A New Record Set at Sebring: Menard Secures Pole Position for Season Opener
In a thrilling turn of events at the Sebring International Raceway, Paul Menard has etched his name into the history books by setting a new qualifying track record of 1m57.629s in the No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang. This remarkable feat places Menard at the forefront of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli field as they gear up for the 2025 season opener.
Menard’s exceptional performance on the track not only secured him the pole position but also marked a significant milestone for his team’s new partnership with Pittsburgh Paints and Stains. Reflecting on this achievement, Menard expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We have a new partner with Pittsburgh Paints and Stains; they came on in January, so I’m really excited to get on the front row, get a pole, and a new track record for those guys.”
The anticipation leading up to the qualifying session was palpable, with Menard unveiling a striking new design on his car that featured captivating paint splashes—a departure from the previous year’s livery. Despite encountering some initial challenges following a complete overhaul of the car during the off-season, Menard’s determination and skill shone through as he navigated the slippery track conditions to claim his well-deserved pole position.
Top Performers Across Different Classes
Menard’s stellar performance was not the only highlight of the day, as other drivers showcased their exceptional talent in their respective classes. Paul Tracy, behind the wheel of the No. 10 Race Cars For You Innovation IRC GT, emerged as the fastest in the XGT category, while Joshua Carlson piloted the No. 36 Enseva/Diercks Ltd./TC Fab Ford Mustang to the top spot in the SGT class.
Chris Coffey exhibited his prowess in the GT class, clocking the fastest time in the No. 97 Traffic Grafix/Chill Out Motorsports Maserati MC GT4. Meanwhile, Jon DeGaynor stood out as the sole competitor in the GT1 Challenge, highlighting the diversity of talent on display at Sebring International Raceway.
Exciting Race Day Ahead
With the stage set for an action-packed weekend, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated TA/GT race scheduled for Sunday at 10:50 a.m. ET. The event will be streamed live on Trans Am’s YouTube channel, @TheTransAmSeries, starting at 10:15 a.m. ET, and broadcasted live on SPEED SPORT 1, with coverage commencing at 10:30 a.m. ET. An encore presentation of the race will also be available on SPEED SPORT 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET, ensuring that fans don’t miss a moment of the thrilling competition.
As the drivers prepare to take to the track and battle it out for supremacy, the electrifying atmosphere at Sebring International Raceway sets the stage for a showdown of epic proportions. Stay tuned for all the adrenaline-pumping action as these racing titans go head-to-head in pursuit of victory and glory.
