Ryan Eversley claims title with superior Watkins Glen finale victory
Ryan Eversley claimed the 2018 World Challenge title after a second straight victory at Watkins Glen, leading home a RealTime Racing 1-2 with team-mate Mason Filippi in second while title rival Michael Lewis had a nightmare race.
Eversley started second but claimed the lead as Hyundai rival and pole-sitter Lewis had to pit on the opening lap due to a technical issue. Lewis managed to get back out before the field lapped him but was down to last position.
The Bryan Herta Autosport driver fought hard to climb back up through the field but could only manage fifth position as the chequred flag dropped after 18 laps.
His team-mate Mark Wilkins had an even worse race, being passed by Filippi after the first safety car restart and then stopping on track with nine minutes left of the race due to a technical issue. Wilkins was able to restart his car and head into the pits but was classified 17th, five laps down.
There was salvation for Bryan Herta Autosport as they claimed the teams and manufacturers titles for Hyundai after the first race of the weekend at Watkins Glen yesterday.
JT Coupal claimed a strong third for Compass Racing in his Audi RS 3 LMS, with manufacturer colleague Jérimy Daniel of The Racing Company in fourth and Nate Vincent rounding off the top six behind Lewis.
Heinlein Racing Development driver Anthony Geraci finished the race in third position but was given a 37-second penalty for jumping the final safety car restart, dropping him to tenth position.
The final safety car session was caused by Volkswagen driver Dwight Merriman hitting the barriers at the exit of Turn 9.
