PWC: TC leader Fergus looks ahead to Road America

Corey Fergus, Touring Car (TC) class championship leader in Pirelli World Challenge competition, turns to the Road America circuit June 26-28 to contest for a triple-header of racing

After a breakout weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in May where the 26-year-old collected his first two PWC victories, Fergus is ready to defend the championship lead on the 4.048-mile long road course in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

"I absolutely love Road America, and it's easily my favorite track in the U.S.," Fergus said. "It's a long lap around the track at just under a two-minute, 30-second lap time, so there are plenty of areas to make mistakes."

Minimizing mistakes will be key for Fergus, who has experienced first hand how close racing can be in the TC class. He beat driver Adam Poland to the checkered flag in Round 5 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park by 0.081 seconds, the closest margin of victory in TC history.

"Being the championship leader does add a little pressure, but I like that," Fergus said. "The eyes are on you, and it's the time to show everyone that you're smooth, fast and consistent. I probably won't be taking as many risks, but I need strong finishes to keep the lead. I don't have to win every race at Road America, but it sure would be nice."

Having driven at Road America many times throughout his racing career, Fergus has identified several passing zones for his No. 00 USLED / Axis Roofing / AERO / RSS / Motul Porsche Cayman prepared by Motorsports Promotions.

"The track has a couple of the longest straights we'll encounter all year, so there's a lot of time spent in high gears at full throttle," he said. "The best passing zone is Turn 5 under heavy braking. In the Cayman it will be going from fifth to second gear, from around 140mph to 50mph. Another good passing zone is down in the Canada Corner (Turn 12)."

Fergus will qualify in a 30-minute timed session from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. CT Friday, June 26 at Road America. He follows that up with the 30-minute timed Race 1 from 8:10 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Saturday, June 27. The Columbus, Ohio native will finish the weekend off with two 50-minute timed races on Sunday, June 28.

"I expect our races at Road America will have some intense battles, and very close finishes," Fergus said. "With the long straights cars are able to draft well, and stay closer than they might at other tracks. We have some great competition that will be in attendance to fight for the championship lead, and I'm really looking forward to defending it."