Porsche, Pat Long Take Action-Packed RWC Race #2

Story By: JOHN DOUGLAS / RPW – ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Alex Riberas started from Pole in the Pirelli World Championship’s second round from St. Petersburg, Fla. on Sunday, but his time at the head of the field was short lived, as he ran wide in turn one on the initial start. Pat Long, America’s only Porsche factory driver, seized the opportunity to grab a lead he would not relinquish the rest of the one hour sprint event.

Johnny O’Connell’s Cadillac GT machine kept Long honest throughout the day, running at times within two seconds of the veteran racer.

Riberas was hot on the heels of O’Connell for most of the afternoon, trading fast laps atone point with the leader. At times the top three were nose to tail as if on a caution lap, but the tricky course made passing difficult at best.

As the race entered its final 25 minutes, the leaders began experiencing heavy lap traffic. As Long worked his way through the lapped machines O’Connell gained slightly, but once clear Long was long gone.

That was until, caution flew with just six minutes remaining in the event. The GTA Aston Martin of James Davidson came to a stop precariously on the racing surface, forcing the officials to slow the field.

With just 1:40 remaining on the clock, the green flag was re-shown. A two lap dash would decide the winner and Long nailed his restart. He had no pressure from behind the final circuit, and went on to capture the round two victory.

O’Connell settled for second, with Riberas, Alvaro Parente, and Michael Cooper a native of Syosset N.Y. completing the top five.

For full race results and information, visit: www.world-challenge.com