The RVA Graphics Motorsports BMW E30s rolled out at Pittsburgh International Race Complex last weekend for the ChampCar Endurance Series. While not every aspect of the weekend went as hoped, we came out of the event with a great result for the #311 entry and gratitude for the incredible team we have.
Travis Litchford and Austin Dodge teamed up in the #411 BMW, while Taylor Harcum and Charles Reed co-piloted the #311. The race was broken into two events, with an eight-hour race on Saturday and a seven-hour race on Sunday for a total of 15 hours of track time.
And speaking of the track, Pittsburgh International Race Complex, and we can’t say enough good things about it. The facility is beautiful, and the owners made us feel so welcome!
Austin started Saturday’s race near the front for the #411. He led a good portion of the first two hours before pitting. Travis took over from there, holding down a top-five spot. Pit strategy over the next two hours kept us in that lead group.
Unfortunately, contact with another car in the sixth hour ended the race early for our #411 entry. It was a big disappointment since the incident happened right as Austin was battling for fourth, and we had a solid finish in our sights. Luckily, though, the car will be ready to go for the next event, which will be at our home track of Virginia International Raceway.
The #311 BMW had its own challenges in Saturday’s race. Charles started the race and held onto a top-10 position before handing over to Taylor, who continued the competitive run. A broken brake line, though, brought the car into the pits for repairs.
The team had lost time getting the brake line fixed, but that was no reason to bow out of the race. Charles and Taylor continued to turn laps, treating the remainder of the race like an extended practice session to further adjust the car setup.
Those changes really paid off! Taylor started Sunday’s race in 52nd, the absolute last spot on the gird. By the time his stint finished, Taylor had moved into the top 15, and Charles continued the charge to break into the top 10. Austin jumped in the car to take the final stint, crossing the line in 7th.
It was an incredible result after starting dead last, which is a testament to how well the drivers and crew were working throughout the entire seven hours. Pit stop strategy played a key role in our solid finish.
Thanks to our tireless, talented crew who got us to the finish line: Team Manager Donnie Girard, along with Jason Yarema, Terrell Burt, Jake Saunders and Teo Conrad. The way this entire team works together is what allowed us to have a successful weekend in Pittsburgh.
Next up is Virginia International Raceway in early December, and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish at our home track.
