JDX Racing/Hertz Returns To Podium At Watkins Glen

Loveland, CO (July 5, 2016) – Ricardo Perez was back behind the wheel of the #02 JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel Porsche at Watkins Glen International for the seventh and eighth rounds of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama Series. Following a challenging run just a few short weeks ago in Montreal, Perez managed to return to the podium in race one of the standard double header weekend format, claiming a second place finish, his best of the 2016 campaign.

JDX Racing arrived at The Glen in Watkins Glen, New York marking the midway point of 2016 race season. Driver, Ricardo Perez got straight to work, learning the newly resurfaced (and very fast) 3.4 mile, 11-turn racetrack. The black and gold liveried #02 JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel Porsche started slowly in the first session, but managed to run in the top five for the second practice round of the weekend. Qualifying took place early Friday morning where Perez (RPL) claimed the seventh fastest lap time in the field of 37 Porsche GT3 Cup cars.

In customary RPL fashion the rolling start proved advantageous for the #02 JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel 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 turn one. Shortly thereafter a full course caution came out as the other half of the 37 car field weren't as successful navigating the start. The field returned to green racing after a second more lengthy full course caution came out following the restart. Ricardo continued his pursuit of the leaders as he pressured the No. 26 car driven by series points leader Lucas Catania. Perez filled Catania’s mirrors entering the bus stop, resulting in Catania spinning off course as they exited the inner loop. The caution filled race left RPL with a short amount of time to work his magic, but he seized the opportunity making a spectacular pass entering  turn six on the No. 21 car driven by Jesse Lazare crossing the start finish line, claiming his best finish of the season, second place.

The second race of the weekend had the Mexican born sports car racer starting in 12th position. RPL managed to keep pace with the leaders, however an aggressive entry into the bus stop may have resulted in a cut tire, causing the No. 02 JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel Porsche to pit for a tire change. Ricardo re-entered the race a lap down, but was unable to rebound and settled for a 13th place finish in class.

Ricardo Perez commented, "We had a good start to the weekend, taking second place in the first race was great. I had a really good car - with plenty of pace, it’s just unfortunate that the race was shortened by two lengthy cautions.” Perez continued, “The newly resurfaced track was great, however I cut a tire early in the second race and that put me out of contention. The guys worked really hard this weekend preparing the No. 02 JDX Racing / Hertz / Telcel Porsche - it was a winning car for sure.”

Team co-owner, Jeremy Dale said “We started slowly out of the gate, but Ricardo and the guys found speed in the car. The first race was shortened to five green laps of racing, but Ricardo made the most of it, with two great passes and a P2 finish.” Dale also added, “The cut tire was a huge blow - he had a great car for the second race, but going down a lap in this series ends your day. Now we look forward to Road America in four weeks - one of our favorite tracks.”

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