DETROIT, Mich. (May 30, 2014) – TRG-AMR comes to this weekend’s Cadillac V-Series Challenge doubleheader event at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix with three drivers poised to make their mark in the Pirelli World Challenge. Nick Esayian, Drew Regitz and Jorge De Le Torre have all shown steady improvement this season and seek to continue that upward trend in this weekend’s races.
All three will be behind the wheel of Aston Martin Vantage GT4 machines among a 25-car GTS class field on the temporary street course. Regitz (car No. 02) and De La Torre (No. 04) will be turning their first laps on the Raceway at Belle Isle Park, while Esayian (No. 34 Natural Cures) has raced previously on the tight, 2.36-mile street circuit.
“We have been pleased with the progress that all three TRG-AMR drivers have made through the first five races this season,” said Kevin Buckler, team owner/CEO. “Considering this is only our first year fielding season-long cars in the Pirelli World Challenge, I think everybody is doing great and we are competitive. We’re looking for solid results from Nick, Drew and Jorge again this weekend, with an eye on climbing further up in the points. This is an incredible series and this weekend’s venue here at Belle Isle is truly exceptional and unique. This is a great opportunity for us, and we plan to make the most of it!”
Esayian, from San Diego, is riding high with top-10 finishes in each of his last three races – 10th place at Long Beach followed up by an eighth and seventh in the Barber Motorsports Park doubleheader. He currently sits ninth in the GTS standings with 248 points.
“We are looking forward to a busy weekend on track here in Detroit,” Esayian said. “Being the home for the auto industry brings out a ton of car people as fans, and we feel that our Aston Martin will turn heads on and off track.”
De La Torre, the 23-year-old PWC rookie from McAllen, Texas, has been steadily improving with a best finish of 12th at Long Beach. He ranks 13th in the season standings with 187 points.
“I am excited to get back into the Pirelli World Challenge this weekend in Detroit, said De La Torre. “I feel like every time I am in the race car, I learn so much. With college ending for me for this year, I can now totally focus on growing in the Aston Martin.”
Regitz, from Denver, showed his potential with a sixth-place finish at Long Beach, but mechanical issues hindered his performance in both Barber races. Still, he sits tied for 15th in the championship with 160 points.
“This is my first time competing in Detroit,” said Regitz. “I have enjoyed my early street course races this season and we have had some promising results. I know that the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has a win coming soon in the GTS class, and I hope that I can deliver this victory.”
The busy PWC Detroit weekend had a pair of practice sessions set for Friday (8:50-9:20 a.m. and 12:20-12:50 p.m. ET). Saturday competition features qualifying (7:10-7:45 a.m.) and Race #1 (10:05 a.m.), with Sunday consisting of a warm-up session (8:15-8:45 a.m.) and Race #2 (11:00 a.m.).
Race Information:
A delayed highlights broadcast of both races airs at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday, June 15 on NBC Sports Network.