Fuji Speedway, a circuit renowned for its breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, set the stage for the second round of the TSRC Sports Car Challenge. Following a riveting season opener at Sebring, expectations were high for another action-packed race.

New Faces, New Pace

In the crucial qualifying session, newcomer Ethan Oring made an immediate impact, securing pole in the LMP3 category with a time of 1:36.325, edging out Gergely Kun-Szabo. In the GT4 class, Tom Davidson showcased his prowess, clinching pole by a mere 0.090 seconds. These new contenders signaled their intentions loud and clear – they were here to compete.

LMP3: A Battle of Strategy and Skill

The race saw Oring take an aggressive start, fending off seasoned racers Josh Millington and Kun-Szabo. The trio remained in tight formation until the pivotal pit stop phase. Despite a strong start, Oring suffered a costly spin, relinquishing two positions. Kun-Szabo, eager to redeem himself from the previous round, capitalized on Millington's pit stop woes to seize the lead and ultimately the victory.

GT4: A Clash of Titans

In the GT4 category, Davidson led confidently from the start, with Ryan Walker surpassing Kieran Sharp for the second spot. Walker maintained his composure, keeping Sharp at arm's length while Davidson controlled the race from the front. The pit stops proved decisive here as well, with Sharp's strategic fuel saving enabling him to overtake Walker and challenge Davidson. The final laps were a defensive masterclass from Davidson, who narrowly clinched victory, with Sharp trailing by just a tenth of a second.

Standout Performances and Looking Forward

Notable performances included Nick Clibbens in the LMP3 class, who showed a dip in pace compared to the opening round but remains a contender for a strong comeback. Guillaume Hamling made a commendable recovery, successfully battling John Higgins and Pavol Bogdan.

As the TSRC Sports Car Challenge heads to Watkins Glen for the mid-season showdown, the action is expected to heat up.