Aschenbach wins season opener for C360R

Lawson Aschenbach has won the first of two races this weekend in the Touring class at St. Petersburg, at the season premiere of the Pirelli World Challenge series.

The reigning Street Tuner class Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge champion won on his series debut in the No.71 Honda Civic Si of Compass360 Racing, assuming the lead when pole-sitter Tristan Herbert had to pit on lap 4 to change tyres with a front-left puncture.

The race suffered a lengthy 12 lap long full course caution period after Brett Sandberg crashed out at Turn 9 in his Honda Civic. Sandberg was attempting to climb out of the car which was wedged against the wall when Eric Meyer’s XOWii Racing Mazda came around the corner making heavy contact with Sandberg’s car, with Shea Holbrook also involved in the pile-up.

After a long recovery period with Sandberg receiving medical assistance, the race resumed with just five racing laps left to run, which saw Aschenbach maintain his lead in the Touring class and take victory on Compass360 Racing’s World Challenge debut.

Ronald Zitsa in the Gila Monster Racing VW Jetta was second, with Ray Mason deposing Aaron Povoledo’s Volvo for third in his TLM Racing Honda Civic on the penultimate lap.

Race 2 takes place tomorrow after the first race of the IZOD IndyCar Series.