Calabogie, Ontario – This past weekend, Mark Motors Racing took on Rounds 5 and 6 of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin at Calabogie Motorsports Park. This track is very familiar to the Mark Motors Racing team. Not only is it the home track of Harry Steenbakkers, but Marco Cirone himself has much experience on the track. For Rounds 5 and 6 of the GT3 Cup, the Mark Motors Racing team welcomed a new teammate – Ron Tomlinson of Manotick. This was Ron’s first race with the Mark Motors Racing team and first race in the GT3 Cup.
In Round 5, Marco had a mechanical problem, which resulted in last minute tire changes. Consequently, he had to start from the rear of the grid instead of risking the chances of racing on flat-spotted tires. Halfway through the race, he was able to catch up to Harry in P4 and eventually made the pass with only 15 minutes left to cross the finish line. Later on, Harry was pushed off the track in turn 20, which resulted in a 7th place finish. As for Ron, he made his way up to 10th place overall but achieved 3rd place in the Gold Cup.
Round 6 was a new day for the Mark Motors Racing team. The race debuted with tough competition with the top five cars, including Harry’s and Marco’s, being separated with only seconds apart for the first 25 minutes. Near the end, Harry and Marco battled it out to round up the top five positions. Rookie Harry Steenbakkers finished fourth in the No. 78 Mark Motors Racing Porsche vehicle, tying his season best of the series. Marco finished close behind with 5th place. Ron placed 10th overall, but managed to hold his 3rd place position in the Gold Cup.
Marco completed an event of sweeps by ending Rounds 5 and 6 as the first Platinum Masters finisher in the No. 88 Mark Motors Racing Porsche vehicle. He earned his fourth Platinum Masters victory in five starts.
Click here to view standings.
POST-RACE QUOTES:
“Round 5 was very frustrating for me. Calabogie is my home track but things were not going my way. I’m happy I was able to regain some traction in Round 6. Marco and I had a good battle in the end for the top five spots.” – Harry Steenbakkers
“I had some flat spots on my tires, and we figured if I start with those tires, I’ll have no chance whatsoever. So we gambled. We put new tires on and started at the back, and fortunately everything went OK for us.” – Marco Cirone
“I’m just happy to finish. It was a good race. I was just starting to get comfortable. I just really enjoyed myself out there. It was great.” – Ron Tomlinson
UP NEXT
Rounds 7 and 8 are scheduled for Aug. 1- 2 during the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. For series news and updates visit MarkMotorsRacing.ca or follow us on Twitter at @MarkMotors_Race or on Facebook at Mark Motors Racing.