Double Podium Finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for Ricardo Perez and JDX Racing

Loveland, CO (May 2, 2016) – Ricardo Perez was back behind the wheel of the #02 JDX Racing / Hertz Porsche at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the third and fourth rounds of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama Series. Perez climbed onto the podium in both races of the weekend, making it his third straight podium visit of the 2016 season.

JDX Racing arrived at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California for their only west coast race of the 2016 schedule. The JDX crew got to work quickly as track time for the weekend was limited. The black and gold liveried #02 JDX Racing / Hertz Porsche managed to run in the top five for both practice rounds. Qualifying took place late in the day on Thursday where Perez (RPL) claimed the sixth fastest lap time in the field of 22 Porsche GT3 Cup cars, less than two-tenths of a second separated the four cars ahead of him.

In customary RPL fashion the rolling start proved advantageous for the #02 JDX Racing / Hertz car as Ricardo got a good jump at the drop of the green flag and managed to gain a position from Andrew Longe as they cleared the famous corkscrew. He continued to keep pace with the leaders until a full course caution waved early in the race. Once the track was cleared for green racing, Perez continued his pursuit around the 2.238 mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca Raceway, claiming two more positions and crossing the finish line in a strong third position.

The second race of the weekend had the Mexican born sports car racer starting in fifth position. The field of Porsche GT3 Cup cars charged up the front straight at speed, three wide into the Andretti hairpin. Ricardo wheeled the #02 car with precision and managed to make clean passes around his very determined competition. The battle for third continued for the duration of the 45-minute contest, and in the end, it was the determination and focus of Perez that brought him his third straight podium in as many races.

Ricardo Perez commented, "Jesse (Lazare - race winner) and Lucas were very fast this weekend, and I congratulate them. It's been a quick learning curve for me since this is my first season in a Porsche, but I’m proud of what we have done - and I’m confident we’ll continue to put the JDX / Hertz car on the podium. Winning a championship is about being consistent and of course we will work on making the car faster in Montreal and I will work hard to keep driving the JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel Porsche to the front."

Team co-owner, Harrison Brix said “We have all the right pieces in place to make a championship run. Ricardo is like every racer - high standards and expectations of a podium finish in each race. We are looking forward to our first trip to Montreal, an iconic venue - and in support of a Formula 1 race no less.  It will be an exciting race for our team, driver and sponsors. We can’t wait.”

The green flag for Round 5 and 6 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama 2016 season flies June 10-12 in Montreal Canada as a part of the Canadian Grand Prix Formula One event.