Gresham Wagner clocked the fastest lap in qualifying to earn the Continental Tire Pole Award for Race 1 at Barber Motorsports Park. Wagner took the green flag alongside his Copeland Motorsports teammate Westin Workman and was able to get a jump on the field as they entered Turn 1. Drivers made their way around the 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course for the first time as a battle for the third position ensued between Will Robusto and Lucas Weisenberg. Just behind them, the #55 of Spike Kohlbecker and #99 of Jaxon Bell began to put pressure for the fourth and fifth position.
Just halfway through the 45-minute race, Wagner and Workman extended their lead on the field while a five-car race for the fifth position began to unfold. Bell, Robusto, Max Hewitt, Devin Anderson, and Mia Lovell were nose-to-tail as they looked for a top five finish. Robusto was able to hold off his competitors as Bell and Hewitt were door-to-door on the final lap for the sixth position before Bell was able to pull ahead in the closing turns.
Wagner took home the checkered flag, securing his eighth win of the season while Workman, Weisenberg, Kohlbecker, and Robusto rounded out the top five behind him.
Podium
Wagner adds to his strong 2024 GR Cup campaign, notching his 10th podium of the season and eighth win. Workman tallied his eighth runner-up finish of the season and 10th career GR Cup podium finish. Weisenberg’s third place finish was his third career podium result.
Race Awards
Along with the win, Wagner laid down the fastest lap on the fifth lap of the race with a time of 01:38.444. RVA Graphics Motorsport driver Luke Rumburg earned the Hard Charger Award after starting 17th and gaining six spots to bring home an 11th place finish. Mia Lovell claimed her sixth Endava Highest Finishing Female Award of the season.
What’s Next
The Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA) GR Cup Series will round out the weekend on Sunday, September 8 with an early morning qualifying session followed by racing action at 12:05 PM CT.
Fans will have another opportunity to meet all GR Cup drivers during a 30-minute autograph session hosted at a location to be announced. The autograph session will take place from 10:30 AM – 11 AM CT with event weekend posters available to sign.
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