alex udell Archives - GMG Racing

Udell, GMG Take Victory Sweep at Road America

Date	June 28, 2016

Making a big step toward his championship aim in the Pirelli World Challenge GT-Cup category, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell took a commanding victory sweep during this past weekend’s 11th and 12th rounds at the scenic Road America circuit. Entering the weekend in a tie with championship contender Sloan Urry, Udell managed to take pole position, led every lap, set fastest race lap, and ultimately take victory in both events. Completing the team’s incredible weekend, team returnee Alex Welch would also show well with two consecutive fourth-place finishes in the GT-Cup category, and team owner James Sofronas would have one of his strongest showings of the year with a top-10 in the premier GT category.

“What an incredible weekend,” stated team owner and driver James Sofronas. “We all knew how important this weekend was for Alec, and he delivered an absolutely perfect performance. We’ve all been working hard on finding every bit of speed we can in our Porsches, and it’s really showing. Alec seemed to be in his own category this weekend, and it was huge for his championship hopes. There’s still a long way to go but this was definitely the kind of weekend we all needed. Alex Welch did a great job coming back this weekend, and he showed incredible pace. The top guys in GT-Cup are very young and extremely fast, and the fact he was right with them is a great testament to how far he’s come. Additionally, I’m pretty happy with my own performance as well. Another top-10 was a great testament to the quality of our car and crew with this new GT3 R, and we’re already focused toward the next race at Mid-Ohio.”

Driving the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports / Panther Pipeline / Amsource Capital Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Alec Udell came in to the weekend knowing that victory would be critical for his championship hopes, and similarly that any mistakes could be incredibly costly. Throughout practice at the scenic Wisconsin circuit, the Texas native showed impressive pace, and after qualifying on pole for Saturday’s Race One, it was clear it was his race to control.

When Saturday’s green flag dropped, Alec was immediately on pace, taking the lead in to Turn One and never looking back. As the 50-minute race continued on, the 20-year old never faced any real challenges, managing his tires as the race unfolded and officially taking the victory by over six seconds.

For Sunday’s Race Two, a fairly similar outcome would be on display. While an early caution period would keep the field close for the opening half of the event, once the race resumed Alec would slowly build a gap over the field behind him, eventually taking victory by over eight seconds.

The weekend now puts Udell in to the championship lead with a total of seven victories on the season, however the Clemson University engineering student is aware there are still several races to go in his championship quest.

“This was the exact kind of weekend we needed,” stated Udell. “Everything just clicked for us. We found a setup that has really worked, and we’re really pleased with the progress we’ve made. Having a weekend like this is obviously a team effort, and it starts with folks like my Crew Chief Neville, and of course James, and carries on to every member of the crew. This championship really rewards winning, but it also really penalizes mistakes so we can never be too comfortable. There are still seven races to go, so we have to approach it one race at a time, starting with the next one at Mid-Ohio.”

Driving the No. 08 Torque Branding / Morgan Adams Foundation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Alex Welch would return to the GT-Cup category having not competed since the season-opener in Austin, Texas. No stranger to Porsche competition, the Colorado resident came in to the event fully aware of the challenge ahead, and did an impressive job of keeping up with the lead pack throughout both races.

During Saturday’s Race One, Alex would do well to re-acclimate himself to the level of competition in the category. Doing his best to keep pace with the lead pack, Welch would run a mistake-free race, running consistent lap times and never putting a foot wrong as he finished just outside of the podium, taking fourth.

For Sunday’s Race Two, the race would be much the same, with Alex doing an impressive job of staying in contention for third place, spending much of his race as part of a great three-way battle for second. He would ultimately finish where he started, once again taking fourth on the day.

“Any time you can race at Road America, it’s going to be a great weekend,” stated Welch. “With the high speeds here you’re always a little conscious of the stakes if you make a mistake, but luckily our race was incredibly clean. Alec and the other podium finishers are a really strong group of young guys, so being able to keep up with them was a lot of fun, and hopefully something we can continue in to the rest of our season.”

Finally, driving the No. 14 Spyder / Mobil 1 / The Thermal Club Porsche 911 GT3 R, James Sofronas would have a strong run in the series’ premier GT category. With his focus on car development and translating to the street-tuning side of his business, the weekend would have one of his best weekends of the year.

