American Le Mans Series

Alex Job Racing wins GT2 Mid-Ohio

Alex Job Racing finished first in GT2 in today’s round three of the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio. Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas braved on-track incidents and rain to win the teams first ever race at the central Ohio track.

Teammates Ian Baas and Randy Pobst had totally opposite fortunes finishing ninth in GT2. Baas started the number 24 Porsche 911 GT3, in second position after several cars were sent to the back of the grid following scrutineering. The young Indianapolis resident was lapping competitively in third position when he had a spin in turn 11 collecting two other cars ending the day for the 24 entry on lap 16.

Timo Bernhard started his number 23 911 GT3 from the GT2 pole position and never looked back. A late race rain storm and several caution periods shuffled the order, but the Bernhard/Dumas duo were able to reassume the lead each time and give Alex Job Racing their first victory of the season and first at Mid-Ohio.

The series will take a reprieve in recognition of the running of the Le Mans 24 Hours and return to action on July 4th at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut.

Timo Bernhard: “The car was really good all day. I was able to get a good gap, but every time the yellow came out my pursuers would be put back behind me. The pit work by the crew was excellent and Romain did a great job to bring the car home in the rain on slick tires.”

Romain Dumas: “It is always nice to be handed the car in the lead. My stint was good, I had a brief battle with the number 44 car and was being held up by a GT1 driver, but I was able to get a nice six-second gap at the end. The rain came with about seven laps to go, so I was skating around a little to checker. It is nice to get our first win this year and the teams at Mid-Ohio.”

Randy Pobst: “Ian was doing a great job. He started the car and he was right on pace with the front runners in our class. His spin could have happened to anyone, at that section of the track the car gets light. Even though I didn’t drive, I am not going away disappointed. Ian and I made great strides with the car this weekend and I am anxious for Lime Rock.”

Ian Baas: “The beginning of the race was great! The car felt good and I thought I had something for the number 44 car in front of me. I just got light over turn eleven and the car came around. Unfortunately I was facing the wall and I was hit from behind by the Audi. The car is feeling better and better every race and my times reflect my increasing comfort level with the Porsche.”

Alex Job, team owner: “It is nice to get a win here at Mid-Ohio. “Timo and Romain did a great job. The car ran flawlessly and with everything going on out there on the track they were able to focus and bring it home for the win. Ian had some tough luck. His start was very clean and his lap times were right there with the GT2 front runners. That is probably the worst place to spin on the track because it is blind coming over the hill and no run-off to get out of the way quickly.”