Acura Integra Type S take to the track at Circuit of the Americas
L.A. World Honda Racing traveled to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Austin, Texas, to compete in the TC America Powered by Skip Barber with drivers Mike LaMarra and Mario Biundo. Taking on one of North America’s most famous racetracks and battling a challenging and competitive field of drivers, the California-based race program was once again in the hunt for podium results.
LaMarra and Mario Biundo were at the controls of their #73 and #7 Acura Integra Type S machines over the weekend taking on the Circuit of the Americas for a pair of practice sessions on Friday. LaMarra opened his day strong, earning the second fastest time of session one at 2:25.516 with the second of two team drivers Biundo fifth quick with a 2:26.147. Practice two saw the pair of L.A. Honda World Racing drivers in the top ten, with both running slightly slower lap times in the heat of the day. LaMarra secured the fourth position on the results sheets, while Biundo slotted into the seventh position.
Lamarra and Biundo kicked off their Saturday with a top five-speed in the TC America Powered by Skip Barber qualifying session, which set the grid for race one. LaMarra solidified the outside row two starting spot with a 2:24.924, as he rolled off the grid from the fourth position. Teammate Mario Biundo ended his timed session fifth in class at 2:26.387.
LaMarra maintained his qualifying position when wheel-to-wheel racing commenced, finishing just shy of a podium result in fourth place with his Acura Integra Type S TCX. Following suit to his teammate, Mario Biundo maintained his starting position over the seventeen-lap affair to finish seventh when the checkered flag flew.
“We had a good race today for the most part. Unfortunately, we had to manage the engine temperatures during the race, which slowed our pace,” explained Mike LaMarra. “We were looking for a podium with just a few minutes left when the engine finally gave up. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make the second race. I was happy to grab a fourth-place finish for the team, and I'd like to thank them for working so hard to prepare the car today. I'm sorry we couldn't get the finish we deserved.”
Mario Biundo added, “I was disappointed by the race pace and an inability to compete. We found that I was not full power due to a loose boost pipe found after the race. The BMWs are too strong, and the day is frustrating when you couple that with no power to race.”
The L.A. World Honda Racing team would enter only one driver in Sunday’s wheel-to-wheel affair as a lingering mechanical issue from race one forced Mike LaMarra to miss race two on the weekend. Mario Biundo would fly the flag for the team and, after starting eighth in class, advanced two positions to finish sixth, a strong showing for his #7 Acura Integra Type S TCX.
The TC America Powered by Skip Barber program will return on track in eight weeks at the famed VIRginia International Raceway over the July 19 – 21 weekend.
Part of the HRC program, L.A. Honda World Racing is the official race team of L.A. Honda World, a factory-authorized Honda dealership in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, CA.
For more information about the drivers and team, visit L.A. Honda World Racing on the web at www.lahondaworldracing.com and www.lahondaworld.com.
About L.A. Honda World Racing
L.A. Honda World Racing is an in-house professional racing team based in Southern California and participates in the SRO / TC America racing series exclusively racing touring cars built by HRC. They are also a factory authorized Honda dealer for American Honda Motor Co. www.lahondaworldracing.com
About Honda Racing Corporation US
Honda Racing Corporation US, (HRC), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers. From pinnacle racing in Formula 1, INDYCAR, and IMSA Sports Cars to commercial racing programs, HRC powers the dreams of professional and amateur racers from age 4 to 40+. HRC leads all of Honda and Acura's high-performance racing programs in North America. HRC specializes in the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. HRC offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and Quarter Midgets to the highest levels of pro racing. For more information, visit hondaracing-us.honda.com
