Scott Sharp Wins ‘Drive of the Race’ Honors for Detroit
During that event, Patr¢n Highcroft Racing continued its run of podium finishes and secured second overall and in the LMP2 class at the Detroit Sportscar Challenge. The latest stellar performance from the Patr¢n Highcroft crew helped drivers Scott Sharp and David Brabham slash the LMP2 championship gap from 10 points to four heading in to the last two rounds of the season.
A blistering start from Sharp ensured that the Patr¢n Highcroft Acura led the field around the twisty 2.07-mile street circuit unchallenged through two yellow flag periods within the first hour. Sharp delivered an impressive stint, only relinquishing the lead after he was blocked in heavy traffic.
"Today's result finishes off an unbelievable weekend," said Sharp. "The team did a great job and the car performed brilliantly. We made some changes just before the race that proved worthwhile. The car felt strong and I had a really good race. I was conserving fuel and careful through the traffic. I was picking up a lot of rubber on my tires, due to the nature of the track, and the car began sliding around a bit. I got blocked on the back straight and Simon got by, but we've scored great points here today. We've been chipping away at the championship gap especially over the last few rounds and now everyone knows we are here and ready for the fight."
Team owner Duncan Dayton commented, "Scott drove an unbelievable first stint, he really drove the wheels off the car and was setting fastest lap after fastest lap. He got blocked by traffic and Simon [Pagenaud] got by, but it was an impressive drive. We have the best driver pairing in the Series and I'm thrilled with Scott and David. Now it's on to Petit Le Mans and with a lot of points still in play, we're taking the championship race down to the wire."
Sharp joins his teammate, David Brabham, on the list of 'Drive of the Race' award recipients. Brabham received the award for his performance at Lime Rock earlier this year.