LA Honda World Racing - TC America Podiums at Sonoma Raceway Recap
The L.A. Honda World Racing team enjoyed a successful start to the 2022 SRO/TC America season with strong showings in the first and second round of the schedule Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, at Sonoma Raceway north of San Francisco.
Two of the three L.A. Honda World Racing drivers enjoyed podium finishes in each of the races.
Mat Pombo, No. 37 Honda Civic Type-R, was the second-highest finishing TC competitor in Saturday’s race, and followed that up with a return trip to the podium with a third-place showing in Sunday’s event.
“I’d like to thank the L.A. Honda World Racing crew for an excellent start to the TC championship campaign,” Pombo said. “To come away with second- and third-place finishes for the first weekend with the car was very successful.”
“We certainly learned a lot and have a lot of ideas to keep moving forward to be on the top step of the podium, as that’s where we know we can be. It’s so cool to be able to podium twice with the same dealer technicians that will fix your street car at the L.A. Honda World service center. You know if they can get my car on the podium, they can get your street car perfect as well!”
The other L.A. Honda World Racing driver who had an outstanding weekend with back-to-back podiums in TCA class competition was 22-year-old, third-generation racer Spencer Bucknum, who recorded identical third-place finishes in both Saturday’s and Sunday’s events.
“It was an awesome debut weekend for me in the SRO / TC America Series,” said Bucknum. “Everyone at L.A. Honda World worked so hard to get the car setup well and it resulted in a podium in both races!”
Pombo’s teammate in the TC class, Mike Lamarra, finished fifth in Saturday’s race and eighth in Sunday’s event.
“I thought the first weekend of our SRO campaign went great!” Lamarra said. “Our team worked very hard to prepare three quality race cars that competed strong all weekend. Mat and Spencer reached the podium in each race and I was able to gather a top-5 and a top-10 finish, which is something to build on.”
“We learned a lot about the handling of the car this weekend and I believe we will continue to improve and compete all season. I’m excited to start the year off with a solid showing.”
L.A. Honda World Racing principal Mario S. Biundo was pleased at how his team kicked off the new season.
“For our first race weekend we have shown we will be a competitive team and championship contender. Mat and Spencer brought home hardware which is an achievement we all are celebrating!” said Mario.
Overall on Saturday, Honda drivers finished first, second, fourth, fifth and 10th in TC, and were first, third, sixth, eighth and 12th in TCA.
On Sunday, Honda drivers overall finished first, third, sixth, seventh and eighth in TC, and second, third, fifth and eighth in TCA.
To catch free replays of both races, go to YouTube at GT World.
Next up: Rounds 3 and 4 of the 14-race SRO/TC America schedule takes place May 20-22 at Ozarks International Raceway in Gravois Mills, Missouri.
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
