Chicago Performance to Skip COTA Amid Driver Search

Photo: Fabian Lagunas/SRO

Chicago Performance & Tuning Co. will skip next weekend’s second round of the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS season at Circuit of The Americas due to not having been able to secure a customer for the event.

The team debuted its Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 in last month’s season opener at Sonoma Raceway with Mads Siljehaug and Nicolai Elghanayan, although Elghanayan was only confirmed for the rounds at Sonoma, Road America and the Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS.

It’s understood the program was intended as a full season effort with Siljehaug but only on the condition of securing another FIA Bronze-rated driver for the races Elghanayan was unable to contest.

“We’ve had strong interest but unfortunately we’ve been unable to secure a customer for COTA,” said team manager Chris Lester.

“As said from the onset, Nicolai would only be able to join the team for three races, with his next entry to be Road America.

“We’re incredibly proud of our collective performance at Sonoma. Mads and Nicolai did a great job and fought well on the track and brought home a top-ten finish and a clean race car.’

Team principal Al Uscinski added: “Looking back at Sonoma, the team should be proud of what we showed.

“Building up a car from zero in five weeks, securing all the crew, turning up and being on pace from FP1, it’s the stuff of movies.

“Looking ahead, there’s nothing but promise and positive momentum that we’re looking to carry.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re not able to do COTA but the whole effort now is focused on getting back on track, ideally before Road America, and continuing to hone ourselves and represent Lamborghini and our partners in the best light possible.

“Until then, we’ll keep preparing and look forward to having Nicolai back in the car.”

Source: Sports Car 365