Returning to the Pirelli World Challenge series in a very full 2018 schedule for Black Swan Racing and team owner Tim Pappas, the team is proud to announce their participation in this weekend’s season opening Grand Prix of Texas, the first round of the multi-driver SprintX championship. Continuing a pairing that has achieved some of the team’s greatest successes, Tim Pappas will once again be joined by long-time teammate Jeroen Bleekemolen, with the duo competing in the Pro-Am GT3 category.
“It’s great to return to SprintX competition,” stated Pappas. “This year we’re really trying to enjoy some of the most unique events around the world, and returning to a venue like Circuit of the Americas fits that well. It’s been a great year for the team so far, and with the momentum achieved in Bathurst, we’re anxious to carry that in to Texas. Having Jeroen back is a great addition, and combined with our Porsche experience, we’re confident in a good weekend.”
Running as a 60-minute, double-header weekend, the unique challenge of the SprintX championship comes in having two drivers share a car during what is effectively a sprint race. Having campaigned the same championship in 2017, the duo are no strangers to success, including a victory at VIRginia International Raceway.
This is part of a long heritage for both the team and the Pappas/Bleekemolen pairing, who in addition to winning two championsips in IMSA together, have also taken victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, and most recently the Bathurst 12 Hour in February.
The race will serve as part of a full season for both driver and team. As a team, Black Swan Racing will contest the full Intercontinental GT Challenge championship, Pirelli World Challenge SprintX championship, and additionally Pappas has competed as a driver during this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
