Returning to the Pirelli World Challenge SprintX Championship, Black Swan Racing drivers Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen would enjoy a solid string of top-five finishes during the most recent double-header at the Grand Prix of VIRginia. After a difficult opening to the season at the most recent round in Texas, the return to VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), where the duo took victory last year, the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 R would prove formidable, setting lap times on par with the leaders and consistently in the fight.
“It was great to have a weekend where we were back on track,” stated Black Swan team owner and co-driver Tim Pappas. “Our first Pirelli World Challenge race in Texas was a bit of a challenge due to some technical issues, so in many ways this was our first weekend back to form. The configuration at VIR is very unique and rewards specific cars, and we made the best of what we could with the weekend. The guys did a great job getting the car together, Jeroen drove well, and in general we’re well poised for the rest of the season. I enjoyed the weekend and look forward to the next round.”
With VIR providing one of the most scenic backdrops of the year, the team would enjoy a solid practice before qualifying on the seventh row for Saturday’s Race One. With Tim Pappas taking starting duties, the Massachusetts native would drive a solid opening stint, making work of the field in front of him before handing off to teammate Jeroen Bleekemolen. Continuing the momentum, Bleekemolen would push hard to continue the team’s advance, settling in to fourth in-class by time the checkered flag fell.
During Sunday’s Race two, a similar pace would be shared, with Bleekemolen starting from the fourth row. Holding his own, Jeroen would drive a faultless opening to the race, handing back over to Pappas just past the halfway point, with Tim doing his best to work on the field in front of him. Running consistent times and proving competitive, Pappas would slot in to fifth in-class as the race wore on, where he’d finish.
The weekend’s coverage will be available via CBS Sports Network on Wednesday, May 9 at 8PM ET.