For Saturday’s Race One, Sofronas would spend much of his race in pursuit of the top-10, constantly engaged in a variety of on-track battles. Aware of the tricky nature of Road America, the Villa Park, Caifornia resident decided patience would be key, opting to preserve his car for an even stronger performance for Sunday’s Race Two.

On Sunday, the strategy would pay off, with Sofronas spending much of his race in pursuit of former Rolex GT champion Andrew Davis, eventually crossing the finish line in 10th, his second top-10 finish of the 2016 season.

With over a month off, all attention now turns to another classic road course, the famed Mid-Ohio circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Race One will take place on Friday, July 29, with Race Two taking place the next day. The team will have more to announce as we get closer to the event.

Udell, GMG Take Commanding Victory Sweep in Alabama

Date	April 25, 2016

Continuing his pursuit of the Pirelli World Challenge’s GT-Cup category championship, Global Motorsport Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell took a commanding victory sweep during both rounds of this past weekend’s events at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Taking pole, leading every lap, and crossing the finish line in first, the 20-year old took a demonstrable series of victories in the No. 17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to narrow his championship hunt to just six points.

“This weekend was incredible,” stated the Clemson University engineering student. “We came in to the weekend knowing we had a fast car, but with this type of racing you never really know what to expect. From the first session we knew we had a real shot at turning things around, and we did just that. It was an amazing weekend, I don’t know what to say. I can’t thank everyone at GMG enough, it was an absolute team effort and I’m happy we were able to deliver for all the guys here. Obviously we couldn’t have been here without all of our partners at Euroworld Motorsports, M Performance, Panther Pipeline and Amsource Capital, and today’s victory was a real tribute to them.”

Qualifying on pole position for Saturday’s Race One, Udell’s strong pace throughout practice gave hint that his primary objective would be getting through the opening laps cleanly, with his speed being able to manage the race from there. Focusing on a mistake-free run, the Woodlands, Texas native did just that, taking the lead in to the first turn and simply never looking back. Managing his time, an extended yellow throughout the mid-portion of the race would allow the field to re-catch, however Alec’s pace was unrelenting and he was able to re-build a gap as the laps went on. As the 50-minute race came to an end, Udell’s form was unchallenged as he took the checkered flag in commanding form.

Setting the fastest lap in Race One, Udell would find himself on pole yet again for Sunday’s Race Two. Once again making a clean start to lead the opening lap, Alec would have the pace under his control, managing his tires in case of a late-race yellow that never came, eventually grabbing his second victory in succession.

With a four-week break until the next event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Canada, the team will turn all attention toward keeping up the momentum of the No. 17 machine for the seventh and eighth rounds of the series. Official practice will begin on Friday, May 20, with the race’s double-header taking place that Saturday and Sunday.

New Look for Alec Udell in Alabama

Date	April 21, 2016

With the Pirelli World Challenge in full swing headed to this weekend’s double-header at Barber Motorsports Park, Global Motorsports Group’s Alec Udell will head to the scenic Birmingham, Alabama circuit with a new look and intensified focus on the GT-Cup category championship. Revising his No. 17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to carry the same signature colors as his GT category teammate James Sofronas, Alec’s all-new blue livery looks to re-energize the team as they head in to the busy mid-season. Sofronas, meanwhile, has a schedule conflict that will force him to sit out this weekend’s event.

“I absolutely love this new look,” stated the Woodlands, Texas native. “I’m very excited to fly the GMG colors on the Porsche Cup Car. It’s been a few weeks for our class, so I can’t wait to get back in the seat and race hard at Barber, a track that is a blast to drive. We should have a competitive package in store, and with the real championship swing in front of us, I want to show well for all of our partners at Euroworld Motorsports, M Performance, Panther Pipeline and Amsource Capital. The guys have been working very hard to get us prepared, and I’m confident we can deliver.”

Following the first four rounds, Udell has proven to be a constant challenger at every event. Boasting not only one victory, but podiums in every event so far in 2016, the 20-year old currently sits second in GT-Cup category standings, facing what looks to be a very tightly contested championship. Knowing that victories will be the key to ensuring his title challenge, all focus for this weekend’s events will be on taking the top step of the podium.

