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CTSCC: Mazda domination at Mazda Raceway

Randy Pobst with co-driver Andrew Carbonell, headed to Cali for round 3 of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Championships.

Edited: May 4, 2014, 4:35 PM

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#26 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5: Randy Pobst, Andrew Carbonell

Monterey, CA -- Still hot off their victory at Sebring, Randy and his Freedom Autosport No. 26 Mazda MX-5 team, with co-driver Andrew Carbonell, headed to Cali for round 3 of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. With the recent history of Freedom Autosport's three consecutive wins with Andrew at the wheel, the team knew they had a good shot at a podium at the track that holds their manufacturer's name.

The Mazdas did not disappoint, with Mazda MX-5s taking the top four spots. Randy qualified third and started the race. He remained in third throughout several caution flags and turned the car over to Andrew relatively early due to pit strategy. Andrew continued racing the other Mazdas, eventually making some impressive and difficult passes to take the top spot. A late caution flag led to a three lap dash to the finish with Andrew and Randy taking the win!

"What a huge success for Freedom Autosport and for Mazda! It was clear that Mazda had a real advantage on this track with all its corners, which really suit the MX-5. I had a somewhat uneventful stint. With all the yellows, I didn't get to run in anger. Our car ran and handled well and we were right on pace with the other leaders. Due to the cautions, it made sense to do our pit stop early. Andrew took over and ran a close, intense battle with the other Miatas with back and forth lead changes. It was quite a show. He made some amazing outside passes in Turn 5, showing some great skill, and took the lead and the win. Very exciting."

"This win puts us into the points lead and, with Mazda taking all three podium spots, gives them the manufacturer's lead. I was happy to get the win with co-owner Derek Whitis at the track for the race. It was also Military Appreciation Day, which was extra special to our team as supporters of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Freedom Autosport ran a third car with a driver named Staff Sgt. Liam Dwyer, an active duty marine who was injured in Afghanistan and drove the car with a special apparatus. It was very inspiring. I want to thank my personal sponsors Blackbox Guard, SafeRacer.com, Motor Trend Magazine and TPC Racing for their support in this 2014 season."

The next IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race will be at Lime Rock Park on May 24, 2014. The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race will be broadcast on May 11 at 10:00 a.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

Randy Pobst

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