Godwin Motorsports driver Will Rodgers claimed the Continental Tire Pole Award earlier in the day and led the field to green alongside Gresham Wagner (TechSport Racing) on the front row. The leaders went side-by-side through the first three turns of the course before Rodgers edged ahead and took control of the opening lap. A three-way battle for the lead ensued between Rodgers, Wagner, and Spike Kohlbecker (TechSport Racing) before Wagner was able to take over the lead coming out of Turn 5 just five minutes into the race.
Westin Workman (Smooge Racing) worked his way past Rodgers to secure the third position with just over 30 minutes remaining in the race. Wagner seemed to be pulling away from the field before a full course caution brought out the safety car with 27 minutes left in the race. After starting in 15th, Race 1 winner Tyler Gonzalez (Copeland Motorsports) restarted in sixth as the field came back to life with just under 23 minutes left. Gonzalez was able to quickly work his way into second and set his sights on chasing down Wagner in first.
As Gonzalez was in pursuit of Wagner; Workman and Justin Piscitell (McCumbee McAleer Racing) were in a battle for the final podium position. Gonzalez was able to gain control of the lead with 10 minutes remaining in the race. The Copeland Motorsports driver had his sights set on a weekend sweep before Wagner retook the lead on the final lap of the race and drove away to his second win of the year.
Podium
Wagner claimed his second win and fourth podium of the 2023 season. Gonzalez is now nine-for-nine with podium awards after his second-place finish while Piscitell picked up his first podium of the year with a third-place finish.
Race Awards
Gonzalez put down the fastest lap of the race on Lap 12 with a time of 2:32.135. Austin Dodge (RVA Graphics Motorsports) earned the Hard Charger award after starting the race in 22nd and taking the checkered flag in 8th, picking up 14 spots throughout the race. Mia Lovell (Smooge Racing) claimed the Endava Highest Finishing Female award with a 14th-place finish.
What’s Next
The Toyota GR Cup Series will have a month off before returning to action at Sebring International Raceway on September 22-24. The 3.74-mile, 17-turn road course will be host to Round 11 and 12 in the inaugural season.
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