Last year’s event served as a bit of a comeback for the Clemson University engineering student. Having sat out the two previous rounds due to extensive car damage, Alec returned to Barber with a completely rebuilt car, unsure of what to expect as he headed in to the weekend. Making instant work of the 2.38-mile, 15-turn circuit, Udell was immediately on pace, scoring repeat podium finishes and proving that he was right back where he left off.

With the team continuing to find improvements and speed with every weekend, the crew at GMG is cautiously optimistic on the weekend’s potential, with a full understanding that victories will be vital to regain his championship lead.

Official practice begins tomorrow, April 22, with Race One taking place at 2:45PM ET on Saturday, April 23. Race Two will follow the next day at 10:15AM, with live coverage at world-challenge/streamvideo

Udell, GMG Sweep Podium at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Date	March 15, 2016

One year after a devastating accident that ruined any championship hopes for the Pirelli World Challenge GT-Cup category, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell would complete a successful weekend on the streets St. Petersburg, Florida, with a series of second-place finishes during both rounds of the weekend.

“I’d be lying if I said I’m entirely happy with two second-place finishes, we came out to win,” stated Udell. “However after a difficult practice, we’re still pleased with what we were able to achieve. The guys had a lot of work in front of them with some of the damage we took on Thursday, so getting on the podium was entirely in tribute to them. I did enjoy the racing, and I think we showed our strengths on Sunday, which should prime us well for Long Beach. We’re looking forward to it.”

Driving the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports / Panther Pipeline / Amsource Capital Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 20-year old came in to the weekend with strong ambitions for victory, looking to redeem a start-line accident suffered in the first race last year. Unfortunately, the weekend did not go as planned when Alec would suffer damage in a practice accident on Thursday, cutting his day short and forcing the team to work quickly on repairs. While the damage was repairable, the Clemson University student would have to sit out Friday’s qualifying session, meaning he would start at the back during Saturday’s Race One.

Starting from the back, Alec would waste little time in Race One working his way up through the field, pushing hard to get himself in to a podium position and eventually taking second. He would also set the second-fastest time in class, meaning he would start in second for Sunday’s festivities.

Making a strong start during Sunday’s Race Two, it was clear that Alec had the pace to make a challenge at race leader Sloan Urry, however a long series of caution periods would mean that Udell had little opportunity due to limited running under green flag periods. As the checkered flag fell, Alec would cross the line just behind the race winner, officially listed as three-tenths behind. Demonstrating his pace, the Texas native would also set the fastest lap of the race in their class.
While ultimately not a victory, Udell’s successive string of second-place finishes would keep him solidly in the championship hunt, and his pace demonstrated his pace and potential for the rest of the season.

Following back-to-back events to open the season, the entire GMG team will get a small amount of reprieve as the series will not return until one month’s time, competing in the team’s backyard at The Grand Prix of Long Beach. Practice begins Friday, April 15, with the race taking place on the morning of Sunday, April 17.

Udell, GMG Return to St. Petersburg in Search of Redemption

Date	March 11, 2016

Following a devastating accident in 2015 that saw his weekend ruined before ever completing the first lap, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell will head to this weekend’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in search of redemption in his 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GT-Cup campaign.

“We definitely want to erase the memories of last year,” stated Udell. “Getting caught up in an accident that wasn’t our doing was extremely frustrating, and it obviously had a major impact on the rest of the season for us. Luckily with the new starting procedures of the Pirelli World Challenge, the chances of a repeat incident are at least reduced, and we’re all very confident heading back. We had a good start to the season at Circuit of the Americas, but we definitely needed to find a bit more speed and I’m confident that we can improve in St. Petersburg. Thanks to everyone for the hard work to get the car turned around, I’m excited to get going.”

In 2015, Alec and the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports / Panther Pipeline / Amsource Capital Porsche 911 GT3 Cup became a victim of a start-line incident that would end up having a major effect on the rest of his season. During the series’ signature standing-start, the GT-Cup category would start behind the GT field, and a multi-car incident in front of Udell would leave him with no room to get by, with a careening Lamborghini slamming in to the nose of the 20-year old, pinning his car against a wall and causing severe damage to his machine.

