Rebel Rock/MBRP Racing Takes the Podium

Nine events into the 2014 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, plagued by all manner of mechanical issues, the team finally showed what it could do at the Virginia International Raceway Oak Tree Grand Prix.

The weather was hot and sticky with near 100% humidity testing the endurance of man and machine alike.

With the first practice runs on Thursday the team’s #08 Porsche 977 moved fast on new tires that held the track well as they gained some laps. With four sessions the crew had lots of time to fine tune the car to be its very best. Driver Martin Barkey took most of the track time so that he could get familiar with what has been described as one of the most technically challenging tracks in North America. At the end of the day there was no question that the Rebel Rock Racing crew had this car very well dialed in.

Friday’s practice was all about pressing hard to get a feel of how the car would respond on used tires. Pushing just a bit too far found the car piled into the tire wall on turn 4. The crew worked hard to get every panel on the driver's side of the car pulled out ready to continue the day. As usual they came through brilliantly and the car was completely track ready for the qualifying run later that day.

Qualifying was six laps with Martin running his fastest laps to date. That placed the team in P18 on the grid for Saturday’s race.

Race day again found conditions extremely hot and humid. Though on the outside the car was dented and looking a little worn, under the damaged body panels was a machine that was ready to lead the pack.

The team tried a slightly different strategy with regard to the race line heading into turn 1. Choosing a lower gear to start the race Martin lost a couple spots but over the course of his stint he was able to find these positions back and brought the car in for the driver change under the only yellow flag in the race.

Once behind the controls driver Kyle Marcelli drove the wheels off the car. Time after time he challenged and won
positions. Finally he found himself in P3, successfully setting up a sweet pass for P2. Hard in pursuit for several
laps Kyle got as close as .3 seconds from the leader. Then overheating issues forced him to short shift the car
for the last 8-10 laps but he was still able to finish the race in P3. Finally, the #08 Rebel Rock Racing/ MBRP
team took its place on the podium.

"Entering into this weekend I was not super excited to be racing the Virginia International Raceway," confessed driver Martin Barkey. “But by the end of the first session I could not wait for the drop of the green flag. I knew the team had the car set up well and that with the right strategy we could be running up front. To be standing on the Podium for the first time in the Conti Series with Kyle was a real thrill."

Added driver Kyle Marcelli, “Overall it was a great weekend for the #08 Rebel Rock Racing/MBRP team. Targeting a best finish for the season we accomplished precisely that with a P3. Nonetheless, we are very pleased with our result and look forward to the next CTSC round at the Circuit of the Americas.”

Their P3 result moves the team up in the Championship to P13th. Count on drivers and crew to compete hard in the last two races of the series to finish the year in the top ten.

Check out all of the most recent pics, videos, driver bio's and racing news at www.martinbarkeyracing.com. It’s the place for high-octane, edge of your seat action.