SCC: Lime Rock: Eric Lux race report

Eric Lux and Rob Jackowitz show podium potential at Lime Rock

MONTICELLO, NY (June 1, 2010) - Monticello Motor Club, an automotive country club and lifestyle resort, debuted its sponsorship of Grand-Am racer Eric Lux in Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut on Saturday, May 29. Lux teamed with Monticello Motor Club member Rob Jackowitz in the #24 BMW for the annual 2.5-hour Memorial weekend race. Jackowitz, in his pro-racing and Grand-Am debut, delivered a very impressive qualifying effort on Friday to put the #24 BMW 330i into the 13th starting spot in the 35-car field.

In Saturday's race, Jackowitz took the opening stint and showed remarkable skill as he worked his way up through the field, quickly moving into the top 10. Rob continued to work the field and moved into the fifth spot before contact from another car caused the #24 to spin and lose numerous positions. Rob came charging back to retake as many positions as possible before handing off the car to his teammate. Eric Lux, who has been on the podium at Lime Rock before, took over at the halfway point looking to continue the forward momentum. The car was handling well and Lux felt like he would be able to get the car into a top-three finishing position by the end. Unfortunately, an electrical problem forced the car to withdraw after 89 laps. While the drivers and team members were disappointed with the outcome, they were more than satisfied with the effort and the future potential of this team.

After the race, Rob Jackowitz was satisfied with the effort. "For my first pro race, I really saw it all today. I was able to get the car up to fifth, but I got tagged in the rear and spun and then back up to 19th place. We were up and back a few times. Unfortunately, I had to work a lot harder to get those positions back. The car drove great today. It was easy to drive and very forgiving. The first few laps were a little tougher with the conditions and it made for an interesting start. Overall, I feel really good with my performance today and we certainly would have been a top 10 if we had made it to the end."

Ari Straus, president of the Monticello Motor Club, was equally pleased with the effort his two drivers put in. "Rob Jackowitz and Monticello Motor Club-sponsored driver Eric Lux did an amazing job today. Rob did a full hour and fifteen minute stint in the car and was setting top 10 lap times. He had gotten it up to P5 in the race and Eric Lux was going to bring it right to the front. Unfortunately we had a few problems along the way. But these guys together are a front-running team and we'll be on the podium soon."

Lux had a full weekend. In addition to Saturday's race, he also drove a GT Class Corvette in Monday's Rolex Series feature race. Lux said, "It was a pleasure to drive the Continental race Saturday with Rob Jackowitz. Rob had a solid qualifying effort and raced very well amongst some very experienced names. He gave me a car in great condition, and drove it to the front in rainy conditions. During my stint, I was able to drive the #24 BMW closer to the lead, until unfortunately an electrical issue with the car ended our podium hopes. I am looking forward to the next race with the Monticello Motor Club logo on the hood of the car!"

-source: mmc