May 4, 2022 – Monterey, California – What started as a promising race for the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports No. 52 ORECA LMP2 07 and drivers Patrick Kelly and Josh Pierson who started from the front row, concluded with a 4th place finish at the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship Presented by Motul at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Although the No. 52 struggled to find pace for the first two practices on Friday and Saturday, Patrick Kelly took charge for qualifying registering a time of 1:17.628, missing the pole position by only 0.057s.
“After a great qualifying effort, I certainly wasn’t expecting a P4 finish for the No. 52 car,” said team principal, Ray Mathiasen. “Josh and Pat had a good pace but there were too many obstacles to a better finish in a short race. I am confident we will do much better at Mid-Ohio.”
“What a pleasure it was to have Pat back in the seat with us, being able to pair him up with Josh was pretty special really,” added team principal Bobby Oergel. “This race for the No. 52 was always known to be a tough one, all things considered both Pat and Josh did a great job and nearly got on the podium with their 4th place finish. The focus now is on Mid-Ohio, with just a week between events its coming quick”, Oergel finalized.
The next event in the Lexus Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, next May 13 – May 15.
Photo credit: Sideline Sports Photography