With one event weekend in the 2021 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge under their belts, Copeland Motorsports is taking the experience and knowledge gained into this week’s Alan Jay Automotive Network 120. Entering the same driver lineup at the Sebring International Raceway that they did in Daytona, a pair of Copeland Motorsports branded Hyundai Veloster N TCRs will look to fight at the front of the field.
Claiming a fifth-place result on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway in January, the pairing of AJ Muss and Mason Filippi will be looking to improve on that result in Sebring. Methodically positioning themselves and staying out of trouble to claim a solid result in the opening event weekend, the duo has their sights on the podium for round two.
“We learned a lot in Daytona, and AJ and Mason did exactly what was asked of them,” explained Copeland Motorsports’ Dean Copeland. “The stayed out of trouble, kept the car clean, attacked when they had the opportunity and most importantly, did not make any mistakes that would cost them on track positioning. It was our first IMSA event as a two-car team and we learned a ton, so we look to take that knowledge into a new race week.”
The teenage pairing of Tyler Maxson and Tyler Gonzalez will be back in the familiar white #27 Hyundai as they have their goals set high. After a mechanical issue in Daytona took them out of the running early, TnT took the rest of the race to test and learn for upcoming events.
“It was a tough break for TnT as they had done everything right in their 2021 debut,” added Copeland. “An issue, that was no fault of their own, put them back in the garage area for repairs but as a team, we never gave up. We fixed the car and both drivers logged laps that will help them for the future. Their pace is without question on par with what is needed to win, so it is only a matter of time.”
Taking part in the Mobil 1 – 12 Hours of Sebring festival week, Copeland Motorsports’ Michelin Pilot Challenge program will be on track Wednesday for practice before qualifying takes place Thursday. Friday will be the home of the two-hour Alan Jay Automotive 120 beginning at 2:35pm EST.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, March 17
4:30-5:30pm – Practice
Thursday, March 18
10:25-11:25am – Practice
3:30-4:05pm – Qualifying
Friday, March 19
2:35-4:35pm – Race
Photo Credit: IMSA