The repairs were so heavy that the team would be forced to sit out the second race of the weekend, and ultimately several more races in the season.

With standing starts eliminated for 2016, the likelihood of such an incident in front of him will be reduced.

With the start of the season occurring in Austin, Texas last weekend, the entire team at GMG has had a matter of days to get the car turned around for this weekend’s third and fourth rounds at the notorious street circuit located in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a full-time engineering student at Clemson University, Alec has had the unique challenge of travelling between races while also taking mid-terms, proving a time management ability well beyond his years. Following a win during the opening race of the season, and a close second during the subsequent round 24 hours later, the challenge is definitely on as they pursue the series championship.

Official practice continues today, with Saturday’s Race One occurring at 9:35AM ET. Sunday’s Race Two will occur at 3:15PM ET, with live streaming available for both via www.world-challenge.com/streamvideo.

Udell, GMG Take Victory in Pirelli World Challenge Season Opener

Date	March 6, 2016

Continuing the momentum gained in the second half of 2015, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) own Alec Udell made a commanding statement on the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GT-Cup category with a victory during today’s season opening round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

“This is a fantastic way to start the season, I couldn’t be happier,” stated Udell. “We’ve been showing strong pace all weekend, and even though we didn’t take the pole, I think we all felt that we had a car capable of winning. Thanks to everyone at GMG for helping me put together a program to come back this season, as well as everyone at Euroworld Motorsports, Panther Pipeline and Amsource Capital for making this possible. I really enjoyed the fight out there, and it’s a tremendous way to begin everything, but obviously we have more racing tomorrow.”

After just missing out on pole position during this morning’s qualifying session, the driver who grew up in nearby Woodlands, Texas was off to a strong start in the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsport / Panther Pipeline / Amsource Capital Porsche 911 GT3 Cup as the field went green. Alec immediately began his chase for pole-sitter Sloan Urry throughout the opening laps, repeatedly turning the fastest laps in the category. Having won three races in the category last season, Alec knew that patience would be his key, and as the 50-minute race carried on it was clear that not only would speed be key, but car management as well. Just before the halfway point, Alec’s opportunity would come in the form of traffic, as Urry and and Udell would encroach on a series of cars in front of them. As the duo approached, Alec would see his opportunity, making a clean move for the lead and never looking back.

It would serve as Udell’s fourth victory in the series and a strong opening to his title campaign.

Meanwhile, the team’s other GT-Cup competitor, Alex Welch in the No. 08 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991, would run a quiet race to finish fifth. A seasoned veteran of competition both with the team and in the series, the Colorado native was solid in his first race in the GT-Cup category, setting a series of strong lap times to position himself well for tomorrow’s festivities.

The team’s lone GT entry, however, would suffer a challenging day. Running the first race in the all-new No. 14 Mobil 1 / The Thermal Club Porsche 911 GT3 R, driver and team owner James Sofronas was developing a strong pace over the course of the weekend, however when the green flag fell the Californian would fall victim to an incident in front of him. With the No. 67 Aston Martin of Duncan Ende spinning due to contact with a competitor, Sofronas was left with nowhere to go, damaging his front bumper and splitter in the process. Immediately pulling in to the pits for repairs, the team did a heroic job of getting the car back in shape, tapping in to their experience despite a new car to get their Porsche back in tact to see the finish. Despite the extent of the repairs, Sofronas was still able to set the 14th best lap time in the race, a strong showing of the team’s ability to cut zero corners in their process.

“Today is all about celebrating Alec, but what an amazing job by our entire crew today,” stated Sofronas. “Alec and everyone in support of him has worked tremendously hard to put this program together, and it’s great to see it come together. He made a great statement on his championship hopes and we hope to see it through for the rest of the season. Today was obviously frustrating on my end, what an incredible job by our guys. There was a palpable ‘never give up’ sense within the whole team, and it was impressive that they were able to not only get the car back together, but a fast car at that! Everyone should be proud of the job they did, and we look forward to tomorrow’s events.”

With little time to celebrate, the entire series will go back to competition in less than 24 hours, with racing action beginning at 3:15 ET. Live coverage can be found via webstream at world-challenge.com/streamvideo

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