SCC: RSM Motorsports Homestead preview

RSR Motorsports: Infield Dominance will be Key at Homestead

HOMESTEAD, Fla.--After putting two of their MINI Cooper S cars in the top ten at Daytona, RSR Motorsports is confident about this weekend's GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The team claimed sixth and seventh in the ST class during the season opener at Daytona, a track that is traditionally tough for the MINIs, which carry sponsorship from Cruise America, Thor Motor Coach, and US LED. Now, heading to the second speedway track in a row, RSR Motorsports' drivers are feeling optimistic, but know that Homestead will present its own challenges.

"Last year I got an incredible tow during qualifying," says Sarah Cattaneo. The Global Jet-sponsored driver earned her first series pole at Homestead in 2010. "Homestead is a track where we need perfect execution. We have to be quick through traffic, qualify well, and get those tows on the banking whenever we can."

Cattaneo's teammate in the No. 198 RSR Motorsports MINI Cooper S is Owen Trinkler, and he agrees that success at Homestead takes skill in the infield. "We don't have as much horsepower as some competitors, so Homestead will be tough. Our strengths will show in the infield section of the track. We're optimistic, though, and hoping to get good points," says Trinkler.

Ron Farmer and Jason Hart finished seventh at Daytona in their first race under the RSR Motorsports Banner. They hope to get another good result at Homestead behind the wheel of the No. 196 RSR Motorsports US LED MINI Cooper S.

"Daytona gave me a lot more confidence in our capability," says Farmer. "The competition level in this class is enormous, but we got rid of all those first-time jitters at Daytona and sorted some things out with the car, so we're ready for Homestead."

Hart adds, "To crack into the top ten at Homestead would be amazing. We still have a lot to learn, but Daytona raised our expectations."

A mechanical issue in the No. 195 RSR Motorsports MINI Cooper S kept VJ Mirzayan and Chris Sarian out of the mix at Daytona, and they are both looking forward to redemption at Homestead.

"This season seems extremely competitive," says Sarian, who is sponsored by Peak Eurosport. "You have to be at your best and be aggressive at every track to come away with a top finish. Every race will be a battle, and I think the tighter infield at Homestead will play to the MINI's capabilities."

For Mirzayan, having the right co-driver is an important element for success. "I really enjoy having Chris as a co-driver," he says. "He's very focused and methodical. We work very well together as a team. It's nice when you have that synergy with your teammates."

-source: rsr motorsports