IMSA Prototype Challenge – Double duty for Simpson in Texas

South Africa’s Stephen Simpson simply cannot wait for either of his races at the US IMSA series’ penultimate Lone Star Le Mans race weekend in Austin, Texas 16-17 September. Indianapolis-based Capetonian Simpson races twice over the weekend, sharing the JDC Miller Motorsports Hi-Tide Red Line ORECA Chevrolet with Russo-Canadian Misha Goikhberg in the WeatherTech Prototype Challenge and the JDC Miller BMW 228i with disabled co-driver Michael Johnson in the Continental Tire Sports Production race.

“I’m really looking forward to climbing back into the JDC Miller Oreca-Chevy again this weekend,” Stephen explained. “It’s been a while since our last race where we were robbed of a certain victory after an unfortunate incident very late in the race and we need to make amends.

Stephen started the season strong with victory in the showcase Daytona 24-hour before another win at Long Beach and he and Goikhberg have been title contenders throughout the season, only to be thwarted by a series of problems in more recent races. “We are still in the championship race in spite of a run of pretty cruel luck in the last few races, so to stand on the top step at Austin would be true vindication for the whole team that’s worked so hard throughout the season.”

Simpson is also charged up for his IMSA Continental Tire Sports Production race in the JDC Miller BMW 228i he shares with disabled co-driver Michael Johnson, who drives with hand controls. “We have been getting stronger every race with the Beemer and Michael and I had a good outing in treacherous conditions last time out, so we’re looking forward to making more good progress this weekend.”

Catch Stephen Simpson in action in both the Continental Production Sportscar race, which happens Friday evening SA time16 September, and in the Wether Tech sports car race Saturday evening SA time on the 17th, vial live streaming and live timing on www.imsa.com.