan Eversley brought home their second podium-finish of the 2013 season at Mid-Ohio, returning their #75 Honda Performance Development Civic Si to the top of Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge championship. Teammates Ray Mason and Adam Burrows (in the #76 Columbus Truck entry) and Robert Thorne and Aaron Povoledo (#77 Pixxcars.com Honda) brought their cars home seventh and eighth, respectively, notching solid results for all of the team cars at Mid-Ohio.

Pit strategy was key, and the team called it to perfection, pitting each of the cars in rapid succession just outside the normal pit window. "We gambled a little on getting enough yellow flag periods towards the end of the race," noted Technical Director Ray Lee. "That played out pretty well, although we really didn't need that final one." Indeed, all three cars had been conserving brakes and tires to be ready for a late-race battle, which was thwarted somewhat by a caution called with just minutes to go.

"I'd hoped to save a little to have a go at Valiente and Dyer," remarked Eversley. "Our car was hooked up and I was ready for battle, but we simply ran out of laps with that last caution. Still, we'll take the points and be happy to be leading the championship again." Gimple, who once again ran a great first stint, was similarly pleased. "The team gave us a great car again, so thanks to them. It's going to be a challenge to stay on top but I feel like we've got a real shot this year."

Thorne impressed once again, leading laps during his stint and handed over to Povoledo, who looked set to bring the #77 home in fourth spot, when contact with a lapped car saw him tumble down to the mid-teens. He battled back to finish a respectable eighth. "It was so frustrating to be in a battle with a guy that's not even on the lead lap," fumed Povoledo. "After Robert did such a great job and to see it get thrown away, well, we've talked to Grand-Am and to the driver in question, so hopefully he'll be a little more heads-up next time out."

Meanwhile, Mason delivered his best performance of the year at his home track, thrilling the fans with some impressive passes around the circuit, known for its limited overtaking opportunities. "It's so great to be here at Mid-Ohio with all of our friends and fans," he said. Burrows drove a measured race and brought the #76 car home in seventh place. "It was mayhem on the last restart with cars diving this way and that. It was important to me to get a top-ten result here with Ray, in front of all the Columbus Truck folks, and I'm glad we delivered the best result of the season so far for the 76."

The next round is Watkins Glen, which is something of a "home race" for the Toronto-based squad. "We've taken a bunch of wins here, and that's our goal," said Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We're hoping to stay on top, and to extend our points lead."

Photo credits: Sideline Sports Photography.