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Scuderia Corsa Victorious At Petit Le Mans
October 14, 2018

Scuderia Corsa Victorious At Petit Le Mans

October 14, 2018

Scuderia Corsa Victorious at Petit Le Mans

  -No. 63 Ferrari 488 GT3 Takes Strong Win in Series Finale

  -Team Now Adds Petit Le Mans to Endurance Legac

Following up their pole position effort from qualifying, Scuderia Corsa and the No. 63 WeatherTech Ferrari 488 GT3 would take a commanding victory during today’s Petit Le Mans, the closing round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With a strong run by drivers Cooper MacNeil, Gunnar Jeannette and Daniel Serra, the 10-hour classic would see a day filled with challenges capitalized in to opportunity, with the team now adding Petit Le Mans to a winning history that also includes the 12 Hours of Sebring, Six Hours of the Glen, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Starting from pole position, Serra would do his best to lead the early laps of the race, eventually handing over to regular-season drivers Cooper MacNeil and Gunnar Jeanneatte following the first hour. In a day filled with challenges, the team would endure several setbacks, but always fighting their way back. This was most evident in the close of the race, when Serra would embark on a hard charge during the final hour of the race, passing three cars en route to taking the lead, and never reliniquishing during the final 30 minutes.

In the No. 64 Ferrari 488 GT3 of Frankie Montecalvo, Townsend Bell and Matteo Cressoni, would ultimately bring home a top-five result in a race that featured everything from early contact to a variety of different strategies in play.

For Cooper MacNeil, an incredible end to the season was one to appreciate.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to finish off the WeatherTech championship in a WeatherTech car,” stated MacNeil. “Hats off to Daniel and Gunnar and all the Scuderia Corsa guys for not putting a wheel off, no mistakes, no issues in pitlane, and that’s what it takes to win a race in this competitive championship. It was about executing and hitting our marks, and Daniel drove his butt off but he has the trophy to show for it.”

For Daniel Serra, a similar enjoyment is shared. “I’m feeling awesome,” stated Serra. “The team did a perfect job, no mistakes, perfect pit stops, and very consistent on the track. These are the keys to win the race, so I’m very happy.”

For Gunnar Jeannette, the recent loss of Petit Le Mans founder Don Panoz plays a significant role in today’s sentiment.

“This was a huge win,” stated Jeannette. “When I was 19 years old, Don Panoz hired me to drive his LMP1 car, and what he created with Petit Le Mans and what it’s grown in to is fantastic. To not have him here, I think we’re all missing a significant figure of the American sportscar scene, and every person here owes him a debt of gratitude. I’m super happy to be a part of it, and get a win here at Petit Le Mans.”

For Townsend Bell in the No. 64, a solid day can be reflected on fondly.

“Great effort from the team,” stated Bell. “We had a little issue on last stint with tire pressure which kept us from fighting but still managed top-5. Frankie drove a terrific race. Really strong and Cressoni was just what we needed to fill in for Bill. Strong showing from the team to close the season. ”

For Frankie Montecalvo, ending the season for the No. 64 proved satisfying.

“I think we had a great race,” stated Montecalvo. “The car was great, we had a competitive package, and it was nice to end the season at Petit Le Mans with a top-five. All the drivers did a phenomenal drive keeping us up with a very competitive pace.”

For Matteo Cressoni, a return to the team was one he enjoyed.

“It was great to return to Scuderia Corsa,” stated Cressoni. “The team put together a great program as always, and we were able to avoid major mistakes which was critical to our top-five. Frankie and Townsend were both great to work with, and I appreciate everyone’s efforts.”

For Giacomo Mattioli, the ability to close the season with a win provides critical motivation.

“I am happy because the team was flawless and there is no better way to end this ups and downs season” stated Mattioli. “All the drivers on both cars drove hard and I’m proud that with this win and top-5 we secured a podium for Ferrari in Manufacturer championship.”

While the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship may come to a close, Scuderia Corsa’s season will still continue on in only a few weeks’ time. The team will represent several competitors at the upcoming Finali Mondiali, the World Finals for the Ferrari Challenge series. With multiple titles on the line, the November 3-4 weekend event in Monza, Italy, is very much anticipated.