Robinson Finishes 3rd, Lewis Wins Triple Shot Showdown at Road America

After a thrilling one-two finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier in August, the Robinson Racing team arrived at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin last week, for Round 8 of the Trans Am Series, radiating with confidence. America’s National Park of Speed, Road America promised to be an intense challenge, especially at a circuit evoking such a storied 60-year history in motorsports. 

The experience began with a full day of testing sessions on Thursday, culminating in an official practice round in the afternoon. Robinson turned the fastest lap time in his No. 74 Chevrolet Camaro, with a Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger behind him, and Lewis’ No. 72 Chevrolet Camaro in fourth. The Robinson Racing drivers then made an appearance on Sheboygan’s Rock Station, 106.5 The Buzz, with host Otto, broadcasting live from the Tower. 

Fast Five Qualifying for the Pony Wars began at 8:45 am on Friday, at which time both Robinson and Lewis once again found their stride around the 14-turn, 4.048-mile circuit. The twin 74 Ranch Resort Camaros qualified in the Top 5 of the TA2 Class: Robinson secured the second spot while Lewis came in fifth. In need of more seat time, several of the Trans Am drivers, including Robinson and Lewis, took to the .8-mile, hillside karting track after lunch. 

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, the race day was marred with widespread fog, chilly temperatures, a persistent drizzle, and a damp track from the previous night’s rain storms. Despite these inopportune conditions, road racing fans were ready for the show and the green flag dropped promptly at 9:30 am CT for the Next Dimension 100 presented by 3-Dimensional Services Group, which included a 63-car field in the TA, TA2 and TA3 Classes. 

“I came into the race really looking just not to tear up the car in the very wet and foggy conditions,” noted Lewis. “It was one of those days where anything could happen and you kind of knew something big would.”

With three full course cautions and multiple collisions, the mission for most was to just survive relatively intact and hopefully add a few points toward the championship.

“With Road America running pretty high on my favorite tracks list, I was really eager to get on the track,” said Robinson. “When the rain came Friday night, my excitement turned to dread because I had not yet run this Camaro in the rain. I knew I had the car control for it, and I just had to use everything in my ability to bring the car home. And with all the dangerous bits in the race, we came back without a scratch on both cars.”

Starting the race in second and maintaining that position for much of the 80-minute session, Robinson managed to finish in third and secure his sixth trophy, out of 8 races held so far in the 2015 season. He won at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course; earned second place finishes at Sebring International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park; and took home third at Road Atlanta, Brainerd International Raceway and Road America. Saturday’s race at Road America also marked Robinson’s fourth consecutive podium finish.   

“It was a bittersweet podium finish, because I put some space between me and the competitors behind me in points, but I didn’t gain any on the front runner,” noted Robinson. “We still have four races to go, and those final races will be worth watching.”

Lewis began the race in fifth, falling back to ninth but avoiding the oil down and cars going off track. The “comeback kid” then powered through the obstacles and charged up to fourth; the last yellow flag fell just minutes before the checkered flag. 

With Lewis’ fourth place finish at Road America, he emerged as the winner of the 3-Dimensional Services Group Triple Shot Showdown in the TA2 Class. Celebrating Trans Am racing at three historic tracks, the Triple Shot Showdown trophy was awarded to the drivers scoring the most points per class at Lime Rock Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Road America. Lewis placed seventh at Lime Rock and second at Mid-Ohio, setting a track record at Mid-Ohio for the fastest lap time in TA2. His results at the three tracks totaled 72 points. Lewis celebrated the Triple Shot Showdown win by turning the trophy into a vessel for dessert, filling the cup with root beer and vanilla ice cream. Robinson placed second in the Triple Shot Showdown with 68 points, bolstered by the win at Mid-Ohio. 

“I want to thank the 3-Dimensional Services Group who sponsored the trophy and this really cool honor for me,” said Lewis. “I also want to thank the entire group at Robinson Racing, from Texas to Michigan, for all of their efforts. We are a family and this trophy is dedicated to them.”

The Next Dimension 100 at Road America will air on the CBS Sports Network on September 12, 2015 at 10:00 am ET. On September 5, 2015 at 10:00 am ET, CBS Sports Network will broadcast the TA2 race held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. 

After 8 rounds of the 2015 Chase for the Trigon Trophy, presented by 3-Dimensional Services Group, Gar Robinson remains in second with 193 points, 11 points behind the leader and 18 points ahead of third. Shane Lewis moved up from fifth to fourth with 174 points, just one point behind third. In the 2015 TA2 Rookie of the Year standings, presented by Wilwood Disc Brakes, Gar Robinson maintains the lead, while Shane Lewis moved up one spot to second. 

The next race, Round 9 of the Trans Am Championship, will be held at Virginia International Raceway, on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at 12:50 pm ET. For more information and to view images from the Road America race, visit www.GoTransAm.com and www.RobinsonRacingTeam.com.

Adam Sinclair