There may have been just one race this weekend for Blackdog Racing at historic Road America, but the home team made it count.
Michael Cooper and Tony Gaples placed second Sunday in the lone Pirelli GT4 America contest of the SRO America weekend. The pair drove the No. 33 Blackdog Performance Cars McLaren Artura GT4 from fourth in class and 14th overall to second in class and eighth overall at the end.
It was the sixth podium finish of the season for the duo and the No. 33 McLaren – the most in Pro-Am. Even more critical is that Cooper and Gaples gained a huge amount of ground in the class Drivers Championship heading into the homestretch.
They still are third in standings but halved their deficit from 24 to 12 points. A total of 125 points remain available this season with three races set for Barber Motorsports Park – including a make-up race for a Saturday washout – and two more at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Cooper began Sunday’s race deep in the field after Saturday’s qualifying session but charged his way up the order and into second by the halfway point, when he handed off to Gaples just prior to the first of three full-course yellows.
Gaples inherited the first in Pro-Am when the class leader had to make its mandatory pitstop under yellow. Things were trending well for a potential home victory before two more late yellows, which allowed the eventual Pro-Am-winning car to gain ground on the McLaren while running a reverse strategy with the Pro driver in for the final stint.
Gaples continued to lead not long before the final yellow with seven minutes left brought the race to an early end.
Blackdog Racing returns to action at Barber Motorsports Park on September 5-7.
MICHAEL COOPER, NO. 33 BLACKDOG PERFORMANCE McLAREN ARTURA GT4: “Considering where we were after qualifying, everyone on the team is happy with second place today. We had a little more performance than in practice and qualifying, so I knew that I needed to push hard in my stint to gain some places and track position for Tony. He did a great job in the laps he did get against some of the Pro drivers that were in the race. It’s another podium and we’re a lot closer now in the championship than when we came into the weekend. I’m pleased and satisfied with that.”
TONY GAPLES, NO. 33 BLACKDOG PERFORMANCE McLAREN ARTURA GT4: “It’s frustrating losing yesterday’s race and not having a lot of green-flag time today. But in the big picture we had a really successful weekend at our home track. Michael did a fantastic job getting through the field in his stint to set us up for a chance at a win. It’s unfortunate for us that the alternate driver strategy worked for the Porsche but that’s what can happen in these races. Still, I’m happy with the result, our sixth podium, and good points toward the championship.”
About Blackdog Racing
Ever dreamed of piloting a real SRO GT race car? Blackdog offers rental and “arrive and drive” racing in addition to purpose-built cars. Email sales@blackdogspeedshop.com to discuss the best way to put you in the driver’s seat!
About Blackdog Performance Cars
At Blackdog Performance Cars, luxury and performance converge in an exclusive collection of high-end vehicles, each designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Our curated inventory is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, while our GT4 America McLaren Artura race team subtly underscores our passion for precision engineering on the track. Discover the ultimate blend of sophistication and speed at www.blackdogperformancecars.com.