Toronto, ON, June 25 – With mixed weather conditions, Hondy Indy Toronto proved to be the ultimate test of drive and determination for Mark Motors Racing drivers Marco Cirone and Harry Steenbakkers. This was 17-year old Steenbakkers’ first time competing at Honda Indy Toronto, and both drivers showcased tenacity as they battled against their competitors in Race Three and Four of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin.
Saturday featured ideal racing conditions, as the sun shined over the paddock in Toronto. Cirone started Race Three of the series in P4 and Steenbakkers P5. Although Steenbakkers spun in the middle of the race, he bounced back making his way up to the sixth position. Teammate Cirone also started the race off strong, but made contact with competitor Daniel Morad as he was trying to pass. This caused Cirone the Masters lead as he was given a thirty second penalty. Due to numerous incidents, the first race of the weekend ended with a yellow flag on the course.
Sunday presented even more challenges for the Mark Motors team, as the torrential rain did not waver throughout the day. “The track conditions down the straightaway were absolutely treacherous”, said Cirone. “You couldn’t see a bloody thing, and you saw that red fog light right at the last minute, so you had to adjust your braking and have a lot of courage.”
Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, both Cirone and Steenbakkers showcased consistent performances in Race Four of the series, and maintained their positions throughout the race. Cirone finished fourth overall, and first in the Platinum Masters Class division on the 11-turn, 1.755-mile circuit on the streets of Canada’s largest city.
“This was my first time racing at Honda Indy Toronto, and it was such a great learning experience,” said Steenbakkers. “I am so thankful for Mark Motors for giving me this opportunity to compete against such an incredibly talented group of drivers on some of the most spectacular tracks in the country!”
Newcomer Steenbakkers also showcased his skill set, finishing in fifth position. After the events this weekend, the Mark Motors Racing team is currently in third position overall. Races Five and Six are scheduled for July 4-5 at Steenbakkers’ home track, Calabogie Motorsports Park in Calabogie, Ontario. Mark Motors Racing plans to keep their momentum going and is ready to bring it in the next round of the series.
For series news and updates visit MarkMotorsRacing.ca or follow us on Twitter at @MarkMotors_Race or on Facebook at Mark Motors Racing.
For more information about the Mark Motors Race Team contact Liza Mrak 613-723-1221.