Split Fortunes for Braci Racing Team - Shock Victory on Merit for Daniel Szwarc and a Catastrophic Engine Fire for Martin Szwarc

Braci Racing split up for the start of Pitt Race with Dan and his 370Z doing the entire test day on Friday in order to prepare for the challenging and lengthy 19 turn Pitt Race Full course, much to his front left tire’s dismay. For this weekend, USTCC was being grouped with small bore rather than big bore, meaning USTCC drivers would be catching traffic and having to pass during the races. However, disaster struck before any of the races could even begin on Saturday.

During qualifying, Martin in his supercharged Civic set out behind Dan and his Z and was looking to be setting some quick lap times right out of the gate. He had to battle some oversteer thanks to some modifications that were made to the car, but he was just thankful to be out on track with his rebuilt engine. After the out lap, however, Martin experienced the car refusing to rev and being down on power. He tried to nurse it into the pit lane but the car died just after turn 19. Martin tried cycling the power, hoping that the car would at least make it back into the pits rather than needing a tow, when the worst-case scenario happened. The #93 Civic erupted into flames, forcing Martin to jump out of the car. Martin sustained no injuries.

When asked about it later, Martin said, “I looked back and saw it on fire. I was already planning what my next car would be. I didn’t think there was any way we could save it.” But Martin would be wrong as it turns out. Pitt Race’s emergency team responded in record time, putting the fire out before it got out of control. BRT believes that the car can be saved, albeit with a lot of work. For now the team is looking to pick up a donor car to expedite repairs.

As for the Z, Dan managed to place 2^nd in class on Saturday after the eventful qualifying event, half a lap back from Patryk in his BRZ. Sunday however, would take a dramatic turn after Patryk decided to change the setup on his car. What followed was a 35-minute battle between the BRZ and 370Z with multiple overtakes and back-and-forth brake battles. Daniel was able to use his power advantage to push past the BRZ on the main straight, closing the door on turn one. However, two shifting issues from the Z not going into 4^th gear gave Patryk the opportunity to pass back. Not until the white flag lap with 1 to go did Dan finally make a move that would stick. Dan was able to earn a 1^st place podium in TC for his final rookie race.

Pitt Race was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, Dan and the Z were able to secure a 1^st place victory and complete his last rookie race, but on the other hand, the Civic was unable to compete yet again. BRT will be attending Watkins Glen with the Z, while the Civic will have to wait until October for its return.