Performance Tech Motorsports leaves Watkins Glen focused on the future

Performance Tech Motorsports’ weekend at Watkins Glen International finished just as exciting as it started in Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda competition, with young Hayden Duerson landed on podium for the first time this season in Round 6 Saturday, finishing third. Robert Alon also stood on the podium Friday, finishing second in Round 5.

“It was very good race,” added Duerson. “Starting 12th, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. We had a very fast car going into the day, and I knew that we would have a good race. I wanted to be patient; I just wanted to take my time picking them off one at a time. At the restart, I had a good opportunity, and I was able to pick off fourth and fifth. From there I got a big gap and paced myself trying to catch Andrew (Novich). I just really wanted to get to podium for Performance Tech.” 

Alon’s bid for a second podium finish of the weekend ended Saturday when he finished ninth after being hit by the No. 2 car of Christian Potolicchio. 

“Me and Hayden were running up front, I think three and four,” commented Alon. One of the guys wasn’t happy with the pass I made on him and tried to put me out of the race. But the car felt really good today, and I was able to put down some fast laps and gain some points for the team championship.”

On Saturday, Jon Brownson was pushing hard around the 3.4-mile circuit when he spun after going too deep into a corner. Craig Duerson once again faced mechanical issues that ended his race early Saturday. Duerson started third, climbing to second before the mechanical. Joel Janco finished a solid 10th after running a clean race.

“Another exciting race at Watkins Glen,” Brownson said. “Another classic track in our schedule. I thought that it was starting to move the right direction, caught a little too much curb and spun myself around, and that was that. Close but no cigar.” 

 Team Principal Brent O’Neill looked past the difficulties of the weekend and focused on the accomplishments of his team.

 “We saw two more of our guys on podium this weekend,” O’Neill said. “I think it shows that we’re all starting to jell, and I think everything’s coming together for us. Hopefully, we can cover the podium at Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park).

Up next for the Performance Tech’s fast five is Canada’s crown jewel of racecourses, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The weekend runs July 10-13, with the first practice session for Prototype Lites at 9 a.m. (ET) Thursday, July 10.  

Adam Sinclair