Reto Baumann places 2nd in USTCC Season Opener

Reto Baumann places 2nd in USTCC Season Opener

Buttonwillow, CA – Reto Baumann places 2nd in the 2020 USTCC Season Opener in the Super Touring (ST) class. Teammate Rob Harper wins overall and in Grand Touring (GT), whilst Gary Trudeau podiums with a 2nd place in Touring Car (TC). Fantastic result for all three RPM cars bringing home the silverware!


Reto Baumann – Post Race Statement
Very happy with the weekend. Did very well in all practices, topping the time sheets twice overall. Battled technical issues with the new active aero device and unfortunately, had to go back to the standard wing configuration for qualifying and race. 3rd overall and 2nd in class was a great qualifying result in a 20 cars strong field. I knew that the start would be crucial, the rear wheel driven competition be better of. Managed to get off the line well heading into the first turn three cars wide, me getting the middle spot when it was all sorted out. From there, I just kept in the mirrors of the more powerful GT cars and the one ST competitor that pipped me off the line. Only once was I able to pull alongside, just not enough to make the pass stick. Three quarters of the race, us two ST cars stayed in the top five and in striking distance with the GT cars. Unfortunately, I mis-shifted twice onto the crucial and long straights, which had me loose too much to make up again. Closely battling with a GT car, I was also held up by a lower-class car who had nobody around to battle with. Forced to pass on the dirty side of the track into ‘Sunset’, I went off on all the marbles. That sealed the deal and I was out of touching distance.

It is great to know that we have the speed to keep with the fastest cars and competition on a challenging track. Knowing that we have more to come with the car, we are confident for the future races.

About Red Panther Motorsport (RPM)
RPM competes in the Hankook Tires United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) race series. Please see www.RedPantherMotorsport.com for more information and visit / like us on our social media channels