Summarize

South Africa’s IMSA Prototype race star Stephen Simpson heads to Laguna Seca in California for an important appointment at the Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix Sunday 24 September. Simpson and Russo-Canadian teammate Misha Goikhberg have been a persistent thorn in the side of the all-conquering Cadillacs throughout the 2017 season in the plucky privately-entered yellow JDC-Miller Oreca and they have now set their sights on upsetting their mighty rivals’ championship aspirations.

“It will be good to be back at it next weekend at Laguna Seca,” Stephen admitted. “The date swap with Austin this year means that the last time we raced at Laguna was May last year. “It’s an important weekend for us — we are within striking distance to second place in the overall championship and this is our goal. 

“Laguna Seca is another fantastic track and historic as well — it will be a busy race as there aren’t long straights to get by GT traffic so management and track position are key to having a good result.” Simpson and Goikhberg have been in the thick of the battles for victory of late, regularly leading races and ending up second in two of the last three races, so they are well poised for a most deserved maiden win in the top class.

Stephen is also looking forward to racing the JDC-Miller BMW 228i in the IMSA Continental Sports Production races on Saturday. “The Laguna Seca weekend will also mark the second longest race for Michael Johnson and I in the BMW — we are working hard and looking forward to continuing the momentum after our 4th place finish at the last round at Virginia International Raceway.”